Suprisingly enjoyable

Rating: 7/10 (8 August 2003)

**POSSIBLE SPOILERS INCLUDED**
I was skeptical about this film, because I know how sappy Spielberg could be, and I am in no way a fan of DiCaprio. Although, after seeing this film, I'd have to admit that I enjoyed it. The appeal with this film, above all else in my opinion, is the facination you're forced to have with Dicaprio's character....just HOW did he get away with all of that!?!?! It didn't seem to me that Spielberg involved himself too much in this film, and I must admit that DiCaprio shines in his lead role. It seems that he is finally starting to come into his own as a decent actor. Christopher Walken (a favorite of mine) was great as always. Tom Hanks, suprisingly, was tolerable as well...it was refreshing to see him in a role where you're not forced to see him as an immortal, or always feel sorry for him. He played his role straight-up and I enjoyed him. The story was told very well, although I thought the film was a bit too long. One thing I didn't quite get though...whatever happened to the gameshow sequence in the beginning of the film? That was never explained. Anyway, this film is not a classic by any means, but was suprisingly good and I would recommend it to true fans of 'cinema'. 3 out of 4 stars.