Legend

WARNING: This review is hidden because it reveals the content of the film.
Click here to show this review. If you like “Legend”, I understand why. It’s a gorgeous picture. The visuals are so good that I find myself mildly recommending the film despite a weak story and flat characters. My understanding is that there's a director's cut available. I can only assume that the alternative version is the one to watch.
The Lord of Darkness (Tim Curry in fabulous makeup and prosthetics) schemes to bring forth a new age of… well, darkness. When his minions capture the last unicorn, the guardian of the source of light, it’s up to Jack (Tom Cruise) and his fairy friends to save the beast and Jack’s beloved Princess Lily (Mia Sara), who is about to be forced into marriage to the demon.
I can’t stress enough how awesome a sight “Legend” is. Tim Curry as the Lord of Darkness is amazing. He’s iconic and caked with makeup and prosthetics. Other actors would've been lost underneath the special effects, but not him. The plot travels through a number of different locations, we meet many fantastical creatures and they all look great. It’s the other stuff I have issues with.

The story of “Legend” isn't particularly special or, in all honesty, very interesting. The Lord of Darkness is a one-dimensional boo-ha-ha villain that wants to destroy the world. There’s talk about a balance between light and darkness, but there are no gray characters or actions. The heroes are also hollow. Jack and Lily? They have a couple of scenes together but mostly, you know they’re in love because of the opening narration and a number of side characters are unnecessary in the grand scheme of things. I would’ve cut out the comic-relief dwarves and given more focus to Oona (Annabelle Lanyon) No one seems to realize how useful her shape-shifting abilities or wings are.

Legend tries hard, but it’s not very compelling. Many of the elements within come out of nowhere or are without logic. Why does the Lord of Darkness suddenly fall in love with Lily? Why is she in the movie at all? Isn’t it enough that the last unicorn has been captured? The corny love conquers all should've been scrapped to flesh out the characters or the world we're exploring instead of settling for an opening narration. How can Jack suddenly best all of his opponents when he’s never even held a sword before? Why does the Lord of Darkness only have 3 minions to send after the unicorn? What was Ridley Scott thinking with this bizarre blend of comedy and action?

“Labyrinth”, “The NeverEnding Story”, “Sleeping Beauty”. All similar to “Legend” but much better. Ultimately, all it has to offer are the visuals. Again, I hear the director's cut is better and I'm willing to give that version a shot, but this theatrical cut of “Legend” left me unimpressed. (Theatrical version on the big screen, February 5, 2017)