DANCES WITH FILMS NEW YORK 2026 REVIEW! In Thomas Lorber’s Legend Has It, a routine mob gig turns into a fast, punchy ride where keeping your wits means keeping your life intact.
A French mob holds court in a secure hotel room. The boss, Henri-George (Tom Morton), lectures his crew à la Al Capone about a fine bottle of wine and the dangers of instant gratification versus being patient and doing things the right way. As Henri is about to make his point, his enforcer, Jules (Lee Villeneuve), assassinates the rat in the group, only to reveal another rat. This simple meeting has become messy, and Henri needs the best—the Legend—to clean it up.
Meanwhile, Adam (Jon Cor) and his pregnant wife, Maya (Dianne Aguillar), are enjoying each other’s company in bed and dreaming of their future family. Their tender moment is interrupted by a text meant for the Legend. Adam gets his gear ready for the job, while Maya demands that this will be the last job, and Adam agrees.
When Adam arrives at the hotel room, he is greeted with great respect from Henri, who has been following his career for years. Adam/Legend appreciates the gesture and accommodates Henri’s request to finish the job in 30 minutes rather than his usual hour. Adam takes a moment to prepare in the other room and re-emerges as Legend, a topless firefighter. This is not what Henri ordered.
“Henri needs the best…the Legend…to clean it up.”
Director Thomas Lorber says the spark of inspiration for Legend Has It was a desire to push himself as a director by tackling an action-comedy “on my own terms,” after writer Frank Tremblay pitched the core idea: a male stripper walking into the wrong hotel room and finding criminals inside. Tonally, it’s John Wick meets Magic Mike.
Lorber nails the comedy in two areas. First, in the build-up to the reveal of Adam’s true identity. He keeps the drama grounded. Second, he flips the story on its head, turning it into an elaborate fight sequence involving the tools of his trade. The fight and stunt work are great, given we’re on an indie budget. Jon Cor has the physique and comedic timing to pull off this humorous action piece.
Legend Has It is a tight, physical comedy machine; the film’s energy stays locked in from the moment Adam walks through that hotel door and the music begins to play. A strong hook, sharp timing, and performers willing to commit are all it takes to make an indie “legend.”
Legend Has It screened at the 2026 Dances with Films New York.
"…Tonally, it's John Wick meets Magic Mike."
