The Island

The Island (1980) (1980)

  • 40% of critics liked it
    (5 reviews)

  • 65% of users liked it
    (7,300 ratings)

The Island, a turgid action drama directed by Michael Ritchie, revolves around the adventures of Maynard (Michael Caine), a newspaper reporter who tries to solve the mystery of the Bermuda Triangle. Maynard, and his son crash-land on a remote island ruled by a gang of pirates who kill anyone who… More

R,
Directed By
Genres
Drama, Horror, Mystery & Suspense
In Theaters
Jun 13, 1980 Wide
Universal Pictures

Critic Reviews

  • Matt Brunson, Creative Loafing

    The biggest flaw is that the pirates aren't particularly frightening or imposing, instead coming off as Peter Pan's Lost Boys all grown up -- to riff from Kentucky Fried Movie, they aren't tough and ruthless so much as they're rough and toothless.

  • Bob Bloom, Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)

    Another one of Caine's big bombs!!

  • Brian Mckay, eFilmCritic.com

    ragtag modern-day pirates live in a primitive island society, eschewing most forms of modern technology . . .They're kind of like Amish . . . only they're pirates

See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

  • Jeff "


    This film is one of those 80's gems that have been neglected by critics and filmgoers. I was pleasantly surprised that this one wasn't as bad as what everyone has claimed it to be. The film does a good job at combining certain genres of film, and it works. While combining a… More

  • Ken S


    It takes a good hour for this movie to finally reveal it's true colors as the 70's era Michael Caine fighting 18th century pirates movie that it is. And I'm sorry to report that it isn't nearly as cool as it sounds, mainly because Ritchie clearly can't direct… More

  • A.D. V


    Kinda corny yet mostly charming adventure/thriller with Caine delivering his occasional deadpan humor as only he can. Other than a really terrible scene involving a would-be Bruce Lee the film is pretty cringe free considering it's a 1980 Universal film.

  • Eric S


    I haven't seen this film since I was a kid, and it holds up quite well. The tale is based on a Peter Benchley(Jaws) novel, and tells the story of an inquisitive reporter who flys to the Caribbean to investigate mysterious ocean disappearances. Blair Maynard's(Michael Caine)… More

  • Lee K


    Showing my son a different old school movie from my past every night of the march break and tonight's film was The Island starring Michael Caine ia movie i saw for the first time roughly when i was 12 myself. Re watching this film anytime i have seen it always seems to hook my… More

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