Legendary

"Legendary: Tomb of the Dragon" was actually anything but legendary. But I will say that the story did initially have potential, but it wasn't utilized in any way. Especially because there were so many flaws in the movie.

First of all, wouldn't someone notice that lizards bigger than cars were roaming the Chinese countryside? Especially because creatures of that size would have to eat a substantial amount of food in order to stay alive, especially when there is more than one of them around.

Secondly, why would the Chinese government bring in American researchers, soldiers and freelancers? It just doesn't add up. Especially when one of the groups were running around armed to the teeth.

Story-wise, then "Legendary: Tomb of the Dragon" was stale and predictable. It wasn't impressive in any way, and as such, it was a less than mediocre experience.

But of course, with a movie like this you pretty much know what you are going to get.

I will say the movie was nicely shot, and had some really beautiful scenery to work with. And the lizards themselves, well, they were actually rendered nicely enough.

As for the cast of the movie, well, I will just say that you know what you are getting with these people, and they deliver. Just about so, nothing more, nothing less.

This movie wasn't particularly memorable, and it didn't stand out in a genre of over-sized creatures. If you enjoy this particular genre of movies, there are far better choices available for your entertainment.

With its current rating of 3.7, I think it's pretty safe to say that anyone going into this movie willingly is either a Adkins or Lundgren fanboy/fangirl. And, with the listed adventure/sci-fi premise, we should know to set our expectations accordingly.

This is a cheesy B adventure with hints of comedy. There are no fights here (other than a handful of punches), there's no fancy CGI, what the characters do doesn't always make sense, and the cast is made up of mostly people we've never heard of. Still, I don't think it deserves a 3.7 and I definitely wouldn't say it's the worst movie I've seen this year. (Seriously, if you think the acting here is bad, you should watch Wild Horses. I've never seen anything like it - with the exception of Hartnett and Franco.)

The best thing about this movie was Scott Adkins. Although he was believable as a scientist, the best parts were when he cracked little cheesy jokes and laughed at them. It was adorable! He probably smiled and laughed in this one movie more than in all of his other movies put together. Obviously, I prefer him as an angry badass, but I accept that he also needs to do other types of characters to show his range.

And those who enjoy Lundgren, although he's not the main character here and we see less of him, they will probably like his typical bad guy persona with really nice hair.

Reviewed by_ Dare Devil Kid (DDK)

Rating: 3.9/5 stars

Exciting, adrenaline-pumping action adventure flick that can be enjoyed by all age groups. The production values, CGI, and VFX are quite spectacular for a low-budget, independent, B-movie like this. It's also a detour of sorts from Scott and Dolph's regular, hardcore, combat styled action films, but boy, what a welcome surprise it is! Both the action stars bring their dynamic personalities to the fore even without their staple fight scenes and the rest of the cast is also pleasing to the eye.

Director Eric Styles does a great job in crafting a thoroughly engaging action adventure film that not only keeps you glued to your seat in excitement, but also has great repeat value for lazy afternoons or cozy evening dates.

I think the main problem of this movie's story is that it tries a serious/scientific approach, but without the science. First we wonder why the Chinese authorities would use Americans to track a strange animal in China; two teams btw, one of them freely running around with big guns. Then the scientists use about as much science and equipment as Indiana Jones (the famous archaeologist who kept destroying ancient sites to grab one valued object,) but without the fun. They fearlessly keep camping on the beach near a man-eating amphibian creature, trespass on guarded industrial sites, crime scenes or autopsy labs, and in fact hunt the creature with the same methods as in any B monster flick.

Add the fact that the creature looks ridiculous, caves look more fake than in anything since the 1950s, and the budget didn't allow for a director of photography, it seems.

The good part is that the film is not boring, mostly thanks to a cast of competent actors and likable good guys (the bad guys being rather bland.) In the end, Legendary feels like the pilot of a cheap TV series. Re-watch Korea's "The Host", instead, or wait for its sequel.

Scott Adkins and Dolph Lundgren star as rival bad-ass hunters who look to go up against some type of kimono dragon. Legendary is the type of B. movie that boggles your mind. After enjoying Adkins work with Van Damme (and Lundgren, as I both enjoyed Expendables 2 and Universal Soldier: Day Of Reckoning)I admit being somewhat optimistic about seeing these two charismatic kung fu guys in a monster movie. The problem though is that Adkins and Lundgren are completely wasted in what feels like a busted made for TV pilot for a TV show that never should air. The problem is that Adkins and Lundgren are not cut out for Indiana Jones antics and as a monster movie the film is completely unexciting. Overall this movie will even bore the most ardent fans of the two stars. Therefore this misfire is best forgotten, so if you want to see the combined talents of the two stars used effectively, re-rent Universal Soldier:Day Of Reckoning, because this painfully boring dud will be remembered solely as a low point in the careers of both stars.

* out of 4-(Bad)