Review of The Island (1980) by Grant S — 06 Jun 2013

Probably one of Michael Caine's worst movies, if not his worst..

Could have been an interesting and gritty movie, but some of the direction is plain bizarre. Basic plot was good, and the initial set-up was quite gritty, however, from a point it becomes rather frivolous. One moment the pirates are the bad guys, killing people in cold blood, next moment we're almost expected to like them and sympathise with them. From that point, every time the pirates attack a ship, a rather jaunty soundtrack is playing in the background, as if this is a kid's movie, or a comedy! But then they go and kill people, rather graphically.

Plot does become rather random towards the end, too.

Caine's performance is OK, especially considering what little he had to work with. Some of the pirates are a bit over-the-top though.