I Am Legend (2007)

Here's a few things i look forward to within the movie world : The new Tarantino movie, the new Wes Anderson movie, anything with Zooey Deschanel in, THE DARK KNIGHT lol and aonther one of those things is, the new Will Smith movie. I realise he's been in more than his share of stinkers (wild wild west) but he's also been in some good ones (Men In Black, IRobot) and i've heard great things but yet not seen, Ali. So here we have I Am Legend, the story of the last surviving man in the world, after a outbreak of infection that turn humans (and dogs apparently) into zombie/vampire like creatures. Actually the casting of Will Smith is a pretty solid move, as the nature of this movie needs an actor with a lot of charisma that can hold the screen, as for the majority of the time, he's the only actor on it.

I would like to start by saying, as a movie going experience, i enjoyed this film, quite a bit. The defining factor being the following. In an age where shock value (if you can call it that) comes in gruesome and over the top violence (Saw series, Hostel, Wolf Creek ect. ect.) it was a wellcomed change of pace to see a sci-fi horror that used old fashioned delayed shock and "is it around that corner?!" style that is rare these days. In fact the last film i remember using that tatic was "The Others" in 2001. So i think it was a brave choice to shy away from all out violence and use a more psychological fear approach. The moments we are meant to care, be scared or be on the edge of our seat hit perfect (or at least for me) and i was involved in the film a lot more than i thought i would be.

There is also an interesting, yet only breifly covered in some ways arguement for Science Vs Religion in this film. Will Smith's science and a character he meets later, Anna represents religion. Anna has a lot of faith where Will Smith has lost all of his having been in this situation for so long. In the end it appears both come together to solve the issue. It was an interesting concept, that maybe could of been done a little further, but for what it was, was interesting to see play out.

However this film is not without it's short commings. For instance i'll have to agree with the comments on the CGI effects, though not totally. I agree that the CGI was, in terms of looks, was not up to scale with other movies of the genre. They looked more like something you would see in an episode of Buffy The Vampire Slayer and lacked a certain grand scale feel. However, i thought the capture and movement motion was fantastic, and in many ways helped over look a somewhat un-scary zombie/vampire thing. I have issue with some directions taken in the movie and explanation of the title "I Am Legend". Let me guide you to Wikipedia for the original explanation given in the book :

" he reflects on how the new society of the living infected regards him as a monster. Just as vampires were regarded as legendary monsters that preyed on the vulnerable humans in their beds, Neville has become a mythical figure that kills both vampires and the infected living while they are sleeping. He becomes a legend as the vampires once were, hence the title "I Am Legend "

I personally really like that theory but the film sort of ditches that theory. Instead, in this film, Will Smiths character takes certain action that allows a colony of surviving humans to live and rebuild. I feel ditching the original explanation takes away from the film. It does show he has killed many zombies at one point, but not directly pointing out that he is seen as a feared entity in the eyes of the infected. Instead going for, in my eyes, a weaker reasoning for the title.

There are some cheesy moments we have to come to expect ("butterfly") but it isn't played to much, and it has less sentimentality as Will Smith's character is seen to be wore down by the world he lives in and his character is fairly to the point, which is rare also for a big bankable star like Will Smith to play.

All in all, as i say i have some issues with it. However, as a shock film, it works. Will Smith brings the charisma you would expect. The CGI is a bit weak, but i was still able to look past it and enjoy the film. I do wish it was able to stay a little closer to the material. The film was edgier than i thought it would be. I would recommend this to sci-fi fans, it has some issues but Will Smith's charisma and high speed tense cinetography pulls it through.