Summary: Lincoln and Jordan learn something very important about their life. No, it isn't that they are clones. They learn how important it is to be free.Grade: A-
About This Movie: Ewan McGregor and Scarlett Johannson respectively play Lincon Six Echo and Jordan Two Delta, two of thousands of cloned human beings living in a secret compound. Each clone knows that one day they will be sent to the Island, a tropical paradise where they will live worry-free for the rest of their days. But things change when Lincoln discovers that selection to go to the Island is really a death sentence.
The Best Part About This DVD Is...
... what the DVD teaches us about the importance of freedom. Lincoln and Jordan's life in the compound was secure, safe, equal, and healthy. But it was not free. It was even frustrating for me just to watch the lack of freedom that the people had. The scary part is, I couldn't help but wonder how much our current society is trending toward that life, where we are willing to trade freedom for safety. What is wrong with us?
I also have to mention the action sequences. We are talking about Michael Bay after all. In particular, the train axles on the freeway was awesome and even realistic-seeming. Also, the part when Lincoln and Jordan first learn to kiss is rather endearing.
The Worst Part About This DVD Is...
... Lincoln and Jordan falling 70 stories, landing in a net, and not even being hurt? I guess we decided to suspend realistic physics for the sake of the heroes.
The Bottom Line
The Island was exactly what I expected from Michael Bay - a two-hour action-packed thrill ride - and it didn't disappoint. What I didn't expect was a lesson on the importance of freedom. Freedom is not about being able to do whatever you want without consequences. Freedom is about choosing for yourself, from something trivial - the clothes you wear or whether you get to have bacon for breakfast - to something important - in Lincoln and Jordan's case, to choose whom you will love. Freedom is more important than health, safety, or security, and should never be traded away those things. Even the promise of a future life in paradise is not worth it if one doesn't have the freedom to choose to go.
