The Island (2005)

On a Saturday night (when we can’t go anywhere fun with the kids), I had some quality geeky alone time.  I watched my latest Netflix movie, The Island, starring Ewan McGregor and Scarlett Johansson, among other well-known character actors.  It’s a sci-fi movie about the future, cloning, etc.  I remember when this Michael Bay movie came out in 2005, and bombed at the box office.  I didn’t stay away from it, so much as never got around to watching it.

I actually thought it was a good movie.  Good action, pretty decent sci-fi plot, and decent acting.  It’s no blockbuster, but I’m glad pleasantly surprised to learn that Michael Bay can actually make a decent movie. Who knew?

The only portion that raised my eyebrows was the rampant in-movie advertising / product placement.  Especially the MSN Search crap.  How much product placement? Did you know that Cisco Systems, MSN Search, Xbox, Puma, Reebok, Miller Light, NBC, NFL, Budweiser, Apple, Aquafina, General Motors, DaimlerChrysler, Mack, Coca-Cola, Speedo, TAG Heuer, Amtrak, Ben & Jerry’s, and Nokia are some of the sponsors of the film? That’s crazy, even by Michael Bay standards.

The Island (2005)