Cool News
A report on THE BEACH from southeast Asia
Our man in the Boondocks caught the early asian release of the new Leo flick THE BEACH while beating around in the bush. Soule our enterprizing explorer filed his report with Father Geek from Taipei and here it is for you all to debate... Ain't the NET wonderful...
Hey there, Aint-It-Cool. I am backpacking through
Asia right now, and "The Beach" appears to be out here
a week earlier than in the States, so I caught it
tonight. I wrote a review, which I thought you might
find interesting and possibly postable. If you use
it, please call me Soule. Here you go:
I am currently travelling in Asia, (Hong Kong and
Macau last week, Taipei this week, Bangkok next week),
and I was surprised to notice that the latest Leonardo
DiCaprio opus, "The Beach" was out here in theaters
before it's out in the States. So, I caught it in a
small theater in Taipei, and am able to say with
pleasure that I quite liked it. Part of that might
have to do with the fact that I am an American
gallivanting around Asia myself at the moment, and the
movie romanticizes such activities (more or less), but
I also think it was a genuinely good film. It is also
recognizably a film from the boys who brought us
"Trainspotting" and "Shallow Grave", which means we
get nice techno music, interesting stylistic touches
(the shots of Leo as a character in a video game in
his own head were particularly good), and not
necessarily the most comprehensible narrative.
I am sure the film's storyline has leaked out by now,
but I'll recap quickly without spoilers. Leo plays
Richard, a young American backpacker in Thailand who
is dissatisfied with the normal touristy activities,
simply because they are too accessible to the
hoi-polloi. He happens upon a map to a Beach (not
just a beach, mind you), on an island where the
average tourist can't go, because its location has
been kept a secret by those few adventurous souls who
have found it in the past. He goes there with a few
French friends he picks up, meets the other
backpackers living on the island, and adventures
ensue.
First of all, Leo is very good in this movie. He
successfully dispels any baggage being carried from
"Titanic", and he doesn't look like a spindly child,
as he did in some of his earlier roles. The Richard
role is a tricky one - many things happen to this
character, and although by the end I wasn't quite sure
that he kept my sympathy, that's because of the way
the role was written, not Leo's fault. Actually,
seeing this flick made me think, again, that he
wouldn't be half-bad as Luke Skywalker's dad.
I read the book this film was based on twice - it's a
wonderful novel by Alex Garland, a British writer.
So, when the story got a little wacky, as it does, I
was able to follow easily because I knew what part of
the book the filmmakers were trying to translate to
the screen. However, I could see it being very
confusing if a viewer hadn't read the book - indeed,
my companion didn't know what the hell was going on in
these sections (but that's not unusual - did we all
completely follow "Trainspotting" the first time
around, either?) Anyway, it all resolves in an
interesting way, differently from the book - the
denouement focuses on a single character instead of
the general apocalypse the book portrayed, but the
reasons for it are well-supported throughout the film.
The VERY end of the film bites, though - it doesn't
make much sense. The climax doesn't support a happy
ending, but that's what we sort of get. It feels very
tacked on.
Anyway, that's what I think - I certainly would say
it's a worthy piece of work and not the throbbing
misstep many previous reviewers have called it. I'm
looking forward to hitting the beaches in Thailand
next week even more than I was before.
Soule
See my own almost daily reports on all the Buzz at
www.charles.soule.com/soulereport/
-
+ Expand All
-
Feb 07, 2000 2:00:54 AM CST
jeff garner will opening heaping helpings of whup azz on leonard
by darthpsychotic
please see my posting at knowles & ebert!
-
Especially the older trailer that had him doing shadow boxing or whatever the hell it is. And when he starts screaming about how he's not going to die, etc... Sorry, but that tough-guy image sits on him like a bad toupee.
-
I'm looking foward to it
-
Feb 07, 2000 2:14:40 AM CST
darthpsychotic: sszero will soon join me and become ss-psychotic
by darthpsychotic
i'm six foot tall and weigh 200lbs, i was born in michigan milita country and am american indian, i would break his motherf*ckin back. there is no way in hell that this sum bitch will become anakin. lucas knows fanboyz/fangirls hate him. jeff garner is anakin! if jeff garner is good enough for ray park he's good enough for us fanboyz/fangirlz. in the beach trailer leonard he looks anorexic and in his recent press tour he looks pudgey and bloated, and i remember in a tabloid picture the caption quoted mike myer's dieter from SNL'S sprocketts "leo looked happy as a little girl" i would say i cant wait for this movie to come out and bomb but as of mon,feb 07, 208am eastern, scream 3 grossed 35 million dollars which doesnt bode well for us who want to see this bloody cunt here disembowled.
-
...and I'm freezing my ass off this winter, I'd go see this movie even if it turns out to be crap. I need some images of warm beaches and suntanned flesh to keep me warm. As for Leo, true he looks like a pussy but he is a gifted actor and I don't have the visceral hatred for him that seems so prevalent on this site. I don't wanna see him play Anakin but that's mainly cause I think he's wrong for the role and I'd rather see a nobody get the role and run with it. I really liked "Titanic," (saw it 5 or 6 times) even though I coulda done without the romance angle. If you want to see a straightforward telling of the Titanic disaster I'd suggest "A Night To Remember." The special effects are damn good for the 1950's and it doesn't muddy up the story with any made-up characters. Anyway, can't wait for "The Beach." I too hope that French babe gets full-frontal. There hasn't been enough nekkidness in the movies lately. There's nothing like the sight of a sweaty naked French girl to warm up my freezing crotch.
-
i thought that A Life Less Ordinary was such an underrated film. Danny Boyle is one of the best directors aroudn right no.------------smell the cheese---------http://www.indiecheese.co.uk
-
Feb 07, 2000 9:03:53 AM CST
Is It True that Kirk Cameron and Alan Thicke play the villans in
by gilmour
When are they going to have a "Growing Pains" reunion film for the big screen? Of coarse Tracy Gold couldn't be in it, she's way too busy starring on "Ally mcbeal"
-
Feb 07, 2000 10:03:31 AM CST
my fans demand my userid in the subject so get off my d*ck
by darthpsychotic
evidently, the trainspotting boyz wanted to have a reunion and have ewan mcgreggor in the part of richard. well, in the end they chose dicrapio over ewan, who had said negative words about leonard ever since. it is nice to know that ewan sides with the fanboyz/fangirlz when it comes to this overhyped hermaphrodite.
-
A movie with Leo AND a bunch of French actors in it...
stand back! The "SUCK-O-METER" is going up. -
he has been afflicted by the 3 terible karmas
he is rich, good looking and famous
and insecure guys all over the world are jealous, sad aint it -
The only good Leo is a dead Leo. That's why I liked Titanic since that annoying prick dies in it. Can anyone mention another flick where he dies? If so, I must rent it and laugh my ass of while I'm drinking myself to death. Cheers
-
He is a good actor. Just deal with it.
-
I just don't get the Leo bashing around here. I wouldn't say I'm a fan per se, but he is damn sure a capable and talented actor. I know it's hard to be objective through the screams of fifteen year old girls, but c'mon. He himself does not want to be a teen pinup. Also, it really cracks me up when some go off about what a "wuss" he is. Yeah, I'm sure most of you all are big old hulks, right? Christ, go to your local comic book store and check out the manliness of the average fanboy. And holy shit, here we go AGAIN with the whole Anakin crap. I for one think Leo would be hella smart NOT to do it. If he really wants to make progress as a serious actor, the last thing he should do is star in Lucas' next bloated piece of space shit; it sure made Neeson and McGregor look like a couple of idiots, frikkin Batman & Robin in burlap.
-
Feb 07, 2000 2:55:31 PM CST
What good is a phone call,Mr.Anderson,when you don't have the ab
by user id indeed!
I wouldn't see this movie if Leo himself came to my house so I could throw darts at him.The whole project reeks of pretty boy.
-
Some of you are too amusin' (key word: some). You seem to lack that minimal amount of intelligence necessary to understand that you can (or is it should?) appreciate art in spite of your problems, insecurities, etc. Though the movie sounds good (who knows how it really is, though) you keep on saying it sucks and keep whining about how you hate Leonardo DiCaprio. Your little issues blind you to the fact that a good/decent movie may soon be thrown your way and make you prone to believing/saying DiCaprio is a bad actor. Before Titanic, a whole lot of guys used to think he was great. But somehow he took a chance with a role different from his usual characters, younger girls obsessed over him for a while, and now 99% of the population has forgotten what he used to be (and still is), and people wanna bring down one of the few hopes for the future of decent American acting. If you wanna start spewing out "he's a sellout," or "he can't act; Richard is just a pretty-boy role," spare yourself the embarrassment of willful ignorance and take a look at this movie. Here
-
I hope he reads this site. I really do. This clown hasn't proven ANYTHING since TITANIC. Nothing. He hasn't proven he can carry or open a movie. I'm really excited for THE BEACH to open. Not because I give a shit about the film, but because I can't wait for Leo to get his ass kicked. How the hell does an actor make $20 million per picture after ONE hit? His agent deserves the title of "GOD". Does Leo pray to him for advice on good roles? If so, why would GOD have told him to take THE BEACH? I don't understand why God would allow Leo to star in a film that completely alienates his core audience (young teenybopper bimbo highschoolers). First and foremost, this is an action pic geared toward males (who could care less about Leo). Second, it's made by a director who makes films that most Americans find unwatchable. Should Leo be nervous this Friday? Of course. Will his $20 mil payday be jeopordized as a result of this film's lackluster performance at the box office? DEFINATELY.
-
What planet do YOU live in, Swami, my friend? DiCaprio is clearly not after continuing $20 million paychecks for every movie he makes. He's all about different films, different directors, and challenging characters, and that in itself will always alienate the people who followed Jack Dawson, and not Leonardo DiCaprio. If he had wanted to keep up at the box office, he would have done about 5 films after Titanic. He obviously knows The Beach is not big box office material, and he obviously doesn't care too much. I think it's cool he's got some artistic integrity after all that's happened. I also think it's cool you spend your time thinking about Leonardo and the box office. I'm sure DiCaprio will spend HIS time reading this board and be crushed by your comments, as will be Lucas when he comes right after him and sees some of the comments about Episode I. HI, GEORGE!!! PS: Oh, yeah, dude, no need to call teenage girls "teenybopper bimbo highschoolers."
-
Some of you people here make me ashamed I'm a human. You literally make me tremble with disgust. What sad, sorry lives you must lead to be so consumed with hatred and jealousy for someone you don't even know. It's pathetic and if it wasn't so ugly I'd laugh at you. As it is, you simply make me want to wretch. If this is an example of the type of fan Star Wars attracts, and the type of attitudes it inpires in them, then there's something inherently sick and repulsive about that franchise. Either it should be banned or you people should be sterilized so you don't produce others like yourselves. Ewwwwwww ...
-
"Swami Scott" - I hope Leo reads this site too, because unlike myself, he probably would see the inherent humor in all this and have the good grace merely to laugh at such a bunch of sorry little turds like yourself.
-
Leo was obviously selected for this role because of his large teenage girl following but I'm not sure if he was the right choice.
I feel a better choice would be a more proven actor/entertainer such as John Leguizamo. Let's face it the guy is as funny as hell and can be just as serious if he wants. Also in the movie Romeo and Juliet, he completely showed up Dicaprio in his co-starring role. If anyone has any doubts as to Mr. Leguizamo's talents I say check out any of his list of 4 star caliber movies such as The Pest (sequel anyone?), Spawn and of course the creme de la creme Super Mario Bros.
About Super Mario Bros. for a moment. What an underated and under appreciated movie that is. It truly advanced the study of evolution and gave a possible alternate explanation as to what happened to the dinosaurs. Just brilliant!
I'd like to start a Super Mario Bros. the movie chat room if anyone is interested. Any way, anyone else think Leguizamo should be in Dicaprio's role??? -
Crackerfarmboy - I think that if you had a brain you'd probably take it out and play with it. Little John L. as a substitute for Leo in The Beach??? Oh dear Lord help me, now I really am laughing.
-
I have to say that I saw The Beach tonight, and I disagree with the praise for Leo's performance. I think, as a serious actor, he carries more baggage from studied, self-conscious performances in movies like The Basketball Diaries than he does from his lightweight performance in Titanic. This is basically a return to form for him. He's not a great actor. [cliche alert] He's a movie star. He has great presence. But in a more serious role, in a more serious film, like The Beach, you can see him working, which is not a good thing. Overall, he's outperformed by a genuinely talented supporting cast, including Tilda Swinton and Virginie Ledoyen, who are both excellent, though I wish Ledoyen's part had been bigger. I mean, all her parts are basically the perfect size. I should say I wish her role had been larger. It's Leo's movie. It might have been more effective as a real ensemble piece.
The movie's pretty good, overall. That shark attack scene is the one thing that will stick in my mind for a long time.
-Lange -
Edward Norton is without a doubt one of the best actors around. On the other hand he clearly knows shit about judging other actors. Leo is a shite actor and the only good film he's made was Gilbert Grape, and that was thanks to Depp. I rest my case and will continu getting drunk at school. Cheers
-
Yes, Ed Norton is one of the best actors around. However, I want to thank you for pointing out how misguided he is. I guess it takes a wise sage with such impeccable credentials as you to shed such brilliant light. How DARE Ed Norton say Leo is a fine actor when you say otherwise!! I will be sure to check with you personally in the future whenever I need to form an opinion, just to make sure it is the correct opinion. Say, have you ever thought of working for the Feds? Seems you have quite an interest in thought control.
Readers Talkback
User Login
Top Talkbacks
- Whitney Houston 1963 - 2012 -- 419 total posts 209 posts
- WTF HOLLYWOOD: SOLARBABIES -- 131 total posts 129 posts
- Herc’s Seen Tonight’s Return Of THE WALKING DEAD!! Discuss Also DOWNTON ABBEY, FEAR FACTOR, PAN AM, ONCE, SIMPSONS, DYNAMITE, LUCK, SHAMELESS, BAIT CAR, THE GRAMMYS And More!! Sunday Is Sweeps Day 11!! -- 123 total posts 122 posts
- New JUDGE DREDD post production footage pops up -- 124 total posts 58 posts
- There's a STAR TREK video game that is going to lead into JJ's STAR TREK 2 apparently... -- 191 total posts 47 posts
- Avid Comic Reader Hercules Does Battle With Tedium During Kevin Smith’s COMIC BOOK MEN! -- 43 total posts 43 posts
- If the Behind the Scenes Pics of the Day drops her pen, pick it up, but don’t look at her legs or else it will be on your record. -- 60 total posts 42 posts
- I am The Behind the Scenes Pics of the Day! No, I’m the Behind the Scenes Pic of the Day! -- 27 total posts 27 posts
- To Commemorate The 3D Release Of STAR WARS EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE, George Lucas Wants You To Know...Greedo Shoots First!! -- 506 total posts 26 posts
- HANNA's Saoirse Ronan to boss around seven little people -- 77 total posts 24 posts