I’ve never been a big fan of Leonardo DiCaprio. In films such as ‘Gangs of New York’ and ‘Titanic’, he seemed like a cute kid trying to act beyond his years.

But with ‘Blood Diamond’ and today’s release of ‘Body of Lies,’ he’s gained some screen cred with me. He’s scruffier, more worldly and more interesting.

Incidentally, I liked ‘Body of Lies’ more than our film critic, who says Russell Crowe “coasts through the most puzzling performance of his career.” I thought Crowe’s performance was understated but effective. But I agree with Joe Williams when he says “DiCaprio’s become adept at this sort of role.”

Later this year, Leo will star in the highly anticipated ‘Revolutionary Road.’ In 2010, he will appear in ‘The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt,’ which will be directed by Martin Scorsese and also star Mark Wahlberg and Mick Jagger. I never thought I’d say this, but I can hardly wait.