Cull of the 30 Somethings (Logan's Run (DVD))

Member Name: buttonman

Product:	Logan's Run (DVD)
Date:	29/03/01 (55 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Jenny's green dress

Disadvantages: 30? That's far too young!

As my thirtieth birthday approaches like a careering juggernaught full of mad cows I was reminded of this sci-fi fable.

Made in 1976 the film is set in the far future.We know it's the future because there are monorails and everyone dresses the same.The future at first appears to be a utopian paradise with no work or crime and an an endless cycle of commitment free sexual relationships.Our hero,Logan,played by Micheal 'Exposition' York,is a sandman,a kind of futuristic PC Plod.

It is quickly revealed that this paradise is only open to the young with all person having to go on 'the Carousel' on their thirtieth birthday.The idea is that the chosen ones will be renewed to begin their happy lives once again.This idea appears widely accepted with large crowds gathering to witness the spectacle.The Carousel involves the participants putting on fancy dress before they are floated up and set on fire - who would'nt agree to that!.

Logan and his fellow sandmen are charged with dealing with 'runners' those citizens wise enough to scarper when their Carousel date is due.We see him capture and ruthlessly eliminate several runners all of whom are immediately dissolved.At the end of his working day Logan disposes of the runners' belongings but things change when the central computer detects an 'Ankh' amongst them.This is the runners' symbol of 'Sanctuary' a place of safety they believe exists beyond the city domes.The computer charges Logan with an undercover mission that will involve infiltrating the runners and closing down sanctuary for good.

This mission coincides with Logan's own misgivings especially as he's learned that no one ever gets renewed on Carousel.He meets up with a young girl,Jessica played by the always lovely Jenny Agutter,who had previously rebuked his advances but now offeres clues to 'Sanctuary'.Trusting him Jessica takes Logan to a face change parlour b
ut things go wrong when the owner sets the machine to 'David Mellor'.On killing both the owner and his lovely assistant played by Farah Fawcett Logan goes on the run for real closley pursued by his former friends the sandmen.

Sanctuary is located far away and accessed by the sewers.A large battle breaks out between the runners and the sandmen and Logan and Jessica manage to slip away.After several adventures including a narrow escape from a people freezing robot they reach sanctuary and start exploring the place and each other.It soon transpires that our world was left behind with Washington now overgrown.One last sandman is on their tail but will they find answers from the old man who lives with a lot of cats?.

This is a great sci-fi film for it's time.The costumes and models look dated now but a good story still shines through.The script is cliche ridden scifi with progress,the worth of the eldely and skimpy costumes all recurring themes.The two main players hit it off well together with no explanation as to why all future living Americans have English accents!.The special effects,especially the monorail in long shot,belong to the Blue Peter school but that's all part of the charm.

On the whole good escapist hokum which hopefully won't come true,because come Sunday 1st April the only Carousel I want is a box of chocolates!.

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