Seagalogist

I just got back from watching Legion. I knew going in there that the reviews were awful, but I still fancied giving it a real chance.

So we start with many non-sensical scenes. One of Michael (Paul Bettany) just prodding around what we later assume (if one even cares to try and figure out the plot after seeing it) is downtown LA. He cuts the area where his wings were, and sews the wounds up.

Tyrese Gibson shows up at a diner and seems very strange, like he's on the run or something, but that's not explained either so who cares. Then there's some talk in the diner, every character gets their chance. Including Dennis Quaid, who obviously thinks the script is garbage and just plays his character comically (to good effect).

Some old lady shows up, and from the camera angles and score, we know there is something not quite right. Then crazy stuff happens that isn't really explained, Michael shows up, there's lots of fighting, Gabriel shows up, nothing is explained. Mankind will either live, or die.

I found this movie weak on plot, and it's lack of follow through on any of the major plot points is a let down. However, take the whole thing with a pinch of salt, laugh inappropriately and Legion is not all bad. One wonders whether the humour was intentional, but it certainly is there.

Legion really is only for those who enjoy to laugh at a ridiculous plot and scenes that are seemingly random. Also, the action isn't half bad, but you really don't root for any of the characters, so it comes down to seeing the best explosions/deaths. 4/10.

I went into this movie expecting a made-for-TV style true story, with a bigger cast and inflated budget.

I was spectacularly wrong.

Without revealing too much, this movie is the true, uplifting story of Michael Oher. He is an overgrown, black, misunderstood young man who comes from a broken home. By chance he is accepted into a wealthy, predominately white, high school (due to his size and potential in football).

From here we see the true challenge he faces. He struggles to find shelter and warmth at night and lives out of a plastic bag.

Then begins his journey with the family of Sandra Bullock's character. In what is an outstanding performance, the best of her career, Bullock is believable and tough in portraying a woman of true strength and character.

Overall, this movie is great, capped off by strong performances. It is almost difficult to believe it is a true story. The sporting plot plays second fiddle to the true plot - the racial and class divides in the Southern States of America.

This movie is very preachy. So if you don't like being preached to, forget about this movie.

There are major let downs in this movie. Will Smith stars as...well... Will Smith, you know the same character from Happiness, Bagger Vance or any Will Smith drama. I'm not saying Will Smith is bad, I like him. However this character is getting tired and overused. I'd like to see him make an 'evil' turn in a role. I hear he might be doing the OldBoy remake, pray to God that's not true.

Woody Harrellson is criminally underused, getting about 10 minutes of screen time. His character seems real, and you just wonder what his life was like really.

Rosario Dawson gives a nice performance in this movie, as she probes to find out more and more about Smith, even though he won't budge.

I won't give it away, but there's obviously a twist, and some of the viewers will cry and buy into it, and most will be a little bit ticked off. Then the reason for the twist surely will enrage everyone. It's so so pretentious and we realize Will Smith's character is just pouting and feeling sorry for himself unable to get on with his life. I hated it.

A high note for me is the score. I loved it, it was typical drama movie, but just well executed and I feel that no other music would have fit in. I was tempted to give it 4/10, but it doesn't deserve it. 3/10