 Movie
Reviews
with Evelyn Gough
The Island (M)
Directed by Michael Bay
 Ewan
gets the Clockwork Orange treatment while Scarlett tries to attempt Logan's Run.
Director Michael Bay takes baby steps outside his comfort zone in this sci-fi
actioner starring Ewan McGregor and Scarlett Johansson.
Best known for his blockbusters like Armageddon, Pearl Harbour and Bad Boys
this is Bay's first film not produced by Hollywood heavyweight Jerry Bruckheimer
and it shows. OK, admittedly it does lapse back into typical Bay mode 40 minutes
into The Island, when the action comes hard, frenetically fast and full-on, but
for a change, the characters are given time to develop and they're appealingly
vulnerable.
When I first saw the trailer I thought this was a remake of Logan's Run. While
it borrows heavily from this and other sci-fi classics The Island delivers its
own intriguing sci-fi premise before morphing into an edge-of-the-seat chase movie.
Usually I like to give a bit of a low down on the movie storyline but to reveal
too much of The Island's plot would be a real spoiler so I'll keep it brief.
Set in 2019, Ewan McGregor plays Lincoln Six-Echo and his best friend is the
stunning blonde, Jordan Two-Delta (Scarlett Johansson.) Realising there must be
more to life than their humdrum existence the two go on the run, pursued by ruthless
doctor Merrick (Sean Bean) and a deadly group of mercenaries.
That sounds kind of boring but believe me, boring is something this movie is
definitely not. My palms were literally sweating watching it. I was also feeling
a bit over Ewan McGregor but he's fantastic in this role, as is Scarlett Johansson.
Their characters are extremely endearing, you really care about them, and because
of this The Island works, elevating it above your typical Michael Bay smash, crash
and bash-em-up blockbuster.
But Bay fans shouldn't panic - there are enough thrills and spills to completely
satiate even the most ardent action fan.
And speaking of fans... I'm a huge admirer of the very talented Steve Buscemi
who co-stars.
This is white-knuckle entertainment and highly recommended.
Rating: 
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