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59 out of 70 people found the following comment useful :-
Before Luke, There Was Logan, 18 April 2002

Author: Gazzer-2 from USA

*** This comment may contain spoilers ***

In the year 2274, a faction of the human race, following global war and other apparent catastrophes that have ravaged the Earth, live together in a giant domed city, completely sealed off from the outside world. Here, in this bubbled society, the young, healthy, beautiful people who populate it live in total and complete pleasure, free of labor & strife, and free to do anything & everything they want, sexually or otherwise. It's a total state of hedonism.

But there's one catch: no one is allowed to live past the age of 30. On your 30th birthday (known as "Lastday"), the little jeweled lifeclock attached to your hand blinks, and you must be expelled from this society of pleasure through an arena event known as "carrousel," in which, the city's young people believe, your soul is "renewed," afterwhich you will be reborn into the city's society and start all over again.

But some 30 year-olds in this city know the real truth about carrousel---that it is, in fact, a death sentence---and they try to escape. They're called "runners." The domed city has a faction of policemen who hunt down runners, and they're called "Sandmen." Logan (Michael York) is a 26 year-old Sandman. Life in the city is good for him, but suddenly, he is given a secret mission by his boss---the city's master computer---that will change him. Logan's assignment is to go undercover as a runner, escape the city and go outside, where he is to find a so-called haven for escaped runners called Sanctuary, and destroy it. But Logan soon learns the truth about carrousel himself, and, with the aid of a beautiful girl named Jessica (Jenny Agutter), whom he falls in love with, he must now figure out how to free his people from their horrible fate at the age of 30....

1976's "Logan's Run" is an all-time science fiction classic, and one of my personal favorite films ever since I first saw it on TV as a kid. I've always been fascinated by the storyline, and although the film's Oscar-winning visual effects have long since been surpassed, they're still quite colorful to look at (including the groundbreaking use of holography). There's fine performances all around, such as the perfectly-cast Michael York as Logan, the very lovely Jenny Agutter as Jessica (she & York have terrific chemistry together), as well as the delightful Peter Ustinov as Old Man (who Logan & Jessica discover living alone with his cats outside the city), Richard Jordan as Logan's best friend Francis, and there's even an enjoyable appearance from Farrah Fawcett (Majors) in her sexy, 70's prime, as an attractive assistant working in a facelift shop called New You. And director Michael Anderson steers the film quite nicely from beginning to end.

Some have criticized "Logan's Run" as being too long, saying that the film bogs down in the middle when Logan & Jessica get outside the city and meet the Old Man. I say hogwash---I've always enjoyed this part of the film, featuring Ustinov's charming turn as the Old Man. Besides, it's an important part of the story, as Logan & Jessica fall in love with one another, and learn through meeting the Old Man that there IS, in fact, life after 30. Without this segment of the film, "Logan's Run" would be pointless. It's there for a reason, and I like it just as much as the rest of the film.

Upon it's release in 1976, "Logan's Run" was arguably the "hippest" sci-fi film ever made up to that point. Then, of course, the original "Star Wars" was released the following year, which pretty much knocked "Logan's Run" off the sci-fi pedestal. But no matter---the film remains an enduring classic of it's genre, with a big following to this day. Over 25 years later, "Logan's Run" is still a ton of futuristic fun. :-)

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64 out of 82 people found the following comment useful :-
Dated, a bit silly, but still fun, 23 May 2004
Author: David from Canada

I was twelve when Logan's Run came out and I thought that it was the best thing since sliced bread. It blew me away. So when I picked it up recently on DVD and watched it for the first time in twenty-eight years I was wondering how it would fare after all this time.

Well, not too badly. Many of the IMDb reviewers of Logan's Run hit the nail on the head when they say that this film is definitely a product of its time. Yes, the special effects are sort of laughable now (the teeny tiny maze cars zipping through the a model of the city that looks about six inches tall), but you have to judge those sorts of things in the context of the time they were made. As strange as it may seem to people who now expect Lord of the Rings-quality special effects, Logan's Run was cutting edge in its day. And a few of the special effects still stand up fairly well. The light envelope that comes down over the Carousel or the matte shots of Washington. Not great for twenty-first century film-making, but a minor miracle for 1976.

The story has more holes than a piece of swiss cheese and the acting is a bit touch and go, but that doesn't get in the way of a fairly entertaining movie. Seeing the movie all these years later I suppose the few moments of bad acting hit me more than anything else. As a kid I thought that Peter Ustinov's old man was brilliant, but now it just seems like awkward overacting. Which isn't to say that his character isn't somewhat endearing.

Michael York, a really wonderful actor, misses the mark a few times, but generally he and Jenny Agutter do a fine job.

Listen, this isn't a brilliant movie, but it does have its moments. Most science fiction movies made in the 1970s haven't endured the test of time especially well. With the purple mascara, pastel-coloured costumes and hair feathered like a great phoenix. But all in all I still found Logan's Run to be an entertaining and enjoyable trip back to the strange world of 1976.

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43 out of 50 people found the following comment useful :-
And I Thought Turning 40 Was Supposed To Be the Bad Age...., 11 June 2000

Author: GuyCC from Las Vegas, NV

I must admit that I should be ashamed as a sci-fi fan: I hadn't seen this film until recently, and I wanted to better understand the parody from "Free Enterprise".

But I enjoyed the film.

Watching this film against the more recent glut of sci-fi films, I have to say that they made them a little more original back in the 70's-80's, instead of everything being techno-computer-CG-spaceship fights. A grim look at the downside of maintaining an "ideal", utopian society. When you hit 30, you either have the option of willingly submitting yourself to be killed under a pretense of renewal, or having the Sandmen play with you before they go in for the kill. Neither option seems really appealing. But the idea of one of the killers having to face their mortality is an interesting idea.

A little slow in places (but I did keep wanting to see what would happen next), and some of the special effects look really dated (even to '77's "Star Wars"), but the story holds up well, and it's an entertaining ride overall.

It's truly a classic of the genre, and I wish I had seen it sooner.

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53 out of 70 people found the following comment useful :-
Awesome Sci-Fi 70's Flick, 15 July 2005

Author: w00die from Atlanta, GA

This movie left a lasting impression because the story and concept are fantastic and the lead characters did a great job. The campy feel of the technology does not deter from the impact of this ageless film. People today tend to get hung-up on technology and forget the value of the story and the acting. I believe a lot of viewers today probably will not understand this film, and people who didn't get it back in the 70's probably still don't get it. The social statement is so true it's not even funny. We do not like old people. Just look around at print media, advertising, Hollywood, music, or sports. We treat older people like the plague.

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35 out of 44 people found the following comment useful :-
I Love this Movie!, 26 April 2003
Author: nicerobot from San Francisco

I love this movie for a number of reasons It's got a wonderfully original storyline, eye candy visuals, great 1970's hairdos, doesn't require a PHD to figure out and is just plain fun to watch. I know there are some people on this site that have dissected Logan's Run like a frog in Science Class and have dismissed it for some short comings. But if you attempt to watch this movie by holding a magnifying glass up to it and comparing it's special effects and sets to films like Star Wars, you're not going to enjoy it because it doesn't compete on that level. It's strength is an emphasis on the human condition and rebelling against a regimented society that lies to it's people and the special effects are just along for the ride. Also unlike Star Wars, I look at this movie as a period piece because it's a 1970's perspective on one possible future society and watching it (especially now)you never forget that. Yes it's dated, but like many things from the 70's reminds us of a simpler time and place we can remember fondly.

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24 out of 30 people found the following comment useful :-
Somehow, I'm not sure how, but this is a great flick!, 2 May 2003

Author: danger-mouse from Attleboro, MA

Okay, it's got a hoaky plot with lots of holes in it, special effects made from matchbox sets, some mediocre acting (Farrah Fawcett?!?) and dialogue, a big ole "this was made in the 70's" stamp all over it, and I think the editing, direction and sound track are lousy too. And yet somehow it all works. I love this movie! Maybe it's the campy cornball that gets me every time. I dunno. Yet by the end I feel uplifted and even touched. What a great scene with the timid girl touching Ustinov's beard at the end with Logan and Jessica in each other's arms looking on.

While the acting is average (or perhaps its the lousy script) there are exceptions, thankfully mostly among the main cast. Richard Jordan is just great as the relentless and unremorseful sandman. And Ustinov is a lot of fun as the kooky old man. Michael York, who've I've always liked, is servicable as our hero (thankfully they don't ask him to stretch his acting skills too much here). But without a doubt the real jewel is Jenny Agutter as Jessica-6. I can't recall a part more perfectly cast. Ms. Agutter is the epitome of beauty, youth and doe-eyed innocence. And her underlying sensuality is impossible to miss in every scene she is in. And as if that weren't enough she can act to boot!

Of course there's a lot that I don't like about the movie, it's quite easy to pick apart. But again, I don't know how, "Logan's Run" is much better than the sum of its parts.

I hope they get the rumored remake off the ground, there's some good underlying sci-fi to be explored here and with a tightened up script, upgraded effects, better direction and editing you could have *real* winner. I just don't think they'll ever match the original casting job for Jessica-6.

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27 out of 37 people found the following comment useful :-
What a Delicious Turkey! So Good and So Bad at the Same Time, 25 July 2005

Author: txfirebear from Dallas, TX

*** This comment may contain spoilers ***

If you hate Sci-Fi, then don't bother. There will be so many things in this dated film to bug you, that there's really no point unless it's assigned for class. If so, I'd like to congratulate your teacher: Some of these concepts are timeless and presented in provocative ways. For instance, does God exist, or do we, similar to the way that the young people of Bubble City believe in Sanctuary, want and need God to exist? Another question the film asks us to ponder is something about the tendencies and the central essence of "youth-based culture." What's good about it? What's bad? Some of the questions this film asks (and Peter Ustinov's Eliot-spouting performance) are genuine joys within the muck of cheesy sets, effects, and cityscape models that look more like Avacado Mall than City of the Future. Auguter and York look beautiful (and have real chemistry between them), plus Richard Jordan's Francis 7 was so memorable, they had to bring back his character from the dead for the TV series.

Not only do I love the quest or journey theme in this film, but pondering the movement inside Logan--from Sandman killer who never questions authority to lover/runner with Jessica as his muse and accomplice--makes for interesting arguments. For instance, what was Logan's relationship with Francis and did he betray his best friend because of being betrayed by the central computer? Would Logan have been able to love Jessica if he didn't realize that the central computer's teachings about love and commitment were flawed? Farrah's awfully pretty, and the look is so 70s you almost can't stand it, but all kitching aside, it's a fun run.

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24 out of 32 people found the following comment useful :-
A sci-fi Spirit of '76..., 7 January 2003

Author: Spacelamb from Australia

Logan's Run was adapted from a novel written with the specific intention of being made into a movie. I'm glad they did because I first saw this on TV as a child during the eighties and loved every minute of it. Due to my young age I could identify with a character lorded over by incomprehensible, emotionless machines - just like mean parents who say NO! Poor Logan, so earnest and innocent. Now that I'm an adult I still love this movie, but for rather different reasons. Logan's Run is drenched in the seventies, from the hip music and sets to the 'revolutionary' concept of free sexuality and a new face at the flick of a switch. It's so camp in places, yet the concept of a society discarding anyone over the age of 30 seems eerily prescient, given that I've even heard Britney Spears derided for being 'old'. Perhaps they should have set the cut-off age at 20 instead?

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16 out of 20 people found the following comment useful :-
Pretty good Futuristic Sci-Fi, 11 May 1999
Author: John Mankin (mankin@rff.org)

*** This comment may contain spoilers ***

"Logan's Run" (1976:***) is a futuristic Sci-Fi epic that takes place in an isolated domed city in the 23rd century after an unspecified catastrophe has rendered the outside world unlivable. Its inhabitants are only allowed to exist until they are 30. Echos of other movies from the past ("Planet of the Apes") and the future ("Blade Runner") abound in this fairly effective adventure, with amazing sets and production design but a rather clunky script that bogs down seriously in the final half with the introduction of Peter Ustinov as a lone survivor of the outside world. Ustinov is not given anything interesting to say or do during these scenes. The domed city is apparently located on the outskirts of Washington, DC, which is where Michael York finds himself before he encounters Ustinov, who lives in the remnants of the U.S. Capitol. The IMDB has an extended series of essays on this film called "Logan's Run as a Postmodern Myth," which even brings in Marcuse's theories on capitalism! The DVD has a running commentary by the director and Michael York, so it's possible to really immerse yourself in this film. Incidentally, the richly eclectic score by Jerry Goldsmith is one of his best.

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18 out of 24 people found the following comment useful :-
Great story, good film, some flaws., 2 May 2004
Author: grendelkhan from Xanadu

*** This comment may contain spoilers ***

Logan's Run is a polarizing film: you either like it or hate it, there isn't much in between. It also tends to be loved more by the people who saw it in the 70's and early 80's. It features an interesting dystopian society and plenty of action, plus top notch special effects (for pre-ILM 1976).

Spoilers- Logan's Run is based on the novel by William F. Nolan and George Clayton Johnson. The movie departs from the novel in several aspects, the main ones being a lifespan of 30, instead of 21; and a domed city, rather than the entire country as a playground.

In the movie, after overpopulation brings on a cataclysmic war, society is restructured so that life ends at 30, and the citizens must go on Carousel to try to renew. However, some people don't like these options and go on the run. Sandmen are charged with hunting down these misfits. Logan is a Sandman who is ordered to track down these runners and destroy Sanctuary, the final goal of the runners. The controlling computer alters the lifeclock embedded in his palm and advances it three years, to Logan's Lastday. Logan encounters Jessica, a young woman with knowledge of the route to Sanctuary. Together, they go on the run to find Sanctuary, while Logan's partner, Francis, hunts for them.

Logan and Jessica find a whole world outside the dome of the city and encounter an eccentric old man. They return to the city to reveal what they have seen and tear down the system.

Michael York and Jenny Agutter are excellent in the lead roles of Logan and Jessica. Robert Jordan and Peter Ustinov make for a fine supporting cast. All are classically trained actors who bring a lot to the film. Farrah Fawcett appears in a small role and is little more than window dressing.

The effects were state-of-the-art, for 1976. ILM would bring a revolution in effects work the following year; but, for the time and the budget, Logan's effects were quite good. Some of the model shots are obvious and the Sandman's gun takes some getting used to, but it works.

The costumes are pure "Disco", which puts them on par with other films of the era. Even Star Wars didn't totally escape this problem. The Sandman uniforms look fairly menacing and the citizens' clothes do fit in with the hedonistic society.

The story is a byproduct of 60's and early 70's concerns (the novel was published in 1967); overpopulation and a large youth culture who felt marginalized. The story is more cerebral, in keeping with other sci-fi films of the era (like Silent Running and the Planet of the Apes films), but does have a healthy dose of action.

The main flaws of the movie occur when Logan and Jessica discover the world outside the domed city. It's never quite as interesting as the city, and the discovery of Washington, DC is swiped from Planet of the Apes. Although Peter Ustinov adds some color and humor to the film, these scenes tend to slow things down too much. When Francis re-enters, things pick back up; but the time in between seems too long.

I've always loved the film, although it's not perfect. I don't consider it to be the "greatest" sci-fi film of the 70's, it is one of the better ones. Consider the major sci-fi films of the 70's: Soylent Green, Omega Man, Escape from/Conquest of/Battle for the Planet of the Apes, Dark Star, Silent Running, Logan's Run, Star Wars, Close Encounters, Outland, Alien, Star Trek TMP, Battlestar Galactica, Buck Rogers, Superman. The best films came in near the end of the decade of the 70's. Logan's Run is kind of a dividing line between old sci-fi films and the more modern. Sure, Soylent Green and Escape from the POTA are considered classics (by some) but they are still mainly cult films. Logan's Run is closer to being a blockbuster than those early films (with the possible exception of Escape). It shares the more plot and character-driven elements of those earlier films, with the action and special effects of the later films. It's not a perfect synthesis, but it was a step in that direction. In some ways, sci-fi has regressed; too many films now are glorified action pieces, with futuristic trappings; but, little in the way of deep thought or forward-thinking ideas.

Logan's Run is an excellent film that still, mostly, holds up well. It is a blend of thoughtful ideas and action, in an interesting setting. The performances are good and most of the effects serve their purpose well. It does slow down in the later half, but it has a good ending. Definitely a must or any student of sci-fi cinema.

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