The opening of The Island is powerful and pays tribute to the beauty of film-making. The overall look and background music (props to Steve Jablonsky) applied have been done near-perfect. It's a short but powerful introduction to the feature and...
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The opening of The Island is powerful and pays tribute to the beauty of film-making. The overall look and background music (props to Steve Jablonsky) applied have been done near-perfect. It's a short but powerful introduction to the feature and probably one of the most memorable scenes I have seen in a while.

At the first part of the movie, we learn about the lives of "clones." Clones are the "insurance plan" for people who can afford to have them. It's a good concept but not something unique. I have no problem with that and am always appreciating ideas being used if they are executed successfully. In this case, for the most part, it is.

The place where the clones reside is very high-tech and certainly seems to have a lot of security. Set design has been greatly done - you can see various equipment such as televisions, tubes, furniture that all match a futuristic theme. Every so often, there is the so-called "lottery." The clone that wins think he or she is going to "The Island." Although, he or she would be disappointed if they were to find out the reality of this scientific breakthrough.

This lottery is fixed and specific clones win it for a reason (if the clone's client has fallen ill and needs their limb). Later on, we find out more about some of the questions we have been wondering. We start to find out more on what the memory of the clones are like and such. Later, the movie changes drastically from sci-fi to action.

SPOILERS AHEAD...
Michael Bay is notable for including action scenes in his movies. The Island doesn't contain as many as some of his previous works but still some pretty impressive ones. The later half revolves around two clones who have escaped. We're pretty much focused outside of the sci-fi environments we were used to at the first part. Although, there are some various futuristic vehicles driving by.

One other thing to point out is the various product placement in The Island. We see far too many logos (particularly Calvin Klein, MSN and Xbox), which do kinda detract from the experience. They're not "just there" but at a few points, there is direct focus on the product placement.

The Island presents some interesting ideas. Maybe nothing too unique but certainly something to make The Island watchable. The two lead roles do great and indeed have a good bond. Length is suitable and probably The Island is one of my favourite movies of 2005. The cinematography, ideas and soundtrack are excellent. Certainly strong points to make me consider watching The Island again in the future.