"Legion:" Epic or Absurd?
Joey Mulder
Issue date: 2/3/10 Section: Arts & Entertainment
Spiritual warfare on the silver screen isn't new. We've seen the lighter side of it in "Dogma" and Keanu Reeves battled the grittier forces in "Constantine." In "Legion," audiences get to see what happens when the wrath of God takes a turn for the worst; only this time, instead of a great flood, he sends his "Legion" of angels to wipe out mankind. Humanity's fate rests in the hands of an unborn child. The battle culminates at a desert diner in the middle of nowhere as fallen angel, Michael (Paul Bettany) protects those inside, but most importantly, the mother (Adrianne Palicki) of our last hope.
The good and bad qualities of "Legion" seem to butt heads throughout the entire film, and as it progressed, I couldn't help but think that was the director's intention. During the epic scenes with the angels, a serious tone consumes the movie and it feels as if viewers are watching something like "The Lord of the Rings," but then the next scene is a shootout in the diner reminiscent of the "Grindhouse" films. I found myself asking, "How am I supposed to take this movie seriously?" But I realized the juxtaposition between the angels and humans is uncanny, and because of this fact, director Scott Stewart combines genres and throws them into "Legion," certain to astound or irritate, depending on your personal preferences.
The acting isn't anything special, but keep in mind Oscar nominations weren't the overall goal in making this movie. Dennis Quaid and Tyrese Gibson team up for the first time since 2004's "Flight of the Phoenix," delivering performances that are nothing to applaud but not bad enough to ridicule. Kevin Durand, perhaps best known for "Smokin' Aces" and "Wild Hogs," plays the Archangel Gabriel, and is responsible for the best acting that "Legion" has to offer.
One thing is for certain: "Legion" is the epitome of a popcorn movie. Whether or not you'll enjoy the film really depends on your standards. The action and horror sequences build tension in a way I haven't seen in years and Scott Stewart should take pride in that aspect of "Legion." Ridiculous and over the top? Or fresh and visually striking? I guess that's your call.
Grade: B-
The good and bad qualities of "Legion" seem to butt heads throughout the entire film, and as it progressed, I couldn't help but think that was the director's intention. During the epic scenes with the angels, a serious tone consumes the movie and it feels as if viewers are watching something like "The Lord of the Rings," but then the next scene is a shootout in the diner reminiscent of the "Grindhouse" films. I found myself asking, "How am I supposed to take this movie seriously?" But I realized the juxtaposition between the angels and humans is uncanny, and because of this fact, director Scott Stewart combines genres and throws them into "Legion," certain to astound or irritate, depending on your personal preferences.
The acting isn't anything special, but keep in mind Oscar nominations weren't the overall goal in making this movie. Dennis Quaid and Tyrese Gibson team up for the first time since 2004's "Flight of the Phoenix," delivering performances that are nothing to applaud but not bad enough to ridicule. Kevin Durand, perhaps best known for "Smokin' Aces" and "Wild Hogs," plays the Archangel Gabriel, and is responsible for the best acting that "Legion" has to offer.
One thing is for certain: "Legion" is the epitome of a popcorn movie. Whether or not you'll enjoy the film really depends on your standards. The action and horror sequences build tension in a way I haven't seen in years and Scott Stewart should take pride in that aspect of "Legion." Ridiculous and over the top? Or fresh and visually striking? I guess that's your call.
Grade: B-
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