I Am Legend (2007)

December 14, 2008

HBO Broadcast, Seattle, WA

* 1/2 / ****

By Scott Muoio

I Am Legend is a poor man’s Night of the Living Dead. From the film’s first hint of the surreal to its final revelatory statement this movie begs to be on the same team as that all-time zombie classic. Unfortunately, it isn’t anywhere near the same ballpark let alone the same team.

Following an unexplained viral outbreak that turns humans into rabid vampire/zombies, Neville Bennett (Will Smith) finds himself the only human remaining on the island of Manhattan. Part brilliant geneticist, part military colonel, and all rock ‘em sock ‘em machismo with a dash of love and tenderness, Bennett takes it upon himself to remain at ground zero while attempting to create a cure for the deadly disease. What follows is a progression of dopey tedious sketches that sink the film faster an infection from one of the movie’s baddies.

With the same flaws and incongruent logic as 28 Days Later but none of the solitary man intellect and subtle thrills that made Cast Away fascinate through the near silence, I Am Legend is obvious silliness and a major letdown. The initial shots of a barren New York City are awesome. Unfortunately, the gratuitous action, distracting special effects, and ho hum plot progression will have you staring at your watch more than the film’s main character.

With an abundance of groan inducing plot points and a weak interpretation of “the infected,” I Am Legend is a below average entry in the post-apocalypse genre.

Director: Francis Lawrence

Producer: Akiva Goldman, David Heyman, James Lassiter, Heal H. Moritz

Writer: Akiva Goldman, Mark Protosevich from Richard Matheson’s novel

Starring: Will Smith