You know what I think when I see a cast of Dennis Quaid, Tyrese Gibson, Jon Tenney, Charles S. Dutton, Lucas Black, Kate Walsh, Adrianne Palicki, Kevin Durand and Willa Holland? Savings! And when I think cost-conscious thrillers, I think Screen Gems!
Despite that preponderance of below-the-title, maybe even off-the-poster talent, I’m actually looking forward to Legion, which marks the writing/directing feature debut of The Orphanage’s Scott Stewart. We know and love The Orphanage for their nifty visual effects work on Bong Joon-ho’s brilliant The Host, and while a mere association with that lovely film does not equate greatness, I’m smitten enough to pretend it does. Logic doesn’t much enter into my life, and I intend to keep it that way.
Stewart’s film stars Paul Bettany (good and affordable) as the archangel Michael, who takes up for humanity after God gives up on us sinners. I’m not entirely sure how the narrative works, but I believe Michael is charged with protecting a group of humans who must, in turn, protect a woman carrying the second-coming of Jesus Christ. Looking over the above-listed female talent, I’m having trouble buying Kate Walsh, Adrianne Palicki or Willa Holland as virginal, so I’m going to assume they’re taking a page out of the Book of Junior and having “Roc” Dutton shit out Our Savior. At least, that’s how I’d write it.
Legion will commence principal photography shortly in New Mexico (yep), and should be ready for release sometime in 2009.