Fantasy Island (2020)
PG-13 | 1h 49min | Adventure, Comedy, Horror | 14 February 2020 (USA)
Synopsis: The enigmatic Mr. Roarke makes the secret dreams of his lucky guests come true at a luxurious but remote tropical resort. But when the fantasies turn into nightmares, the guests have to solve the island’s mystery in order to escape with their lives.
Review: I am very tempted to start off this commentary by using a familiar line from the original FANTASY ISLAND television show but I am trying to limit my dad jokes whenever possible. Luckily – or not – the film version does weave those staple quotes into its dialogue to adhere the two worlds together. They are crafted in a way that is nostalgic without being forced. The rest of the film does its own thing by taking a few dark turns. I remember as a kid the TV show being creepy but nothing as intense as this. I would have been scarred for life.
This is supposed to be an adventure horror film so I will not spoil it by trying to break down the drama and analyze its intentions. Five guests have come to the island to live out their greatest fantasies. Obviously these will range from sex parties with hot models to undoing your most regretful decisions. Each person there is struggling with their own inner demons. As Mr. Roarke (Michael Pena) instructs his guests he reminds them that often fantasies never quite go the way they should. The main rule of the island is that you have to see your fantasy through to the end regardless of the path it takes. We get it. Something bad is going to happen.
There are some creative twists in turns in this one and you will second and third guess what you think is taking place. Though it starts out slow the final act picks up steam and keeps you engaged. It would be easy to pick apart the script as sophomoric and unimaginable. And while the characters are dripping with stereotype and predictability we also have to remember the genre. It is a fun escape.
Those who are expecting a gore fest or wall to wall horror will be very disappointed. There are several jumps and scary moments but most of the story relies on the unanswered questions and trying to figure out just what is going on. The island has a mystery and a past all its own. It is obvious early on that things are not as they seem and you begin to play along. One of my favorite aspects is the concept of how do you know if this is your fantasy or if you are in someone else’s?
Bottom line, this is an entertaining film for fans of the PG-13 version of Blumhouse. I personally enjoyed revisiting an iconic part of my entertainment childhood. It is hard to forget Ricardo Montalban in his white suit standing beside the loyal Tattoo. Those staples are payed respects to here and that I think was job one. The rest was just a fun ride.
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