The Island has all the elements of a perfect summer blockbuster. It is a slick, action-packed sci-fi thriller that will literally have you on the edge of your seat at times. Keeping true to Hollywood-tradition there is also a little bit of romance sprinkled in as the story unfolds. While the movie is a typical Hollywood creation it still is one of this summer’s best sci-fi films. While I am slightly biasis considering my admiration for Scarlett Johannson, I sincerely believe that The Island is an incredible movie!

Lincoln (Ewan McGregor) and Jordan (Scarlett Johannson) are just two of the thousands of people that live in a confined ‘virtual world’ where they are constantly being monitored. As soon as they crawl out of bed they are told where to go and what to do. They have an ID bracelet that keeps tabs on all their body’s functions and ensures that they are eating the right foods and doing the appropriate amount of exercise. This may seem like the perfect world for some, but somewhat of a hell for others. Everyone living in this “virtual world” believes that they are survivors from a contamination of the outside world and anxiously awaits their turn to win the “lottery” where they will then get to be sent to a mythical island that was somehow spared of the so-called “contamination.”

Lincoln, however, is different than everyone else. He questions his surroundings and demands answers. Through his search for answers he discovers that there is no such contamination and that he and the rest of the people living in the virtual world are clones bred to be used as spare parts for wealthy humans living in the outside world. His discovery comes just as Jordan has been selected as the lucky winner of the lottery. He takes Jordan and the two embark on their action-packed journey to break out of the virtual world and find out who their human ‘sponsors’ are.

Both McGregor and Johannson pull off remarkable performances that truly deserve some recognition. While other critics have been bashing this film, I think that it is a unique peek at what our future on Earth could hold. Whether you are a guy looking for an action-packed sci-fi thriller or a girl wanting some romance I guarantee that you will not walk away disappointed. So, take my advice and check out The Island.

- Chad Kennedy, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief