Review of The Island (1980) by Todd J — 03 Jan 2008

The Island: Investigative reporting is always so much more fun when there are pirates involved. Michael Ritchie yet again proves himself not only able to stage very tense and credible action setpieces but also to weave a very unique fringe environment in all its completeness.

Here, instead of the whorehouse cattleyards of Prime Cut, weâ??re taken to an island owned by bloodthirsty modern pirates. But for all the atrocities and violence, Iâ??m still struck with how unique all of the characterizations and momentary details are.

Perhaps my favorite scene comes when Michael Caine and son go to a gunshop and check out its merchandise. Add to that the old crusty schlugs, the black island guy, and the dirty pirate babes, and youâ??re given something to keep your attention throughout the flickâ??s rather long running time.

After all, once the dynamics are set up on the island, not a whole lot happens until the rather rousing finale. Unfortunately, that dynamic runs quite a bit too long with the imprisoned Caine attempting to make about 3 runaways before anything finally happens.

The long string of moments may help to emphasize the atmosphere, but things just seem a bit repetitive after a few times. All of that said, those 40 minute or so are in between the beginning, which is comprised of a slasher-esque sequence of events and Caineâ??s interactions with his son, which are handled with a great deal of skill and zippiness.

And the conclusion may make the monotony that preceded it completely worth it. The sheer ferocity of that moment is one of the better moments in cinematic history, and based upon that scene alone, I wholeheartedly recommend it.

**** outâ??ve *****.