[Review] Fantasy Island(2020) {5/10}

Directed and Co-written by Jeff Wadlow, the film stars Lucy Hale (Melanie Cole), Michael Pena (Mr. Roarke), Maggie Q (Gwen Olsen), Austin Stowell (Patrick Sullivan), Portia Doubleday (Sloana Madison), Michael Rooker (Damon) and Jimmy O. Yang (Brax 'T' Weaver). It is a horror re-imagining of ABC's 1977 television series of the same name.

The film follows a group of young people who are invited to Fantasy Island by Mr. Roarke (Michael Pena). The island's guests won their trip in a promotional contest and will get their wish fulfilled during their visit. They arrive with a healthy amount of skepticism: Some want something shallow, others are looking for deep and emotional.They initially think it is a dream come true but soon realize that their dream fantasies brought to life are beginning to turn into horrific living nightmares. They must find a way to escape the island before it is too late. The series always left the source of the island's powers and the details of Roarke's involvement, a mystery. In Blumhouse's Fantasy Island, some of those answers are revealed.

Fantasy Island is a misfire for Blumhouse Productions. It is nothing but a dull horror spin on the property that gets increasingly ridiculous as it moves along. Performances, Charm load and VFX are on the lower side. At times, characters' choices lack common sense or something happens that's never really explained. The story goes off the rails as it progresses. There are some modern day horror elements here and there. The whole scenario is a nightmare fulfilment rather than wish fulfilment. The concept of modern day genie in a posh resort sounds appealing in theory but in reality it is a disappointment. Step into this fantasy at your own risk.

Fantasy Island is now available on Digital and Blu-ray.