Blu-ray Review: The Island

Coming to Blu-ray Tuesday, June 21st is The Island. This 2005 Paramount movie stars Ewan McGregor (The Ghost Writer, Big Fish) and Scarlett Johansson (Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Iron Man 2) as Lincoln Echo Six and Jordan Two Delta, two individuals living in a very structured hive, safe from the contaminated post-apocalyptic outside world. The residents hope for the day they will win the lottery and get to move to The Island, the only place that is still safe outside of their living quarters. But then Lincoln realizes that not everything is as it appears. For instance, the outside world is not post-apocalyptic. Lincoln and Jordan escape from the compound, pursued vigorously by a private security firm hired by compound director Dr. Bernard Merrick (Sean Bean, Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings). Can they alert the public to their plight before they are killed or captured?

If you missed this movie when it came out, it would be a good idea to check out this Blu-ray release. It's action packed, as expected for a movie directed by Michael Bay (Transformers, Armageddon), but it also has a lot of heart. The story of two naive individuals who figure out their world is wrong, and are willing to do anything to save not only themselves, but everyone else being manipulated, is a wonderful tale. Their plight is central to the story, and the Bay signature touches merely enhance the experience, rather than drowning it out.

Also, performances by not just McGregor, Johansson, and Bean, but also by supporting cast Steve Buscemi (Boardwalk Empire, The Big Lebowski), Dijimon Hounsou (Gladiator, Blood Diamond), Michael Clarke Duncan (The Green Mile, the upcoming FOX series The Finder), and Ethan Phillips (Star Trek: Voyager) are all flawless. These actors give some of their finest work. I'd elaborate, but I hate to spoil the twists and turns of the plot. Trust me. It's obvious once you watch what I refer to for each one. 

Continued on the next page Page 1 — Page 2
Spread the word
Bookmark and Share
Profile image for jeromewetzeltv

Article Author: JeromeWetzelTV

Jerome Wetzel has hosted two entertainment based podcasts, "Geek Out With Jimmy" and "The Good, The Bad, & The Geeky". He is also the author of the An Actor's Nightmare book series. He currently writes television reviews for examiner.com and blogcritics.org. …

Visit JeromeWetzelTV's author pageJeromeWetzelTV's Blog

Read comments on this article, and add some feedback of your own
  • No image found

Article comments

Add your comment, speak your mind

Personal attacks are NOT allowed.
Please read our comment policy.
Please preview your comment.