Michael Caine's disdain for what's happening here hardly feels confined to a script page or his fictional character. But for fans of fat-budget esoterica, "The Island" is sure to inspire bemused but satisfied smiles.

Opening with a shockingly gory slaughter, this adaptation of Peter Benchley’s novel (who also provides the screenplay) is a rollicking modern pirate adventure that, while not wholly successful, stands the test of time...

Once these piratical hordes enter the picture, Caine stops talking — and acting... The Island actually makes The Deep look good.

[UPDATED 2026 4K + BLU-RAY REVIEW] Perhaps the biggest flaw is that these murderous pirates aren’t particularly frightening -- to riff from The Kentucky Fried Movie, they aren’t tough and ruthless so much as they’re rough and toothless.