Writer: Nur Safina Othman

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Watch this if you liked: "The Prophecy", "Constantine", "Gabriel"

So is this what happens when God loses faith in humanity? We won't really know. The writer can't really figure out how on Earth "Legion" was ever created. The first time producer David Lancaster read the script for "Legion" was six years ago. Director Scott Stewart then had the script changed to make it scarier. Lancaster then thought that with the cast that was assembled, a director, and a good script, would make this fantasy/action film appealing to moviegoers.

On 23 December, a restaurant becomes the last bastion for a group of people after God loses faith in humanity because of their greed, lack of compassion, and ungratefulness. The 'General' to all angels, Michael (Paul Bettany) tries to help by coming down to Earth to protect Charlie (Adrianne Palicki) who is eight months pregnant and carrying humanity's would-be saviour.

The writer took a long time to understand the story, especially wondering why Michael wants to protect Charlie so much. This is because in the first hour, there was so much action happening. There could be certain quarters that might get swayed with the story. It must be stressed that this film is strictly for entertainment. However, there are some scenes that have been cut by the Censorship Board. The writer just couldn't figure out how the filmmakers could have such vivid imaginations as to produce this film. There is no need to wait for the birth of a baby to save humanity as God has already created many disasters to teach mankind a lesson. Without us realising, many have already happened. Wars, the destruction of the world, humanity lacking compassion, greedy for riches, and being ungrateful has already occurred. Imagine if humanity could meet with the angels Michael and Gabriel. (In Islam, Michael is known as Mikail (giver of good fortune) while angel Gabriel is known as Jibril (the one who passes on God's messages).

Having previously played priests and monks in his last few works, Paul Bettany ("The Da Vinci Code") once again is involved in another Christian-themed film. In "Legion", his character does not have a lot of lines but more action. Bettany had said in an interview that he was excited as his character got to wear wings. Other than Bettany and Palicki, "Legion" also stars other talented actors such as Lucas Black ("The Fast And The Furious Tokyo Drift"), Dennis Quaid ("G.I Joe: The Rise Of Cobra"), Kate Walsh (TV's "Private Practice") and Tyrese Gibson ("Transformers"). Their performances do not disappoint.

The CGI that can be seen in this film are convincing and do not disappoint, especially in the scene where humans are possessed and when Percy (Charles S. Dutton) is burnt after being splashed by acid till his spine could be seen. Other than that, the music that's included in the film also gives off a creepy dark vibe and would keep the audience on their toes.

You will definitely form your own opinion about "Legion" after watching it. Rated 18PL in Malaysia and NC16 in Singapore, the audience is advised to not think too much of the film and just enjoy the show!






Cinema Online, 20 January 2010