Fantasy Island
Movie Trailer
Release Date
February 14, 2020
Genre
Horror, Adventure, Mystery
Cast & Crew
- Michael Peña as Mr. Roarke
- Maggie Q as Gwen Olsen
- Lucy Hale as Melanie Cole
- Austin Stowell as Patrick Sullivan
- Portia Doubleday as Sloane Maddison
- Jimmy O. Yang as Brax Weaver
- Ryan Hansen as J.D. Weaver
- Michael Rooker as Damon
Director
Jeff Wadlow
Other Movies Director is Known For
- Truth or Dare (2018)
- Kick-Ass 2 (2013)
- Cry Wolf (2005)
- Never Back Down (2008)
Producer
- Jason Blum
- Marc Toberoff
- Jeff Wadlow
Writer
- Jeff Wadlow
- Chris Roach
- Jillian Jacobs
Budget
$7 million
Production Company
- Blumhouse Productions
- Columbia Pictures
- Sony Pictures Entertainment
Running Time
109 minutes
Languages
English
Maturity Rating
PG-13
Content Advisory
- Intense sequences of horror
- Violence
- Some drug content
- Suggestive material
Movie Story
Fantasy Island is a horror-adventure film that reimagines the popular 1970s TV show of the same name but with a dark twist. The story is set on a mysterious island where the enigmatic Mr. Roarke (Michael Peña) makes the secret dreams of his guests come true. However, the guests soon discover that their fantasies come with unexpected and often terrifying consequences.
The film follows a group of guests who arrive at Fantasy Island after winning a contest. Each guest is promised the chance to live out their deepest desires. Gwen Olsen (Maggie Q) wishes to undo a past regret, Melanie Cole (Lucy Hale) seeks revenge on a childhood bully, Patrick Sullivan (Austin Stowell) wants to play the hero and serve in the military like his late father, and stepbrothers Brax (Jimmy O. Yang) and J.D. Weaver (Ryan Hansen) want to experience the ultimate party.
As the fantasies unfold, the guests quickly realize that the island’s magic turns their dreams into nightmares. The once idyllic island becomes a dangerous place where reality bends, and the guests are forced to confront their darkest fears and deepest regrets. With the help of a mysterious stranger named Damon (Michael Rooker), the group must unravel the island’s secrets and find a way to escape before they are consumed by their own fantasies.
As the story progresses, it becomes clear that the island has a sinister agenda of its own, and the lines between fantasy and reality begin to blur. The guests are left questioning what is real and whether they can trust Mr. Roarke or even each other. The film builds towards a climactic revelation that ties the guests’ fantasies together in a shocking twist.
Special Effects
The special effects in Fantasy Island are used to create the surreal and sometimes nightmarish scenarios that the characters find themselves in. The film employs a mix of practical effects and CGI to bring the island’s supernatural elements to life, from lush, dreamlike landscapes to terrifying creatures and disorienting reality shifts. The effects are integral to conveying the island’s ability to manipulate the guests’ perceptions and surroundings, enhancing the film’s horror and mystery.
Box Office Performance
Fantasy Island was a modest box office success, grossing approximately $49 million worldwide against a budget of $7 million. Despite mixed reviews, the film attracted audiences with its blend of horror, adventure, and the recognizable brand of Blumhouse Productions.
Filming Locations
- Fiji
- Taveuni Island, Fiji
- Navua, Viti Levu, Fiji
Notable Quotes
- “Welcome to Fantasy Island.” – Mr. Roarke
- “The island is twisting our fantasies into nightmares.” – Melanie Cole
- “I’m your friend, but so is Fantasy Island.” – Mr. Roarke
Behind-the-Scenes
Fantasy Island was produced by Blumhouse Productions, known for its low-budget, high-concept horror films. Director Jeff Wadlow, who previously worked on Truth or Dare with Blumhouse, aimed to create a film that paid homage to the original TV show while adding a modern horror twist. The decision to film in Fiji allowed for stunning natural backdrops that contrasted sharply with the film’s dark themes, creating a visually striking setting for the story’s unfolding horror.
Awards
- Nominated for the Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Picture
- Nominated for the Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Director (Jeff Wadlow)
Final Verdict
Fantasy Island offers an intriguing concept that blends horror with the allure of fulfilling one’s deepest desires. While it may not fully satisfy fans of the original series or those seeking a more traditional horror experience, the film delivers enough thrills and twists to entertain audiences looking for a dark, escapist adventure. The performances, particularly by Michael Peña and Lucy Hale, add depth to the film’s characters, making it an enjoyable, if flawed, horror outing.
IMDb Rating
4.9/10