To: Extremely Extreme Extremist
I saw The Island, and it was very entertaining. The story line is fairly plausible, the action is top notch, the characters and world of the future are interesting if not compelling.
Some of the complaints by critics are unwarranted. It made me wonder if they really were paying attention to details.
There are some things some Christians may find objectionable - like a small amount of sexualization (no nudity) and profanity. On the flip side, there is a scene where a man tells the female lead "Jesus must love you... yes, Jesus loves you." I took the line as sincere and tipping the hat to Christians. Steve Buscemi's character describes God in a negative way, but his character is not really a positive model in the story.
My measure for movie success has three levels. First, it must entertain, i.e. hold our attention and keep us interested in the story and characters. The Island succeeds on this level completely. One caveat is that it runs a little long. It never dragged though. I just prefer 90-120 minute lengths (unless they bring back intermissions). Actually this might be a selling point for DVD ownership. Like one critic said, this movie is a double feature in one. And both movies work well, I might add.
On the second level, a movie should inform. That is, the audience should learn something. I would say The Island succeeds moderately in depicting a possible future and providing a social commentary of medical ethics. It does not contribute much new though on this level.
On the third level, some movies have the power to change the audience for the better. As an example, It's A Wonderful Life caused a number of people to abandon suicide plans. And many others have been inspired to appreciate the gift of life more fully. On this level, The Island does not achieve much, in my opinion. I could be wrong though. Perhaps the stance on cloning might cause some to rethink their position on embryonic stem cell research or abortion. I would be surprised.
Any way, The Island is, in my opinion, a well made film. It deserves consideration from adult and teenage audiences. It is not entirely original, but it is also not a cliche or rehashed story. For those interested, I would liken the story to a Matrix prequel. The visuals are worth going to see on the big screen.
To: unlearner
LOL. What did this Plumber guy say that got him removed? Last I read, he was asking me about the Thin Red Line.
43 posted on
07/25/2005 1:53:04 AM PDT by
Rastus
To: unlearner
"Any way, The Island is, in my opinion, a well made film. It deserves consideration from adult and teenage audiences. It is not entirely original, but it is also not a cliche or rehashed story. For those interested, I would liken the story to a Matrix prequel. The visuals are worth going to see on the big screen."
I agree. I was especially impressed with the disiplined continuity of each character as their backround was slowly revealed.
An inherited artist's eye.
"Why does everything have to be white?"
"My Mommy is in the hospital".......Are you my mommy?"
"Five million to cheat death...is cheap"
On delivering a five million dollar product to have her organs harvested,needlessly:
"She (the insured) probably won't survive anyway, too much brain damage".
73 posted on
07/25/2005 7:29:10 AM PDT by
TET1968
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