Tom Cruise’s film fame has been prominent for many years, but over the past decade or so, his prestige within pop culture has grown even more significantly. He is often referred to as the “mayor of movies” or the embodiment of cinema itself, due to his dedication to major box office hits and preserving the theater experience in the 2020s. Despite Cruise’s constant presence, some of his films sometimes get overlooked in contemporary conversations.
In simpler terms, his films prior to the 1986 release of “Top Gun” haven’t received much praise from either film enthusiasts or the general public. This includes the 1985 fantasy movie “Legend,” directed by Ridley Scott and featuring Tim Curry and Mia Sara. Despite being less remembered today, “Legend” is worthy of a revival in appreciation, even though its main actor wasn’t as famous back then.
What Exactly Is Legend?
Maverick or any Mission: Impossible installment are exceptions, as they feature fantastical elements. However, Legend is unique because it departs from these familiar surroundings. The story, penned by William Hjortsberg, takes place in a magical forest realm unlike anything we see daily. In this enchanted setting, Jack (Cruise) is tasked with rescuing Princess Lili (Sara) from the Lord of “Darkness” (Curry) and saving the world in the process, making it a classic fairy tale departure from Cruise’s usual roles.
In the mid-to-late 80s, Legend was one of several expensive fantasy films that failed to resonate with audiences, alongside The Black Cauldron, Willow, Return to Oz (and Dragonslayer from 1981). At this time, audiences preferred action-packed movies like Rambo and Back to the Future over sword and sorcery tales. However, the financial struggles of Legend didn’t offer much consolation to its investors who had put $25 million into a costly blockbuster that grossed only $23.5 million worldwide. The success of Cruise’s subsequent films like Top Gun would further underscore the financial disappointments of Legend.
I’m disappointed that more people didn’t flock to the cinemas for the original release of “Legend” given its massive cult following it’s amassed over the years. A significant portion of this fandom has rightly zeroed in on the remarkable practical effects work that breathed life into this fantastical world and its characters. Weary of the over-reliance on cold, digital special effects in today’s blockbusters? “Legend” and the painstaking practical techniques employed to create the extraordinary serve as a delightful remedy for that malaise.
Tim Curry Steals the Show In Legend
In contemporary conversations about Tom Cruise’s filmography, Legend might not often be mentioned due to the fact that Cruise plays a traditional hero character who is frequently overshadowed by Tim Curry, the film’s striking scene-stealer. After watching Legend, it’s likely that you’ll find yourself discussing Curry rather than Cruise. Curry delivers an extraordinary performance in which he devours all the scenery and emanates a mesmerizing personality, even while wearing one of the most notoriously uncomfortable monster costumes ever created. This tour de force demonstrates why Curry is cherished for his eccentric villain roles.
Watching Curry shine with his talents amidst exceptional special effects alone makes “Legend” worth a view. But what truly sets it apart is the craftsmanship of Ridley Scott, a renowned director at the peak of his abilities here. Unlike some of Scott’s recent blockbusters such as “Exodus: Gods and Kings,” which often felt visually uninspired, his direction in “Legend” has been highly praised for adding an emotional depth to the story. Although he is best known for creating the terrifying atmosphere in “Alien,” Scott also demonstrates a talent for crafting fantasy wonders in “Legend.
The film “Legend,” made before Tom Cruise became a full-blown movie star with films like “Top Gun,” offers an intriguing glimpse into his early career. Watching Cruise in this pre-1986 production feels almost dreamlike, considering how drastically his life would change post-“Top Gun.” Despite the film’s attempt at timeless fairy tale storytelling, it remains firmly entrenched in 1980s pop culture, adding to its appeal. Even though Cruise may not be the standout in the movie, “Legend’s” esteemed reputation makes it a worthwhile revisit.
What do you think? Leave a comment below and join the conversation now in the ComicBook Forum!
Read More
- Gold Rate Forecast
- Attack on Titan Unveils New Project to Commemorate a Major Milestone
- Inside Robert Redford and Wife Sibylle Szaggars’ Love Story
- The Housemaid – TRAILER
- Did Tom Brady Violate Rules in Raiders’ Coaching Booth? NFL Says…
- Windows 11 Notepad will soon let you generate text using on-device AI models — no subscription required
- Marvel’s AI Character Raises Alarming Questions
- Earnest Evans Collection launches December 25 in Japan
- Strange Antiquities Launches September 17, 2025
- Skate 4: How to Invite Cross Platform Friends & Party Up
2025-09-11 21:15