Many of the film's problems lie with the source material, which reads well in print but seems ludicrous and contrived on the big screen.

John Hodge's cliche-ridden script certainly doesn't help, nor do the liberties he takes with the storyline. Worse, there is little or no attention paid to characterization, which leaves the cast scrambling.

And frankly, DiCaprio — who is, alternately, detached and hammy — can't hold the film together by himself. In her U.S. debut, Ledoyen doesn't fare that well, either, while Swinton simply looks disgusted.

One thing the film does feature, however, is breathtaking photography, as Boyle and cinematographer Darius Khondji capture the Thai locations beautifully. But that's certainly not reason enough to see the movie.

"The Beach" is rated R for profanity, violence (gunplay, as well as a shark attack), gore, simulated drug use (marijuana and other hallucinogens), simulated sex, female nudity and some crude references.