Genres

Visitors Review

thomasgulch 2013-05-22 05:42:40

Very handsome, but idiotic movie -!!!!spoiler alert!!!!!

This movie was gorgeous to look at and the acting was superb by allthose involved. Once again the brief appearance by Steve Buscemi waswonderful. The concept was refreshing but terribly flawed. Beautifullyfilmed and visually convincing. Now for the bad part...SPOILER ALERT ******************************************************How could the sheer number of employee's hired by this cloning facilityoperate over a number of year's without anyone revealing this place tothe public? Even the NSA can't manage this (see Bush's wiretapping lawson U.S. citizens). How can you clone someone as an adult with the clonebeing the same age as the original? How could the memories of any oneof any age be transferred to the clone? If the clones were just fororgans, why not just grow the organs and minimize your worries andexpenditures? These kind of movies do science a disservice byconvincing many film goers to be 'memed' (to coin a verb),into aconviction against biotechnology by films that intentionally mislead.

Movieman02 2013-05-22 01:51:10

One of the Best Sci-Fi Movies of the Last 20 Years.

I thought that Micahel Bay's "The Island" was going to be good, but Ihonestly did not think that it was going to be as good as it is!Everything about this film had me SCREAMING for more. The plot isoutstanding, the acting is very good, and the action is heart pounding.It also had me intrigued as to what might really happen if clones weremade and if they really had feelings. So I guess that I consider thismovie a "Think Piece" as well. You'll know what I'm talking about ifyou see it. Scarlett Johanssen is amazing, Ewan McGregor plays dualroles, and Steve Buschemi (believe it or not) does a fantastic job.It has been said that Michael Bay is a terrible director, but do notlisten to that, because this movie is easily his best. You will notfind any element of the bore fest "Pearl Harbor" was, or the crap fest"Bad Boys II" was. Just flat-out action packed "The Island".

lewiskendell 2013-05-21 07:13:31

Nothing wrong with a little disposable entertainment, from time to time.

The Island is a big, noisy, empty movie. It perfectly fits the bill ofthe summer popcorn flick. You won't learn anything, you won't leavewith any lasting impressions, and if you don't see it on thebig-screen, then you're missing half the point. This movie never tries to be anything more than it is, and I canappreciate that. After the relatively quiet beginning, the viewer isnever forced to go very long without gunshots, explosion, or carchases. Some of the action scenes are actually pretty epic, and if youend up remembering anything about the movie after, I'm willing to betthat it will be a few of those. So as an average, disposable summer movie, The Island is a success.There's little reason to see it again after the first time, though.That's like watching the same exact kind of fireworks twice in a row.Sure, they're still pretty, but the novelty has worn off, and you'reready to see one of the other countless kinds of pretty explosives. 

2013-05-20 19:04:37

A Science Fiction Film That Could Have Been....

Lincoln Six-Echo (Ewan McGregor) lives in a futuristic society. He and many other civilians in an encased bubble-society are seemingly protected from the dangers of the outside world which has been ravaged by viruses and disease. Every facet of Lincoln Six-Echo's life is monitored (even his urine for high levels of protein, etc.) and his only hope is to win "the lottery" and be sent to "The Island", a paradise for the wealthy and successful. But Lincoln has been stuck in his sterile society so long that he starts questioning why he's there. He's also showing some affection toward another society member, the beautiful Jordan Two-Delta (Scarlett Johansson), and when Lincoln discovers their real purpose, he must flee for his very life. And with him he takes Jordan who's just won the lottery, sparing her an undeniably horrible death. But what is it that threatens Lincoln and Jordan? ______________________________________________________________________________Michael Bay (director of Armageddon and The Rock) pulls from several previously successful films and presents a modestly interesting premise: how far will humanity go in the science of cloning? Can you murder a creation of mankind? Or will it simply be seen as harvesting organs? What if humanity doesn't know how far some scientists have gone? Ewan McGregor pulls in an "okay" performance as a clone with a questioning conscious. He alone discovers the truth behind their existence: being "throw-away" people designed to replace the organs of those individuals from whom they were cloned. Borrowing heavily from one of my favorite cult classic SF films (Logan's Run), I was hoping that Michael Bay might update that film and put a new face on it. But no. The deep messages of this film are never resolved or explored. In their place are unbelievable chase scenes and convenient plot twists that will make many viewers groan with disbelief (How can Ewan McGregor ride a futuristic sky-bike if he's never even seen one? How can he and Scarlett Johansson supposedly survive a multi-story fall from a building? etc.). There are, however, lots of interesting questions and concepts that are put forth from within the film's script. It's just too bad that the producers/screenwriters/directors didn't explore them and give us a great psychological impact rather than fancy motorbike rides through impossible situations.

Horn Dog 2013-05-19 21:22:14

Too Stupid To Believe

You think the box office flop here had anything to do with the plot ofThe Island being too stupid to believe? MAJOR SPOILERS........................................How do they expect you to believe that this clone base and theirillegal behavior wouldn't have been exposed in seven years? Congresspassed legislation and specific laws yet no one ever enforces theselaws? No one ever checks on the status of these clones in their"vegetative state?" None of these four thousand employees would suffera crisis of conscience (killing mothers directly after giving birth?)and leak anything to the media? Employees like Steve Bucheme wouldn'ttalk or be an informant for cash? Did we need the obligatory car crashes on the freeway scene? Can yousay Matrix or Bad Boys 2? You would think that the truck driverwould've noticed that he was losing most of his load after the firstdozen giant metal dumbbells fell off his truck but no, he kept ondriving.It was nice to see that killer mercenary have a change of heart andhelp Scarlett at the end of the movie. Who cares that he was guidinghis crew to kill as many cops as possible just a few scenes earlier onthe streets of LA. Very believable plot turn there. Why did Scarlettassume that they would just capture her on the swingset? They've beenfiring bullets at her all day long and trying to kill her on site yet,they arrest her and don't even check to see if she's armed? Next, she'sbeing prepped for surgery yet no one notices the gun? Unless she hadthe piece wedged clear up her huha, what's the deal with that? Theending is too stupid for words. He pulls one lever and everything blowsup. Thus saving the day and making it possible to finish the movie withMichael Bay's patented wide angle swoop slow motion shots. (Not tomention the "guy kissing girl swoop slo-mo shot-I thought I saw BenAffleck kissing Liv Tyler in the background) I could go on pointing out the stupidity of this movie but I've alreadywasted too much of my time on this trash. Some flops are just purejustice.

2013-05-19 16:36:28

Recycled Stew

If some scenes or plots in this movie feel familiar, you got it right. Take a pot, throw in Logan's Run, Coma, Blade Runner and a generous helping of Ishiguro's novel "Never let me go", add lots of car (and sci-fi transportation)crashes, stir once or twice and you have "The Island". I guess it's hard to come up with new ideas for a Sci-Fi flick. I gave it a "3" because the beginning promises to be interesting because the viewer does not know what is going on yet.The 2nd half of the movie is filled with endless chase scenes, cars, people and helicopters all over the place disintegrating and bursting into flames. Apparently good old-fashioned cars and helicopters are still needed in the future, although the movie shows all kinds of futuristic transportation methods, i.e. flying motorbikes and trains.Certain parts are entertaining, just don't expect a surprise - been there (several times)!

Pepper Anne 2013-05-19 12:37:15

Like an unofficial remake of Logan's Run. (spoilers)

This movie was a huge financial undertaking that was really panned bycritics and viewers when it was released in 2005. Part of thecriticisms, I remember, being about Scarlett Johannsen going Hollywood(and looking so strange here, she so closely resembles DanielleFischelle or a blonde Yasmine Bleeth), the blatant (and numerous)product placements, and, at least my criticism--making a movie thatpieces together, in almost identical visual, thematic, or narrativeform, great science fiction films of the past.The Island is a story most fondly reminiscent of the great 1970sscience fiction tale, Logan's Run (also on the Hollywood radar for aremake, although this takes care of it). It is the story of a hybridcolony of clones (the setting is more like an upscale gym) who are notaware of their existence. As is the key to most science fiction oddity,they are being bred for a corporate experiment designed to, at leastinitially, allow wealthy people live much longer. When their healthfails in any way, the ailing part can be replaced with, of course,their clone.Like the replicants in Blade Runner (another science fiction great fromwhich the Island is largely derivative of), the clones are unaware oftheir existence as anything other than normally functioning humans.They have memories of a past prior to life in the colony which theyforced onto after the "contamination" occurred. At first, it soundslike radiation contamination from post-nuclear warfare, but it isn't.Like the false promise of life renewal in Logan's Run, those in thecolony participate in a lottery to travel to the "Island." One of theclones, unsure about certain conditions of which he is living, beginsto investigate things around the colony and soon enough, it takes bothhe and another clone outside of the colony where he sees a world he hadnever even known existed. Meanwhile, with the escape the corporation isscrambling to retrieve the clones, hiring of course, the slickesthit-man who's skills may well help keep a lid on all the of laws beingbroken in the colony.Despite being derivative (especially visually) of so many notableaction films like Mad Max 3, Terminator 2, A.I., the Matrix 2, theFifth Element, Gattaca, and even the Truman Show, this film does offersome interesting elements of its own. Although, the narrative is almosttaken for routine, with very little elements changing beyond the filmsalready mentioned. It is nearly as predictable from beginning to end.But, it does offer, at least, a somewhat entertaining almost-two hourglimpse into this sci-fi adventure, doing so with many great actionsequences and, thanks to some good writing here and there, a bit of slyhumor from time to time (especially from co-star Steve Buscemi). I'msure the draw of the film, more than anything else, will be the cast,who have gotten dolled up just a little more than usual for theoccasion.

ianharrywebb 2013-05-18 23:04:46

No one will pick up an Oscar. Who cares it was fun entertainment.

Okay it well maybe not an original story, then how many are? Its asgood as Batman better than the Fantastic Four its entertaining.Scarlett Johansson has been given a hard time for her playing in thisfilm. Its unfair don't they get it she is only four years old? Sheplays innocence very well her character is childlike.Ewan McGregor "I'm missing a shoe" "Why is every one wearing white, whycan't I have colour"? He did not receive an answer but at least heasked.Its just believable, a story set in the near future. I agree why do theguys set to capture them destroy everything to capture them? Perhapsbecause its a Hollywood movie aimed at teenage boys which is what mostof Hollywood films are about, making money. But I'm glad they do its afun and exciting ride. Lets face it this is what Hollywood is all aboutselling tickets. Hey people its a film entertainment BLOCKBUSTER notGoethe. I enjoyed it! I just enjoyed the ride and left my brainswitched off. Its far better than what the critics say it is. And youcan waste your money on far far worse films out there. It is not goingto win any Oscars but then that goes for 98% of those on release. Allthose who played even a small part played them well, one could arguethe film pays homage to all those SI-FI films that came before. 7 outof 10

2013-05-18 08:22:38

LIKED THE MOVIE,BUT NOT THE DVD RELEASE!!!

2 stars is for DVD,NOT the movie!I love Michael bay Movies and he comes to action he ROCKS...I liked this movie MUCH; MUCH better an that stupid "STEATH". Was almost came out after each other in theaters and that was stupid too,I think thats why none of them made any money in box office!. I was really looking to buy this DVD for my collection when comes out. But this is not Michael bay DVD release!.. His poplar of double disks or extended cut movies and loaded DVDS..Definitely not this DVD version!!. I KNOW for sure like the rest of them, he going to come out with another version this DVD with extras and extended cuts and loaded stuffs with DTS audio, in near soon. If u look at hes PASS DVD releases u would know ...SO if u DVD collector like I am , just wait and get the real thing later on. Just skip this one ,just rent it if u want to real see it! Great action pack..Liked it a lot! A

Clark Richards 2013-05-17 14:11:28

Islands in the dream

Somewhere between Minority Report and Logan's Run/Soylent Green livesMichael Bay's, 'The Island'. If you understand going into this moviethat it is a 'Michael Bay' film then you won't be too disappointed inhow much it sucks, but if you're not familiar with Mr.Bay's work andare expecting a slick/smart look into a modern sci-fi thriller, you'llreally be angry.On the positive side of things, there's plenty of eye candy, whetheryour preference is for the bursting out and beautiful ScarlettJohansson or the always steady yet geeky macho leanings of EwanMcGregor, the viewer is never more than 45 seconds away from theirallotted camera time. If you like sleek angled, yet threadbare moviesets...then all is still fine in your universe of the future.But the film goes terribly, terribly wrong when it bypasses logicalthought for the sake of its many horrible action sequences. Everyaction scene is filmed in an extreme close up with the camera shakingso as not to let the viewer really see how lame the scene wouldactually look if the camera were not shaking.I could throw in many scenes where there is a definite leap in logic,but really, take my word for it, there's too many to recount.But to give proper credit, the eye candy is what makes this film evensomewhat entertaining. Ewan and Scarlett really do seem to be trying toearn their money, they will win you back to the film from time to time.The culprit of stupid here is in its director...he has no eye forsubtlety, nor does he have a gift as a story teller.The film also features the always sweating Djimon Hounsou as a renegadenavy seal or some such thing. He's a tough guy who is hired to captureEwan and Scarlett once they break out of their virtual 'womb'. The filmalso has terminal second banana Sean Bean as the bad guy who wearsglasses and describes himself as a doctor to appear smart.I'm not sure I completely bought into what the Island is supposed torepresent or whether or not this story is an open forum for stem cellresearch or cloning...I just don't know. What I do know is that thereis a shell of potential here for a better movie than the one that wasmade...a clone, if you will.

tburke85 2013-05-16 20:22:04

The Island A Decent Sc-Fi Film But Overlong

The Island is a decent sci-film but overlong from director Michael Baywho seems to have a hate/love relationship with critics and audiences.I think he's a talented filmmaker some of his past films may not havebeen the greatest but he does show a lot skill in all of them none theless including this one. The cast for the most part are admirable intheir roles including Ewan McGregor, Scarlet Johannson, Dijmin Honsou,and Sean Bean. McGregor and Johannson are effective as the leadsbringing credibility to the characters and their situation. Honsou andBean make for solid bad guys. They may lack development and screen timebut both of them make the best of their roles as the villains. SteveBuscemi shows up for a brief role and does add some comic relief to thefilm but his part is cut rather short. The same can go for MichaelClarke Duncan makes a cameo appearance and then disappears for the restof the film but he still does an okay job with his small part. The restof the cast are good in their limited screen time but aren't reallydeveloped. The action sequences are well executed and intense most ofthem happening toward the second half but some aren't very realisticwhile others are missing that WOW factor that you get occasionally whenwatching these kind of films. Besides the cool special effects themovie does have plenty of humor that balances well between the action,drama, and suspense. The film was a little slow especially in thebeginning before the action really starts to kick in and it felt a bitoverlong but the rest of the movie made up for it's few flaws. Despiteit's few problems The Island is still an entertaining sci-fi adventurethat may be a bit long but it keeps your attention because of theintense action, suspense, and equally impressive performances by mostof the cast who make the movie worth watching at least once.

Special-K88 2013-05-16 16:36:12

either you accept it or you don't

From the director of Bad Boys and Armageddon comes this futuristicthriller that explores the notion of human cloning. McGregor plays aman who lives in a controlled environment where human contact isprohibited, true emotions don't exist, and everyone dreams of winning avacation to a mysterious island with no questions asked. When hefinally does question his seemingly futile existence and the work ofits shady doctor (Bean), he finds out more then he ever imaginedendangering his own life and also that of his closest friend(Johansson). Has a bit more substance than previous Bay efforts, and aplot that actually holds your interest, but relies predominantly onaction scenes for effect and lacks a really solid finale. You'll eitherbuy into it and go along for the ride, or just be left feeling nothingat all. The cast is good though and gives it their best. **½

DICK STEEL 2013-05-15 20:09:12

A Nutshell Review: The Island

This review is brought to you courtesy of a movieXclusive.com previewsession, without which I won't be able to write this so soon.The Island is the latest summer blockbuster offering from directorMichael Bay, who brought to you other loud actioners like Bad Boys, TheRock, Armageddon, Con Air and Pearl Harbour. But what's different inThe Island is his departure from long time collaborator JerryBruckheimer, and an attempt to explore a bit on human morality andethics.While I won't say that this exploration is thorough, it does invokesome thought when you're watching the film. As you would've alreadyknown, this movie is about clones. What if science and technologyallows you to live a little longer, replacing body parts which arefailing you, a kidney, a lung, from none other than something which hasthe exact biological make-up as you. This insurance policy, theproduct, will definitely be clinically compatible, and at your beck andcall anytime. Will you proceed with buying into this product, eventhough it'll mean the birth and subsequent death of some other "you"?Lincoln Six Echo (Ewan McGregor) and Jordan Two Delta (ScarlettJohansson) live in a sterile environment, the Facility, whereeverything from your outfit to the food you consume are meticulouslyprovided for. Survivors from a contaminated "outside world" are broughtinto the Facility, to live and work in until such time they win theLottery and get themselves brought to the last paradise on Earth - TheIsland. Or so they thought. It's fun looking into the Facility, withits minimalistic Zen like decor, and the technology used to monitor andcontrol its inhabitants look straight out out Spielberg's MinorityReport.But when Lincoln learns the truth of the setup, he brings along hisbest pal Jordan in an escape from bounty hunters and the law (ala TheFugitive), while at the same time trying to look up their owners in anurban futuristic looking landscape, to explain this truth. And here'swhere director Bay is at his element, with loud action, explosions, anda tad of explicit violence.At times, the action pieces brought some sense of deja-vu, from Matrix(the building-windows-helicopter-smashing scene), to Star Wars (thejet-bikes), to an amalgam of elements from his own Bad Boys 2 chasescene (where they dump bodies at their pursuers) fusing into massmayhem similar to Matrix Reloaded's freeway chase. Signature quick-cutsand camera-panning-around-actors-upper-torso-in-slow-mo remind you thatthis is action done Bay-style. Of course at times, one must suspendyour disbelief when loopholes and improbable luck inadvertently play apart in non-stop action.McGregor seemed to have a lot of fun in his role as Lincoln Six Echo(no worries, the naming convention does get explained). You might havethought that his exhilaration at motorcycles was real (yes, you mightalso know that he had travelled round the world on his BMW bike), and Ifelt his using of his native Irish accent and American accent todistinguish between his characters was a nice touch.Scarlett Johansson is a beauty to behold. Her Jordan Two Delta hastough as nails spunk, as well as a touch of femininity andvulnerability in her character. The development of her love for Lincolnlooked right out of Blue Lagoon, given that the clones have anintelligence equivalent of a 15 year old (or so the makers thought).The supporting characters like Steve Buscemi (another veteran of Bay'smovies, given some of the best hilarious lines in the film - listen outfor his cow analogy), Djimon Hounsou (who presented a meaner, leaner,younger version of Samuel L Jackson's mo-fo attitude), and main baddieSean Bean all give commendable performances in an action movie. Don'texpect too much character development, but they played theirstereotypical role to a T.Product placement's a fun thing to spot, from Puma, to Microsoft's XBox(I want one of those!), MSN, Calvin Klein (oh when will Johansson starin a real one?) and of course, Nokia (I was wondering when this wouldappear). Somehow they didn't feel jarring from the scene they'refeatured in, as some helped facilitate the plot somewhat.While techonology and science may offer us a chance at the elixir oflonger life, we must be careful with it and not attempt to play God, indeciding who lives, and who does not. While one may have noble intent,delivery and execution (pardon the pun) of that intent matters.Welcome to the Island. Good things do happen.

SmithWrite 2013-05-15 06:17:49

Fun with lots of action, but why didn't they fix the plot problems?

As with so many films in the thriller/science fiction, "The Island"does a great job setting up its premise, but loses credibility when thescriptwriters allow plot discrepancies to get out of hand to the pointof absurdity.SPOILER - SPOILER - SPOILER - SPOILER - SPOILER - SPOILER 1. Mccordgives Lincoln and Jordan his credit card, then tells them not to use itafter the first 24 hours because he will have to report it stolen. Hedies before they've even left, so presumably he hasn't yet contactedthe credit card company. Yet at his death, the card has that status.2. The Information Services booth has no trouble figuring out from allthe people in the U.S. named Tom Lincoln or (Whatever) Jordan exactlywhich ones the clones are trying to contact.3. The police car stops in the middle of the intersection for noparticular purpose other than to make sure it is in the way of themonster vehicle that will momentarily be barreling down on it.4. Even though the clones are in L.A., it never occurs to anyone to putTom Lincoln's residence under surveillance to see if that might betheir destination.5. Somehow Lincoln and Jordan figure out what a taxi is for and how touse one, even to the point of tipping, because there's no indicationthe driver pulled away angry after dropping them off.6. No one seems to react to the news that Jordan has left the state insearch of her sponsor, when one would expect them to move the wholeteam across country.7. A trained Army seal doesn't search an arrestee for weapons beforesitting down next to her in a car. Of course, considering Jordan waswearing only a tight tee shirt, it should have been readily apparentshe was carrying a gun. Otherwise, where did she get it? I was alsobothered by the gratuitous waste of a "valuable product." Surelyconsidering the way they controlled everything else, they could havebrainwashed the "breeders" into willingly surrendering their babiesrather than killing the mothers after they gave birth. Why wouldn't theoriginal woman want the clone kept around for the same purpose as theother clones in case she needed a spare part? Or what if the couplewanted to have another child? They'd have to wait another year and putup another $5 million. Clearly this scene existed just to give Lincolnsomething horrible to discover and/or make the corporation seem evenmore terrible than a smart business would actually be.Finally, instead of the ridiculous notion that adult human bodieswouldn't seek out sexual activity just because they hadn't been"taught" it exists, wouldn't it have been more credible to program theclones that such activity was terrible and that violations of the"proximity" thing could jeopardize their chance of getting to theIsland? Undoubtedly some of these problems exist because of the massiverewriting the script went through since its original incarnation. Forexample, I got the feeling there was supposed to be a whole lot morebehind Jordan's reaction to the little boy mistaking her for hismother, rather than just simply eliminating the question whether Jordanor the mother should survive by announcing the mother was brain deadand couldn't be saved.Someday perhaps Hollywood will learn the difference between an okayfilm and a great one is having someone watch the thing with a criticaleye so that logic and common sense can be used to identify andeliminate all the "no, that wouldn't happen" moments.

2013-05-13 21:07:23

Commercial and Soulless

I expected more from this movie because of the two leads who acted in it and I use "acted" loosely. It's another commercial, soulless movie coming out of Hollywood. I am sure everyone involved with this film was paid a truckload of money. I also usually NEVER like movies with a car chase. It's never realistic and what's with the two lead actors falling from a high rise...and walking away with just minor scratches. I guess I too would have been in this film for the money but I would have been compromising myself.

Brent Trafton 2013-05-13 04:15:47

Anatomy of a Flop

After 2 weeks of release, The Island looks like it will probably thebiggest flop of 2005. Where did they go wrong? 1. The director, Michael Bay, specializes in mindless action films likeBad Boys and The Rock. Letting him make a film that actually has a plotwas a big mistake. The directing is sloppy and does not have muchthought. While that works for lots of films, it does not go well withscience fiction.2. There were no well known actors in the film. Ewan McGregor is adecent actor, but he does not have the presence to carry a film.Scarlett Johanson has done very well in quirky independent films, butshe is terrible in this action film.3. The script is poor, despite an interesting premise. The dialog wasso dull, I cannot remember a single line. The mindless chase scenes gotboring and were not credible. 4. There was about 10 minutes in the middle that had a few jokes, butotherwise this film was done with a straight face. It wasn't goodenough to be a serious film and it wasn't fun enough to make it as apopcorn flick.If "The Island" keeps it's place as the biggest flop of 2005, it servesthe movie studio right for not putting any thought into such a bigbudget film.

Auntiemaim 2013-05-13 08:41:45

It's BIG, It's Dumb.

And it had promise. I imagine some brilliant writer came up with thisvery thought-provoking concept, only to have Bay and his Hollywoodcronies turn it into vapid trash.Shame on these talented actors for selling out their integrity to be apart of this pile. SHAME.Shame on Bay for the shameless, laughable, and distracting productplacement, asinine sexist jokes, BLATANT Blade Runner rip-offs, andtotal lack of heart, continuity, or character development.Textbook case as to why American audiences are consideredunsophisticated. So at the end the clones are unleashed into thedesert-then what? They now get to go get laid, subscribe to Maxim, anddrink Bud out of fancy cans. Unintentionally ironic, though lame as allhell.

moni 2013-05-13 01:27:50

Hahahaha ... go and SEE this crap !!!

No, please excuse me, but I just can't stop laughing. I've justreturned from a cinema and was thinking AGAIN after Kill Bill that onlyin America one can so shamelessly steal other people's ideas andscripts, put several zillions of dollars in this turd and then get awayfrom it. This is indeed the land of the boundlessly opportunities youknow. This movie steals blatantly from so many good examples of thegenre that it is difficult for me to count them all, but still I cantry:Logans Run, 1984 (especially), The Matrix, Star Wars - ROTJ, Coma, The6th Day ...And never mind how stinky this movie is (and it has great promise thefirst 30 minutes, but Mister Bay was feeling that he is obliged to ruinit later with mindless action sequences) there will be still at leastone American to claim it as The best movie I have ever seen!"OK I got it. This is democracy, right? The right of being stupid,making every profit out of it - that's how Hollywood movies are beingmade these days. So you are now warned.

khitchen 2013-05-11 01:16:16

Blows The Matrix out of the water!

OK, so Ewan McGregor is used to "The Clone Wars" by now from hisoutstanding performance in Star Wars. This time he gets to play TheClone:-) This is one of the best sci-fi action movies I have seen sinceThe Matrix.. not a predictable rip-off, but a great edge-of-your-seatthrill-spinner that actually makes you think about the value of humanlife. And addresses the long-debated question "to clone or not clone?".I loved this film; it's a movie where the cooperate fat-cats get ataste of their own medicine and delivers a powerful message. Moreover,a love story without the soppy gooey bits that leaves you with a feelgood factor at the end! Definitely worth watching..

LordB13 2013-05-10 15:23:17

why play it safe?

The Island is the latest in a long line of sci-fi films like I, Robot,that have a good core idea and do not fully explore it. This film isfull of good ideas but I get the nagging feeling that like many studiofilms the script got severely dumbed down to accommodate...Michael Bay?The Summer season? Why? Why not let a story stand on its own? This filmis like a Jeckyll and Hyde patchwork of good ideas and tacked onstupidity. I can honestly say that the scenes inside the clonesanctuary were engaging, interesting, and far more see-worthy than allthose chase scenes that completely took me out of the movie. If you aregoing to have action...why not make it a part of the real story? Andbetter yet what is the point of action if there are so many quick cutsand the camera shakes so much I cannot even see what is going on...onlyget the impression that SOMETHING happened. Basically this was aletdown, there are good points such as the early scenes in thesanctuary involving the other clones and most of the revelation sceneswere handled nicely, but I honestly believe that this film DID NOT needaction, it didn't even need that "let's go rescue the clones" thirdact. This is a film that needed to be a character piece...but no, weneed things blowing up. I kept wishing that this film would tread intobolder territory...let's say that there was no action climax orspeeder-bike chase, or any of that nonsense, what if the picture endedwith Lincoln and Jordan leaving together for a life of their own andforgetting about everyone else, and on the open sea Lincoln realizesthe gravity of what he has allowed to happen as cuts of the defectiveclones being killed go on between his sad close-up...I had a similarproblem with the 6th day, but at least that movie was consistent intone. The island is yet another movie with all the potential in theworld but has the complete inability to take it's story into unchartedterritory. The score sounded like regurgitated Hans Zimmer (bad enoughhe rips himself off so much these days...Batman Begins's main themesounded a lot like MI2 didn't it?) The one liner at the end where SeanBean says "I brought you into this world...(insert me thinking "Don'tsay it")...and I can take you out!" (insert me thinking "He said it")My advice to the film makers (unless you'd prefer to hire me) is totake more chances with your stories and not have them devolve intoaction clichés with a couple good ideas sprinkled over hoping they giveyou credibility when in fact all you have is a film that could havebeen a lot better that no one will remember a month from now.