The Island

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.

Look of course this film falls into the B action movie genre and isn't going to be winning any oscars or golden globes. Be that as it may, for the type of ass kicking, revenge tale film that it is, it's really a cut above most others in this space. The heart of the film is family and standing up for where you came from. Reminds me of old samurai films in a lot of ways. I really enjoyed the premise, MJW totally kicking ass as usual, a villian we can love to hate and a beautiful setting such as this nameless Island. If you enjoy action films from the 80's and 90's this one is right up your alley!!!

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.

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.