Legacy (2010)

the audience applauded

Don't listen to the negative reviews

The story, direction, characters, and writing/dialogue is akin to taking a tranquilizer shot to the neck, but everything else was so well done.

One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.

Legacy is a perfect example of having a vision, sticking to it, and doing whatever it takes to get that vision to the big screen. In film, to create a powerful work, it is necessary to mine the depths of an emotional place the character is in, then examine that moment from multiple angles, inducing a reaction from the viewer that relates in some way to the character's plight. In Legacy, Ikimi and Elba, who stars as former Black Ops agent Malcolm Gray, do this time and time again, keeping in mind it is important to not overlook the indispensable contributions that the film's editing, done by the razor sharp Richard Graham (he and Ikimi both edited), as well as the brooding and foreboding original music composed by Mark Kilian have added to the mix. The use of flashbacks to provide exposition, mixed with the emotional power of the scenes within the single hotel room most of the present day action occurs in, created a tense, exciting, and entertaining vibe that carried throughout this poignant and important film.

This movie is a must see. Idris Elba gives a masterful performance showing a whole new side to his acting abilities. The casting of the supporting actors was on target and they played well off of Elba's character who was difficult to deal with at times. Legacy keeps you on the edge of your seat. If you enjoy suspense thrillers, you will be happy you spent your $11.00. Thomas Ikimi (director/writer) should be rewarded for this film. He is definitely a writer that will make his mark on the industry. Ikimi shows great talent as a writer, director and producer and will be successful in any of the roles he chooses to fulfill. I wish Thomas Ikimi all the best and hope that he will be supported by the larger film industry.

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 !

I like to believe I am a man who prefers the different type of story and something that's a bit engaging and new. Legacy definitely offers that. It takes place in a hotel room where Malcolm Gray (Idris Elba) uncovers a scandal linked with his brother who is a senator. All the while having flashbacks of his time on the force with his comrades and what he went through. It's intense, gripping and you are never bored. Elba is truly fantastic and shows his range beyond Stringer Bell. The whole cast is amazing and I keep wishing Eamonn Walker had more scenes!!!! The acting throughout was truly amazing and the writing was clever as well as the direction that really drew you in to this puzzle of a film. I do think there are a few things that could have made it more claustrophobic and emphasized the lonesome nature of this story but nothing in the world can ever be perfect. The film does enough to make it a must-watch.