Legend1985 - Rated PG - 1 hr 34 min
Director: Ridley Scott
Starring: Tom Cruise, Mia Sara, Tim Curry, Robert Picardo, Billy Barty, Alice Playten, David Bennent
First of all, the original movie is much better than the Director's Cut - something we learned as a group at this week's movie night. Little did I know we'd even purchased the special Director's Cut version, but there we were. I have seen the original, maybe twice, so I was glad for the assistance picking out the added scenes. And dialogue. And singing.
Why Ridley Scott thought this cut was better was beyond us. In fact, it kinda ruins the integrity of this otherwise decent fantasy/adventure movie. Too much singing, Ridley. They cut out Mia Sara's constant warbling for a reason, one we didn't need to see to believe.
Anyhow, as far as the plot goes, a young couple accidentally get themselves wrapped up in the coming of the "dark lord" (who is not Voldemort, but is in fact Tim Curry... dressed as a giant red demon that may or may not have inspired South Park's Satan character's look. Food for thought.) He's pretty bad-ass, it's true. And if they don't save the unicorn, it's gonna stay dark and frozen in their forest forever. Bad news bears.
Fun fantasy adventures ensue, including Star Trek Voyager's hologram doctor dressed in drag as Meg Mucklebone, a swamp witch (who has more screen time in Scott's cut, for better or for worse.) It's a bit nerdy, this movie, but I consider it a guilty pleasure. The original cut, though. Not this one.
Ridley Scott is a visionary but the director doesn't always know best (don't get me started on the fact that I can't buy anything but the director's cut of "Last of the Mohicans.") I do love this movie though. For me Tim Curry owns this thing, I am still in awe of that costume and makeup and what a performance. To be buried in a costume like that and not let it bury the performance is astounding.
ReplyDeleteGreat point! Tim Curry steals the show, even underneath the horns!
ReplyDeleteNetflix doesn't have the original version, only director's cut. WTH?
ReplyDelete