Review of The Island (2005) by Lewis E — 26 Apr 2014

Michael Bay again unfortunately adds his not-so-delicate touch by contributing loud crashes and visual carnage to what should have been an intelligent sci-fi thriller. It is fundamentally well constructed and shares qualities with 'Minority Report' in having a smart premise which interestingly raises ethical questions for the viewer to consider. The movie later starts to dumb it down but initially the small details shown within the character's uneasy environment work brilliantly to get audiences guessing without making it too obvious. However, it seems like once the secrecy surrounding the 'island' is all but revealed, the film turns into a mash up of chase scenes and unrealistic action sequences. The manner in which McGregor and Johansson survive a fall from a 30 story plus building with barely a scratch is straight ridiculous (and how did McGregor place the wristband on the other guy without Djimon Hounsou seeing). Also, the way one character has a convenient change of heart at the end was poorly executed and portrays how Bay took all the intelligence out of the film after the first hour. Admittedly, there are a few visual spectacles to be found (especially Scarlet 'I'm so sexy' Johansson in a tight suit) but I felt it had little relevance in a plot which needed more character development.

I think the main issue was that the twist was revealed too quickly, therefore the film used up all its potential in the first hour and was then left to offer unnecessary destruction and a rushed rescue mission to wrap up the ending. A case of right story, wrong director.