The Island (2023) Poster

(III) (2023)

User Reviews

Review this title
14 Reviews
Sort by:
Filter by Rating:
4/10
You have awaken the Devil
nogodnomasters13 August 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Mark (Michael Jai White) is a Los Angeles detective. We see his brother Akeem (Tristan Duncan ) killed by Manuel Alverez (Edoardo Costa ) who is a Dos Equis meme. Mark returns to his island home for his brother's funeral and we discover he is the only guy without an accent. His ex-wife (Gillian White) is there and runs a dojo. Mark investigates his brother's murder which is blamed on gangs. There is a Van Damme scene with a gang. He eventually gets to Nora (Cami Storm), the witness who like red wine.

Script was dry. I am sure AI could do better. Dialogue was boring.

Guide: F-word. No sex or nudity.
7 out of 13 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
6/10
Brothers keeper (revenger)
kosmasp6 January 2024
No pun intended - you have to have some love for B-movie action movies to say the least. Also being a fan of Michael Jai White does help. I am not sure if I heard him say this in an interview or not ... but there are some fight scenes in this that he would not suggest doing in real life. Anytime anyone is doing something with knives for example ... but this is a movie, so suspend your disbelief and go with the flow (of fighting).

The story is quite simple - the inciting incident is ... well it may feel bad and over the top at first ... but if you think about the character, it does make sense. The main bad guy may not feel like the best rival for our hero in the end ... but we circle back to the suspension and hopefully you just get with it ... seen worse movies ... and the action is quite decent ...
1 out of 2 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
3/10
Unwatchable Dreck Award Winner
clivejamesrd10 August 2023
This movie is 100% miss able. Within minutes I knew I was in for a raw deal. The only reason I stick it out was so I could say I saw it and have every right, therefore to trash the steaming pile. . .

Bad writing, bad acting, bad directing. It you took a nap while it was on, you got the best out of the deal. This is not a joke.

Now, an aside to the shillers that "reviewed" this mindnumbing hogwash, if you are gonna shill don't go over the top with your 10 star ratings and your raving review. It's waaaaay too obvious that "here be unalloyed, unashamed shilling". Those are red flags. A good shill is a 6-7 rating and some toned down texts that tries to show some balance in your dreck. Serve up some appreciaition for this and for that. Then mention one or two places that could have been better. Stuff like that.

Whatever you do, always remember that yes, a rose is still a rose even if you call it a venus fly trap.

Conversely, a full outhouse is still is still a full outhouse even if you call it the Waldorf Astoria.
31 out of 42 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
3/10
Unwatchable nonsense.
Top_Dawg_Critic26 July 2023
I'm a fan of MJW and he's fun in most B films, but even he deserves better than this nonsense. His action/fighting skills are barely seen in this mess, and when you do see them, they are terribly filmed and choreographed. Maybe a few kicks where decently viewable and impressive.

This film suffered amateur-hour filmmaking. The directing was in line with what you'd expect to see from a fifth grade drama class. Then it took two writers to come up with a predictable, generic, cliched and dull story that's been done many times before, and all much better. Even the normally comfortable 90 min runtime felt endless with the slow pacing, long dragged out and mostly unnecessary scenes. The score was your typical B-film fare, loud, overbearing and unfitting. Most of the actors were portrayed as cartoonish cliched characters to the point of cringe and eyerolls.

Even if you're a fan of MJW, don't waste your time with this nonsense, it barely classifies as a bad B-film, more like a bad C-film if such category existed. Aside from the similar pretty ariel scenic Hawaiian landscape shots, there's nothing redeemable or worth watching in this mess.
26 out of 36 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
3/10
An absolute travesty
keshmacharia14 August 2023
I love Michael Jai White acting/fighting skills but they were totally wasted in this movie. For an actor of his caliber, he deserves much better. I just sat through the entire movie just for his sake but I can conclude it was terrible.

The writing, acting and directing are just horrendous. Bad acting portrayed in the movie. The storyline was just all over the place. Some scenes didn't make sense, couldn't make out their importance. For anyone wanting to watch this movie, I will advise not to waste your time. I gave it a 3 rating just because of Michael Jai White, otherwise it would have been much lower.
9 out of 13 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Good Action Cinema
genefreemanjr20 October 2023
Director Shaun Piccinino's latest film, "The Island," featuring the charismatic and formidable Michael Jai White, is a gripping return to classic action cinema. This action-packed thriller takes viewers on a suspenseful journey of revenge, set against a backdrop of a beautiful island paradise corrupted by a nefarious tycoon.

Michael Jai White delivers a powerhouse performance as LAPD officer Mark, whose life takes a tragic turn when his brother is brutally murdered. The loss of his loved one propels him on a relentless quest for answers and, ultimately, vengeance. White's portrayal of a man seeking justice is both emotionally charged and physically commanding, showcasing his impressive martial arts skills.

One of the film's standout elements is its lush cinematography. The Island setting, with its pristine beaches and lush jungles, starkly contrasts the violence that unfolds.

The cinematography expertly captures the beauty of the location, only to contrast it with the darkness that lurks beneath the surface.

Piccinino masterfully uses the island's natural beauty to intensify the action sequences' impact.

In conclusion, "The Island" is a captivating action thriller that allows Michael Jai White to shine in a role that showcases his acting and martial arts abilities. Shaun Piccinino's masterful direction, coupled with the film's picturesque setting and exhilarating action, makes it a must-see for fans of classic action cinema.
4 out of 8 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
2/10
Why do he need his wife in every movie?
Byoobonik24 October 2023
Michael Jai White, a supremely skilled martial artist and actor, has graced both remarkable and forgettable films with his presence. Known for his impressive combat abilities and powerful screen presence, White's talent is undeniable. However, even a martial arts master like him cannot always rescue a movie from a weak script or lackluster direction.

While he has starred in some acclaimed action films like "Black Dynamite," he has also appeared in less successful works.

Sometimes (pretty often), scripts are written by inexperienced or underqualified writers who may lack the skills to create a compelling and coherent story.
6 out of 11 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
9/10
Solid Action, Amazing Scenery, Tons of Heart!
reviewsfilmfan19 August 2023
Don't listen to the troll haters just chomping at the bit to leave 1 star reviews. They live to tear others down. I watched this movie with open mind, knowing it's most likely a small budget action/revenge type film. From the opening minutes the scenery and landscapes of the island are absolutely stunning. Also I was taken by surprise towards the beginning (no spoilers though). As the film gets into action I was entertained every step along the way. Michael Jai is stoic and badass as always and his partner played by Jackson Rathbone was surprisingly funny! I want a sequel with more of their dynamic! The action through out is solid and the main villain (forget actors name) is really nasty (in a good villain way). This is a fun and solid watch that of course isn't going to win any Oscar's. My advice is don't listen to trolls and give it a watch.
5 out of 13 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Great Action Movie
andykoponen22 July 2023
This movie has it all for an action movie to watch with your friends, spouse, or by yourself. Great storyline, solid acting, beautiful photography, and wonderful music. The fight scenes were my favorite. I watched it with my wife on our day off and it was a fun afternoon.

Michael Jai White and Gillian White really worked well together, as well as Jackson Rathbone. Edoardo Costa played off perfect as my favorite bad guy.

I'm a retired policeman and former wrestler so I tend to judge movies harshly when it comes to firearm tactics and martial arts, but I saw nothing that stopped the flow of just a good action film.

Great movie. I'd watch it again.

All the best,

Kope.
12 out of 58 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Revenge Film With Heart
actionmovienerd30 January 2024
Look of course this film falls into the B action movie genre and isn't going to be winning any oscars or golden globes. Be that as it may, for the type of ass kicking, revenge tale film that it is, it's really a cut above most others in this space. The heart of the film is family and standing up for where you came from. Reminds me of old samurai films in a lot of ways. I really enjoyed the premise, MJW totally kicking ass as usual, a villian we can love to hate and a beautiful setting such as this nameless Island. If you enjoy action films from the 80's and 90's this one is right up your alley!!!
2 out of 5 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
9/10
Michael Jai White Has Still Got It!
actionmanfilmbuff19 August 2023
Michael Jai White does what he does so well!!! I set out to watch this movie without too big of expectations but was pleasantly surprised by the story, characters, location and the message. Michael's character love for his family doesn't allow him to do anything less then take on an entire criminal underworld (almost) by himself! Also I was surprised by some of the comic relief in here, especially by Michael's characters police partner. All in all this is a really fun, surprisingly bloody, action fest shot on a gorgeous Caribbean island. Highly recommend this popcorn action film, it's definitely worth a watch with your action film friends!
3 out of 11 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Forget the others - This was great
haveachat-8633413 August 2023
I like action movies.

Not a huge critic - I leave that to them to argue amongst themselves, as they do. They think they can out-do each other.

It's actually a narcissistic trait.

So, the movie, the visuals are beautiful, the island is beautiful also, where this whole saga plays out.

So, I am not going to spoil anything.

It is a great watch, plenty of action and if you like gun movies, this is right up there, same goes for if you like drug runner movies, it's right there.

The story has many deaths, but from a vengeance perspective, a broth needlessly killed, transpires in the movie you are about to watch, and I hope you do.
5 out of 24 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Great action movie.
joss-7952925 July 2023
I love action movies, that is my favorite genre. I watched The Island movie with a couple of friends and it was fun and very entertaining. Great storyline, good acting, amazing locations.

Michael Jai White is always great, and for actions fights there is no one better than him, Gillian White was great too, great presence on screen, as well as the rest of the cast specially the bad guys.

I think the Director, Shaun Piccinino knows how to get the best out of his actors as you can see on the screen. I've watched few of his films and I always think he is very talented and I think he is the next big director in Hollywood. I hope he does more action movies than romantic comedies, but I will watch anything he does. I recommend this movie as you will have a good time watching it! Enjoy.
8 out of 53 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Phenomenal
ljjpiccinino23 July 2023
This movie perfectly portrays action and the connection of family. It is a must watch for any fan of action and beautiful cinematography. A beautiful location and great camera work, it is perfectly cast and is exhilarating to watch. Definitely worth the watch of the movie perfect revenge movie. If you love John Wick and Fast and Furious saga with the revenge of a loved one and is all about family this one is for you. The director definitely knows what he is doing, the beautiful shots and the score was just a genius at play. Definitely watch this and all the directors other movies, one of my new favorites for sure.
7 out of 54 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink

See also

Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews


Recently Viewed