Today’s quick review: The Island. In the year 2019, plague has ravaged the Earth. Humanity’s last survivors live in a sealed complex where their every need is tended to and their lives are strictly controlled. But when Lincoln Six Echo (Ewan McGregor), one of the more inquisitive survivors, stumbles upon a terrible secret, he must venture into the harsh outside world with his closest friend, Jordan Two Delta (Scarlett Johansson).
The Island is a sci-fi action thriller from director Michael Bay. The movie follows two sheltered inhabitants of a utopian enclave as they learn the truth about their world. Much like Michael Bay’s other movies, The Island wears its heart on its sleeve. Thrilling action, honest emotional beats, and a dash of mystery make it a fun popcorn watch. The supporting cast includes Sean Bean, Steve Buscemi, Djimon Hounsou, and Michael Clark Duncan.
The Island’s chief draw is its action. In signature Michael Bay style, the movie is packed with chases, fights, and explosions, all delivered with enthusiasm and a sense of excess. Oddly enough, The Island’s sci-fi setting has very little impact on its action. There are no spaceships, aliens, robots, or superhumans to draw on. Even so, the movie does just fine with the usual complement of vehicles, guns, and destructible scenery.
As far as science fiction goes, The Island sticks to a few basic ideas that serve it well. The speculative side of the story mainly serves to drive the plot. There’s not much in the way of thoughtful contemplation, but the topics it does touch upon are interesting enough to be worthwhile. They are also tied closely to Lincoln and Jordan’s flight from the complex and everything that follows after, serving the needs of the movie quite well.
Watch The Island when you’re in the mood for a popcorn action movie with a sci-fi twist. Fans of the deeper, more nuanced side of the sci-fi genre may be disappointed in where the movie takes its premise. But anyone who enjoys action for its own sake and the thriller side of the sci-fi genre will get exactly what they’re looking for. Steer clear if you dislike Michael Bay’s exuberant directorial style.
For another sci-fi action thriller in the same vein, check out Paycheck, Total Recall, or Minority Report. For a classic science fiction movie with a similar premise, try Logan’s Run. For a sci-fi mystery that toys with similar ideas, try Oblivion. For dystopian science fiction that’s heavy on action, try Equilibrium.
6.9 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 for honest, fun action that makes good use of its sci-fi premise.