VeteranLight I don't have all the words right now but this film is a work of art.

Borserie it is finally so absorbing because it plays like a lyrical road odyssey that’s also a detective story.

BeSummers Funny, strange, confrontational and subversive, this is one of the most interesting experiences you'll have at the cinema this year.

Lucia Ayala It's simply great fun, a winsome film and an occasionally over-the-top luxury fantasy that never flags.

krocheav If you're looking for a clean cut family film with lots of symbolic undertones (good messages) then "Legend" could serve the purpose. It offers good location filming, some very good actors amongst what seems like a mostly amateur cast. The real star of this piece is most certainly the music score by respected composer Kevin Kiner. Mr Kiner's written several moving pieces all treated to unexpectedly lush orchestral arrangements. Some good ethnic pop songs also help to set the scene.Director of photography is the highly regarded New Zealander Allen Guilford and features some very good looking locations. The film is directed and edited by first time feature director Stephen Ramirez. It won't please hard bitten audiences but anyone looking for the style of matinée movie from yesteryear should be fairly well pleased (although the girls unpleasant drunkard father could be seen as a tad unsettling for some). This movie is an extended version of an earlier short film (Johnny Lingo 1969) from a story by Pat Mcgerr. Seen better - but sure seen worse! (just off the cuff, the promo posters don't particularly suit this version)

Stonedwithoutdope The Legend of Johnny Lingo starts off strong and keeps itself going through the whole movie. You will notice the way it tells it's story at a normal pace and doesn't drop off the deep end and bore you to death.A castaway pacific Islander infant recently washed up on one of the islands is taken in by the Island chief (Whale rider's "Rawiri Paratene") to be heir to the chiefs throne. The child is named Tama. However after a series of misfortunes the chief rejects him of this role and passes him to another family. However after bringing bad luck he is soon passed on from family to family until he is taken in by the island drunk and his stubborn daughter Mahana. Both him and Mahana, endlessly abused, begin sticking up for each other and form a close bond. However after being harassed up to his teeth Tama is fed up and longs to leave the island for a better place. Leaving Mahana behind so she can take care of her father, Tama promises to come back to take care of her. After being shipwrecked on a more wealthy Island Tama is taken in by the legendary Johnny Lingo destined to fill in his shoes after his time is up.Sometimes the humor is over done and clichéd but the story and characters maintain a strong balance which leave it's flaws in the dust. Nice little flick. Recommended for anyone and maybe a family or two. 8/10

hbs The leads and the supporting characters that get the most screen time are solid (a couple of them appeared in "Whale Rider", where they were outstanding, so you know that they were capable of more than they were given here) -- the shortcomings are primarily in the script, I think. Some of the supporting cast are a bit wooden, and the script is often a little cliched, but it's very sweet and the locations are beautiful.It's a very gentle film with its heart in the right place, so I would recommend it for younger kids, and I think that most adults won't mind watching it with their kids. If you're a softie like my wife, you'll actually enjoy it...

humblerecluse On a hunch I decided to see what I knew was destined to be a much overlooked flick entitled "The Legend of Johnny Lingo". This turned out to be the finest movie I've personally seen in the past decade. The movie lacks foul language. It also lacks blatant sex. Further, it will not be classified as an action movie ... and yet ... well, as a teaser I will just say that it is perhaps best described as a human corollary of that old "Ugly Duckling" story. Take your date or the entire family too. Even though it won't, in my humble opinion THIS movie should receive the highest awards ever bestowed upon the industry and it's actors.Bottom line: DON'T MISS THIS ONE! 'NUF SAID!the humble recluse ...