LEGEND Brings Blockbusters and Thrillers to Your December TV Line-Up

By Jon Donnis

The TV channel LEGEND is gearing up to deliver a spectacular December with a thrilling selection of sixteen channel premieres. From critically acclaimed classics to high-octane action, crime dramas, and spine-chilling revenge tales, this line-up is packed with cinematic gems to keep viewers entertained throughout the festive season.

Must-See Classics and Star-Studded Spectacles

Leading the charge is Fred Zinnemann's 1973 masterpiece The Day of the Jackal, a gripping political thriller about an assassin targeting French President Charles de Gaulle. Also featured is Machete Kills (2013), an explosive sequel from Robert Rodriguez starring Lady Gaga, Mel Gibson, and Danny Trejo as the unstoppable ex-Federal agent. Meanwhile, the powerful Papillon (2017), a gritty remake of the iconic escape tale, stars Charlie Hunnam and Rami Malek.

For those seeking mind-bending intrigue, Limitless (2011), starring Bradley Cooper and Robert De Niro, explores the consequences of unlocking the brain's full potential. De Niro also teams up with Al Pacino in the gripping crime drama Righteous Kill (2008), bringing two legendary actors to the forefront.

Hollywood's Action Icons Take Centre Stage

Fans of action-packed films will not be disappointed. The month includes Steven Seagal in Driven to Kill (2009) and Beyond the Law (2019), as well as Dolph Lundgren and Vinny Jones in the crime thriller Ambushed (2013). Nicolas Cage stars in USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage (2016), recounting the harrowing true story of sailors battling for survival in shark-infested waters during World War II.

Other highlights include Jason Statham and Wesley Snipes teaming up in the clever heist thriller Chaos (2005), and Jackie Chan joining forces with John Cusack and Adrien Brody in the historical action epic Dragon Blade (2015).

Riveting Heists, Revenge, and Drama

The line-up also features Thick as Thieves (2008), starring Morgan Freeman and Antonio Banderas, as they attempt the ultimate heist to steal two Fabergé eggs. Olga Kurylenko shines in Momentum (2015), playing a thief on the run after a botched diamond heist. Meanwhile, Beyond Suspicion (2018) offers an edge-of-your-seat revenge thriller featuring Karl Urban and Sofia Vergara.

Christian Bale leads the intense drama Out of the Furnace (2013), portraying a man caught in a brutal world of crime as he seeks justice for his brother. Stephen Dorff stars in Officer Down (2014), where he faces a dark past in a bid to protect vulnerable women from a violent crime spree.

A Special Treat for TV Fans

Adding to the excitement, LEGEND will debut the first two seasons of the classic police series T.J. Hooker. Join William Shatner as the tough and relentless Sgt. T.J. Hooker in this nostalgic crime series, which will run throughout December.

Your December Viewing Guide

With channel premieres airing at 9 pm most evenings, viewers can look forward to a month of captivating storytelling, unforgettable characters, and adrenaline-pumping action. Whether you're a fan of classic films, gripping thrillers, or explosive action, LEGEND's December schedule is set to deliver.

Make sure to tune in and enjoy this thrilling cinematic feast, perfect for cosy evenings during the festive season.

Watch on TV on the following channels - Sky 148 / Virgin 149 / Freeview 41 / Freesat 137

PREVIEW: #AMFAD: All My Friends Are Dead (2024 Film)

By Jon Donnis

Get ready, horror fans. #AMFAD: All My Friends Are Dead is about to deliver a bloody good time. This isn't just another slasher film. It's a wild mix of old-school horror vibes and sharp social media satire, packed with plenty of gore and dark humour. Directed by Marcus Dunstan, the mastermind behind some of the Saw films, this movie takes everything you love about '90s slashers and gives it a fresh, modern twist.

The cast is stacked with familiar faces. Jade Pettyjohn from Little Fires Everywhere leads the charge, alongside social media star JoJo Siwa, who's ditching her usual bubbly image for something much darker. Add in Jennifer Ens, Justin Derickson, Ali Fumiko Whitney, and Julian Haig, and you've got a group of characters you'll root for… until they're picked off one by one.

The story follows Sarah and her influencer friends as they stop at a vacation rental on their way to a music festival. It's all selfies, hashtags, and partying, but what they don't know is that the house is rigged with hidden cameras. Things take a gruesome turn when a masked killer shows up with a personal vendetta and some seriously twisted ideas for revenge. Each murder is more elaborate than the last, with kills that'll make even the most seasoned horror fans squirm.

As secrets start to surface, including a dark one tied to JoJo Siwa's character, Sarah and her remaining friends have to figure out how to survive. But with the killer always one step ahead, their chances are looking slim. Critics are already raving about the film's creativity and gore, calling the kills innovative and comparing the carnage to the Saw franchise.

If you're into blood-soaked horror with a wicked sense of humour, this is the movie for you. #AMFAD: All My Friends Are Dead lands on digital on November 18, and it's perfect for a movie night. Just make sure to check your house for hidden cameras before you press play.

Watch at Apple TV - https://apple.co/3ZbGl4X

REVIEW: Red One (2024 Christmas Film) - Starring Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, Lucy Liu and J. K. Simmons

Review by Jon Donnis

Red One is a bold and exuberant addition to the collection of Christmas films, blending holiday cheer with high-octane action in a way that feels fresh and entertaining. Directed by Jake Kasdan, the film is both a love letter to traditional Christmas stories and an ambitious attempt to expand the genre into something larger and more adventurous. While it isn't perfect, it is the sort of movie that is bound to leave you smiling.

The plot follows Callum Drift, played by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, the grizzled head of North Pole security, and Jack O'Malley, portrayed by Chris Evans, a snarky hacker with a heart of gold. Together, they set off on a mission to rescue Santa Claus, played wonderfully by J. K. Simmons. The premise is as over-the-top as it sounds, but that is precisely what makes Red One work. Jake Kasdan embraces the absurdity, delivering a story packed with festive action sequences, magical gadgets, and mythological intrigue. From the icy corridors of the North Pole to Grýla's sinister lair, the settings are vivid, imaginative, and brimming with holiday spirit.

The cast is one of the film's strongest points. The Rock brings his usual charm and physical presence to Callum, striking a balance between the character's tough exterior and his softer, more heartfelt side. Evans is a revelation in his role, delivering sharp one-liners with ease while bringing emotional depth to scenes with his estranged son Dylan. J. K. Simmons' Santa Claus is warm and charismatic, offering just the right mix of authority and kindness. Kiernan Shipka's Grýla makes for a chilling antagonist, adding a touch of dark fantasy to the otherwise light-hearted tone. Kristofer Hivju's Krampus is another highlight, delivering a surprising mix of humour, bitterness, and redemption.

One of the film's biggest strengths is its commitment to Christmas lore. By including characters like Krampus and Grýla, it steps beyond the usual holiday clichés and creates something that feels more universal. The blend of mythological fantasy and modern action works well, even if it sometimes relies too much on over-the-top CGI. The humour is hit-or-miss at times, but when it works, it adds to the film's overall charm.

Red One is not without its flaws. At two hours, the runtime feels a bit stretched, and some scenes drag on longer than they need to. A shorter runtime could have kept the pacing tighter and more engaging. The script, while ambitious, can feel overly complicated in places, occasionally losing focus under the weight of its many ideas. There is also a heavy reliance on visual effects and holiday gimmicks, which can feel like they are there to cover up some of the weaker moments in the story.

Despite these issues, Red One has a lot of heart. It captures the spirit of Christmas in a way that feels sincere, celebrating themes of redemption, family, and the magic of believing. While it may not be the most original Christmas movie ever made, it is thoroughly entertaining and perfect for audiences of all ages.

If you are looking for a break from the usual sentimental Christmas dramas, Red One offers something different. It is a wild, action-packed adventure that still leaves you with a warm and festive feeling by the end. It is fun, imaginative, and undeniably Christmassy. I would give it a solid 7.5 out of 10. It is a great choice for a family movie night or anyone looking to get into the Christmas spirit with a bit of action and adventure.

Out Now in Cinemas.

Review: Sweet Bobby: My Catfish Nightmare (2024) – Starring Harkirat Assi (SPOILERS AHEAD)

This Netflix documentary is one of the movies showing how catfishing is a true nightmare and should be taken seriously. You can stream Sweet Bobby: My Catfish Nightmare on Netflix uninterrupted through Optimum Stream available with Optimum Internet.

The Plot

Harkirat Assi a.k.a Kirat is a Kenyan-Sikh girl residing in England working as a digital marketer and a part-time 'Punjabi RJ'. Kirat has been experiencing pressure from her family to get married as she's in her 30s.

The reason why her family is so anxious is because she's in an 8-year relationship with her boyfriend. After some time, the relationship comes to an abrupt end, leaving her heartbroken and her family worried.

Seeking to find the right person, Kirat finds a friend online in the form of Bobby, a Sikh software engineer belonging to the same community.

The Buildup

Kirat and Bobby start chatting through Facebook and become unusually close friends. Kirat tells Bobby about her breakup, meanwhile, Bobby, who's married to Sanj, tells Kirat about getting divorced soon.

Keeping each other company, Kirat and Bobby become close and Bobby expresses his wishes to marry her. Excited about everything, Kirat fantasizes about the wedding, the kids, and the future with Bobby.

However, something happens and Bobby disappears only to reach out to Kirat later anonymously. Kirat is already engaged with Bobby's several cousins who tell her that Bobby has been shot and is shifted to an ICU in New York under witness protection.

Apparently, unable to speak, Bobby chats with Kirat, telling her about everything and that Kirat has to wait before they move things forward. Kirat tries her best to remain sane and calm through everything but things take a drastic turn.

The Toxic Behavior

During the conversation, Bobby tells Kirat that his ex-wife, Sanj, is having their kid, which breaks Kirat's heart but she remains strong. Both take things quite maturely, deciding to get the kid's custody and then having a family of their own.

But, while Bobby asks Kirat to remain patient for his recovery and the witness protection to end, he keeps pushing Kirat to her limits. Becoming controlling, Bobby navigates Kirat's entire lifestyle, which ultimately causes Kirat to break down, losing her job herself in the process.

In frustration, Kirat asks Bobby to come to the UK to meet her, and Bobby finally agrees. However, Kirat's beloved grandmother passes away, and she's unable to meet Bobby on the decided day.

But, she keeps tabs on his flight and asks him to visit him. Bobby refuses, which only pushes her to pay him a visit at the hotel Bobby's staying.

Things take a nasty turn as the hotel management denies someone like Bobby having booked their room while Bobby states that he can see Kirat but doesn't want to meet her. In her frustration and desperation, Kirat takes the help of a private investigator, asking for Bobby's current address, which leads her to a house in Boston.

The Confusing Reality

Reaching the acquired address, Kirat confronts Bobby, who is apparently living with his ex-wife OR wife Sanj, and their kid.

When Kirat tells Bobby everything, he looks appalled and confused. Refusing to even acknowledge her, let alone what she said, Bobby tells Kirat to leave as he intends to call the police.

The Truth Unfolds

Broken down into pieces, Kirat comes home and rests her mind, unable to process what has happened. The next day Simran comes to visit, her cousin and the one person who was and has been in constant contact with Kirat and Bobby during the entire time.

However, it was all HER! Simran admits orchestrating the entire story; the characters, the love of Bobby for Kirat, the divorce, the cousin's group, all of it. Baffled by what she's saying, Kirat is unable to accept the reality, let alone piece together what her cousin is saying.

The Consequences

Even though Kirat's been catfished and contacted the police to form a complaint against Simran, the latter remains uncharged due to a lack of legal frameworks. Instead, Simran claims innocence, terming the entire incident as a fault of events beginning when she was a schoolgirl.

Kirat takes it upon herself to raise awareness on the laws against catfishing.

Overall

The documentary-movie covered great aspects of what seems a minute problem. However, it failed to do justice to the emotional damage that occurred to the victim, which should've been under focus. Moreover, the aspect of a poor legal approach to the situation is also under question. Other than that, Sweet Bobby: My Catfish Nightmare offers a detailed and interesting look into how it's easy to fall for the catfishing traps on the internet.

REVIEW: Am I Racist? (2024 Documentary Film) - Starring Matt Walsh

Review by Jon Donnis

Am I Racist? is one of those films that's almost impossible to describe without laughing, shaking your head, or doing both at the same time. Matt Walsh, conservative commentator turned unlikely DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) "expert," dives headfirst into the anti-racism industry to see if it really holds up or if it's become as bloated and performative as some suspect. Directed by Justin Folk and produced by The Daily Wire, the film mixes documentary and mockumentary styles into sharp satire, aimed squarely at what Walsh sees as the absurdities of the DEI world.

The setup is ridiculous in the best way possible. Walsh pretends to be a DEI trainee who doesn't quite get it, bumbling his way through anti-racism workshops and consultations, letting his interviewees' own words expose contradictions and over-the-top attitudes within the industry. He keeps a totally straight face, which only makes the satire hit harder. At one point, he's trying to get people to sign a petition to rename the Washington Monument the "George Floyd Monument," paint it black, and raise it by 30 percent. Somehow, he actually manages to get people to go along with it, making the scene both hilarious and a bit unsettling.

There's another moment where he stages a "Do the Work Workshop," and his deadpan performance reaches new heights. Walsh, in character, "confesses" about his uncle Frank's questionable joke from years ago as though it's some deep, ongoing moral crisis. He uses this mock guilt to poke fun at the extremes of performative accountability that some workshops encourage, which makes it both cringe-worthy and funny to watch. It's these smaller moments where he drops a satirical mirror in front of the DEI industry that really give the film its edge.

One thing Walsh does well is ask these simple, slightly clueless-sounding questions, which somehow lead people into either exposing strange contradictions or looking a bit ridiculous themselves. The editing does a lot here, cutting at just the right moments to amplify the awkwardness without making it seem too forced. The satire's tight, and even when the humour gets uncomfortable, it's still entertaining. The only part that didn't sit quite right was an interview with a man who investigates hate crime hoaxes. Given the seriousness of the topic, this part might've worked better if Walsh had dropped the character and gone for a more straightforward discussion.

Interestingly, mainstream critics have mostly ignored Am I Racist?, which tells you a lot about its target audience. It's definitely made for people who are frustrated or sceptical of how far DEI has gone in public life, from corporate boardrooms to classrooms. And while it's not quite as punchy as his previous film What is a Woman?, it still has that same provocative feel that's bound to get people talking.

Am I Racist? will make you laugh, maybe make you cringe, and definitely make you think a bit. It's a film that's guaranteed to annoy all the "right" people, which is half the fun. I'd give it a solid 9 out of 10. Walsh pulls no punches, and love him or hate him, he's fearless when it comes to calling out the absurd.

Available to Stream at 

https://www.dailywire.com/videos/am-i-racist