Utter trash

Rating: 5/10 (8 June 2005)

I couldn't believe just how trashy this film is. To be fair the cinematography is good and it has a cool blue-ish tint that gives it a visceral edge -- but that's about it.
The acting is bad. Leo DiCaprio is a great actor when he's given a chance (What's Eating Gilbert Grape, The Aviator, Catch Me If You Can) but here he's really just doing the whole boy-toy routine -- targeting the younger crowds of females rather than really trying to get into character.
The plot isn't the greatest and the metaphors aren't deep -- the movie seems rather pretentious at times and tries to be heavier and more meaningful than it actually is.
Of interesting note is that Danny Boyle (director of "Trainspotting") had a falling-out with star Ewan McGregor over this. McGregor was upset he wasn't cast in the film, and now refuses to film the sequel to "Trainspotting," which is named "Porno." Considering that "The Beach" is quite easily one of Danny Boyle's worst films and one of the most disappointing pictures of the last decade... why the fuss, Ewan? Be happy you didn't get cast in this stinker.