The Island by director Michael Bay is about humans being grown to be harvested for their body parts when the original traditionally born human needs them. Got it? City of clones waiting to give up a kidney or whatever, if the original rich boy needs said kidney. Only, they have no idea any of this is the case, they are all basically naive children who believe that there is a special lottery that will enable to move into heaven on earth. The Island, is this Valhalla and the last uncontaminated place on earth or so the clones are told. Yeah, there’s more but you have the picture.
The 1979 film The Clonus Horror is highly similar. Clones in the desert waiting for the rich and powerful to need body parts. What can I tell you? Regardless, a lot of recycled material from a lot of sources go into this script written by Caspian Tredwell-Owen, who has one previous writing credit and Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci. Orci previous penned The Legend of Zorro and Mission Impossible III. Kurtzman was apparently co-executive producer on Herculus the Legendary Journeys and Xena: Warrior Princess, he also wrote episodes of Alias the television series for JJ Abrams.
While the film borrows heavily from numerous sources, it does keep your attention as the action moves along nicely and the film doesn’t really drag. The acting performances by Ewan (and I am still waiting for someone to tell me what a Ewan is) McGregor and Scarlett Johansson are good in light of the dialog of the script which at times can seem quite recycled. At the core of why The Island sputters is the fact that most of what you see in the film you’ve already seen elsewhere in other science-fiction films including Logan’s Run, which is also being remade and The Clonus Horror.
The visual and special effects and actions sequences are nicely done and serve as fine eye-candy. The sets, props and costumes show effort and all get passing marks. But again, one is left not only wanting more, but feeling as if you have seen it all before. Apparently, my reaction mirrors the audiences, as the film was a light-year away from a profit. The $110-$120 million dollar movie made back a mere fraction of its budget back domestically as audiences generally stayed away. But, as frequent readers know, I always remind that almost all major Hollywood releases make a healthy profit once all revenue streams have been calculated. Which was the case with The Island, which faired better outside the US and made a fairly healthy profit.
Truthfully, its not a bad movie, but equally true The Island is generic, recycled and is endemic of where Hollywood currently stands, namely afraid to take any sort of chance of any kind. But, at least there is lots and lots of product placement so you’ll know what to buy.
Story D+
Acting B-
Visuals B
Originality/Innovation D (While heavily recycled there is enough that is slightly original to avoid a meltdown.)
Enjoyability Grade C-
Home Theater/HD Factor B
Overall Grade C- (I am in a good mood today.)
Big Budget Films and Studio Flops 