The guests: Gwen, Patrick, Melanie, and brothers JD and Brax.
Gwen's fantasy is to marry his long-time boyfriend. Patrick, on the other hand, wants to join the military. Melanie wants revenge on a high school bully, and JD and Brax just want to live the high life.
There is only one catch, though. They must all see their fantasies through to its natural conclusion. Even if its conclusion is death.
"Fantasy Island" is directed by Jeff Wadlow. It stars Michael Peña as Mr. Roarke, Maggie Q as Gwen, Lucy Hale as Melanie, Austin Stowell as Patrick, Jimmy O. Yang as Brax, and Ryan Hansen as JD.
For those who do not know, "Fantasy Island" is originally a TV series from 1977-1984. 2020's "Fantasy Island" is a prequel to the American fantasy-drama and an attempt by Blumhouse Production and Sony Pictures to revive the forgotten Ricardo Montalbán series. That is, only to find out that some things aren't meant for the big screen.
What "Fantasy Island" is missing is control of its source material. Admittedly, it's a film with a compelling premise. Imagine an island that can grant it's guest's desires. Thematically, it's existence is to represent the harmful consequence of instant gratification. But, these ideas get buried under a shallow narrative by Wadlow.
The film, instead, focuses on characters that are not even trying to be interesting. Their backstories are lousy, and their motives are laughable. Wadlow tries to save the film by throwing crazy twists in it, but no.
"Fantasy Island" must've overlooked its potential. It expects the viewers to invest in such a weak plot with no to little character development and a cringeworthy script.
Kudos to director Jeff Wadlow for trying. But some stories aren't meant for the big screen. At least, not yet.
"Fantasy Island" is a little too ambitious and grand. It requires time to be effective, which a movie format doesn't have.
Blumhouse and Sony's attempt to capitalize on nostalgia is not 100% bad, but it's so focused on its stars and characters that it forgot to expand its story. This film can be more given the chance. But for now, it's a forgettable experience all-in-all.
1/5
