Legacy is one of those films in the vein of your 'Memento', 'Manchurian Candidate' or 'Marathon Man'. By this I mean, the classic high pressure dramatic thriller scenario where the protagonist seems to be the only person plugged into the truth while the powers that be perpetuate an illusion to the world that he feels the necessity to break. The drama and intensity is then heightened by the fact that the key players in opposition to his revelation of the truth have all the power and he stands alone. Will he succeed in his mission or wont he? ... there in lies the movie !!
Idris Elba carries the responsibility for this lead role in 'Legacy' and does so, surprisingly, to impressive effect. I was never particularly fond of 'The Wire' nor am I a massive fan of Idris but he had a job to do in this movie, a very difficult job I might add as he anchors what is to all intents and purposes a solo lead plot, and he did that job d**n well. He never ceases to be convincing or engaging and he immerses himself in the role with a relentless conviction from start to finish that has me wondering whether award season might just send him a few surprises. We'll wait and see !!
On the flip side, some of the drama that 'Manchurian Candidate' or 'Marathon Man' use theatrics and dialogue to achieve, 'Legacy' sometimes uses brut violence instead. For those of a delicate disposition, this can be heavy going but for those, who could make it through 'Rambo 4' without passing out, this is a walk in the park!
'Legacy' is a film that improves on reflection. Long after you have watched it, while you are sitting in your kitchen waiting for the toaster to do its thing, you find yourself having private EUREKA moments when the stars seem to align and the movie makes a whole new level of sense. Moments that have the same shock effect on you as for instance, the Keyser Soze moment from 'The Usual Suspects' or the revelation of the true meaning of Haley Joel Osment's 'I see dead people' at the end of 'Sixth Sense'. (Here comes the spoiler ... 'Legacy' also has one of those plot shockers!)
All in all 'Legacy' is a good watch that I would recommend, but approach it with an alert mind and sturdy nerves, it is not for the faint hearted !
Idris Elba carries the responsibility for this lead role in 'Legacy' and does so, surprisingly, to impressive effect. I was never particularly fond of 'The Wire' nor am I a massive fan of Idris but he had a job to do in this movie, a very difficult job I might add as he anchors what is to all intents and purposes a solo lead plot, and he did that job d**n well. He never ceases to be convincing or engaging and he immerses himself in the role with a relentless conviction from start to finish that has me wondering whether award season might just send him a few surprises. We'll wait and see !!
On the flip side, some of the drama that 'Manchurian Candidate' or 'Marathon Man' use theatrics and dialogue to achieve, 'Legacy' sometimes uses brut violence instead. For those of a delicate disposition, this can be heavy going but for those, who could make it through 'Rambo 4' without passing out, this is a walk in the park!
'Legacy' is a film that improves on reflection. Long after you have watched it, while you are sitting in your kitchen waiting for the toaster to do its thing, you find yourself having private EUREKA moments when the stars seem to align and the movie makes a whole new level of sense. Moments that have the same shock effect on you as for instance, the Keyser Soze moment from 'The Usual Suspects' or the revelation of the true meaning of Haley Joel Osment's 'I see dead people' at the end of 'Sixth Sense'. (Here comes the spoiler ... 'Legacy' also has one of those plot shockers!)
All in all 'Legacy' is a good watch that I would recommend, but approach it with an alert mind and sturdy nerves, it is not for the faint hearted !