REVIEW: For once, Hollywood has actually seen to it that their reiteration of a movie is actually better than its European version. I cannot truly name one from recent memory that turned out to be better when Hollywood took the reins. A perfect example of Hollywood muddling things would be 2011’s “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.” Hollywood’s take on it was a decent effort, but nothing like its European counterpart. However, in this case, we have this latest effort, “Legend” directed by Brian Helgeland, and based on the book ‘The Profession of Violence’ by John Pearson, where Hollywood has made a statement. A profound statement that says, we can take a good European story/film and do a much better job on the big screen. A better job than 1990’s effort, “The Krays” which essentially outlined the 1960s true story of Reginald and Ronald Kray who, as twins and notorious criminals, operated as London-based gangsters and notoriously took whatever means necessary to get what they wanted, even if their actions went against their moral beliefs.

Skillfully chronicling the twins, in every which way possible is one of my favorite actors, Tom Hardy (Mad Max: Fury Road, 2015) who plays the dual roles of the drastically distinct Kray twins. The BAFTA Rising Star Award-winning actor perfectly embodied the unique personality traits that made Reggie and Ronnie so notorious and diverse. Hardy effortlessly captured Reggie’s natural allure and charisma, which instantly charmed almost everyone he interacted with, from Frances (The wife) to his business associates. Reggie is often shown to be the commanding Kray brother, as he had no qualms about asserting his authority whenever necessary to get what he wanted. Both performances are scene-stealing, nicely conveying how these men managed to hold the entire city in their grip, even though they were only in their early 30s at the time.

Overall, every scene is staged with so much skill and energy that the film is rarely dull. It holds us in its grip like the Kray brothers' menacing stares. And it makes us want to know more about the real story. And despite a few short comings, Helgeland has created an enjoyable character driven narrative, held together by Hardy, who whilst troubling as Ronnie, still holds one’s attention, and proves to be an enthralling crime thriller and chaotic gangster story, with moments of captivating bravado. Perhaps the ultimate salute to the story is that, as the title suggests, the flick is legendary already. Four stars out of five is probably my being a bit generous here, but maybe you detected a bit of bias in my tone earlier.