The Island

Don't listen to the troll haters just chomping at the bit to leave 1 star reviews. They live to tear others down. I watched this movie with open mind, knowing it's most likely a small budget action/revenge type film. From the opening minutes the scenery and landscapes of the island are absolutely stunning. Also I was taken by surprise towards the beginning (no spoilers though). As the film gets into action I was entertained every step along the way. Michael Jai is stoic and badass as always and his partner played by Jackson Rathbone was surprisingly funny! I want a sequel with more of their dynamic! The action through out is solid and the main villain (forget actors name) is really nasty (in a good villain way). This is a fun and solid watch that of course isn't going to win any Oscar's. My advice is don't listen to trolls and give it a watch.

This B-movie action revenge drama opens on an unnamed Caribbean island. Wealthy Colombian Manuel is interviewing a singer; when the waiter who is serving them spills wine on her he murders the man! The waiter has a brother, Mark, who works for the LAPD; he returns to the island and doesn't believe what he is told about his brother getting mixed up with gangs that have troubled the island in recent years. As Mark starts investigating Manuel sends his thugs after him... inevitably this goes badly for them and Mark has Manuel in his sights. It won't be easy though; Manuel is a danger to anybody close to Mark and he has a lot of people working for him.

This is not a great film; the plot is fairly cliché and the outcome won't surprise anybody. That said no one would claim it aspired to greatness; it is just trying to be an entertaining action drama made on a relatively tight budget... at this is succeeds. The opening scenes effectively introduce the villain then our hero and the story is quickly under way. There are plenty of action scenes spread throughout the movie with just enough conversational scenes in between to advance the plot. The action is decent enough with martial arts and gun-play. Michael Jai White is solid as Mark; good enough to think he deserves better material in future. The rest of the cast are okay even if some are a bit hammy... the genre almost demands that. The setting, filmed in location in St Kitts and Nevis looks great. Overall I'd say this is fun enough; worth watching if you enjoy the lesser action films that were churned out in the '80s and '90s.

No pun intended - you have to have some love for B-movie action movies to say the least. Also being a fan of Michael Jai White does help. I am not sure if I heard him say this in an interview or not ... but there are some fight scenes in this that he would not suggest doing in real life. Anytime anyone is doing something with knives for example ... but this is a movie, so suspend your disbelief and go with the flow (of fighting).

The story is quite simple - the inciting incident is ... well it may feel bad and over the top at first ... but if you think about the character, it does make sense. The main bad guy may not feel like the best rival for our hero in the end ... but we circle back to the suspension and hopefully you just get with it ... seen worse movies ... and the action is quite decent ...

Michael Jai White does what he does so well!!! I set out to watch this movie without too big of expectations but was pleasantly surprised by the story, characters, location and the message. Michael's character love for his family doesn't allow him to do anything less then take on an entire criminal underworld (almost) by himself! Also I was surprised by some of the comic relief in here, especially by Michael's characters police partner. All in all this is a really fun, surprisingly bloody, action fest shot on a gorgeous Caribbean island. Highly recommend this popcorn action film, it's definitely worth a watch with your action film friends!

Director Shaun Piccinino's latest film, "The Island," featuring the charismatic and formidable Michael Jai White, is a gripping return to classic action cinema. This action-packed thriller takes viewers on a suspenseful journey of revenge, set against a backdrop of a beautiful island paradise corrupted by a nefarious tycoon.

Michael Jai White delivers a powerhouse performance as LAPD officer Mark, whose life takes a tragic turn when his brother is brutally murdered. The loss of his loved one propels him on a relentless quest for answers and, ultimately, vengeance. White's portrayal of a man seeking justice is both emotionally charged and physically commanding, showcasing his impressive martial arts skills.

One of the film's standout elements is its lush cinematography. The Island setting, with its pristine beaches and lush jungles, starkly contrasts the violence that unfolds.

The cinematography expertly captures the beauty of the location, only to contrast it with the darkness that lurks beneath the surface.

Piccinino masterfully uses the island's natural beauty to intensify the action sequences' impact.

In conclusion, "The Island" is a captivating action thriller that allows Michael Jai White to shine in a role that showcases his acting and martial arts abilities. Shaun Piccinino's masterful direction, coupled with the film's picturesque setting and exhilarating action, makes it a must-see for fans of classic action cinema.