Though the redemption/coming-of-age narrative is highly predictable-with Glover appearing intermittently only to dispense bromides-Clarkson, at least, remains reliable.
50
Chicago Reader
Chicago Reader
The wrestling scenes are the best part of this drama.
50
Chicago TribuneMichael Phillips
Chicago TribuneMichael Phillips
Legendary is so intent on paying heartfelt tribute to dogged young athletes that it neglects basic story needs.
It does strive for substance and meaning in a way that gives it an unmistakable Barton Fink feeling, if nothing close to a Barton Fink sensibility.
50
Washington Post
Washington Post
Despite the hackneyed script by John Posey, Legendary is not without merit, and the story works fairly successfully as a family drama between Cal, Mike and their single mother, played by the dependable Patricia Clarkson.
42
Entertainment WeeklyAdam Markovitz
Entertainment WeeklyAdam Markovitz
A well-meaning dud.
38
Orlando SentinelRoger Moore
Orlando SentinelRoger Moore
The script, by actor turned writer John Posey, has structural problems and motivational issues in between the cliches. And Cena, a few movies into his career, is still all presence and no acting.
38
Miami HeraldConnie Ogle
Miami HeraldConnie Ogle
A by-the-numbers sports drama with a death grip on clichés and acting every bit as flat as the mat, seems unlikely to draw much of a crowd.
38
Boston GlobeTy Burr
Boston GlobeTy Burr
You'll come away from Legendary with no sense of what amateur wrestling is about.