Another Cinema Review!

Yes, I know this about Japan and my adventures etc within said country, but I like to post the occassional film review, so here goes -

THE ISLAND

Director Michael Bay can only really make one kind of movie. We all know that Pearl Harbour was a big pile of doggies poop, but the 40 or so minutes when the Japanese fighters bombed the shit out of the Americans were fantastic. A Michael Bay Movie (tm) is loud, glossy and contains enough pyrotechnics to make Guy Fawkes envious. The Island is no exception.

However, the trademark Bay action does not really kick in until around the hour mark, and instead we are treated to a slow, Logan's Run type build up, where the survivors of a planet wide "contamination" are carefully "protected" from the outside world. Looking like a Day- Spa for LA's finest, the world these people inhabit is clean, meticulous and cold. They are told what to eat. What to wear. The only salvation being the perfection of their existance and the golden ticket of a one way trip to the mythical Island.

Unsure of his place, and haunted by disturbing dreams is Lincoln Six Echo (Mcgregor) who apart from his growing disillusionment, has affection for Jordan Two Delta (Johansson). But of course Lincoln Six Echo's fears are proved true, and that the Island is just a lie, or to put it more precise, another word for death. As soon as this truth kicks in, the Bay rollercoaster begins and he pulls out some of the most impressive explosions seen this year, as The Island becomes one hectic chase movie.

The pairing of Mcgregor and Johansson makes for an interesting and vulnerable pair of heroes. Mcgregor sporting a ridiculous American accent (but for a reason, and a rather funny reason at that), seems to be turning into quite the action hero these days. Johansson on the other hand, glows and despite some ridiculous dialogue turns in a gutsy performance. Support comes from rent-a-villain Sean Bean, who again adds subtlety and nuance to a two dimensional role and an impressive understated performance from Djimon Honsou.

All in all I have quite got my head around the thematic and metaphysical aspects of this film yet. Is it about the evil of man ? Or the power of choice and humanity ? Or is it a reverse storytelling of the Eden myth ? All in all, despite a meatier and more thought-provoking premise, this is Michael Bay movie...Just don't forget your popcorn. Oh, and bring some of your brain this time.

7.5 out of 10