The Island (2005) User Reviews

Original, Intriguing and Scary View of Science, Ethic and Future Society

[claudio_carvalho · 8/10 · 10 December 2005]

In 2019, Lincoln Six Echo (Ewan McGregor) and Jordan Two Delta (Scarlett Johansson) are best friends in a repressive and intriguing society, where everybody expects to win the lottery. The prize is to move to a paradisiacal island outside the domes that protect the dwellers against the contaminated environment. Jordan wins the lottery, and Lincoln accidentally finds the scary truth behind the utopist award.

"The Island" is an original, intriguing and scary view of science, ethic and society in a near future. Using elements of "Logan's Run", "Matrix", "Gattaca" and "The Thirteenth Floor", among other sci-fi movies, and non-stop action, it is a surprisingly great film. I liked very much the amoral behavior of Dr. Merrick (Sean Bean), with a total lack of ethic, and the possibility of replacement parts raised in the story. Scarlett Johansson and Ewan McGregor shows a good chemistry, and watching this sci-fi / action movie is worthwhile, even to think how cloning process shall be discussed by the society and controlled through well-studied laws. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): "A Ilha" ("The Island")

Underrated!

[qball_82 · 7/10 · 3 August 2005]

I found The Island to be highly enjoyable - a great Summer blockbuster that isn't quite mindless. It raises a number of very interesting questions...

Plenty of eye candy in every form, the two leads, the scenery, explosions, action sequences, the cinematography, everything you would expect from Michael Bay and Co.

The pacing to begin with is somewhat slow as the premise is set up (though disappointingly the trailers give it all away), but once it launches into the first action sequence it doesn't let up for some time. Yes the story has a number of plot holes but you can easily overlook them and get swept away in the fun. I've never seen Johansson on film until now and WOW, now I know what all the fuss is about. Her and McGregor display enough chemistry to make their relationship believable but only just. I'm sure this will only propel them onto bigger and better things.

My one and only gripe was with the ending scene complete with cheesy choral accompaniment - blech! Maybe Bay just couldn't help himself. I suppose no film is perfect..

7 out of 10, solid, fun entertainment, what more can you ask for?

The Popcorn Action Sci-Fi Thriller for summer 2005

[ScottDMenzel · 7/10 · 24 July 2005]

I worked at Eworks when I first saw the trailer for "The Island." I wasn't blown away by the trailer and neither was anyone I worked with, mainly because we couldn't figure out what the hell the movie was about. Several trailers and TV spots later, I still felt the same way about it. The only thing about the film that interested me was the cast. I really like Scarlett Johansson, Ewan McGregor, and Steve Buscemi. So considering that there was nothing else out this weekend I decided to give "The Island" a chance.

"The Island" is basically about the end of the human race or so we think. The movie's basic storyline for the film is this: the human race gets contaminated and there is this compound that rescues people and decontaminates them. So all of the world's survivors live in this compound with the ultimate goal of going to the Island, where everyone can live a safe and happy life. However, Lincoln (Ewan McGregor) finds that this compound doesn't make much sense and begins to question the whole idea of the island. It isn't long before Lincoln finds out the truth behind the island but just when he does his best friend Jordan (Scarlett Johansson) gets selected to go to the island. It is now up to Lincoln to save Jordan and the rest of the people in the compound from going to the island and ultimately finding out the truth of their existence. An intense and action packed film ensues…

Like I said earlier this film never really interested me but since this summer is really lacking in films, I gave it a chance and I am glad I did. This movie may actually be Michael Bay's move from all action to action and story. While there are still some plot holes in the film and the script could use a little fixing up, the majority of the film was well done especially for someone like Michael Bay. The story was very interesting and seemed pretty realistic. Sure it had a few far-fetched action scenes but what's a summer action movie without them? But on the whole it was action packed, entertaining, interesting, and thought provoking film(wow who would believe that one day I could say that about a Michael Bay movie).

I also never thought I would see Scarlett Johansson play in a Hollywood action/thriller and from her scenes in the trailer it looked like I never wanted to either. However I was pleasantly surprised by how she pulled it off. She seemed to fit the role and was very good at it. But if you ask me would I rather see her in big budget popcorn flicks or independent films, I would still pick the independent films. Ewan McGregor was actually good as well, and again I never thought I would see him pull off a role like this but I guess that proves that both McGregor and Johansson are good actors. It's was also fun to have Ewan and Scarlett giving the film a few chuckles here and there. Steve Buscemi is our comedic relief guy as well as the guy who basically explains the whole island thing to us. He was good but I felt was cut out of the film awfully fast.

Bottom line is that I was pleasantly surprised with the outcome of "The Island." It was a lot better then "War of the Worlds" which basically had all action and no story. This film doesn't have a perfect story, but it still has one and has an interesting concept at that. This film isn't going to win best picture any time soon but it's a good summer blockbuster. The basic premise of the film to me seems very believable in the near future. I just suggest buying the biggest popcorn and soda at the theater and enjoy! MovieManMenzel's final rating for "The Island" is a 7/10

Just a little better than pretty good, but also just a little unoriginal

[mstomaso · 7/10 · 20 March 2007]

Michael Bay has had his directoral ups and downs, but here in the big budget action realm, the director of the excellent The Rock seems right at home. This time, Bay welds the action to a solid, if somewhat unoriginal sci fi plot - which blends elements of Logan's Run, THX-1138 and Gattaca.

Ewan McGregor and Scarlett Johanson are an attractive couple living in a completely medically regulated community designed to repopulate a world decimated by a mass extinction. Ethan Phillips, Djimon Hounsou and Sean Beam all provide excellent support. Beam is miraculously transformed into his clever, arrogant and suspect character. Phillips is also particularly memorable as their slightly unhinged pal.

Life in an enclosed, sterile environment, with all of their needs taken careof - including neatly arranged and identical uniforms, jobs, and three square can be a great bore, so - once a week or so - the sponsoring corporation gives away a one way ticket to the only place in the outside world which isn't lethal - The Island.

McGregor's Licoln Six Echo and a number of his cohorts are becoming increasingly agitated and curious about their home. All the while, his platonic relationship with Jordan Two Delta (Johanson) grows. But then, she wins her ticket to the island.

I have described the basic set up, and sci-fi fans will probably understand that this film actually sits among Logan's Run, gattaca, THX-1138 and other intelligent dystopian sci films. What may be a little harder to visualize is how stylistically indebted to Gattaca and THX-1138 this film is. Ewan McGregor doesn't really look like Ethan Hawke, and Scarlett Johanson is certainly not easily mistaken for Uma Thurmond, but between the cinematography, the themes, and the overall prettiness of the cast, the homage is obvious. The camera work is excellent, and the pace is spot-on, though it does become a little breathless toward the end.

Nevertheless, The Island stands on its own as a nice example of big budget sci fi which does not insult its audience's intelligence and uses its budget to tell an interesting story - not just to show off a lot of special effects and highly improbable action (though there is quite a lot of both here anyway). Recommended for serious and semi-serious sci fi fans.

Trust me, this movie is very underrated

[burnzyburns · 9/10 · 8 December 2020]

Critics hate this movie and who knows why, maybe the expectations for it were huge, but I am telling you The Island is an amazing time.

Normally I shy away from Michael Bay movies or anything of his material but The Island is like his rare dime of the pile.

There is great acting and chemistry between McGregor and Johansson and Steve Buschemi was near flawless in his short cameo appearances.

The plot is sci-fi, action and some great drama. I really REALLY enjoyed the story as it surprised me at times. I thought the plot was bold and risky but it definitely payed off and it's too bad Bay hasn't gone this direction with a lot of his movies. He always seems to ditch stories and focus way too much on action to fill in the time. The Island succeeds because it's a strong blend of those 3 genres.

It wouldn't be surprising if you have never heard of this movie. I never see it on tv and I don't know many people who have seen it. It is sadly very underrated. This is an excellent movie and I strongly recommend it to anyone.

A fun ride....

[pekjr4 · 7/10 · 23 July 2005]

I liked "The Island" quite a bit due for two reasons: a depiction of the future which wasn't too "over the top", which was refreshing, coming from Bay, and that the leads were very effective at portraying their characters. McGregor, from his acting, and Johansson, from her open, fresh expression. There could have been a little more exploration of the cloning question, and I felt the action was, while visually beautiful, mundane. The score was outstanding, the theme beautifully matching the opening to the film. Pity there wasn't more of it. Sean Bean, to those used to his villainous work in "Patriot Games", and "Goldeneye", was a little weak, but due to writing, not his thespian skills. And what's a Micheal Bay or Cohen Brothers movie without Steve Buscemi? His character was relatively weak, with no real motivation behind his actions in the film. Djimon Hounsou has a pretty good part. Nice to see him carry a substantial role. One good reason to see the film: great visuals, good looking people with consistent positive ideals. Pretty to watch.

Exhilarating great concept

[UniqueParticle · 9/10 · 12 May 2020]

I absolutely love the dialogue and wild action! Among one of few Micheal Bay films that is awesome, I forgot how enthralling The Island is. Ewen Mcgreggor did so good throughout along with everyone else like Sean Bean he's a great villain in most anything. I imagine the budget was wildly expensive especially with destruction, cars, and the special effects. Quite a unique Sci-Fi very original, mind blowing cat and mouse on a large scale.

*shrug* Worked for me

[Thunderbuck · 7/10 · 30 April 2006]

As big action-blockbusters go, "The Island" isn't bad, and deserves a better life on video than it had at the box office. I'd hardly call it great, but like all good science fiction, it has it's basis in ideas, and this movie holds to its ideas well.

"The Island" is reasonably entertaining, with some fun (if over-the-top) action sequences, and the production design has some interesting ideas of how we'll live in the future (hint: a LOT of us will apparently be driving Chrysler 300's, especially the police). The "value of life" argument is developed reasonably well, and the characters manage to hold your attention.

Bear in mind that Micheal Bay directed "Armageddon". I might not be saying that much, but "The Island" really is better.

Modern day Documentary

[jad_kojok · 18 December 2021]

This movie shows you exactly where we're headed to as a society, if not there already. Conformity and obeying (blindly), no emotions, nor humanity, no wondering nor questioning, no self-reflection. Humanity being lied to and enslaved by the forever ruling 1%.

Wake up !

a white world

[mayis_sikintisi · 7/10 · 9 May 2020]

I don't like Michael Bay movies very much, but it was great. The future has been heaven for some people and hell for other people. The event you have been waiting impatiently for years may be your hell. I think everyone should watch.

Nice adventure in a dystopic setting

[bellino-angelo2014 · 8/10 · 26 April 2023]

I had heard for years about THE ISLAND because of its stellar cast and also because it's directed by Michael Bay, who always makes enjoyable blockbusters. Last March I finally saw it and it stood to my expectations.

The movie is set in 2019 where a huge contamination has made the Earth an unhospitable place and the few survivors live in a giant technological structure where life is organized and monitored even in the tiniest details and a lottery selects who has to go in an island where there can be a new future. Tom Lincoln (Ewan McGregor) waits since three years to win the lottery but not only he doesn't have the requirements but also has too many questions and a frequent nightmare that has discussed with technician James McCord (Steve Buscemi). After discovering that the lottery winners have to die of horrible deaths Tom decides to escape with Sarah Jordan (Scarlett Johannson) and discover that there is no contamination, only to be chasen by mercenary Albert Laurent (Djimon Hounsou) sent by Doctor Merrick (Sean Bean) and after lots of chases and explosions, free all the humans in the structure and let them live a normal life.

The acting by all was good and the action sequences great, not surprising since it's directed by Bay. And the plot and settings were great as well, with various hidden meanings and feel good ending.

Not to be missed if you are Bay fans and overall, an entertaining misunderstood movie from the 2000s.

Excellent

[kmahaffey · 10/10 · 2 December 2006]

I, and also my whole family, found this movie extremely enjoyable and very underrated. I have to admit that I had't even heard of this movie and almost passed it by, as soon as it started, I was glad that I didn't.

Because of the content of a lot of movies (ie. graphic sex and/or violence) it can sometimes be hard to find a movie that the whole family can enjoy without feeling uncomfortable (or falling asleep). I found that "The Island" has everything I want in a movie, action, adventure, comedy, and an extremely well written plot line, without an overabundance of sex or violence.

I feel that this movie is well worth watching and highly recommend it.

loved it

[tararau · 10/10 · 31 July 2005]

The Island is the first Michael Bay movie I have seen and I really enjoyed it. Far more entertaining than War Of The Worlds for example, which I found quite boring.

The story is pretty standard issue Sci Fi. Fine by me (I wasn't expecting Bladerunner). It's a story of cloning and bad scientists up to no good. It's a quest movie and a chase movie. It looks fabulous, some nice toys to enjoy. The chase scenes maybe improbable but who cares? It's not Hotel Ruanda (great by the way - love Don Cheedle!!).

You know, I actually found it quite touching and was definitely invested in the well being of the main characters

Ewan McGregor is excellent, he is really fun to watch, he takes the movie seriously and it works. He's a really good actor, why haven't I noticed that before? Easy one the eye too which is always good.

Scarlet Johanson is also good, she is lovely to behold and she also turns in a good performance (though never with out lip gloss no matter what) darned makeup people!.

Djimon Hounsou doesn't have as much to do as the above (they are on screen pretty much the whole movie), however,he holds our attention when he is on screen, another fine actor.

If you want some fun, nothing too deep, that looks good and acting that is entirely entertaining. If you enjoy the adrenalin rush of a good chase and some epic destruction (like I do) this is your movie. Go. 10/10 for FUN.

at best it's sort of watchable as a preposterous sci-fi movie, at worst, well, Michael Bay IS the director...

[Quinoa1984 · 6/10 · 26 August 2006]

The Island is at least a partial remake of any given number of science fiction movies (among those referenced have been Logan's Run, Clonus, THX, and even the Truman Show), and it owes something to the preposterous science fiction movies of the 1950s where characters are one-dimensional, the storyline is fairly easily readable if you're into the genre, and it's got a lot of turn-off-your-mind action. So being in the 21st century and in a HUGE production mounted by Armageddon/Pearl Harbor gunner Michael Bay, what the Island is and what its content holds and how its done is not lost on me. In fact, it's not even really a 'bad' movie, though at one point about 90 minutes in I had to say to myself "this is one stupid movie". Because The Island tries for the thought provoking measures of say THX 1138 and The Truman Show, by taking the clone side of the picture in the stem-cell debate (is it ethical to create life to save others only to destroy the 'spare parts') in the future. But even in the first half and a bit in the second half of the movie, as it tires to dig into the subject matter and be smarter than just a humongous summer action movie that can possibly leave you a few IQ points lower, there's an empty quality to it too. What can be said except it's Michael Bay doing what he does.

So, it's really just a big B-movie that's masqueraded with 100 million+, two really good-looking stars (McGregor and Johannsen), and even a couple of excellent actors either underused (Buscemi, in maybe five minutes of the movie) or one-sided to the point of inertia (Sean Bean as the 'God' of the Echoes and Jordans and so on). McGregor's character starts off having weird dreams, investigates around the area, and finds out his fellow 'people' are just shells used for spare parts. He gets Johannsen out with him into the real world, chased my a mercenary (Djimon Hounsu, not given much else to do but look stoic and give out orders in yelling form). It leads to, naturally a scene between TWO McGregors on camera, and the kind of scene where the two of them, at gunpoint, have to tell the hunters "I'M LINCOLN!" "NO, I'M LINCOLN!" Which is around where I said the 'stupid' line.

At the end of the Island, I knew it was the kind of movie, as well, that I could recommend to some and not to others. If you're looking for something to which Michael Bay has a kind of near auteur-like knack of doing- big chases, explosions, car crashes, large, sweeping camera shots across terrains, and editing fast enough and photography quick and shiny enough to leave your eyes dizzy, this is just the ticket. That it has inklings of satire about the current state of science, albeit rather simplistic and not as probing like with THX or Truman Show, might strike the fans fancy. But if you're more of a serious science fiction movie fan, not really up for Bay's brand of cinematic whiplash action f***-off movie-making, it might be a slightly arduous experience. From one who's seen Bay movies that are decent (The Rock) and wretched (Armageddon, Pearl Harbor), it's possibly somewhere in the middle. Sometimes pretentious, sometimes fun, a kind of polished, glistening throwback to other movies and books. Overall, it's hit and miss.

You have to be imaginative.

[chelsea-margaret · 7/10 · 10 July 2005]

I saw this movie last night in a sneak preview in Los Angeles. I wasn't exactly sure what to expect, it looked like it would be a visual feast, like other Bay films are, but I wasn't sure what it was about. And to be honest, for the first 45 minutes or so I still wasn't sure what it was about. I was more in shock than anything and I was wondering if it was going to start making more sense. But it comes together really well and you totally understand it but appreciate the fact that it stretches your mind. And it has a good dose of comedy, but not just from Steve Buscemi, (who steals every scene he is in) but it offers simplistic and entertaining humor all around. Yes, there are certain "plot holes" and I am sure that the story wasn't as strong as it could be but Ewan and Scarlett have such good chemistry and the movie is just so much fun that you don't notice the mistakes or the weaknesses.

In short, it entertains as it works.

I think the people that will be the biggest critics of this movie are the ones that can't get past the realistic factor. But I guess you could say it is unrealistic in the same way Minority Report was, you have to be able to get into the different world they are creating for you. And it is a bit long at parts, but you don't mind cause it's enjoyable.

I really liked it, and if you are looking for a visual feast and that fun summer action film, skip Fantastic Four and check out The Island.

Powerful story with awesome and young actors: Ewan McGregor and Scarlett Johansson

[ma-cortes · 7/10 · 3 November 2006]

This movie is more than an action film,it's a great story with interesting characters .The picture displays action packed,car chases,things blowing up and crashing and bad guys and good guys fighting.The action is up and running and the chase is on.It's a fun ride but also there's a real human core,it's the kind of film with something at the heart of it.Michael Bay created a facility as a secret place underground like a private sector corporation.It was the biggest set ,it was built at a Boeing plant in a one of the largest sets ever shot,it was five football fields long.This inside environment of the clone village or city takes part of its clue from the fact that it's converted in a military underground bunker.It's kind of like a ¨Big Brother¨place,they watch over you.The film contains exceptional images as when a big camera shot that follows through a hole in the wall and then the camera starts spiraling down a really tall set and we see the ¨Agnates¨in various stages of development and the camera continuing through the cables into the department of operations which is where inadvertently the lifeblood of the facility is going through the hands of the clones but they are creating themselves.

The movie gets a really strong visual sense and magnificent look at those action sequences.The stunts are continually improving in the way to get spectacular shot.The stunts throw a lot of wheels that weighted 500 pound and they mounted cameras on the vehicles and can crash right into other vehicles that are overturning and flipping on the air,so it actually become part of the action and the pursuits cars are just astounding and turn out to be one of the most astounding scenes ever shot.Michael Bay work is extraordinary and pretty energetic but we see that he's great at what he does ,but he used five cameras with dangerous positions.The flick will like to Sci-fi and action movies fans

So close

[DrTuvok · 6/10 · 15 December 2020]

2019? Darn it, if they only would have moved the year up by one this would have been a hilariously prophetic movie. Loved all the talk about 'contamination', 'quarantine', and 'proximity alerts'. These type of buzzwords are all over the place now, so that would have made the movie even funnier.

Maybe Michael Bay's Best Movie

[LeonLouisRicci · 9/10 · 11 February 2015]

Critics Favorite Whipping Boy, Director Michael Bay, has Made a Movie that Begs for Reconsideration. At Least for the Moment. The Always Overblown Style is Here Combined with a Good, if Derivative Story. The Timeless Trope of Dystopia, Deception, and Big Brother Sins that Have Become a Fertile Film Farm for Animals on the Hack.

Sure, Some of Bay's Sins are Here and to be Kind let's call them Auteur Flourishes. Blowing Stuff Up in a Really Cool Way, Hyper-Active and Fun Chase Scenes, Product Placement, and a Sophomoric Screenplay.

This is One of the Director's Best Movies. Maybe The Best. It is Completely Watchable and Virtually Cringe-Free. He Makes Everything Come Together in Such a Pretty Package with Mega-Budget Madness and Beautiful Stars and Beautiful Sets and Beautiful Cinematography. He Places All that Beauty in Front of Some Horrific and Modern Concerns About Cloning, and Even Manages to Ask Some Good Questions.

Do these Manufactured Products, Insurance Policies for the Ultra-Rich, have Souls, for Example. Not New or Deep Questions but Relevant Questions Nonetheless. So this is Michael Bay at His Most Philosophical and Michael Bay at His Most Contemplative. That May be Like Seeing a Drive Through Shrink or a Mail Order Preacher but At Least its Better than No Counsel at All.

The Irony is that when the Director Finally Decides to Make a Movie that is Deeper than Usual and Thinks Just a Little Bit...Surprise...It's a Big Flop. So there You Go. His Mindless, Cringe-Fests Make Oodles of Money and the One Where He Borrows from Some Deep Thinkers and When He Tries the Least Little Bit to have Some Substance, No One Cares.

That's a Shame Really, Because this is a Highly Entertaining Movie and is Some Food for Thought for the "Fun With Dick and Jane" Crowd.

Original

[drdroad-838-334080 · 9/10 · 2 December 2019]

Great cast and story, I think most people well easily find this entertaining.

Brilliant

[OneFiveSixFour · 9/10 · 22 December 2019]

Suspenseful, charming, and over all exciting, The Island is an overlooked gem that everyone should give a watch.

A direct rip-off

[StanleyStrangelove · 5 August 2005]

This movie is a direct rip-off of the 1979 film The Clonus Horror. Here is the IMDb plot summary of that movie.

"Plot Summary for The Clonus Horror (1979) A young man escapes from a government run project called Clonus only to find out that Peter Graves (Jeff Knight) a candidate for Presidency is a conspirator to keep Clonus a secret. Top government officials are aware of it and support the super secret project, because they are cloning themselves to live longer and better lives, at the expense of their clone counter-part, who is no more than a "slave" as far as human rights are concerned. The ethical and moral values are explored as the escapee (Tim Donnelly) known as Richard returns full circle back to Clonus, only to find his girlfriend lobotomized for government security purposes."

It is surprising the creators of The Clonus Horror have not filed a lawsuit. The Island also rips off heavily from The Matrix and Logan's Run, both of which are much superior films.

Directed by Michael Bay, The Island stars Scarlett Johansson (LOST IN TRANSLATION) and Ewan McGregor (STAR WARS) as Lincoln Six Echo/Tom Lincoln and Jordan Two Delta/Sarah Jordan.

Unlike the Clonus Horror, this movie has product placements for the following products, and they are VERY OBVIOUS: Aquafina, Puma shoes, Cadillac, MSN, X-Box, Johnny Rockets. Much of the movie has the philosophical depth of a commercial.

You may remember the joke in This Is Spinal Tap about the amplifier with a volume knob that goes to 11. The volume on this movie is 49.

There are the obligatory car chases and the two stars are wasted in this bombastic mess.

Not as bad as other people made out

[LadyLoftus · 7/10 · 16 January 2006]

I rented this flick as I didn't fancy anything else on offer, and I thought it was quite good! Clearly Pearl Harbour and Armageddon were totally rubbish. But this was pretty entertaining. Plus really good surround sound. Ewan was outstanding. I caught the end of Arnie's 6th Day on the same evening I view this, and found this film far superior. Good fun, visually impressive but "suspend your disbelief" if you want to enjoy it fully.

Although the some of you might see the similarities between this and the classic Logan's Run (Carosel begins.....Lottery begins....) I think that ultimately Bay has presented a reasonable movie here and although some talent is left with little to do, the two leads have enough rapport to keep you interested.

Decent

[mhorg2018 · 7/10 · 4 July 2018]

Really just a high budget remake of Parts: The Clonus Horror, the cast makes this work. Action packed, with some missing bits of logic, I could easily see a bunch of rich humps running a secret facility full of their clones to keep them alive through organ transplants. It's fun to watch, just don't expect much in the way of logic.

Good movie

[djfrost-46786 · 6/10 · 9 June 2018]

Never heard or seen it tell now. Pretty good I'd say. Kinda like the Matrix, little like Total Recall too. It's worth the watch.

Surprising

[JayPatton88 · 7/10 · 23 June 2020]

Caught this movie on HBO, I thought it was surprisingly good. Great cast, good plot, volatile topic!