Released: 7/22/05

Viewed: 9:00:pm 7/22/05

Starring: Ewan McGregor, Scarlett Johansson, Sean Bean, Michael Clark Duncan, Steve Buscemi, Djimon Hounsou.

Directed by: Michael Bay

I'm still a little shaky. Four hours after the movie and I'm still right there, looking over my shoulder, dodging bullets and praying to god that I don't drive into on coming traffic?again. This movie was a ruthless sci-fi masterpiece that refused to let you breathe. Unbelievably intense to the point that you'll forget you have to go to the bathroom. Constantly besting themselves The Island pounded away offering up more and more, except always, bigger, better, and cooler. We have a new Sci-fi action classic to add to the list as this is one of the best films of it's kind since the Matrix. The Island is not as revolutionary or definitive as it's predecessors, but it is brutally entertaining from start to finish.

Never lagging and never boring, the movie switches genres, scenery and themes in the blink for an eye. Before you know it, the interesting sci-fi thinker has become the action blockbuster of the summer. And that's just the thing. When it's not beating you into your seat with fast, clever action, it's feeding candy to your brain with a great story about "spare part" cloning. Rarely does the story match the action so well, but it's the perfect blend of both.

To say it doesn't lag is not something I expected to type tonight. I knew that it clocked in at just over 2 hours. And I knew it was Bay. Master of the never ending movie. Did anyone see Bad Boys 2? Beautiful action, hysterical comedy, and a little over three movies jammed into one. I expected the same with the Island, but, as much story that takes place here, it feels like a complete piece. It feels right.

In the not so distant future, the rich and powerful clone themselves for spare parts. Birthed from what looks like a huge silicone breast implant, these clones are forced to live together in secrecy. But young Ewan McGregor starts asking the obvious questions, and he gets what he thought he wanted. Sort of.

I've got to give the filmmakers credit here. Ewan learns the truth about the Island (I won't say specifics for spoilers sake, but it's pretty obvious and cool at the same time), and he could have easily gone back to the utopian prison the clones are kept in, and tried to resolve the matter from within. But in the snap of a finger all hell breaks loose and the audience is unleashed upon by some of the most intense chase sequences seen this year.

Back to Bay's work in Bad Boy's 2, as long as the movie is, it's got some amazing sequences. The intense 20 minute freeway scene. We see cars being thrown at cars, boats being thrown at cars, and just about 2 dozen other mind blowing stunts and special effects for you to fall in love with. I see now that that was just a warm up for the 3 ton bar bell chase scene in The Island. Placing the movie in the near future resulted in these cars getting TORN UP! It's great. They can keep my 10 bucks just for that chase.

Still, it's Bay so we're treated to the crooked bad ass angles, and the swooping camera that makes taking a piss dramatic. Seriously, that camera is pulling in and out more often then a Russian import porno. In the world of Michael Bay, revealing your hidden gun, and turning your head to the right have the same amount of significance. But I'm not complaining. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time.

The performances all around are great. Unfortunately there wasn't much for Scarlett to do but look good. Thankfully she does in spades. This is really Ewan's movie and he does a great job, even when forced to do the old (mild spoile) "I'm not the clone, he's the clone!" bit.

And we get solid supporting work from the great Sean Bean, as well as Michael Clark Duncan, Steve Buscemi, and the conflicted anti hero Djimon Hounsou. Hounsou has really been stepping it up lately in the cool performances department.

This movie won't change the world. It's not the Matrix or Blade Runner. But it takes Paycheck, and kicks it square in the ass. And I liked Paycheck. While it won't change the world it should certainly be respected. It was jsut too much fun to watch.

8 out of 10 Looses points because it couldn't take it to the extra level where it becomes a true masterpiece for the ages. There's a lot of great effects and story, but it's the sort of thing where ? it's all been done. To get a 10, you gotta make my brain explode.

DVD worthy?: Yeah. It is long but I think I would get at least one viewing a year out of it.

If you liked this movie check out : Paycheck

In fact, watch Paycheck first. It'll help you appetite exactly what's going on in the Island. Like I said, Paycheck is not as good. I would actually call it the red headed step child of the Island, but it's still a fun movie. Trailer Hitch: Red Eye

The new film by Wes Craven where a woman gets trapped on a plane by a man holding her father hostage. Reminded me of Phone booth. Being trapped in an unlikely situation. It's a good concept but we'll see if Craven and his A list talent (Rachel McAdams ? Mean Girls, the Notebook, and Cillian Murphy ? Batman Begins, 28 Days Later) can pull it together.

Wes Really dropped the ball earlier this year with Cursed, but this looks like an infinitely better concept and cast. Sorry Craigers.