Logan's Run (1976)

Imagine a perfect world with limitless pleasures, there's only one catch.... You won't ever see your 31st birthday. This is how society operates in MGM's Logan's Run (1976). Director Michael Anderson, gives us a science fiction experience that has now been remembered for 40 years. Over the Summer, I was finally able to get a copy of this film on Betamax in a large lot of films that I purchased. What I viewed in my dark room in the middle of the night was the reason I watch and collect films from this era.

Meet Logan (Michael York) a Sandman. He is part of an elite police force that prevents "Runners" from leaving the confines of this new society, where individuals live until they reach 30. After investigating evidence from the most recent runner Logan terminates, Logan himself is driven to do the same thing he has been trying to stop his whole life, RUN. 

At Logan's side is the beautiful Jessica (Jenny Agutter) She has promised Logan that she will take him to Sanctuary. A place outside of this new society, where they can live forever. Along the way Logan is on the runner from other Sandmen trying to stop them from leaving the dome, as well as a half man, half robot who tries to freeze them to death!! Everything from the practical effects, to a cameo from Farrah Faucet-Majors is a real draw. I love big productions when they are handled by MGM. They always seem to have such a grand set design and real pride in their films back then.

A wonderful score by Jerry Goldsmith brings it all together. The ploy may seem hokey to some now, but I was thoroughly impressed with the film. The ending wraps everything up nicely, in a way that you may feel your eyes well up a bit and a deep feeling in your chest. I attribute that to a wonderful plot combined with the moving score by Jerry Goldsmith. Stay up late, pop some popcorn, turn out the lights, and throw in a copy of Logan's Run. This is what it's all about!! 

For some extra fun, check out this featurette on the making of the film!

RONIN (1998)

It's definitely been a long ass time since I decided to take up my keyboard and blog about a movie. It also has been a long time coming that I gave my first Dolby Digital laserdisc of Ronin (1998) a spin through my Pioneer CLD-1070. So as I sit here on a Thursday evening wrapping up this film that is rattling my house with bass, I figured I would talk about it.

Ronin starts off introducing us to a ragtag bunch of mercenaries lead by what we gather to be as a member of the IRA, Deidra (Natascha McElhone). A team is assembles to procure a case. We don't know what is in the case. The team made up of Sam (Robert DeNiro) and a few other notables including Vincent (Jean Reno) and we are briefly treated to a Sean Bean appearance as he is emasculated by DeNiro over a cup of coffee and a whiteboard. (Classic DeNiro shines here)

Without giving too much away, we fast forward 45 minutes and DeNiro and Reno get double crossed by Deidra and her IRA friends once the case is procured. The rest of the film, we are treated to excellent car chases, great gunplay and a somewhat decent plot. Everyone is making a play for the case in this film, from the Russians to the IRA. Although sometimes hard to follow, the case in question has a bit of a "Pulp Fiction" feel to it as we do not know what is inside the case. 

I enjoyed Reno and DeNiro's relationship during this film. DeNiro's character seems to have been around the block as far as being Ex CIA. The two actors work together well and create a dynamic that keeps the film moving even when the plot gets a little convoluted. My laserdisc copy looks and sounds great, and still holds up well 18 years after release. The Dolby Digital sound rocked my vintage Hi-Fi equipment and added to the experience. The film is pretty accessible on most formats, so give it a whirl if you get the chance. I hope to be writing a little more now.