Logan's Run

I must admit that I should be ashamed as a sci-fi fan: I hadn't seen this film until recently, and I wanted to better understand the parody from "Free Enterprise".

But I enjoyed the film.

Watching this film against the more recent glut of sci-fi films, I have to say that they made them a little more original back in the 70's-80's, instead of everything being techno-computer-CG-spaceship fights. A grim look at the downside of maintaining an "ideal", utopian society. When you hit 30, you either have the option of willingly submitting yourself to be killed under a pretense of renewal, or having the Sandmen play with you before they go in for the kill. Neither option seems really appealing. But the idea of one of the killers having to face their mortality is an interesting idea.

A little slow in places (but I did keep wanting to see what would happen next), and some of the special effects look really dated (even to '77's "Star Wars"), but the story holds up well, and it's an entertaining ride overall.

It's truly a classic of the genre, and I wish I had seen it sooner.

Loosely based on the novel of the same name, Logan's Run is set in a dystopian future where life is perfect, but nobody is allowed to live past 30. People who refuse to sacrifice themselves and try to escape are called 'runners', and special police called sandmen are sent after them. Logan is a sandman, and after killing one runner gets caught up in a secret mission to find out where the successfully escaped runners are hiding. He does this by posing as a runner himself, and the story unravels from there to show the truth of our species' past. If any film is ripe for a remake, its this one. In terms of sets, dialog and performances it is very much stuck in the 1970's, but the basic premise is brilliant. I quite enjoyed Logan's Run despite it getting off to a slow start, and the admittedly wonkey effects don't detract from some interesting topics the film touches on, such as overpopulation and conformity. If you don't mind the fact that in many ways it has not aged well, its worth a watch.

Okay, it's got a hoaky plot with lots of holes in it, special effects made from matchbox sets, some mediocre acting (Farrah Fawcett?!?) and dialogue, a big ole "this was made in the 70's" stamp all over it, and I think the editing, direction and sound track are lousy too. And yet somehow it all works. I love this movie! Maybe it's the campy cornball that gets me every time. I dunno. Yet by the end I feel uplifted and even touched. What a great scene with the timid girl touching Ustinov's beard at the end with Logan and Jessica in each other's arms looking on.

While the acting is average (or perhaps its the lousy script) there are exceptions, thankfully mostly among the main cast. Richard Jordan is just great as the relentless and unremorseful sandman. And Ustinov is a lot of fun as the kooky old man. Michael York, who've I've always liked, is servicable as our hero (thankfully they don't ask him to stretch his acting skills too much here). But without a doubt the real jewel is Jenny Agutter as Jessica-6. I can't recall a part more perfectly cast. Ms. Agutter is the epitome of beauty, youth and doe-eyed innocence. And her underlying sensuality is impossible to miss in every scene she is in. And as if that weren't enough she can act to boot!

Of course there's a lot that I don't like about the movie, it's quite easy to pick apart. But again, I don't know how, "Logan's Run" is much better than the sum of its parts.

I hope they get the rumored remake off the ground, there's some good underlying sci-fi to be explored here and with a tightened up script, upgraded effects, better direction and editing you could have *real* winner. I just don't think they'll ever match the original casting job for Jessica-6.

I love this movie for a number of reasons It's got a wonderfully original storyline, eye candy visuals, great 1970's hairdos, doesn't require a PHD to figure out and is just plain fun to watch. I know there are some people on this site that have dissected Logan's Run like a frog in Science Class and have dismissed it for some short comings. But if you attempt to watch this movie by holding a magnifying glass up to it and comparing it's special effects and sets to films like Star Wars, you're not going to enjoy it because it doesn't compete on that level. It's strength is an emphasis on the human condition and rebelling against a regimented society that lies to it's people and the special effects are just along for the ride. Also unlike Star Wars, I look at this movie as a period piece because it's a 1970's perspective on one possible future society and watching it (especially now)you never forget that. Yes it's dated, but like many things from the 70's reminds us of a simpler time and place we can remember fondly.

A really good use of models, second best use of models I've seen in film after Metropolis, which this looks like it follows, also this shows the way to many other films and looks like it shows the way to Blade Runner, Brazil and Total Recall, just to name a few.

I think its a brilliant story, the old man in the building in Washington, it is really believable.

The models are really well made and used, and this reminds me of old Dr Who episodes (which I love more than the recent, for the models and badly made suits).

A must see if you like sci-fi films, like the ones mentioned before.