MOVIE REVIEW: LEGION

ON DVD

LEGION



Scott Stewart's supernatural thriller Legion, scripted by Peter Schink, concerns a group of strangers in an out-of-the-way eatery who become the first line of defense when God, believing the human race is no longer worthy of Him, decides to end their existence. This motley crew's only spiritual ally is the archangel Michael, played by Paul Bettany. Dennis Quaid, Tyrese Gibson, Charles S. Dutton, and Lucas Black co-star in the Screen Gems production. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide

Directed by Scott Stewart

Cast: Paul Bettany, Lucas Black, Tyrese Gibson, Adrianne Palicki, Charles S. Dutton.

Release Date: Jan 22, 2010

Rated R for strong bloody violence, and language

Runtime: 1 hr. 40 min.

Genres: Suspense/Thriller

Review:

Terminator with a touch of the dash of biblical mumbo jumbo gives you the general sense of what to expect with Scott Sander’s Legion. It’s a film that is most aware of its B-movie schlockly roots and has fun with it on occasion but not nearly enough to make the entire experience enjoyable. Sander’s best attribute is his ability to move the nonsensical plot along at a nice quick pace, never lingering to long on any details. He hits the major and minor plot points like he’s playing darts. The script is littered with archetype characters that all have standard issue personal issues. The cast, made up of surprisingly strong performers, does as well as can be expected. Paul Bettany is stoic and provides his British Angel an other worldliness feel which fits the character well. Adrianne Palicki is believable if overly “troubled” as the mother of the messiah to be. Dennis Quaid phones in his performance to such an extreme degree you are kind left wondering if he ever wanted this film to see the light of day. Tyrese Gibson, Charles S. Dutton and Kate Walsh have small and limited roles but they do more with them than this film deserves. If the script has one strength its it admirable ability to keep you off balance by dispatching characters unexpectedly and abruptly, something I’ve always enjoyed. Outside of that there is very little new or innovative in this genre film.

D