Fantasy Island: Paradise Lost

This film was equal parts fun popcorn flick and wasted potential. An awesome concept and initially interesting plot that ends up being cheesy and somewhat predictable but fun nonetheless.

Most of the characters came off as cliche and forgettable; many of them largely one-dimensional. This is part of what made one of the films major twists easy to anticipate as one of the character’s fantasies does a bit too much to reveal their true nature. It often felt that the film suffered from playing it safe as opposed to taking risks and making it a more interesting and thought provoking film.

The film did well with the “be careful what you wish for” premise and in most cases, introducing creative ways to taint the guests fantasies, and was very inventive in bringing the them to life for the characters. Michael Peña did a great job capturing the suave and mysterious persona of Mr. Roarke and was enjoyable in every scene. Likewise, Michael Rooker did an outstanding job in his role as Damon.

This film was overall an enjoyable experience but I feel it suffered from trying too hard to be palpable to wider audiences as opposed to taking chances. A rare occasion where I feel a film could be improved by a sequel.