This is a short review. The Island is directed by Michael Bay, and that alone should indicate if this film is for you. He directed Pearl Harbor and Armageddon, which starred an asteroid and Ben Affleck in a supporting role.

Bay’s film-making is woefully haphazard: random camera angles, constant movement, macho posturing, and explosions galore. Just imagine the cinematography of an action sequence applied to an entire movie. Some may pump their fists in glee, while I reach for the Dramamine.

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As a fan of Woody Allen’s older films who was really impressed by Match Point, I’m sad to say I really hated Scoop — despite featuring Scarlett Johansen and England, as did Match Point. Therefore, more blame is reserved for Allen.

Melinda and Melinda was two films in one: a comedy and a thriller, each starring the same actress (Radha Mitchell) where much of the fun was the cutting back and forth between the two. Match Point and Scoop could be seen as separate explorations of these two halves, both starring Scarlett Johansen.

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