Review: I Am Legend

December 27, 2007 · Print This Article

review I am Legend

Arlington (CMR) - Based on the 1954 classic short story by Richard Matheson, I Am Legend shows a story Robert Neville – a lonely scientist who opted to stay in New York as he becomes the only human who can withstand the retrovirus that have infected humanity making those who are infected become zombie-like creatures who could get really hurt from the sunlight.

He goes on his day surviving, looking for additional survivors (along with his dog) while experimenting on a cure that might revive the humanity that was lost. He went on to meet Anna and a boy Ethan – a part of the remaining 9% of the surviving humans who are immune to the airborne virus. The zombie like creatures found the lair of the scientist where they relentlessly attached the house.

Coincidently, Neville figured out the cure for the infection but it was too late as the zombie-like creatures advanced on their lair. Neville sacrificed himself so that Anna and Ethan could survive along with the anti-virus.

If I’m not mistaken, this is the third major adaptation of the classic short story and among the movies that were written in honor of the story; it has the smallest adaptation possible. The short story was made on a very dark tone and the ending, although a little bit similar to the story, still tends to go out of the original short story.

But if you take the story in itself without any reference to its origins, the film is a remarkable experience. I can honestly say that this is not Will Smith’s best performance but I can still say he perfectly blends with the story. The fright and the thrill that you get out of this movie are well worth your money. Fans of the original writing may even see this as a brand new rendition of the classic story as Will Smith struggles to find humanity against the backdrop of nothingness and “anti-human” condition.

The effects of course are remarkable. As Will Smith fights his way through a number of zombie-like creatures, you’ll definitely be moved with the way he deals with his emotion especially loneliness.

The dog in the movie symbolizes a great attachment to another being. Even if you don’t have a dog, you’ll understand why it is so devastating to lose one to the brink that it almost had a major impact on the story.

A movie that’s not hard to watch while keeping tribute to the classic is a great way to spend a movie ticket and two hours of a lifetime.

CMR gives “I Am Legend” a rating of 3.5/5.