Not as bad as all that

Rating: 6/10 (1 June 2001)

Not as bad as all that. Deliberately evocative of "Apocalypse Now". I am presuming that that is an homage. Beautifully photographed scenery, including Virginie Ledoyen. She is major eye candy. Leonardo DiCaprio, as irritating as I find him, is actually quite a good actor. Anyone who doesn't believe that should rent "What's Eating Gilbert Grape". He did a creditable job here, and you have to give him credit for taking this role, a rather unlikeable character, right after "Titanic". I would have found the lifestyle on the island awfully appealing in my 20's, a life of leisure, unlimited dope to smoke, etc. That wasn't enough for Richard (DiCaprio) however, and he falls into the category of adrenaline junkie. One thing, though, with all of those twentysomethings living on that island, it's hard to believe there were no children. I thought the direction was quite good throughout with the exception of the video game sequence. Dumb. I suppose it was meant to appeal to a demographic group which doesn't include me. Overall, I enjoyed watching the film, but will not be buying the DVD. Grade: C+