Don Jon – or how Joseph Gordon-Levitt ruined my first date in ages

Alright, let me just start off by saying Joseph Gordon-Levitt is a damn talented guy. Loved him in “500 Days of Summer.” But his directing debut here, “Don Jon,” left me scratching my head a bit—and mess up what should’ve been my big romantic comeback at Saga-biografen down in Stockholm, late autumn of 2013.

It’s the story of Jon (played by Levitt himself), a Jersey guy obssessed with gym, church, partying, and eh… let’s just call it “adult entertainment.” We also meet Scarlett Johansson—oj oj oj—playing Barbara, his dream lady. I’m not sure if Scarjo was channeling every girl who ever rejected you in high-school or what, but she seizes control of every screen she’s on. And then Julianne Moore enters, effortlessly strange, endearing, and totally charming.

Story-wise, this flick takes a cheeky jab at modern relationships. Internet addiction replacing real connection, expecting a Hollywood romance when life actually serves you flat beer and microwave-pasta. And that obsession theme hit awkwardly close to home. I suddenly found myself giggling uncomfortably beside this cute, somewhat conservative girl (Hej då, Mia från Hudiksvall, wherever you are).

Halfway thrugh I remember thinking: “should I have chosen ‘Gravity’ tonight instead—Clooney always saves me.” You try having a fika afterward and casually discussing porn-induced commitment phobia. Good luck.

But somehow, even with its awkwardness, Levitt created something weirdly authentic and funny. Big props to him for taking an honest stab at rom-com clichés and messy romance, and managing to squeeze genuine character from both Scarlett Johansson and Julianne Moore.

If you’re not afraid to blush a bit or to laugh at yourself, give Don Jon a shot. Just make sure you choose your movie-date wisely.

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