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Whether it’s a song, book or movie, every one has a guilty pleasure; that one artistic creation that you love even though you know it’s a steaming piece of garbage.
Logan’s Run is one of The Hook’s cinematic guilty pleasures and I’m not ashamed to say so. Of course, I know what many of you are thinking right now.
“What the heck is Logan’s Run?”
Way back in 1976 when movie studios were still interested in making films with substance as well as flashy effects, a science fiction novel that actually had something to say about the way society views the aging process was adapted to film.
Logan’s Run, by William F. Nolan and George Clayton Johnson transported readers to a society ravaged by war with a novel approach to diminishing resources and rampant population growth; execution for anyone over the age of 21! Logan is a “Sandman” whose sworn duty is to apprehend “Runners”; citizens who, after much soul-searching, have decided they would like to live!
Of course, Hollywood being Hollywood, the transition from print to film was far from seamless. Star Michael York (You know, Austin’s Powers boss!) looked older than 21, so 30 became the cut-off date, so to speak. And 1970′s special effects did sometimes come up short, and that’s being generous!
Image via Wikipedia
To say the film had a mixed reception when released would be an understatement.
It earned an Oscar for effects but critic Gene Siskel wasn’t too impressed. He gave the movie no stars and called it “the worst major motion picture in seven years of reviewing films.”
I suppose there’s something to be said for the direct approach. The Hook discovered the film when it hit the small screen and at the time I thought it was great. Of course, I was a kid, so my standards weren’t exactly high. But the premise still intrigues me, now more than ever.
We live in a world that sits on the razor’s edge populated by a culture that glorifies youth and shuns seniors. One of our most popular figures is a little puke with a lesbian haircut! The time is ripe for a re-make of Logan’s Run, wouldn’t you say?
Ryan Gosling, enjoying a career-high right now, will re-team with the Danish director of his upcoming thriller Drive, Nicolas Winding Refn, to give Logan’s Run a shot at mainstream redemption.
Here’s hoping they succeed. It would be shame to have to execute the 30-year-old Gosling.
I’m a Big fan of Logan’s Run. Thought that I was alone
Cliff
Far from it!
They’re remaking Logan’s Run? That’s crazy! I’ll have to tell my husband about it. He’s a big fan too. I’ve seen the movie myself and I have to admit that I’d love to see it with updated effects. Hopefully they’ll get the story right and it will be a really cool film.
On a semi-unrelated note, have you seen Zardoz?
I think so, once. I can’t remember much so I’ll have to go back and rediscover that one.
It’s a real classic. A really terrible classic. Complete with Sean Connery and a giant floating head.
A giant floating head? You mean William Shatner?
I watched this the other night. Found it whilst going through a hard drive…there hidden.
I recalled watching this originally and being a bit freaked out and then thought…population control….. anywho… Memories!
can’t wait to see what the tech of today will do with this!
Thanks.
You’re welcome.
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