Logan's Run (1976) User Reviews (339)

Really - It's Better Than You Remember

[stmichaeldet · 7/10 · 7 May 2006]

Over the last 30 years, Logan's Run has become somewhat of a laughingstock, the poster child of bad '70s science fiction. Its mention evokes images of cheesy sets, bad action, silly plotting, and heavy-handed yet ultimately empty social commentary. Is this reputation deserved? On viewing it recently, I have to say, no.

That's not to say that Logan's Run doesn't have its flaws. Its main problem is the dialog, which is often leaden, unrealistic, and exposition-heavy. This creates an unfortunate challenge for the actors, who often appear to be visibly struggling to make a scene work despite the stupid lines the script gives them.

But once you get beyond that, there's a lot of good stuff to be found. The plot is tight, and Logan's gradual shifts from undercover agent trying to discover the whereabouts of hundreds of unaccounted-for Runners, to becoming a Runner himself, to revolutionary dedicated to ending the false "Renewal" ceremony, ring true and engage the viewer's sympathies. The sets, while certainly dated (particularly in technological terms), are impressive and evocative. And if anything, the film's vision of a future obsessed with youth, beauty, and obedience is even more meaningful today than when it was released.

The concept of Sanctuary is particularly well handled. Early in the film, Sanctuary is a legendary place, a haven for Runners who manage to escape, which no one inside the dome has ever seen or had contact with, yet inspires Runners to attempt escape from their society's strict codes of behavior. Later, we learn that there is no real Sanctuary; the Runners who pass beyond the final gate and escape from the Sandmen have been captured and frozen by a malfunctioning food-storage 'bot, and there is a strong implication that Logan and Jessica are the first to fully escape the dome and reach the outside. What they find is a real Sanctuary, a lush, green world where people could live freely, without the oppressive restrictions of dome society.

Other notable features include Peter Ustinov's wonderful performance as the confused, lonely Old Man, living in the ruins of Washington, D.C., and Logan's interrogation scene on returning to the dome, where holograms are used to represent the computer pulling information out of his brain.

So, why is this film ridiculed? I have a theory. Within about a year, Star Wars was released, and literally changed the audience's expectations of how an SF film should look. Logan's Run, with it's clean, simple design, human scale, and strong moralistic tones, represented the last gasp of a now-obsolete style of film-making, and as such, suffered greatly in comparison to the new wave of SF films. I think it deserves another look.

And I Thought Turning 40 Was Supposed To Be the Bad Age....

[GuyCC · 7/10 · 11 June 2000]

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.

Before Luke, There Was Logan

[Gazzer-2 · 8/10 · 18 April 2002]

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. :-)

Dated, a bit silly, but still fun

[roulin · 23 May 2004]

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.

a brilliant use of models

[tom-3160 · 7/10 · 23 October 2010]

A really good use of models, second best use of models I've seen in film after Metropolis, which this looks like it follows, also this shows the way to many other films and looks like it shows the way to Blade Runner, Brazil and Total Recall, just to name a few.

I think its a brilliant story, the old man in the building in Washington, it is really believable.

The models are really well made and used, and this reminds me of old Dr Who episodes (which I love more than the recent, for the models and badly made suits).

A must see if you like sci-fi films, like the ones mentioned before.

Science Fiction Classic

[gavin6942 · 7/10 · 26 July 2015]

Logan (Michael York) is a Sandman, someone who kills all those who refuse to sacrifice themselves on their 30th birthday. But when his clock starts ticking, Logan and Jessica (Jenny Agutter) make a run for it.

I had seen this film in the mid-1990s for a class, and thought it was pretty good. Re-watching it now (2015), I can see why it is a science fiction classic, though some holes are now there. And I do not just mean plot holes (of which there are a few). The city exteriors are obviously a model, and it is almost humorous how easy it is to tell.

But the story is very good and now a part of pop culture. The two leads are great, and I wish Agutter had done more horror and sci-fi in the 70s/80s. Farrah Fawcett's role is small and sort of peculiar. Peter Ustinov is great, and nice comedic relief. Now sure what was up with all the nudity, but...

Somehow, I'm not sure how, but this is a great flick!

[danger-mouse · 9/10 · 2 May 2003]

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.

Cheesy At Times, But Fun

[ackstasis · 7/10 · 16 January 2007]

Michael Anderson's 'Logan's Run' is a fun little futuristic sci-fi, set in a 23rd century post-apocalyptic society, where overpopulation has been controlled by disposing of citizens as soon as they reach thirty years of age.

Michael York ('Cabaret', 1972) is Logan 5, a "Sandman" who is responsible for tracking down and "terminating" Runners - people who attempt to flee from death once their thirty years are up. In order for Logan to infiltrate the underground Runner refuge known as Sanctuary, the society's mother computer, unbeknown to all others, advances Logan's life-clock, and so Logan suddenly becomes a Runner himself.

Jenny Agutter portrays Jessica 6, the young woman who decides to accompany Logan, whilst Richard Jordan ('The Hunt For Red October,' 1990) is Francis 7, the former Sandman friend of Logan, who must now track him down and "terminate" him.

The special effects, one year before George Lucas' 'Star Wars' was to grace our screens, are excellently done, though some of the model-work of the Dome City is a bit transparent. As a sci-fi film, it is crucial that 'Logan's Run' is not taken too seriously. Though a few of the scenes could be described as a bit cheesy, it is a lot of good fun. Peter Ustinov's ("Quo Vadis", 1951) small but very important appearance later in the film was a pleasure to watch.

Also, I can't be the only person to have noticed some very large similarities between 'Logan's Run' and Michael Bay's 2005 film 'The Island.' Whether any such inspiration has been acknowledged by the makers of the latter I cannot say, though it does help with my recommendations. If you enjoyed 'The Island,' then there's a pretty good chance you'll enjoy this one, as well!

Awesome Sci-Fi 70's Flick

[w00die · 10/10 · 15 July 2005]

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.

Amusing and outlandish Sci-Fi about a domed city whose inhabitants are obligated to die at 30

[ma-cortes · 7/10 · 5 March 2012]

Popular and lavish Sci-Fi with some nice effects sequences with imaginative sets about a futuristic society where young people are allowed to live an unending pleasure until the age of thirty (though Michael York, Richard Jordan and Michael Anderson Jr. were all over 30 when they made the film) that are compelled to die , adapted from a novel by William F Nolan and George Clayton Jackson . 2274 some type of holocaust has decimated the earth, and the survivors sealed themselves into a computer-controlled bubble . To maintain the population balance, the computers that run the city have decreed that all people have to die at 30. This system is enforced by "sandmen" (Michael York , Richard Jordan) : black-clad cop operatives who terminate hunting "runners" ,those who try to live beyond 30. Logan, a sandman, whose job is to hunt fugitives , is sent on an assignment to find "sanctuary," which is a code- word used by the master computer to describe what it thinks is a place to which runners have been getting away. Then Logan nearing the limit searches desperately for a way to avoid mandatory extermination . As a day outside the bubble Logan along with Jessica (Jenny Agutter) discover new emotions .

This classic Sci-fi contains suspense , thrills , action , breathtaking production design and is pretty entertaining though with some feeble stereotypes . Impressive big-budgeted production by Saul David enhanced immeasurably by an enjoyable cast as Michael York , Jenny Agutter , Farrah Fawcett and special mention to great Peter Ustinov . Roscoe Lee Browne both voiced and performed Box the robot on-set. The unwieldy costume made it impossible for Browne to right himself if he fell over. Colorful and spectacular cinematography in Todd-Ao 35 by Ernest Laszlo . Rousing and evocative musical score by the maestro Jerry Goldsmith . Jerry uses a full orchestra with no electronic instruments when the action is outside of the city. When inside the city, his orchestra consists solely of strings, piano, and electronic instruments , the music at the beginning of the film during the credits does add the electronic instruments with the full orchestra though. Dated but effective miniatures about a domed city near Washington, D.C. It earned a special Academy Award for visual effects by Glen Robinson . The motion picture is originally directed by Michael Anderson . Rating : PG (Parents guide) for some nudism and violence. Good but overlong and some corny moments, worthwhile watching . Followed by a brief TV series with Gregory Harrison , Heather Menzies and Donald Moffat

Lambs to the Slaughter...

[Xstal · 5/10 · 16 November 2022]

In your palm when you are born you'll get a stone, getting older colour changes show you've grown, when a flashing red appears, you know it's time to disappear, as the carousel ascends, and you are blown. Logan catches those who try to make a run, takes them down with his extremely sparkly gun, but he's got a task to carry, find the runners sanctuary, and Jessica's going to join him for some fun (for some viewers at least).

A future dystopian world that sacrifices you at an early age, in a similar tone to the producers who sacrificed quality and substance, alongside the scriptwriters who sacrificed engagement.

A science fiction film that gives the genre a run for its money

[Morlock · 8/10 · 11 October 1998]

Beyond the entrapment of lavish special effects (for which "Logan's Run" won an Oscar anyway), few science fiction films actually present a good story, much less one that makes you think and/or presents new ideas. "Logan's Run" is one of those few.

Before "Stars Wars" enraptured audiences with its stunning special effects and created a precedent for a string of similarly effects-laden knock-offs and genre wanna-be's (mirroring what "The War of the Worlds" had done for audiences in the 50's), true science fiction films such as "Logan's Run" were giving us stories simply complimented by special effects, not about them. I say "true" because "Star Wars" is of the fantasy genre; it is not a science fiction story, though it does share some common elements.

"Logan's Run" presents us with a vivid, somewhat horrifying vision of a possible future. It doesn't take place "a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away." It happens on earth in a believable time frame. It doesn't ask us to greatly suspend disbelief by accepting alien races and magic powers. Instead, it presents us with a chilling fast forward of our own technology, attitudes, and policies. Concerning the latter, the film includes an almost creepy euthanasia undertone to it.

Though, in all honesty, I care more about and become more closely associated with the characters in "Star Wars," the disassociation I feel for LR's characters somewhat aids the lack of individuality that the story tries to convey. The actors, however, give great performances.

Beautiful cinematography and settings greatly compliment the film's mood and timeframe, from the sterile domed city to the decimated Washington D.C., which still provides one of (if not) the best visuals of a post-apocalyptic world that I've ever seen. It's right there with "The Planet of the Apes'" Statue of Liberty.

Another thing that SW does well is disassociate itself from the decade in which it was created. You have to overlook this aspect in LR because like so many films of the 70's, it carries its decade's time stamp.

Though minor, another thing I, in particular, enjoy about LR are the weapons. Unlike every other weapon in and out of science fiction history, LR's "blasters" do not actually shoot anything. There is simply an explosion at their designated target. It may be campy (or corny), but it's definitely different and a fine example of real, working props.

Another interesting note: the film varies greatly from the original novel, but most people agree that the film is much better. I tend to agree with them.

For me, in terms of science fiction, "Logan's Run" takes its place among such decade-defining films as "The War of the Worlds" (50's) and "The Planet of the Apes" (60's) and among such thought-provoking science fiction as "Soylent Green" and "Gattaca."

Ask yourself this: what or where is "sanctuary?" Isn't that what we're all looking for? Answer both, and you'll have the film's theme.

Brave new world, but only for the young

[bkoganbing · 7/10 · 26 June 2015]

Logan's Run details a futuristic society that has developed after an atomic war where people live in a large dome which we learn is on the eastern seaboard of the old USA. People look happy and healthy, but none of them are old. Reason being is that those over 30 are killed and in a nice elaborate ceremony called Carousel. That has to be seen to be believed.

Naturally there are some that object to being killed and they run. When they do run, the government sends out people like Michael York and Richard Jordan to discourage that.

The government errs big time though when they send Michael York out on a mission to pretend he's a runner in order to seek out and destroy some mythical society where escapees have gone called Sanctuary. York makes his run and when he teams up with a real runner in Jenny Agutter he makes it real and Jordan his erstwhile friend goes after the both of them.

Some interesting concepts about the value of age and wisdom are dealt with her. Especially when York and Agutter meet up with Peter Ustinov who is the first old person they've ever met. Wait till you see where Ustinov has lived as a hermit in a world that seems to have healed itself from the ravages of atomic war.

Jordan has an interesting performance as a true believer in the society that has evolved and there is the first notice of Farrah Fawcett the 70s it girl as one who has reached her allotted time.

Logan's Run won an Oscar for Best Visual Effects and was nominated for Oscars in cinematography and art and set direction. It holds up pretty well for the new century. We may well ask the question is this the direction we are heading in.

When being 30 is considered too old...

[paulclaassen · 5/10 · 17 February 2023]

While watching 'Logan's Run' I thought the premise looked all to familiar. This is because the 2005 Michael Bay film 'The Island' used 'Logan's Run' as its inspiration.

In the 23rd Century, survivors of a post apocalyptic world lives in a domed city. Everyone in the city are younger than 30. Every person has a life clock implanted in their hand. When they turn 30, they are called to the Carrousel for a public display of "being renewed", hence they are looking forward to this event. Unbeknownst to them and them and the audience, they are, in fact, being killed.

Michael York stars as Logan, a police officer known as a Sandman, who terminates people trying to escape - called Runners. When Logan's life clock suddenly puts him closer to going to the Carrousel, he himself becomes a Runner, and is being pursued by other Sandmen. On the run with him, is Jessica, a young woman who told him about a peaceful place called 'Sanctuary' where Runners escape to.

'Logan's Run' is a sci-fi movie of epic proportions, with incredible sets and a great production design. In a time before CGI, they had to rely on models and practical effects. I also liked the free-flowing costumes.

I must be honest, I found the third act dragging a bit, and not quite as interesting. It was actually a bit boring compared to the rest of the film. Fortunately, the climax was all mayhem and action again. In general, 'Logan's Run' is an exciting action adventure fantasy film well worth seeing.

I Love this Movie!

[nicerobot · 26 April 2003]

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.

When a Sandman Becomes a Runner

[Uriah43 · 6/10 · 18 March 2023]

This film begins in 2274 A. D. with a man by the name of "Logan 5" (Michael York) and his colleague "Francis 7" (Richard Jordan) hunting down a fugitive who refuses to abide by the rules of the city in which they live. Specifically, both Logan 5 and Francis 7 are what's known as "Sandmen" and their job is to kill anyone who doesn't attend an event known as "Carrousel" on their 30th birthday. This event essentially compels the participants to gather in a theater of sorts and attempt to escape before they are disintegrated. The fact that nobody manages to successfully escape is obscured by their belief that, upon being killed in Carrousel, they will be "renewed" and live again as a brand-new infant in the city's nursery. At least, that is what the citizens are told and both Logan 5 and Francis 7 accept this belief unconditionally. Things change, however, when Logan 5 presents an item known as an "ankh"--which was taken from a person attempting to escape--to the main computer as required by law. Although Logan 5 doesn't know anything about the object, the computer deducts the last remaining years from his life in order for him to go outside of the city to destroy a secret refuge known as "Sanctuary" which is believed to be harboring escaped fugitives (known as "Runners"). Unfortunately, Francis 7 isn't told of Logan 5's new mission and, as a result, believes that his colleague is now attempting to escape having to go to Carrousel. For that reason, instead of being a hunter, it is now Logan 5's turn to become the hunted. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that this film started off rather well but faltered a bit once the scene shifted to outside of the city. Even so, the plot remained interesting for the most part and I have rated this movie accordingly. Slightly above average.

You have a choice. You die at 30. Or you run...

[andyajoflaherty · 7/10 · 7 September 2022]

Loosely based on the novel of the same name, Logan's Run is set in a dystopian future where life is perfect, but nobody is allowed to live past 30. People who refuse to sacrifice themselves and try to escape are called 'runners', and special police called sandmen are sent after them. Logan is a sandman, and after killing one runner gets caught up in a secret mission to find out where the successfully escaped runners are hiding. He does this by posing as a runner himself, and the story unravels from there to show the truth of our species' past. If any film is ripe for a remake, its this one. In terms of sets, dialog and performances it is very much stuck in the 1970's, but the basic premise is brilliant. I quite enjoyed Logan's Run despite it getting off to a slow start, and the admittedly wonkey effects don't detract from some interesting topics the film touches on, such as overpopulation and conformity. If you don't mind the fact that in many ways it has not aged well, its worth a watch.

One of the Best Sci-Fi Ever and Absolutely Ahead of Time

[claudio_carvalho · 10/10 · 31 May 2009]

In 2274, the survivors of a war live in a great domed city sealed from the outside world and their society provides all possible comfort to them. However there is a catch: when the dwellers reach the age of thirty years old, their life clocks become red, accusing that it is time of renewal and they must participate in a ceremony called Carrousel. The misfits are called runners and they are chased by the police force called Sandmen and terminated. The efficient sandmen Logan 5 (Michael York) and Francis (Richard Jordan) work together and they are best friends. When Logan meets Jessica 6 (Jenny Agutter) in a sexual encounter, she sees that he is a sandman and refuses to have sex with him, claiming that it was a mistake of the circuit. Then Logan terminates a runner and when the computer analyzes the belongings of the victim, it assigns Logan to an undercover mission. His life clock is advanced in four years and he is ordered to take the key and seek the Ankh Sanctuary. He uses Jessica to help him, but he falls in love for her while chased by Francis. Logan questions the system and leaves the domed city with Jessica; in the outer world, they find and old man, changing their perspective of life beyond 30.

"Logan's Run" is one of the best sci-fi ever and absolutely ahead of time. Even in 2009 and after watching this feature at least six times, I still love it. The original and engaging story is supported by magnificent cinematography, scenarios, set decoration, special effects, costumes, make-up and music score. Jenny Agutter is amazing and shows a wonderful chemistry with Michael York. One of the best moments is when they do not know the meaning of "beloved husband" and "beloved wife" since these concepts do not exist in their society. Last but not the least, the name of my daughter was inspired in the character performed by Jenny Agutter. My vote is ten.

Title (Brazil): "Fuga no Século XXIII" ("Escape in the 23rd Century")

Note: On 20 Aug 2015, I saw this film again.

Due for a remake!

[funtasticfour · 7/10 · 5 May 2019]

I've heard about this movie for years, but only just watched it now. I like the story idea, which I could say isn't original, but back then it probably was. Mostly it holds up pretty well, except for some simple effects. Its a bit longer than it needed to be as well, but overall I enjoyed it, and would love to see it reimagined/updated.

A great looking sci-fi film that fuses ideas with action

[Red-Barracuda · 9/10 · 28 April 2013]

Logan's Run is a 70's sci-fi movie that fell slap bang between the intellectualism of the earlier 2001: A Space Odyssey and the later action-adventurism of Star Wars. It seemed to allude to the past while hinting at the future that sci-fi was about to take. As a result, it is very satisfying. Its mix of dark dystopian conundrums with fast-paced action works very well.

It's set in an enclosed world in a post-apocalyptic Earth. The inhabitants lead hedonistic, care-free lives. But the catch is that everybody has to submit to forced euthanasia at the age of thirty. The vast majority of the brain-washed populace, however, believe what they are told by their overlords and think that they will be renewed to live their lives again. The story tells of a sandman (a state hit-man) who starts to have doubts about this and is sent on a mission to the outside world to find a place called Sanctuary.

Over and above everything, what makes Logan's Run such a delight is the excellent set-design and detailed model work. The colourful large interiors of the domed world are extremely attractive, while the ice caves and overgrown Washington D.C. are very well done also. The model work may look like, well, model work but it's beautifully designed and adds a certain charm. The story itself is good enough; although things do slow down somewhat once the characters leave their city and venture outside leading to a rather unsatisfying ending. But there is enough quality beforehand to make up for this. The film benefits from its two principal actors, Michael York and Jenny Agutter. York is as reliable as always, while Agutter probably steals the show as the beautiful and mysterious Jessica 6.

The best special effects of 1976.

[Benjamin-M-Weilert · 6/10 · 14 March 2020]

In today's landscape of CGI and superb practical effects, it's a little difficult to watch movies like Logan's Run (1976). Sure, there are a few good bits (like dissolving bodies), but there are a lot of effects that look low-budget by today's standards. Wires clearly hold up flying people, a robot is obviously a man in a boxy costume, and a futuristic society seems to be housed in a mid-1980s shopping mall. About the only reason I don't necessarily deem Logan's Run a B-movie fit for a Mystery Science Theatre 3000 ribbing is because it was the best technology they had at the time.

Of course, I say this was the best special effects of the day, knowing full well that Star Wars (1977) would come out a year later. If anything, this movie shows the enormous leap in special effects that Star Wars provided the film industry in comparison. And while the plot of Logan's Run is relatively simple, certain elements appear to be pulled from Planet of the Apes (1968). Both seem to show how the future bodes for our society and, more specifically, one that settles on killing anyone over 30 years old.

Despite how poorly it has aged, Logan's Run is still a pop culture reference that appears from time to time. From direct references in The Simpsons and Family Guy, the idea of an age limit was also adapted in a slightly different way (to middling success) in In Time (2011). There's no denying its hedonistic appeal, if for no other reason than its ability to show that perhaps we shouldn't trust everything a computer tells us. Of course, the utopian/dystopian dichotomy will always be present in media, but Logan's Run has a reasonably good take on the theme for what it is.

The best special effects of 1976, I give Logan's Run 3.0 stars out of 5.

They Ruined a Strong Book and Made it Campy

[quitwastingmytime · 3/10 · 24 June 2021]

The original book was a right wing crank's rant against hippies and youth culture, drug use, casual sex, and hedonism. It was powerful in its weird way, but it gave a full picture of a world where youth must rule. It even described Antarctica, Mars, and under the sea.

The film reduced it to a mall made to look like a single city. They not only threw out almost all the story. They threw out all logic. Ballard, the aged leader of a rebel movement, becomes a senile old man played by Ustinov.

How was the old man able to live in the wild? How could Jessica and Logan live in the wild for months when they were sheltered city people? Where were the other people in the wild? And how silly is it when the city and the computer collapse just because they were told there's no Sanctuary?

In the book an old Mars colony is Sanctuary. It ends with the rebellion continuing. Why did they even bother to make this film if they ignored everything good in the book?

Holds Up Surprisingly Well

[sildarmillion · 9/10 · 21 December 2018]

My interest in this movie stemmed from the fact that one of my friends was named after it. Other than that, I had no reason to be interested in a sci-fi movie from the '70s. I have doubts that sci-fi movies would age well. The special effects would probably look silly. The vision of the future will seem silly to us. So on and so forth. All that said, I was surprised how well this movie held up! It relied on ideas rather than visual effects (as good movies should) and the set up was so bizarre and post-apocalyptic-ish, that it didn't feel like an incompetent vision of the future. I would recommend this one despite the fact it's >40 years old.

Not entirely successful, but still provocative and worth a look.

[Hey_Sweden · 7/10 · 24 September 2017]

In the future, post-holocaust Earth of the year 2274, human beings live in enormous domed cities. They're not allowed to live past age 30; at that age they must submit to a bizarre experience dubbed "Carrousel", which might allow them to be "reborn" if they're lucky. Michael York plays Logan, a "Sandman" whose job it is to hunt down "runners", who are people pushing 30 who are trying to flee the inevitable. Logan is sent on a mission to find a Sanctuary that supposedly harbours Runners, but when everything goes wrong, he and a new acquaintance named Jessica (the ravishing Jenny Agutter) go on the lam.

For its first hour or so, "Logan's Run" is a wonderful 70s trip. It pulls you right in with a real candy store of futuristic images. Obviously MGM spared no expense in making this picture. It's quite captivating, and holds your interest for a while. It's got some very alluring outfits for Agutter; in general, the costumes designed by Bill Thomas are impressive. The action scenes are well done, and there is some fairly shocking (but not THAT gory) violence for a PG rated film.

Then the oppressive atmosphere gives way to a whole second act that is, comparatively speaking, on the boring side, as Logan and Jessica see what life is REALLY is like outside the dome, encountering a senile old man, played to the hammy hilt by Peter Ustinov. This whole portion is not completely without interest, as Logan and Jessica are awakened to a totally different kind of existence (for example, one in which children actually know their parents). Things pick up again once Logans' former friend Francis (Richard Jordan) re-enters the story.

On the whole, this is an appealing saga, one that attempts to appeal to adult intellects as well as dazzling them with special effects and production design. The performances are basically fine; also appearing are Roscoe Lee Browne as a clunky looking robot named "Box" and Farrah Fawcett. That's director Michael Andersons' son Michael Jr. as the character "Doc".

Best of all is the wondrous score by ever-reliable Jerry Goldsmith, which uses electronic noises just as much as any orchestra.

Followed by a short-lived TV series.

Seven out of 10.

great movie for kids, otherwise just kitsch

[clabkeloh · 3/10 · 16 September 2006]

Reading other comments I'm struck by how many people fell in love with this movie when they were kids...and I did too. But as an adult this movie is merely irritating. Rent this for your 12-year- old son, then leave the room. Every one else commenting seems to acknowledge that it's based on a wildly popular novel, but no one seems to have ever read that novel. The book is light years different and really brilliant. The movie is a drastically dumbed-down version, a typical Hollywood mess. If someone were to really film the novel then we'd have something! All the griping aside, Logan's Run is interesting camp. The model of the future city is delightfully overdone, the long scenes filmed in the Dallas Apparel Mart will make you gasp at the architectural horrors of bygone days, plus you get to see lots of iconic movie stars as very young people. If your drunk or high and have nothing better to do, this is perfect. If you're a real sci-fi fan, skip it.