Legend is about the rise and fall of the Kray Twins who control crime in London from the 1950s to 1970s. Legend’s story may be flawed and derivative, but WHO CARES?
First, Tom Hardy convincingly plays twins. He is a magnificent actor. Second, Tom Hardy is hot as one of the twins, Reggie, until things start to go south. Third, when Legend is just focusing on the criminal enterprise, it is really interesting. Fourth, there are some riveting scenes that deal with sexuality and mental disabilities. Fifth, Legend’s period look is gorgeous, and that fight scene was pretty seamless. Sixth, the scene with Chazz Palminteri is perfect.
First, Legend does not work because the filmmaker should have never chosen a specific character to be the narrator. It was a gimmicky and schlocky choice because of how the story ends. Second, once one character gets married, the momentum almost grinds to a halt. I know nothing about the Kray Twins, but I know about relationships, and there should have been more signs earlier in the story how the relationship would go south. Those things don’t suddenly start happening so late in the game, especially if your fiancee is a well-known criminal, regardless of how charming he is. I don’t buy it. Third, more time should have been devoted to the criminal enterprise in the second half. When Legend returns to business, everything unfolds so quickly and then the movie ends, which is disappointing.
Despite Legend’s flaws, if you’re a Tom Hardy fan, you must see it. The performances drag the story kicking and screaming along for the ride.