The Island on DVD (2005)

My first ever review of a film

Madbiker from Middlesbrough, England , 11/03/2006

Please read my whole review, if this is the only one you do. I have seen hundreds of films and dvds over the years, and rented many, but I have never, ever been tempted to write a review - until now! I must have watched a different film to everyone else that has left a review here, because I found it to be total tripe. Firstly, it is a total copy of 'Solyent Green' and 'Logan's Run', with shallow, plastic characterisation throughout. Shortly after the start of the film, I remarked to my fiancee that I couldn't believe they got so many 'name' actors to appear in it, however, it soon became clear that it was because of the money. You see in just about every shot, there is blatent 'product placement', (i think that's what they now call it - it used to be called adverts). MSN, Nokia, Chevrolet, Sony Xbox, and countless other brand names are thrust upon us throughout the film, obviously generating vast sums of money with which to pay 'good' actors to appear in something they would not otherwise give a second read to. (I am not joking - watch it if you want to - it's your choice). The plot is, as I said, a rip off, but the original idea was good, just not theirs. The acting by all parties, (no exceptions here), was just adequate. I really did get the impression that they were only in it for the money. I felt insulted by this premise, as a comsumer, even though I got it as part of a rental package, and it didn't cost much. I resent the people behind the film thinking that they can just get away with this purely commercial product - no love sweat or tears went into this one! Finally, I know you are likely to rent this film, because of the good overall star rating it gets, and the mostly good to excellent reviews here, but do me a favour - if you agree with me, please post your comments, because I feel that some redress of the balance is in order. Thank you for reading, and I sincerely do hope you enjoy the film.

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Excellent Story Line with Massive effects

Neill Lawson-Smith from Oxford UK , 15/08/2005

At 2.5hrs, this movie can appear long winded on the face of it - but the story flows smoothly and develops twists naturally without losing the watcher.

The story evolves around a 'perfect' community of several thousand people who are forced by a corporation to live the ideal balanced life. Turns out they are bred as clones of celebs to become 'spare part replacements' if/when the celeb gets hurt/ill.

The story is about what happens when one of these clones finds out the truth of what he is and thinks outside his 'programming', with a view to confronting his celeb purchaser face to face - all to the apolectic actions of the Clone Corporate Management.

Think Bladerunner crossed with Total Recall - and you have an idea of the calibre of this flick.

Special effects, particularly the stunts are edge of seat stuff, and the action is top drawer stuff.

Any downsides - possibly the ending could have more thought, with a couple of unanswered or unexplored storylines - other than that an excellent film.

Its got a very subtle romance, robust action, and engaging storyline - definitely one for the evening in with a takeway and your nearest and dearest.

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Island Paradise........Er...Almost.

drunkenmaster from Merthyr Tydfil, , 13/01/2006

Michael Bay likes big action. No doubt about it. His films fall into two categories though. Ones that work and entertain: See The Rock or Bad Boys. Or those that have big explosions, but little substance: See Armageddon or Pearl Harbor. This one falls somewhere in the middle. The casting of Ewan McGregor and Scarlet Johansson give this a little acting credibility, (When McGregor meats himself is a highlight.) but in the end they spend most of the film running and fighting. The attempt at making this a morale tale is harmless enough, but ultimately this is really just an excuse for some over the top car chases and loads of explosions. Steve Buscemi is on hand with another flippant performance, and Sean Bean sleepwalks his part. That said, this does entertain rather than switch you off. One of Mr Bays better efforts, but not that mentally taxing.

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Poor

Notreve1977 from Leicestershire , 06/03/2006

Poor,poor,poor despite a potentially good story line i was very disapointed with this film.

Although a fan of Ewan Mcgregor his performance suggested to me his heart really wasnt in this film.

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Average acting but worth a looki

Spanners from England [Highly rated reviewer] , 24/07/2007

Was ok, good idea but lost its way at times. Good action scenes and Scarlett was hot as ever, which prob held my attention longer !

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A Brilliant - 10 out of 10

Victoria Windsor from Devon, England , 16/03/2007

I couldn't get enough of this movie, it was very watchable, super plot, suspense, special effects, acting from McGregor and Scarlett Johannsen; a thought provoking movie, not least because the lead actor from the movie 'The Amistad' is seen now and again thinking something over, until the end when he gives us his story.

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