A Legend (Full Movie 2024)
A Legend (2024): A Disappointing Chapter in Jackie Chan’s Legacy
Released on July 10, 2024, in China, A Legend is a Chinese action-fantasy film directed by Stanley Tong, serving as a loose sequel to The Myth (2005) and Kung Fu Yoga (2017). Starring Jackie Chan, Lay Zhang, Gülnezer Bextiyar, and Aarif Rahman, the film blends archaeology, time-spanning adventure, and martial arts with a hefty dose of CGI. Despite its ambitious scope and lavish production, A Legend has been widely criticized for its disjointed narrative, poor use of de-aging technology, and failure to capture the charm of Chan’s earlier work. Here’s a deep dive into the film’s highs, lows, and reception.
The Premise: A Tale Across Time
A Legend follows Professor Fang (Jackie Chan), an archaeologist who uncovers a jade pendant during a glacier excavation, eerily similar to one from his dreams. This discovery triggers visions of the Western Han Dynasty, where Fang and his student Wang Jing (Lay Zhang) are reimagined as generals Zhao Zhan and Hua Jun, fighting alongside Princess Mengyun (Gülnezer Bextiyar) against the Huns. The narrative splits between modern-day exploration and ancient battles, aiming to weave a mystical connection between past and present. While the concept of blending archaeology with historical fantasy is intriguing, the execution falters under a bloated runtime and erratic pacing.
Strengths: Visual Spectacle and Nostalgia
Stunning Cinematography
The film’s strongest asset is its visual grandeur. Shot in breathtaking locations across northwest China, A Legend showcases sweeping landscapes, from vast steppes to glaciated mountains. The cinematography, led by Jingle Ma, captures the majesty of these settings, particularly in the Han Dynasty sequences with hundreds of extras and horses. The battle scenes, while not groundbreaking, are well-choreographed and evoke the spirit of classic wuxia dramas.
Jackie Chan’s Enduring Appeal
At 70, Jackie Chan remains a draw, and his comedic fight scenes in the modern-day finale offer a glimpse of his signature slapstick charm. Fans of Chan’s earlier collaborations with Tong, like Police Story 3: Supercop (1992) or Rumble in the Bronx (1995), may find fleeting moments of nostalgia, particularly when Chan’s Professor Fang fumbles through action sequences with his trademark humor. Lay Zhang also shines as Wang Jing, bringing energy to both the modern and historical segments.
Weaknesses: A Misfire in Storytelling and Technology
A Messy, Overlong Narrative
Clocking in at 2 hours and 9 minutes, A Legend struggles with pacing and coherence. The constant jumping between modern and Han Dynasty timelines feels disjointed, with the historical flashbacks dominating the runtime but adding little to the overarching plot. Critics have called it “two movies crowbarred together,” with the modern segments feeling like aimless filler. The romance between Zhao Zhan and Princess Mengyun lacks emotional weight, and the modern-day mystery of the jade pendant is resolved unsatisfactorily.
Problematic De-Aging Technology
The film’s use of AI to de-age Jackie Chan for the Han Dynasty scenes has drawn widespread criticism. The CGI renders Chan’s face expressionless and uncanny, undermining his acting ability and distracting viewers. Unlike Hollywood’s sparing use of de-aging (e.g., The Irishman), A Legend relies on it for nearly half the film, amplifying its flaws. Many have questioned why a younger actor wasn’t cast instead, especially given the technology’s high cost and poor execution.
Lack of Jackie Chan’s Signature Style
Fans expecting Chan’s classic blend of inventive stunts, humor, and heart will be disappointed. The film leans heavily on swordplay and large-scale battles, with Chan’s modern-day action limited to a single, late fight scene. Critics lament that the movie lacks the unique energy that defined Chan’s earlier work, feeling like a generic action-fantasy that could have starred anyone.
Reception: A Commercial and Critical Flop
A Legend was a box office disappointment, grossing just $11.16 million against a $50 million budget. Chinese audiences and critics panned it for its messy plot, stiff acting, and overreliance on CGI, with some calling it an “internet laughingstock.” On IMDb, it holds a 4.7/10 rating, with reviewers describing it as “painfully boring” and a “new low” for Chan. Letterboxd users echoed this, with one stating, “The de-aged Jackie Chan is one of the worst things I’ve ever seen in a movie.” However, some fans appreciated the visuals and Chan’s brief action moments, suggesting it’s watchable for diehard fans.
Cultural Context: A Sequel Nobody Asked For
Billed as a sequel to The Myth (2005), A Legend shares only thematic connections and a reused soundtrack, which some found jarring given The Myth’s superior storytelling. The film’s attempt to blend historical epic with modern adventure feels like an attempt to appeal to both Chinese and international audiences, but it alienated both. Posts on X reflect anticipation for the film’s July release but little enthusiasm post-release, aligning with its poor reception.
Where to Watch and Final Thoughts
A Legend is available on Netflix as of January 21, 2025, and on platforms like Tubi. While its stunning visuals and occasional Chan charm may appeal to fans of historical epics or wuxia, the film’s narrative flaws, poor CGI, and lack of energy make it a skippable entry in Chan’s filmography. For those craving classic Jackie Chan, revisit Rumble in the Bronx or The Myth instead. Have you watched A Legend? Share your thoughts in the comments!