The Pretender: Island of the Haunted (TV Movie 2001) Poster

(2001 TV Movie)

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7/10
"The best of the Pretender..."
GPMDan17 October 2003
I waited a long time to see this installment of the Pretender saga, and it was well worth the wait. Jarod and Miss Parker give good performances, although Miss Parker gets a bit over the top when finding out each new revelation about her family's past. Jarod's continued attempts to break Miss Parker's mindset and show her that she too is being used by the Centre really expands the possibilities of where the show could go in the future. And Jarod being so close, yet missing his mother once again, along with his agony in a rare moment of weakness was probably the most angst-ridden moment of the movie. You really feel for his character at that point.

At the end, there are some interesting revelations. But I'll leave that to you for your viewing pleasure.

If there were any disappointments in this movie, it's that the Centre cast (aka Sydney, Broots, Raines, Lyle, etc.) got little screen time, the story focused on Jarod and Miss Parker. Yet, if you have watched the original series, you get the sense it worked better this way.

Any Pretender fan will enjoy the movie, and if you haven't watched the show, this should get your juices flowing.
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8/10
Huge fan of the show
hyattjenny1825 September 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This show was one of my favorites but it didn't start out that way. When I saw the commercials for the show I though it would be stupid, so I didn't watch it. One evening I was flipping through the few channels we had access to and nothing good was on I paused on this show long enough to get hooked. At one of the commercial breaks it named the show and I instantly got mad at myself for not watching the series from the very first episode. I had only missed like 4 episodes at that point and never missed another episode. I was extremely disappointed that the series was canceled and the main character Jarod was never reunited with his mother and only briefly reunited with his brother, father, and sister. His brother and was murdered right before his eyes. He kept getting separated from his father, and he only briefly met his sister. He was even separated multiple times from his girlfriend. When the show was canceled it was picked up by TNT and they made two made for TV movies but again the series was never given a proper ending only more questions. I would love for the series to finally be finished and Jarod to be reunited with his mother.
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6/10
Cynthia McKinney will win the Green Party nomination, I'm sure.
freakfire-127 April 2008
It is a little disappointing to find out that they haven't made the last movie of this series. Just like Futurama, you need a few movies to give it a good ending. But that might take some money and convincing to green light the project.

The secret origins of the Centre give it a little bit of cheesiness. That its origins are in scrolls hidden by Templar Knights is a bizarre plot twist. And while it can fit into the heart of the series, you have to shove it in there. But other than that, I did like the setup on a remote island. It would have been cooler if it was a real island like the Isle of Man and tell everybody how it is damned backwards place (which I am sure it is).

I did like the story of the man who killed his family then mysteriously died. That was nice. Overall, its on par with the other movie. It really needs a good ending. But this was alright. "B-"
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9/10
Good and Frustrating...
Lady Hawke10 December 2001
I thought this was an excellent continuation of the Pretender series. I loved the mystery of the TV series, and was super excited when they continued it with the movies. This installment, however, left so many unanswered questions, that I found myself repeatedly screaming at the TV to hurry up and tell me what the hell was going on. I would sum up for you what the movie was about, but I'm still trying to figure out all the intimate details myself. On the other hand, I LOVED IT SO MUCH!!! This is some of the best writing ever, and like the first installment, Pretender 2001, it kept me on the edge of my seat, and kept me guessing (and gets better with the 2nd viewing). There are so many things that go into the mythology of the series and the characters, that you can't sum it up in just a few sentences. If you enjoy movies with clever writing, interesting and complicated characters and storylines, this is the show for you (as it is for me). I'm sure the 2nd time I watch it (or the 3rd, 4th...etc) the true brilliance of the writing will astound me, as the series and the first movie did.

If you are just coming into the movies, I suggest watching a couple of episodes of the series (TNT) to get a true feel for the character and story dynamic. You will truly appreciate it.
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10/10
Back to normal, with a twist!
Neta_fic2 October 2005
I've been a fan of the show since day one and was very sad that the show ended. More than that I am sad that that this movie was the last one. The truth will never be revealed. This movie was great. It gives a new direction to the whole story. I really liked the way the movie answers all the questions that were brought up in the previous movie (The Pretender 2001) and yet brings even more question. I mean, this movie really makes you wonder. But I'm not planning to spoil it. One of the better things about this movie is the way Miss Parker and Jarod are working together. They are a great team! I love Miss Parker's character and Andrea Parker (Miss Parker) is a great actress. I wish there were more episodes to the show or more movies. If you like The Pretender (the series) and The Pretender 2001 you will LOVE this movie!
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10/10
They should get new episodes like a spin off show or at lest a 3rd movie
chriswilliamstv25 June 2009
I have seen all kind of TV shows and movies. I can say the pretender is the best TV show out of all of them.

They should get new episodes like a spin off show or at lest a 3rd movie. But i think both a new movie and a spin off show would be the best thing they could do.

TNT did Premiere 2 pretender Movies how ever they did not wrap up the story lines and the movies were more like top episodes of the show then a big movie. So i hope if they make an other movie it would be bigger like they did with the 1st x files movie and the new star trek one.

Well i went on the internet and look up the pretender and i found a few sites. One of them i found was www.gopetition.com.au It is a petition site and i found one for (A third The Pretender movie, New episodes or a Pretender Mini Series). So i put my name on it. At this time it has a few Signatures on it.
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Good but annoying
aljo402523 January 2002
Island of the haunted was quite good even though I'm not sure I like the fact that the super natural takes a larger and larger part of the story. I doubt that any fans of The Pretender will be disappointed with this movie.

The thing that really bugs me is that few of the original questions was answered. Sure, we got to learn a lot more but most of the new knowledge was from questions made in this movie. Another thing that is annoying is that I now get the feeling that they will never tell us the background and what is really going on. It's turning into the same kind of series as the X-files. Episode after episode with small hints and a developing plot but no end in sight, ever!

Since the series are now only being produced in the form of movies, the directors should think about closing it. Decide what they want to tell and make one or more movies and tell the story. I don't think they will ever do that though, instead they will just try to milk The Pretender for $ after $ for as long as possible. When they can't make more money from it they will put it to rest, without giving us an end..

But as I said early on, this picture is quite good if you don't mind being left off with more questions than answers.
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5/10
It was an interesting series, then ...
Windrider629 January 2023
This movie, the last "episode" of The Pretender TV series, disappoints. It and the previous movie had the chance to resolve the various mysteries left open by the TV show, but failed to do so. Not only that, but it created new mysteries that will never be resolved. The result is that the series ended in chaos. Some aspects of this and the previous movie are ridiculous, like invoking communications from the dead, which does not fit in with this series at all. This movie (and the previous one), also lacked most of the appeal of the TV series; The Pretender with his pretends. His pretends are almost missing from this last movie.
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10/10
If they make it, viewers will watch
clgraham8214 December 2001
Because of the long time span between Pretender 2001 and IOH I was not as excited for the movie as I may have been - but it was amazing. I especially appreciated how they went back to the simple sarcasm and humor from the series - it made the cast that much more familiar. The storyline wasn't overly confusing, even for new audiences - the writers did a very good job of explaining the storyline and plot without making long time viewers tired and willing to change the channel. Yes some questions were answered, and still more left unresolved - but that's the way the Pretender world works. Viewers were warned by the writers that there would be many new questions after this installment. I very much look forward to future movies - please let TNT and AOL know that "if they make it, we will watch"!
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1/10
Best Movie Yet
CMente421821 January 2002
I am a big fan of The Pretender and especially Michael T. Weiss. This was a great movie and I see more each time I watch it. The disappointment came with so few answers and so many questions. And that near miss of a kiss - would have been much better with the kiss. I hope TNT does not leave the fans hanging without answers. If there can be only one more movie, let it have a conclusion for Jarod and Miss Parker. We have been intrigued over and over again but left with so many questions unanswered. The fans are there TNT - bring on the conclusion - we are waiting.
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Liked the ending a lot
nightcrawlercyp13 October 2011
Warning: Spoilers
I liked the ending of the movie a lot. Hadn't the patience to see it all, but I got the answers most questions. Although they are not answered directly they are implied. Honestly I do not like the implications, but this is what it says.

Part I: Why did the center was founded Answer: The scrolls have two qualities: 1. give details about the apocalipse 2. gives a way to either survive, either control some powerful and dark forces So the Center was created as to people to get the scrolls and presumably control the situation when apocalipse comes Part2: What makes Jarod's blood so special? Well the answer stands in the inscription "Tengo Arcana Dei" meaning I have God's secret. There are two possibilities: 1. Reference to the stupid Dan Brown book (holy blood...) 2. Jarod may be an attempt to duplicate Adam's original DNA (yes the biblical Adam) Part3: who are the parents of Jarod and Miss Parker? Answer: They where both conceived in a test tube using Dna material from unknown sources. Mis Parker was probably as all Miss Parkers (including Catherine) a clone of the little girl. Jarod was supposed to be a clone for one of the two possibilities in the previous answer. Part4: What where in the scrolls? I presume a form of magic that dates back to the origin of mankind. So the power to control all dark forces (The demon Asmodeus and the serpent appear to testify to that).

I am sorry the series turned out at the end to be a New Age crap film, but at least they went with style.
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10/10
Not Quite an Ending....
ruggdhr11 December 2001
I really enjoyed the Pretender series over the years. I was so sad when the show was canceled with so many issues still unresolved. When I heard that there were two movies being made I was so excited. Unfortunately, the Pretender Island of the Haunted did not answer nearly any of questions. It left with many more questions than answers. Although I did enjoy the movie, I do not feel that it was a good conclusion. Instead of tying the series all together they created too many new story lines at the end. Never before in the series did they go into anything mystical or religious. Now at the show's ending they create this mystic scroll with magic powers. It goes against all which the show previously stood for. After watching this I feel like there needs to be two more movies to resolve what the past two have started.

Pretender Island of the Haunted, did not incorporate a lot of the story line that was set up in Pretender 2001, neither Ethan nor Miss Parker's inner sense were mentioned, which is odd considering the first movie was based almost entirely on that.

After watching I am just more confused then ever...
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9/10
A great movie but...(spoilers!!)
jadzias14 December 2001
Warning: Spoilers
Like all other Pretender fans I had waited to see this movie for almost a year. It was classic Pretender but the trailers that were run on TNT were misleading. We got all of these hints that Miss Parker and Jarod would hook up, no such luck. It was also frustrating that very few questions were answered. The only answers were to questions that had never been asked before, leaving all of the questions from the series still unanswered. We can just wait and hope for another movie!
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10/10
More than perfect
andreaparcoeur9 July 2005
In my opinion, this movie is the most frustrating I have ever seen! lol Mainly because this Ocee IS the woman to kill... Fortunately, the job is done, otherwise, I would have done so with pleasure!! I love the mystic side of the movie, it gives a new life to the show. This intimate atmosphere allows us to understand that Jarod and Parker are definitely soul mates... But "why"? "Why" is THE word not to forget, why don't we have a third movie? Why did Ocee exist? Why does "Tea" exist??? Why can't they be together, fighting for the Truth (Mulder & Scully : I love you too!), why can't they love each other without being interrupted, threatened or something else???

This movie was just a part of a dream, it left the door open, I think that's why so many people decided to write fanfictions : frustration... Because of this ending -which is not a TRUE ending actually- and because of this OBVIOUS love which exists between these two Angels...Rest in peace The Pretender, but not for too long hopefully... :P
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10/10
Big fan
were-9113830 June 2023
I loved the program. Always kept u on pin & needles. It should not have been cancelled, b4 we found out what happened after th bomb went off in the street car. Or did everyone live happily ever after. What about Mr. Parker, Broots, Sydney, & Ms. Parker. Too many questions in answered. Wish there were more episodes. All the people that played those characters, they did a tremendous job. Please🙏 start writing again. Maybe someone will pick it uo. I want to see the movie on haunted island, but it is not free. I remember it slightly, but I would love to see it again. I just watched all 4 seasons. So watch again.
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The chase continues...
Op_Prime11 January 2002
I had to wait nearly a year since seeing The Pretender 2001, but the wait was worth it. Island of the Haunted begins shortly after the last installment, with Jarod and Miss Parker searching for the answers to their questions. The cast, writers and director deserve much praise and applause for their work on Island of the Haunted. The movie stays loyal to the fans and does a great job of keeping those unfamiliar with the series well informed. Like in Pretender 2001, some questions were answered and new ones were brought up. This of course leaves the door open for future movies. Well I say go for it and make more. Thumbs up for Island of the Haunted.
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Loyal to its fans, but confusing subplots.
ariwriter10 December 2001
I am a fan of the series and watched this special TV-movie with anticipation many of the Centre's secrets would be answered. Some were but there were also many unanswered questions. Part of the problem lay with numerous and simultaneous subplots. I got the sense there were more scenes that were cut out of the final production due to time restraints. I am now curious for the next installment.
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LOVEDDDDDD IT!
ChRisNothSG110 December 2001
What can I say, but LOOOVVVEED IT! This movie was sooooooo FANTASTIC! It surpases the other movie by far. More interesting plots and more chemistry! WAHOOOOO! IT WAS FANTASTIC! oooh, I already said that.

ANyway, as usual, Mrs Parker is chasing Jarod again, but on this island. I've been a fan of this show since it first started and was later cancled on television. All the actors/actresses on the show have the best chemistry that I've seen since "The X-Files"!!! The previews got me soooooo excited about seeing this one too! We all know that Mrs Parker and Jarod have the most chemistry. I bet she enjoys chasing him as much as he enjoys being chased. Mr Raines, Mr Lyle, and Mr Parker were their usual weird and creepy selves, but they're just as awesome and fantastic. Broots, Sydney, and Angelo were also just as great as ever. THIS IS THE BEST ENSEMBLE CAST TO DATE! (since the xfiles of course).

It was MR LYLE that surprised me the most. As for that "kiss", you just have to see this movie for yourself to find out. Michael T Weiss, Andrea Parker, and the others are the best of the best! MORE MOVIES TO COME! PLEASE! CONTINUE ON WITH "THE PRETENDER"!!! Who will know if this show and movies of the show will *ever* end. The more the merrier.

I ALWAYS looked forward to Mrs Parker chasing Jarod. There is also humor, horror, and all the other elements that make this movie THE MOVIE TO WATCH! YOU WILL LOVE IT AS MUCH AS I DID!
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