Review of The Island (2006) by Joshua V — 14 Sep 2010

This film has a lot going for it but it could have been so much more. Think Logans Runs meets Blade Runner meets The Matrix (no bad thing there then). The cast is a strong one (ive always had a lot of time for McGregor & Johansson looks great as the films eye candy) and it looks superb throughout and there is a strong emphasis on style and cool. I found myself willing Lincoln and Delta on and I felt a believable innocence from them both. Bean is his usual menacing self and maybe one day someone might cast him in a film as the hero again (a la Sharpe).

Now we come to the downside in that this in essence a big opportunity missed. Without giving too much away, the subject matter and basic premise of the film is really interesting and very relelvant today. But the film doesnt really explore this concept anywhere near enough and instead we are treated to an abuse of the senses with a sequence of chases that are really well done but essentialy feels like a bit of a cop out. Whilst this is a shame id still say watch it as it definately has its merits and is undeniably good fun.