Inspirational hokum not quite 'Legendary'
Courtesy: Samuel Goldwyn Films
Legendary
Running time: 107 minutes
MPAA rating: PG-13 (suggestive material, brief partial nudity and some fighting scenes)
On the Web
Harmless inspirational hokum, "Legendary" attempts to fill a non-existent void of "you-can-beat-the-odds" entertainment vehicles like the two "Karate Kid" franchises, "Rudy," and, more recently, "The Blind Side."
Former WWE wrestling star John Cena takes on the mentor role, the Mr. Miyagi part, if you will, as Mike Chetley. The elder Chetley is a former All American high school wrestler who has brute forced his way into trouble and away from his family for the past 10 years.
Now it's younger brother Cal's chance to take up the sport of wrestling to fend off neighborhood bullies, much to the disapproval of his widowed mom Sharon (Patricia Clarkson), who has her reasons to object.
Unfortunately, there's nothing really special about "Legendary." Using a basic template with no real creative shadings, TV director/producer Mel Damski ("Psyche" on the USA cable channel) lets screenwriter John Posey's heart-warmer play out in a manner that'll surprise no regular movie-goers.
A tip of the hat to Damski for getting outstanding actress Clarkson ("Shutter Island," "Vicky Cristina Barcelona")), an Oscar nominee for "Pieces of April" in 2003, to join the pity party, though.
The mom role provides a couple of decent showcases for Clarkson, who -- through no fault of her own -- dominates every scene she's in. And Danny Glover is an OK touch as narrator and a man who keeps showing up with the kid runs out of mentors.
Up-and-comer Devon Graye, the title character in Showtime's "Dexter," looks and acts a little like a demure John-Boy of the vintage 1970s TV series "The Waltons."
Cena, who thankfully doesn't get star billing over Clarkson, comes across as, well, a former wrestling star looking for a new, perhaps less bruising line of work.
Hey, don't scoff. That plan worked out pretty well for The Rock.
Former WWE wrestling star John Cena takes on the mentor role, the Mr. Miyagi part, if you will, as Mike Chetley. The elder Chetley is a former All American high school wrestler who has brute forced his way into trouble and away from his family for the past 10 years.
Now it's younger brother Cal's chance to take up the sport of wrestling to fend off neighborhood bullies, much to the disapproval of his widowed mom Sharon (Patricia Clarkson), who has her reasons to object.
Unfortunately, there's nothing really special about "Legendary." Using a basic template with no real creative shadings, TV director/producer Mel Damski ("Psyche" on the USA cable channel) lets screenwriter John Posey's heart-warmer play out in a manner that'll surprise no regular movie-goers.
A tip of the hat to Damski for getting outstanding actress Clarkson ("Shutter Island," "Vicky Cristina Barcelona")), an Oscar nominee for "Pieces of April" in 2003, to join the pity party, though.
The mom role provides a couple of decent showcases for Clarkson, who -- through no fault of her own -- dominates every scene she's in. And Danny Glover is an OK touch as narrator and a man who keeps showing up with the kid runs out of mentors.
Up-and-comer Devon Graye, the title character in Showtime's "Dexter," looks and acts a little like a demure John-Boy of the vintage 1970s TV series "The Waltons."
Cena, who thankfully doesn't get star billing over Clarkson, comes across as, well, a former wrestling star looking for a new, perhaps less bruising line of work.
Hey, don't scoff. That plan worked out pretty well for The Rock.
Comments