Fantasy Island is supposed to be a place where anything is possible. Apparently, the only thing that’s not possible is a well executed story. Fantasy Island taunts viewers with an intriguing premise, but once audiences commit to indulging, the movie ceases to be alluring as subpar performances, goofy storytelling, and unremarkable twists ruin what could’ve been a sweet fantasy.

In Fantasy Island, five contest winners arrive at a paradise island where they’re each granted one fantasy. As each wish is granted, they begin to realize that there’s more to this island than they thought, and seeing their fantasies out “to their natural end” is more costly than they anticipated.

Enticing, right? Like the paradise facade the characters arrive at, this premise - based on a 1970’s TV show of the same name - seems exciting.

But the compelling premise fades as the magic of the island amplifies. Fantasies are cliche and shallow, rarely seizing prime opportunities to glean worthwhile insight on their subjects. Most major plot points have to be explained through the most rudimentary levels of conversation. Thrills are few and far between while genuine scares are nonexistent.

The film’s “twists” are hokey at best. Add in a decent cast simply reading lines they’re given and Fantasy Island shapes up to be a recipe for disastrous storytelling.

When the end comes, it’s hard to feel the kind of satisfaction an island of fantasies is intended to provide. Seeing this movie out to its natural end leaves too much to be desired.

Acting and Casting - 0 | Visual Effects and Editing - 1 | Story and Message - 0 | Entertainment Value - 1 | Music Score and Soundtrack - 0 | Reviewer's Preference - 0 | What does this mean?