Review of Legend (1985) by Tyler R — 28 Nov 2012

Now, word going around is that there are two cuts of this film out there: The director's cut which is supposedly good, and an American cut which is said to be terrible. If that is true, then I have unfortunately stumbled upon the American cut.

"Legend" tells the story of a lowly peasant boy who, with the help of his elf friends, seek to stop a dark lord before he is able to destroy the last of the unicorns and plunge the planet into eternal darkness.

Directed by Ridley Scott and starring a very young Tom Cruise, one would think this would be a fun fairy tale romp. Instead, what American audiences got was a terrible hatchet job of a film. The acting is cheese incaranate, most especially Tim Curry as the dark lord.

The effects, both visual and practical, are impressive enough, but neither the effects nor the acting can save this film from an obvious hack and slash in the editing room. Scenes are barely connected by strands, never really giving any clear indication where the heroes are or why they are there.

Fantasy film or not, a cohesive plot is needed to at least explain what the characters are doing. Now, I will reccomend this film under one condition: Watch the director's cut. I haven't, but it is now on my radar and I will update this review once I do.

If you do watch the American cut, well, you have been warned.