The Island

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, a supremely skilled martial artist and actor, has graced both remarkable and forgettable films with his presence. Known for his impressive combat abilities and powerful screen presence, White's talent is undeniable. However, even a martial arts master like him cannot always rescue a movie from a weak script or lackluster direction.

While he has starred in some acclaimed action films like "Black Dynamite," he has also appeared in less successful works.

Sometimes (pretty often), scripts are written by inexperienced or underqualified writers who may lack the skills to create a compelling and coherent story.

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.

I'm a fan of MJW and he's fun in most B films, but even he deserves better than this nonsense. His action/fighting skills are barely seen in this mess, and when you do see them, they are terribly filmed and choreographed. Maybe a few kicks where decently viewable and impressive.

This film suffered amateur-hour filmmaking. The directing was in line with what you'd expect to see from a fifth grade drama class. Then it took two writers to come up with a predictable, generic, cliched and dull story that's been done many times before, and all much better. Even the normally comfortable 90 min runtime felt endless with the slow pacing, long dragged out and mostly unnecessary scenes. The score was your typical B-film fare, loud, overbearing and unfitting. Most of the actors were portrayed as cartoonish cliched characters to the point of cringe and eyerolls.

Even if you're a fan of MJW, don't waste your time with this nonsense, it barely classifies as a bad B-film, more like a bad C-film if such category existed. Aside from the similar pretty ariel scenic Hawaiian landscape shots, there's nothing redeemable or worth watching in this mess.

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.