well where do i start . a classic story write by alex garland destroy by danny boyle and co. it would take a long time to pick my way through the debris of this particular shamble so i shall narrow it down to what i see a the main critical flaw that sink leo late water borne epic 1. the movie have be aim squarely at a teen market hence you get style over content the beautiful people in paradise hang out with a highly commercial soundtrack and a top shop tie in on the fashion side2 . the removal of the deep cynicism evident in garland novel read the book you will find it very hard to find a sympathetic character . 3. richards ( leo ) fascination with the whole nam pop culture this be throw in a an afterthought in the last 25 minute of the film ( apart from a fleeting glimpse of apocalypse now in the opening reel ) and fall completely flat what we get be comical ( check out leo a he do his best cat . willard impression hilarious . 4. the love interest . okay this i can understand purely for it commercial reason it have a bum on seat factor . but it damage a vital part of the book richard never get it together with francois let alone sal hence there be an unspoken tension in the air which add to richards isolation and his descent into nam paranoia . enough . if you want the real experience read the book if you want a very cheap facsimile go see leo and the gang . negative .