Review of The Island (2006) by Sean N — 02 Sep 2012

The Island is arguably Michael Bay's most underrated film. Why is it underrated? Because it didn't perform well at the box office here in America. It took the rest of the world to help the film earn back its 126 million dollar budget. That's really sad because this film isn't that bad. On the outside it may seem like a typical Michael Bay film with heavy CGI and huge explosions and fast editing. But, it's more than that with a strong story paying tribute to famous films like THX 1138 and it pays off really well.

Lincoln Six Echo (Ewan McGregor) is one of many living in 'protection' from a 'deadly pathogen' in an isolated compound. Everyone there anticipates being the winner of a daily lottery to win the chance to go to the Island, the only place in the world free of contamination. But, as the quotations I put suggest, Lincoln soon learns that things aren't right. He learns that he and the others at the compound are clones, created for sponsors for spare parts. Along with fellow clone Jordan Two Delta (Scarlett Johansson), Lincoln escapes the compound on the run from its facilitator Dr. Merrick (Sean Bean) and hired mercenary Albert Laurent (Djimon Hounsou).

Like every other film by Michael Bay, The Island is full of fast paced action. Just like his other movies, Bay is very good at directing this kind of action.

Now other movies by Bay, as he mentioned in the commentary for this film, like Armageddon and The Rock open with the plot emerging instantly. But, with The Island, it takes its time with the plot. For the first 20 minutes, there is no indication what is going on. Compared to other Bay films, this one actually has a good story. Even though Bay's films don't really focus on performances that much, the cast does a good job.

The Island definitely deserves more recognition. It's a great and well done sci-fi movie that keeps you at the edge of your seat the whole time.