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Ridley Scott (Blade Runner, Alien) directs this lavishly mounted fantasy film that's high on style but low on action. The sets are jaw-dropping, whether it's the huge, scintillating fairy forest or the fiery underground dungeons of hell. Makeup artist Rob Bottin (The Howling, The Thing) showcases some spectacular Oscar-nominated work. Just look at Tim Curry (The Rocky Horror Picture Show's Dr. Frank-N-Furter) as Darkness, in his head-to-toe prosthetic makeup, red skin, cloven hooves, and immense black horns.  It's one of the most breathtaking achievements in the history of movie makeup.

As exquisite as Legend looks, the action unfortunately never takes off, and the big confrontation between light and darkness (they’re not being metaphorical here) is anti-climactic. Curry’s Darkness is the only major character who leaves an impression — though Robert Picardo (Star Trek: Voyager) is also memorable as a swamp-dwelling witch in one scene. The rest of the cast, including Tom Cruise and Mia Sara, end up swallowed by the sets, wardrobe and prosthetics. These problems would sink most movies, but when I say Legend is ‘high on style’, I mean there’s nothing higher. Few films achieve this kind of visual magnificence. So whatever problems the movie has does little to tarnish it’s lavish design and execution.

There are two versions of the movie out there:  a U.S. theatrical version with new-age music by Tangerine Dream, and an extended European cut with an orchestral score by Jerry Goldsmith.  The European cut doesn’t really gain much with the extra footage, but Goldsmith’s score provides depth and grandeur that Tangerine Dream can’t even begin to touch (though the Goldsmith score is haphazardly placed and one cue in particular is played far too many times).  The U.S. version is still worth a look though, if only for the kitschy Jon Anderson and Bryan Ferry songs that play over the finale.

Oscar Nomination: Best Makeup Effects (Rob Bottin, Peter Robb-King)