Review of The Island (2005) by Justin A — 24 Mar 2011

This film reminded me of Gattaca but not as good. It was an entertaining watch, and Ewan McGregor is easy on the eyes as well as Scarlett. Some tense action scenes, some good character development and an interesting storyline.

However, the characters demeanor was off-putting for me, they weren't serious enough about their plight. I wasn't convinced that is how someone would act who discovered they were harvested and part of a huge lie.

Also the film didn't have enough raw moments, it was too commercial. I think the commercial aspect is the Michael Bay influence, lots of action, CGI and hot bodies but not enough real life happening.

I wanted to see arguments, emotional turmoil, passion, love and the will to survive. I felt like a 12 year old could watch this film comfortably on a Sunday afternoon, not enough grit for my pallet. It had the bones of an epic film but just didn't take enough time to make it go all the way.