Legacy

It seems like for most people this movie is anything but "Legacy" building. But taking the performance by Idris Elba alone this should merit and have been scored higher. Add to that an unusual story that has more to deliver than the obvious and you actually should have a winner. Maybe people felt this was marketed like an action movie (when it's more a thriller with some guts and especially something worth to think about too), I can't tell.

What I can say, is that the movie delivers on its thriller element and on being not only claustrophobic but getting you into the mind of Idris character. Not an easy feat, but achieved almost seamlessly by the movie. So while you might have issues with some of the directors choices in the story department, you might want to give this movie a chance! It deserves one

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.

"Legacy" stars Idris Elba as Malcolm Gray, a Special Forces operative. It's really fun to watch. It's the first feature from the writer/director, Thomas Ikimi...and a good one at that.

Story & Plot: The story was personal and touching. As a plot, it developed plausibly and in a compelling manner. It took a lot of twists and turns that I did not expect. Suspense, romance, action, buddy scenes...they were all there and they were all done well.

Acting: Great performances from the cast. Really like seeing Clarke Peters (The Wire). However, the weakest link was Idris Elba. His Malcolm Gray role was meant to be vulnerable, but Elba doesn't always achieve that. That difficulty makes sense since he's on top of the world: women drool over him, men respect him. Plus he's minted. Not exactly a guy in a vulnerable position. Still, he gave a solid performance in a role in which I'd never expect him.

Characters: The characters were three-dimensional and fun to watch. Malcolm Gray's military buddies (including Clarke Peters) were very fun to watch. They all had some great scenes.

Dialogue: Mostly natural. However, there were a few lines that came out of Malcolm Gray's mouth that didn't seem consistent with his character or with the actor playing him.

Cinematography/Editing: Great cinematography and editing. Helped to keep things tense and interesting.

Legacy is the second film from up and coming director/writer Thomas Ikimi and serves as further evidence that this young man is sure to be a source of great films in the near future.

This time he is armed with a stellar cast (Idris Elba is excellent and gives a most harrowing and unique performance), a dedicated crew and far less of the creative restrictions he experienced while making his micro budget first film, Limbo.

This is a dark and tense psychological thriller with a strong focus on the psychology so that the viewer must constantly question themselves throughout the complex plot. We are left often doubting our own conclusions just as quickly as we became certain of them.

I had a few gripes with the casting and thought that Clarke Peters was slightly out of place portraying a covert and deadly Black ops soldier. Also Monique Gabriela Curnen (who nevertheless gives a good performance) didn't quite feel the right choice for her role as Idris' past love interest. It's not all bad though as Eamonn Walker, Joe Holt and Lara Pulver were all excellently cast resulting in some particularly gripping scenes whenever they shared the screen with Idris Elba.

All in all this is a thinking person's film, don't let Idris Elba's all action persona falsely paint your expectations of what this film is about. If you like The Jacket, Jacob's Ladder or Open Your Eyes (Abre los ojos) then you should appreciate and enjoy this film. This Legacy will leave you with questions, but are you sharp enough to decipher the answers?

I was shocked when I looked this movie up to see that its rating. For a film with a smaller budget it is excellent. Fans of The Wire will be pleased to see Idris Elba in a challenging role. Fans of Batman Begins/The Dark Knight, will recognize Joe Chill and Detective Ramirez. Eamonn Walker plays a sympathetic antagonist and brother to Idris Elba.

The film itself takes place after a failed mission and Malcom Gray (Idris Elba) holds up in a dingy apartment alone. As the film proceeds it becomes clear that not everything is what it seems. For a low budget psychological thriller, there is quite a lot of action.

Sadly, I think this movie is destined to be under-rated and under- appreciated. Give it a chance, you won't be disappointed.