Melodramatic, uninspiring and never legendary

Rating: 3/10 (7 February 2008)

Director Ed Zwick attempts to achieve what he did so splendidly with the civil war in "Glory" with a totally different genre in "Legends of the Fall", that of family drama. "Glory" depicted the first African-American regiments' trials and triumphs in epic fashion, yet "Legends" depicts the trials and triumphs of the Ludlow boys with little affect. Unfortunately Mr. Zwick has tried to turn small scale into large scale with not nearly enough material. The result is a melodrama that's way too soapy (much too much happens to this clan), totally uninspiring and pointless, and never legendary.
"Legends of the Fall" is episodic without creating any fascination for the viewer. In fact it is often dreary and suffers greatly from over length. Although the narrative is occasionally moving, it rarely threatens to get interesting and is too often implausible.
As the three brothers, Aidan Quinn, Brad Pitt (ever the hunk) and Henry Thomas all give solid performances, as does the pretty love interest, Julia Ormond. Perhaps the biggest disappointment of the entire film is Sir Anthony Hopkins below par showing as the father William Ludlow.
One highlight is John Toll's grandiose cinematography, whilst James Horner scores again for director Zwick.
Friday, March 10, 1995 - Mainplace Mall, Anaheim