Hey folks, Harry here... And if my money (about a buck fifty) were placed on what film would contain an X-MEN trailer... It'd have to be on THE BEACH (note, I'm not talking about video tapes of ON THE BEACH, but rather that the trailer may in face be on THE BEACH, the Leonardo DiCaprio film directed by Danny Boyle) Also... Through the whole history of this project, we've had those that loathed it, and those that have loved it. Personally I'm a fan of Boyle's work. And I like Leonardo DiCaprio, even if it seems that every Star Wars fan and intimidated male on the planet doesn't seem to be able to do anything but hurl obscenities at this very talented actor. But I've been curious about seeing this one myself. So... Till then... here's The Juice..

The Juice here…

Welcome to Leo Dicaprio's first film since he was "the queen of the world in Titanic"… I've seen movies that are not at all like their trailers before…but this one…well lets just say it's not your typical escape from paradise, blue lagoon flick that the trailer leads us to believe! The Beach, (incredibly) is an intriguing cross between Swiss Family Robinson and Taxi Driver. Yes I said intriguing, henceforth, this is a kick ass flick, no lie.

It has it's lows (see Dicaprio's lame parallel universe theory), and it has it's highs (glorious locations paced by pounding techno beats)

The film begins with a Fight Clubesque narrative and a lead character who instantly tells us who he is and where he's from means nothing…to him…or his audience. He finds himself in a foreign land, with no plans but to forget his past (for now). A map and two friends later he finds his way to our beach…paradise. What follows is the "Swiss Family Robinson" aspect of the film. We find a self-contained environment, complete with couples, brothers, and friends, the whole nine yards. This is the main focus of the film. A civilization free from the confines of the modern world (alright yet another anti-pop culture film!). Again unlike the trailers we've seen, the film doesn't not obsess itself with the relationship between DiCaprio and the delicious young French girl (forgive me, I'm young). In fact only the first hour even shows the two together…After some intense turn of events Richard (DiCaprio) finds himself in the "Taxi Driver" aspect of the film. He begins to train, but for what reasons? Who knows...he goes over the edge, but never in the film are the locals with the Ak-47's (as seen in...you guessed it...) really a major part of the plot.

The Beach really showcases Leo's maturity. I have never been particularly fond of him (except in Gilbert Grape), but this film shows a more believable darker side (much better than Basketball Diaries). I don't know what kind of audience this movie intends to pick up. Many of the girls who swooned over him for Titanic have outgrown him, and the action film guys (as the movie seems to be trying to sell itself as, judging from the previews) well they aren't Leo fans. But then again this isn't an action film or a romance, it's a refreshing piece of work, complete with gorgeous sets, compelling acting, and a fantastic soundtrack. The Beach is worth it's wait…

The Juice running out.