Review of The Island (1980) by Michael A — 14 Dec 2012

This film is one of those 80's gems that have been neglected by critics and filmgoers. I was pleasantly surprised that this one wasn't as bad as what everyone has claimed it to be. The film does a good job at combining certain genres of film, and it works.

While combining a few different elements of various genres of film, director Michael Ritchie crafts this underrated 80's survival horror gem mixed with thrills, action and adventure. As far as I'm concerned, this one is a fun, entertaining two hours that is fairly mindless if you can forget how corny it is.

The strengths of the film lie in the use of multiple genre elements to create its story, and in turn, it manages to be an entertaining ride. The film's biggest problem is that it leaves a lot to be desired in terms of a memorable plot.

The good ideas were here, but it suffers due to the fact that director Ritchie tries to pack so much material that is unfinished in a two hour run time. The film goes from a survival horror flick to a thriller and action film without smooth transition and it leaves you wanting more out of the film.

For what it is, it's fun, but it could also have been better considering the plot. I don't think this is a bad film, I just feel it's a tad underdeveloped. In terms of survival horror/thrillers are concerned, This one works as a pleasant time waster, just don't go expected a great film with this one as this one leaves a lot to be desired.