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''My name is Robert Neville. I am a survivor living in New York City. I am broadcasting on all AM frequencies. I will be at the South Street Seaport everyday at mid-day, when the sun is highest in the sky. If you are out there... if anyone is out there... I can provide food, I can provide shelter, I can provide security. If there's anybody out there... anybody... please. You are not alone.''
Years after a plague kills most of humanity and transforms the rest into monsters, the sole survivor in New York City struggles valiantly to find a cure.
Will Smith: Robert Neville
One man who is immune against a deadly virus that has wiped out humanity tries to survive and find any remnants of humanity with his trusty canine pal Sam.
Will Smith who plays Robert Neville does his part. Although he's been in this kind of hero-type role previously. A slight nutty character.
''God didn't do this. We did!''
What a glorious first half of a film which spirals off yet still retains resonance.
A few scenes which were intriguing and provided scary atmospheric suspense were impressive. Reminiscent of silent Hill or Pulse. The night creatures look menacing although they could be something out of Harry Potter(Dementors) the way they do the lighting.
The look and feel of post apocalyptic New York is really a visual treat. The plastic covers over the buildings, blown bridges, grass growing everywhere...really added to the seriousness of the storyline.
''Come on, Sam. We gotta go''
His thoughts and delusions feel real and although humorous at times, underlined the fact that he is alone save his best friend Sam.
I can only put my self in his shoes to replicate his loneliness and sadness. It was gut wrenching to see him lose his best friend Sam and the way he chose to end her pain. That scene had me choking...
I didn't care much for the ending though. For those expecting to see a resident evil type movie, don't watch this. There is much more depth to this movie and it's definitely a serious thought provoking movie with bits of action thrown in.
My only gripe is the zombies are a little too powerful and intelligent for overheated creatures.
Effect wise it wasn't too bad but I feel I'm being kind as it wasn't perfect. Sounds, music and visual concepts were astounding.
Brilliant concept and starts of so compelling shame it's 2nd half is comprised of some sadness. Worth a watch.
''In 2009, a deadly virus burned through our civilization, pushing humankind to the edge of extinction. Dr. Robert Neville dedicated his life to the discovery of a cure and the restoration of humanity. On September 9th, 2012, at approximately 8:49 P.M., he discovered that cure. And at 8:52, he gave his life to defend it. We are his legacy. This is his legend. Light up the darkness.''
All positives aside, there are a number of key elements from the book that Legend virtually ignores:
The overall vampire legend itself, Neville's personal struggle to save his little family from the dust-borne plague, his undead wife returning to him; the daily vampire hunt, his former carpool buddy and neighbor, Ben Cortman, who has become his nightly nemesis and most importantly, the near fatal "stopped watch" incident, which even The Omega Man indirectly paid homage to. All of these items would have required the screenwriter and producer to do some actual writing, rather than letting the CGI guys take over the production.
The 1954 sci-fi/vampire novel I Am Legend by Richard Matheson has now been filmed three times: as The Last Man On Earth in 1964 originally scripted by Matheson himself, as The Omega Man in 1971 without the vampire elements, and now with the original title and expensive sets and special effects. This time the seemingly sole survivor of the worldwide pandemic Robert Neville is played by Will who is an actor with real charisma and charm and considerable box office appeal who has beefed himself up for the role.
The principal weakness of the movie, however, is the realization of the surviving victims of the virus. The CGI characters are almost as silly as they are scary but, above all, they are presented as more cannibalistic monsters than human. The Omega Man handled these characters much better presenting them as sad as well as scary. The other serious fault is the lack of clarity in the narrative - at times, it is simply unclear what is happening and why and a longer director's cut would be welcome. Finally the references to Ground Zero and God may play well with US audiences but will not be so resonant to audiences elsewhere.
There were definitely some great parts, the cinematography was fantastic and the computer generated scenes of a dilapidated and seemingly uninhabited New York were amazing. It most certainly was scary on the dark scenes, although animation in daylight was appalling and not particularly impressive, in fact, it reminded me alot of the movie 28 Days Later but not it's equal by far. Smith once again proved himself a very capable and believable actor as said before. The first half is great, though the second will definitely leave you with a bad taste in your mouth.
''I can help. I can save you. I can save everybody.''
7/10
