It goes without saying that the plot device used to get Lilli and Richard to the Island is both preposterous and highly unbelievable. But what transpires once everything is in place makes this flaw forgivable. While Brooke Shields portrayed her character "Emmeline" as truly naive and innocent, Mila Jovovich amps up the sexuality of her character "lilli," playing her coy, teasing, and as someone who is aware of her own seductive qualities. Chris Atkins likewise played on 'Richard's' innocent, almost infantile qualities, which gave the original film a more innocent and sweet feeling. Brian Krause seemed slightly arrogant in comparison. It seems like the world was a bit more naive in 1980 than it was in 1991, i suppose.. Anyway the island is as lush as ever, and Jovovich and Krause rival Shields and Atkins in their physical beauty, so in this sense, "return..." is a highly enjoyable film, especially to someone who is not familiar with the original. But in this sequel, civilization is put "on trial" when a group of civilized travelers invade Lilli and Richard's private paradise. In the end, these two innocents come across as more civil than the visitors, who treat their hosts like pieces of meat, to be ogled, toyed with, even raped and killed! This gorgeous film echoes the same message as the notorious film "Cannibal Holocaust," in raising the question, "Who are the real savages?' Of course this one is much easier on the eye, and the stomach than that notorious cannibal film. "Return to the Blue Lagoon" is pure escapist cinema, that is in some ways, more sexually aggressive and graphic than the original, and does contain a bit more violence as well. For fans of Mila, this is an absolute must-see, as she is absolutely stunning in this, and is not as shy with nudity as Brooke Shields, who insisted on a body double. Sadly the DVD in North America is the horrible "pan & scan" format, which chops out some beautiful scenery, but for fans of this, the Euro DVD is in widescreen format. Not a great film, but certainly a pretty one.
Review of Return to the Blue Lagoon
