05/11/06 Legend

Legend (1985), directed by Ridley Scott

watched w/ Leslie, Brad B., Allyson & Loren (partially); DVD (personal copy) @ Camp Scoutshire Woods (Citronelle, AL)

Yes, this fantasy film should be held in the upper echelon of all fantasy films just for its pure imagination and wild costumes/make-up/set designs. I had never got around to watching it until now, although I should have (as many of my fellow audience repeatedly told me). If you are at all a fan of the brilliant fantasia that is "Labyrinth," "The Dark Crystal," or "The Neverending Story," you will absolutely love this one too. What can I say?! It's insanely creative, beautifully designed, and makes even Tom Cruise's acting skills not seem creepy (granted he was very young here, and hopping around in a sort-of chainmail dress most of the film). It has probably one of the coolest villains ever in Tim Curry's overly guised Lord of Darkness (should give the kids nightmares, along with all his goblin henchmen). It has the beautiful Princess Lily ("Ferris Bueller's" girlfriend Sloane...and what else did she do that's worthwhile?) being the captive in the balance of the evil Lord wreaking wintry havoc on the magical land. It has elves, demons, and unicorns (yes, a bit pansy but they are the foremost prognosticators of weather phenomena ever) oh my! Hell, the only thing that was awful in this film was the horrible 80's synth Euro-metal score by somebody called Tangerine Dream. I'm sorry, but the only thing that makes me sadder than a unicorn losing it's horn is an inept German sorcery muzak band. That and Tom Cruise jumping on couches is what will bring eternal winter to our world.

5 out of 5 stars