Movie Review: Shutter Island

I don't go to the movie theater as often as I used to. Our local theater runs about $30 for two people (tickets, popcorn and drinks) which, in my opinion, falls a bit on the high side for date nights with the wife. If we go, it has to be a special occasion or the movie has to be the best movie ever made.

My decision to go this past weekend had more to do with the former (it was our wedding anniversary) than the latter. The movie we saw, Shutter Island, was decent. But, under normal circumstances, I don't think it would be worth the money.

Leonardo DiCaprio stars as a U.S. Marshal who, along with his partner (Mark Ruffalo) is assigned to investigate the escape and disappearance of a female patient from a hospital for the criminally insane on the remote Shutter Island.

While on the island, the patients and staff are less than forthcoming about the escape and he later reveals he suspects the island's patients are being used in scientific experiments; something the evidence seems to add up to. And, as his investigation continues, he finds that he is not only trying to discover the truth, he also has to figure out a way off the island.

The movie proved to be an OK thriller with a few twists and turns. However, the plot also had a lot of familiarity to it. While watching it, I got the feeling I had seen it before; or, at least something close to it. Because of this, I was able to take a pretty accurate guess about the ending half way through the film.

I also wasn't a huge fan of the flashbacks. There was a need for one or two to set up the ending. But, they had a few too many and they made the movie drag on a bit.

I will say this about the movie though; DiCaprio does a great job selling his character. I wasn't a huge fan of his when he first became a big-name star. But, as he has gotten older, I have come to appreciate his talents a little more. Even though the movie didn't quite live up to my expectations, he exceeded them.

Like I said before, this movie was an OK thriller and there is enough substance to it to make it worth watching at least once. But, I would recommend waiting until it comes out on DVD rather than spending money on a movie ticket.