I am a huge fan of all things Michael Jai White so if he is in a film I will be watching it. His latest film, The Island teams him up with Twilight star Jackson Rathbone with director Shaunb Piccinino at the helm. Could this film bring the expected action from White or will it sink before it gets to the shore?

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The Island follows LAPD officer Mark who leaves the city to return to the island he grew up on when his brother is killed. Seeking answers and vengeance, he soon finds himself in a bloody battle with the corrupt tycoon who's taken over the island paradise.

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I had never heard of this one or saw the trailer so I dived right in just hoping I was going to get to see White kick some ass like only he can and I got just that, but not much else sadly. The film is a by the numbers story with an attempt to bring some island style culture which does help it elevate a bit, but doesn’t pull it out of being pretty generic.

White is good here and making the most of what he is working with both in script and the action. It isn’t one of his strongest action flicks, but he brings it like he does and kicks many an ass.

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Where I think it faulters in the action is the supporting players just don’t live up to the skill he is bringing to the table hence it felt slower paced than his usual sequences. It still entertains, but never really steps it up like it could have.

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In the end I enjoyed the film and reminded me of the old school action flicks similar to Don “The Dragon” Wilson, whom I love but fails to really stand out. Loves of White or the old straight to video action genre will likely have the same fun I did with it, but those looking for high octane action on the next level this isn’t it.

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Decide for yourself and check out The Island in select theaters, on demand and digital now from Lionsgate.