Visually magnificient, well-acted, great film...

Rating: 8/10 (13 February 2000)

The first misconception about The Beach is that because Leonardo DiCaprio is in it that it will be another cheesy love story like Titanic... People are quick to forget, that DiCaprio, despite being a poster boy for 14-year-old girls, can act... If anyone needs proof of that, they can rent This Boy's Life, What's Eating Gilbert Grape, Basketball Diaries etc...
While The Beach is not as good as the book, the movie is very strong, exciting and can hold your attention for the full two hours... DiCaprio is great, as is Virginie Ledoyen (The gorgeous little Frenchy) who plays his love interest...
The previews make this look like a chick flick to get the women who want to see DiCaprio to the theatres... In reality, it is very dark, and very enjoyable for anyone who wants to see it...