I would not really call Shutter Island a horror film and as far as Scorsese movies go I think it is a fairly cool departure from his normal style. I think that may be why the critics were kind of lukewarm about it. So, if you are a bit tired of Scorsese this does not play like your normal Scorsese film. It could probably only be called horror in terms of mood and atmosphere but it unravels in typical mystery-thriller-Hitchcock style. I will say it could probably be called Scorsese's "The Shining" in a way not because it mimics that film but because it makes you question what you see and what the characters are seeing.

It also seemed to me that Mr. Scorsese was having a hell of a lot of fun making this picture and when you have a guy of his caliber doing something just to have a good time it's bound to be a good time watching it. I had a blast watching it and like Messy I would look forward to seeing it again. It is one of those films where the twists and turns don't matter as much as how he takes you through those twists and turns. I think over time its reputation will improve among the critics.

One other thing that Mess pointed out was the music is great and it was none other than Robbie Robertson that supervised that aspect of the film. Glad to see he left his birdcage on the yacht to do something with his pal Marty. In a way I think Robertson also tips his hat to Kubrick with the music he selected but I'll let you figure that out.