This weekend presented us with a dilemma. Should we spend our money on “I Am Legend” starring Will Smith or “Alvin and the Chipmunks” starring Jason Lee?
I’m a fan of both actors and, despite what anyone says, I loved Alvin and the Chipmunks growing up and feel a need to support them no matter what they do. Kids don’t have that kind of entertainment anymore.
In the end, though, better sense prevailed and we went to see Will Smith’s entry into the post-apocalyptic Zombie genre. Yes, I’ve just graduated it to its own genre.
As I said in my last review of a Will Smith movie, Smith is truly one of the better actors of his generation. He can take any script (yes, even Wild Wild West) and at least keep himself likeable.
This movie is no exception. The first two thirds of the movie is fully carried on the shoulders of Smith’s performance, which brings haunting realism to a world gone wrong. Not only does he act the part of the last man in New York city, he also looks it.
My wife pointed out how impressed she was with actors who go that extra mile to look the part. Somehow Smith bulked up, while remaining gaunt and sullen. His face was that of a broken man, while his body was built to survive as the only one alive.
The art direction and cinematography really deserve a nod in the movie as well. There’s nothing quite as haunting as post-apocalyptic civilization, and the run-down New York City will send chills down your spine just by looking at it.
There was really a lot of detail put into this aspect of the movie, rewarding those who are paying attention to the background. Among the fun little background interjections are signs advertising gas at over six dollars a gallon, and a movie poster for the imminent release of a Batman/Superman film.
Smith’s dog, Sam, deserves an award for best dog in a motion picture. The viewer almost builds the same emotional attachment to the dog that Will Smith’s character has.
As I mentioned above, however, all of this beauty was only in the first 2/3 of the movie. After that, the script seems to lose its way as it degenerates into a generic Zombie flick.
Though the plight of Smith’s character trying to survive and find a cure is interesting, the resolution leaves a little bit to be desired. With the lofty premise of the first part of the movie, you expect a more thought-provoking ending than you’re left with.
Although it’s a disappointment to see the script go south towards the end, it can’t diminish the beautifully haunting vision of the beginning of the movie. Will Smith’s performance and the remarkable art direction leave a lasting impression that not even howling zombies can make you forget.
Verdict: B
I would give it a B/B- as well. The movie builds up pretty well and then just kind of ends. I guess I was looking for a little more, although I’m not sure what exactly was missing. As you stated, the first 2/3 were very solid and you can just imagine “befriending” manicans like that with no one else to talk to. Smith did a teriffic job with that. I thought we would learn something about the Zombie exhibiting real thought, especially after they execute the trap, it’s like that part was edited out. I thought that would be an element of finding the cure. But I guess I was wrong.
I have to agree with you aobut Sam the dog. Great emotion. I can’t imagine having to kill my dog, especially strangling her.
It’s a nice movie, and the best adaptation of the book.