Released: December 14th, 2007
Runtime: 1 hr. 40 min.
Ticket Price: $7.50 Matinee
Refreshments: Gummy Bears & Red Vines
Starring: Will Smith, Alice Braga, Charlie Tahan, Willow Smith and Salli Richardson
Director: Francis Lawrence
Rating: Worth an Early Matinee – 
Synopsis: A brilliant scientist is unable to find a cure for a man made virus that has become unstoppable. He is immune and looks to be the last human survivor in New York and maybe even the world. Yet, he is not alone, as the infected victims have turned into carnivorous monsters that can only survive in darkness. They will destroy anything they come in contact with. Three years have past, as each day the man tries to make radio contact with other survivors and find food. He hopes one day to find a way to use his immune blood to create a cure for the disease, but he must stay alive to do so, as the monsters lurk in the shadows and he is running out of time.
Review: I Am Legend is based the novel
Once thought to be a cure for cancer, a genetically altered strain of a virus has been created to do so. The virus mutates and becomes contagious through the air, as well as contact, and it begins to kill off the population. Those that aren’t killed by it are turned into ravenous monsters that can only survive in darkness. Neville lives his days hunting for food and other things he can use, trying to contact any other survivors and trying to find a cure, but by night, he must seal himself off from the dangers outside.
It looked like there was going to be more excitement, but it is a bit of a slow mover. It builds to an explosive ending, but it didn’t leave you with the emotional punch they were probably going for. It does, however, make you think about the possible downsides of scientific advancement.
Smith has some great scenes, but the real reason to go see the film is for its portrayal of a deserted New York City. The portrait of a lone man traversing the once bustling city is quite amazing. Some of the special f/x aren’t that special, but the overall look of the city after three years of abandonment is something to behold.
Overall, I Am Legend is worth an early matinee, as it should probably be seen on the big screen for the scenery. But, once it turns into a monster movie, it loses a little something. Especially, when you know what is going on, long before the brilliant scientist does. Who knew that monsters have feelings too?
What did you think of I Am Legend?
