Parents' Guide to Legion

Movie R 2010 100 minutes
Legion Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

Jeffrey M. Anderson By Jeffrey M. Anderson , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 18+

Angels battle for mankind in violent, bloody thriller.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 18+?

Any Positive Content?

  • 1:58
  • Legion Trailer

Parent and Kid Reviews

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age 14+

Based on 19 parent reviews

Parents say this film has a controversial take on biblical themes, portraying angels in a negative light amid graphic violence and strong language, which many find inappropriate for children. While some viewers appreciate the action and story twist, the overall consensus indicates it is more suitable for mature audiences and may offend those with strong religious beliefs.

  • controversial themes
  • graphic violence
  • strong language
  • mature audience
  • action-packed story
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age 14+

Based on 12 kid reviews

Kids say this movie elicits a wide range of reactions, with some viewers finding it enjoyable and entertaining, while others criticize its portrayal of religious themes and its violent content. Many reviews highlight concerns about its appropriateness for younger audiences due to strong language and graphic scenes, especially for those with a strong religious background.

  • - mixed reactions
    - strong language
    - violent scenes
    - religious portrayal
    - age appropriateness
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See all 12 kid reviews

What's the Story?

In LEGION, God has given up on mankind and has sent an army of angels to possess the bodies of the weak and wipe out the rest of humanity. Angel Michael (Paul Bettany) -- who was meant to lead the mission -- disobeys God's order and appears at a remote rural diner to protect pregnant waitress Charlie (Adrianne Palicki), whose baby may hold the key to the future. The rest of the humans at the diner -- an assortment of characters either lost or stuck there -- help out. Together, they battle hoards of scary, zombie-like creatures ... and then face an even greater challenge when God's backup angel, Gabriel (Kevin Durand), turns up.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 19 ):
Kids say ( 12 ):

Scott Stewart of the San Francisco special effects house The Orphanage makes his directorial debut here, and it's something of a mess. The movie unsuccessfully combines elements of Night of the Living Dead with The Terminator. The plot doesn't often make sense, especially the question of just why waitress Charlie is "the chosen one."

The battles often take place in grimy darkness -- and the result is often more numbing than it is thrilling. Still, some of the visual effects on the zombie creatures are nicely creepy, and a solid collection of actors -- including Dennis Quaid and Charles S. Dutton -- makes some of the downtime between violent moments bearable.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the film's premise. How does its more religion-centric take on an apocalyptic future compare to other movies about the destruction of humanity?

  • What's the impact of violent scenes like the ones in this movie? How does their fantasy nature affect that impact?

  • Which of the movie's characters can be considered positive role models? Why?

Movie Details

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