#bayhem

*THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS*

Set in a dystopian future, people live in an isolated compound with strict rules, and are told that the outside world has become too contaminated to live in. Residents in the compound hope to win the lottery to be taken to the Island; a paradise, and supposedly the last uncontaminated place on Earth. Early on in the film, Lincoln Six Echo (Ewan McGregor), learns the truth about what it means to go to the Island. He discovers that the “lottery” is really a selective system used to remove inhabitants from the compound. The “winner” is used for organ harvesting, surrogacy, and other important purposes for each one’s wealthy sponsor, of whom they are clones. Dr. Merrick (Sean Bean), a scientist who runs the compound, learns that Lincoln has found out the truth, which forces Lincoln to escape. When Lincoln’s friend, Jordan Two Delta (Scarlett Johansson), wins the “lottery” to go to the Island, the two of them escape the compound and find themselves in a desert, out in the real world, on a mission to expose the cloning operation. 

The dystopian theme is very evident for the very start of The Island. The beginning of the film opens with a dream sequence and a voice saying "You're special. You have a very special purpose in life. You've been chosen. The Island awaits you." This already sets the tone for a dystopian future and allows the viewer to begin to understand the way the world in the film functions. In addition to this, all residents in the compound dress in full white outfits, are told what to eat, how to act, and who to interact with, which further proves how strictly controlled residents are. 

Next, let’s talk about the style of this film. The Island can easily be identified as one directed by Michael Bay. Bay is known for his exaggerated explosions, destruction, and high-action scenes, often referred to as “Bayhem”, and this film definitely reflected that. Bay’s style is most evident during the highway chase scene. During this scene, intensity rises as cars are seen crashing, shots are firing, and explosions ensue. On top of all of this, men from the compound chase Lincoln and Jordan down the highway, while they hop between cars, trucks and jets. This is truly a prime example of “Bayhem”. 

The acting, specifically from Ewan McGregor and Scarlett Johansson, also deserves some recognition. Their characters, Lincoln Six Echo and Jordan Two Delta, are raised to be obedient, and well, not the brightest, and their performance definitely captured that, not to mention the chemistry they bring to the screen. The beloved Steve Buscemi also made an appearance in the film and did great in his supporting role.

The Island closes in a satisfying and happy way. Lincoln and Jordan make it back to the compound after their adventure in LA, and are able to work together in order to kill Dr. Merrick, and free the residents into the outside world. The film ends with Lincoln and Jordan sailing away to their new life; the life that they were promised the “island” would give them. 

blue-saphire1994

*Whispers* human Quintessa  slapping human Optimus scene! You should redraw it! People have been going crazy over that scene and so have I!