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Legion
We knew those angels were up to no good
Reviewed by Sam Mossman
Published on 01/28/2010
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C+
Rated R
Directed by Scott Stewart
Starring Paul Bettany, Lucas Black, Adrianne Palicki, Tyrese Gibson and Dennis Quaid
Harkins Theatres
At a small diner in the middle of nowhere, the forces of heaven are descending to murder an unborn baby. It seems like an unlikely occurrence, but since we (as the human race) have managed to disappoint the big man upstairs one too many times, he has sent his army of angels to exterminate us like ants. However, the key to our salvation is the unborn child of disgruntled truck stop waitress Charlie (Adrianne Palicki).
If only there was someone who could rally the rag-tag group of diner patrons to fight the ravening hordes. As it turns out, our only hope lies in the renegade angel Michael (Paul Bettany) and his ability to hold off Armageddon for long enough so the special child can be born.
I suppose the thing I liked the most about “Legion” is that it’s new and different while still maintaining enough familiarity to stay in the comfort zone. It seems like every film that comes out anymore is a remake, a reboot or begun as a TV show or comic book. “Legion” is, at least, an original work, though it is not necessarily brimming with originality. Movies about humanity’s last stand against overwhelming odds have been done many times before and honestly, “Legion” doesn’t do much to really break that mold.
There are enough good elements in “Legion” to make it worth watching, especially if the subject matter appeals to you. Dennis Quaid brings his bitter old drunk of a character to life and offers up not only some of the most dramatic scenes but also some much-needed comic relief. Likewise, Bettany deserves a nod for his portrayal of the angel that has sacrificed everything to offer humanity another chance. Perhaps if the script would have offered the other characters a little more to sink their teeth into, “Legion” could have really shined.
But overall, “Legion” is lacking something. Perhaps I was expecting a bit more action and a healthy dose of carnage that wasn’t really present. Also, there isn’t much mystery; the whole film is basically laid out in the first 20 minutes. “Legion” is just what you would expect from a filler movie that is winding down the winter season and preparing us for the movie drought that lasts until the summer blockbuster flood.
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