[Adam Hart] A journey always ends with a conscious choice.

Much like Jeopardy, it is important to trust one’s initial instinct when judging another — at least when judging the characters in Martin Scorcese’s latest film, Shutter Island. Because as the plot develops, that initial snapshot will be called in to question.

As far as that plot goes, Chubby Checker would love it. Why? Because of all the twists. And, like in any psychological thriller, the audience is left with the ultimate surprise in the end.

Without giving away too much of the storyline, this film takes the audience to more places than one would expect on such a tiny, non-exotic island.

Leonardo DiCaprio has been afforded the good fortune of being able to adopt his pick-of-the-litter in terms of roles. For some, his Marshal Ted Daniels character will seem a partial reprise of his Southie-talking Billy Costigan of The Departed — both in attitude and in an internal struggle that leaves the audience sympathetic. DiCaprio’s performance is amplified by a cast of supporting actors.

Diagnosis: If you can focus for two-and-a-half hours without drifting from a film’s plot, this is a must-see.