Movie Review: The Island

Vivificat! - A Catholic Blog of Commentary and Opinion | 30 July 2005 | Teófilo

[Teófilo]

Yesterday I went to the movies with a dear friend and watched The Island, staring with Ewan McGregor and Scarlett Johansson. What a great movie! It raised very timely issues regarding cloning, bio-ethics, the meaning of being human, of having a soul, of harvesting organs from human clones, of gassing them when they become "defective." Oh, and lots of special effects and chase scenes.

I am amazed that a movie like this made it out of Hollywood. Don't expect too much hoolabaloo about it, other than the mandatory publicity! For the movie raises issues that the dominant cultural establishment doesn't want you to think about in an orderly fashion. I rate it 4 jalapeños out of a possible 5.

- Visit The Island Website.

[mlmr]

Great high res trailer if you like car crashes......

[mlmr]

So what was the movie about?

[Teófilo]

A Pentagon-financed company breeds clones to supply spare body parts for the original donors when they failed; the clones were kept in an aseptic environment reminiscent of Logan's Run, with the pathos of Soylent Green. But the cloners didn't count that the clones would also inherit the memories of the originals. One clone smartens up, figures it out, and flees Clone Factory with a preety clonette. A game's afoot; a chase begins... -Theo

[Jeff Chandler]

A Pentagon-financed company

I am more than a bit weary with the "Evil U.S. Miltary" subthemes.

[MotleyGirl70]

You've got alot of time on your hands for what sounds like a dumb movie. IMO.

[Teófilo]

You've got alot of time on your hands for what sounds like a dumb movie. IMO.

Let's say I grant that to you. I would say in my defense: but my company was delightful.

-Theo

[MotleyGirl70]

Well at least something good came out of it ;)

[Teófilo]

I am more than a bit weary with the "Evil U.S. Miltary" subthemes.

As an active-reserve officer, 20-year military veteran, so am I. But the military bad-guys were only present via tele-conference and only for a few seconds.

Let's have in mind, though, that when watching a sci-fi flick, from interstellar wars to dyspeptic dystopias, one has to suspend judgment or one might not enjoy the movie. So, I suspended some judgment and chose to overlook a couple of clichés, and just enjoyed it.

-Theo

[Windsong]

I am more than a bit weary with the "Evil U.S. Miltary" subthemes

You *are* aware that the military houses Democrats as well, right?

Put the crackpipe down and enjoy the movie for once.

[seawolf101]

I saw the movie over the weekend and I was completely surprised that Hollyweird would come up with a movie such as this. The way that the subject was handled was very good. The timing of the release was perfect.

[Teófilo]

I saw the movie over the weekend and I was completely surprised that Hollyweird would come up with a movie such as this. The way that the subject was handled was very good. The timing of the release was perfect..

Wasn't it? I agree with you, I think so too!

-Theo

[eleni121]

It was fun and very un PC - especially at one point when the heroes (clones) are told that Jesus loves them!

That was a fine moment.

[steve-b]

FIRST FORTY MINUTES: Simple point-by-point hommage (that's French for "ripoff") of Parts: The Clonus Horror.

REMAINING INTERMINABLE PERIOD: Michael Bay's Ritalin wears off. Audience is subject to his standard directorial technique (i.e. clips of explosions, car chases, brawls, and makeout scenes stitched together in no discernable order).