Deborah and I caught The Island at a sneak preview this evening at the eMagine Theatre in Canton. I liked the first act, even though it had shades of Coma, Logan's Run and The 6th Day written all over it. If you're going to steal plot devices, why not steal them from the better movies in the genre? The second act had some of the best action scenes I'd seen, including the one where Ewan McGregor is releasing huge steel barbells into the path of those pursuing Scarlett Johansson and himself. It was the third act that I was completely disappointed in.
Consider:

• When the elite security team (lead by Djimon Hounsou) finally capture Scarlett's character, wouldn't you think that they would take a moment to pat-down their target to make sure she isn't carrying anything detrimental, like a gun? Especially someone as pat-downable as Scarlett Johansson?
• If your futuristic society is completely dependent on one control room that makes it all happen, wouldn't you think it would be protected by something more than bulletproof glass? Maybe a few security guards with futuristic weapons would be in order?
• If you're the svengali-like overlord of your futuristic society, wouldn't it be better to dispatch of one of your creations using a futuristic weapon than your bare hands?

Ewan McGregor did a decent job with his character. After six years of being stuck in the Star Wars morass of non-acting torpor, looks like he's having a lot of fun here. Scarlett Johansson looks great, as always, but doesn't fit the role of tough action heroine. Her trademark husky voice sounds petulant when she's yelling at the top of her voice. However, since I did enjoy the first two-thirds of the movie, I'd say it is worth a look. Too bad the people behind this movie didn't use the same level of imagination and craftsmanship to fashion a satisfying conclusion.

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