Not So Legendary
January 6th 2008 18:33
It’s not often I see films about which I have no preconceptions. Usually I have an idea of what they are about; have read the reviews or books; have heard what people think. But I watched Francis Lawrence’s I Am Legend quite blindly, if that makes any sense at all. I had discussed it with a friend before I saw it, but as far as discussions go, this one was rather vague. All we knew was that it involved Will Smith in New York, running on a treadmill with a dog. “Is it about 9/11?” I asked. “I think it’s about aliens,” she replied. That was about as informed as I got. I hadn’t heard of the 1954 book by Richard Matheson, or seen either The Last Man On Earth (1964) or The Omega Man (1971), which are the two earlier adaptations.
So it was with some surprise that I watched the opening scenes of Emma Thompson describing a new cure for cancer – a cure which, as the film progressed, I discovered had subsequently caused the death and mutation of most of the world’s population. There was not a Martian to be seen, all flying objects were identified as golf balls, and Tom Cruise was not present to be probed. (Though, incidentally, he was initially considered for the lead role, but that was when development of the film started, about twelve years ago, before everybody realised what a loony toss-bag he is.)
Anyhoo, due to this film usurping my expectations, I was forced to make my mind up on my own – not a lot of fun when you’re set on being lazy. I decided, after some thought, and some brain stimulating jelly babies, that I Am Legend isn’t that crash hot. It was watchable, and interesting in parts, but mostly, it seemed unrealistic and unconvincing.
CGI technology is used far too much throughout the movie – to make The Infected seem less human, to make the animals spring about the deserted streets of New York, and to erase all the people hanging about during filming – giving it the feel of a Nintendo game. The lack of fear invoked by the rabid victims of the virus is also very disappointing, as is the open-endedness of how it all came to be, how the virus managed to spread as it did, how Robert Neville (Smith) managed to build his fortress, maintain sufficient resources, construct his lab… There are hints here and there, but they are far from adequate, leaving the viewer with a sense of unreality.
On the plus side, Will Smith is red-hot. He actually looks like a man who is exhausted from the constant struggle to survive in a world where he has lost everything. He seems older, with moments of quiet desperation which verge on insanity. This is demonstrated much less clearly in the slightly contrived scenes showing his close personal relationship with shop dummies, than it is in his moments without dialogue, and the scene where he stands in the lounge room, somewhat at a loss, reciting the lines from Shrek. It is both one of the funniest and saddest parts of the film, indicating so incongruously the depths of his despair, having only DVDs, a dog, and Bob Marley to save him from madness.
So in conclusion! Worth a look-see, albeit on DVD. Prepare to be underwhelmed by the special effects and those ever-so-‘scary’ infected folk, but keep your eyes on Smith as his performance hits home, and he proves once more he’s not just a funny Black man from Mississippi.
Michaelie Clark
Will Smith stars in I Am Legend - Image Courtesy of aolcdn.com
So it was with some surprise that I watched the opening scenes of Emma Thompson describing a new cure for cancer – a cure which, as the film progressed, I discovered had subsequently caused the death and mutation of most of the world’s population. There was not a Martian to be seen, all flying objects were identified as golf balls, and Tom Cruise was not present to be probed. (Though, incidentally, he was initially considered for the lead role, but that was when development of the film started, about twelve years ago, before everybody realised what a loony toss-bag he is.)
Anyhoo, due to this film usurping my expectations, I was forced to make my mind up on my own – not a lot of fun when you’re set on being lazy. I decided, after some thought, and some brain stimulating jelly babies, that I Am Legend isn’t that crash hot. It was watchable, and interesting in parts, but mostly, it seemed unrealistic and unconvincing.
Robert checks for mutants - Image courtesy of filmjournal.net
CGI technology is used far too much throughout the movie – to make The Infected seem less human, to make the animals spring about the deserted streets of New York, and to erase all the people hanging about during filming – giving it the feel of a Nintendo game. The lack of fear invoked by the rabid victims of the virus is also very disappointing, as is the open-endedness of how it all came to be, how the virus managed to spread as it did, how Robert Neville (Smith) managed to build his fortress, maintain sufficient resources, construct his lab… There are hints here and there, but they are far from adequate, leaving the viewer with a sense of unreality.
The strangely empty streets of New York - Image courtesy of buzzsugar.com
On the plus side, Will Smith is red-hot. He actually looks like a man who is exhausted from the constant struggle to survive in a world where he has lost everything. He seems older, with moments of quiet desperation which verge on insanity. This is demonstrated much less clearly in the slightly contrived scenes showing his close personal relationship with shop dummies, than it is in his moments without dialogue, and the scene where he stands in the lounge room, somewhat at a loss, reciting the lines from Shrek. It is both one of the funniest and saddest parts of the film, indicating so incongruously the depths of his despair, having only DVDs, a dog, and Bob Marley to save him from madness.
So in conclusion! Worth a look-see, albeit on DVD. Prepare to be underwhelmed by the special effects and those ever-so-‘scary’ infected folk, but keep your eyes on Smith as his performance hits home, and he proves once more he’s not just a funny Black man from Mississippi.
Michaelie Clark
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Comment by tlcorbin
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Thanks Raven!
Michaelie
Comment by tlcorbin
Watch it, fat man snacking.
Raven
Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
MS Paint Art
Well dear you did this very well but I'm off to Will's greener pastures, don't mind if I do.
katyzzz....when I saw the title I thought 'you talkin' about me darlin'
Really well executed Michaelie, copy it did you? Meeeowww. cheep cheep.
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Pop Rock Factory
You've caught me just in time apparently.
Had earmarked a viewing today - perhaps I'll turn my attentions elsewhere?
Cheers
MNG
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Great review, hope you enjoyed your jellybabies. It sounds like a film where sugar and chewing would be needed.
This isn't a film that I have my eye on I have to say (back to the eyes again). We were in LA when they were filming a part of it, but we didn't see Will Smith, not that I'm really bothered, I don't like getting caught up in hype.
Phew:
Byee
Tracy
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Bank account is right - Mr Smith has hit the big time since his Fresh Prince days. So go get him, woman, only - mind the mutants.
Standard practice is to copy the information from the back of the DVD of course. Alas, as this isn't out on disc yet, had to use my noggin.
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Well, you needn't take my word for anything...
Really though, I'd lay my bikkies down for something else at the cinema, and see this when it comes out on DVD. Not that it's terrible at all - it is watchable - just a bit disappointing.
Let me know what you decide!
Michaelie
Comment by AmyHuang
Project Job Search
Travel Debate
Travel String
Love Adventures
Cancer cure? I thought it was about a war after watching the very brief preview on telly.... odd way of killing people.
I don't even think I want to watch it on DVD...
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
I never had my (non-googly-fish) eye on it either, until I was watching it, which is probably why I took no notice of the trailers for it, etc.
I do.
Thanks m'lady!
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
So you had other ideas of what it was about too! And yes, a cure for cancer is a strange way to wipe out the population...
It's true that Will Smith carries most of the film by himself, though there are a series of flashbacks showing what happened with the rest of the people on the island, and his family - his daughter in the film is played by his real daughter.
It's hardly 'must-see', so never mind about it if I doesn't sound like your thing. In fact, from what you have told me at other times, I reckon you'd hate it!
Thanks Amy
Michaelie
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Comment by Cibbuano
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak
Comment by Ash
Flashes of memories
ah I was also going to watch this film this evening... perhaps National Treasure will be money better spent?
I also had not heard of the book or previous movies... maybe worth a look see somewhere down the road too.
Thanks for the heads up!
Ash
Comment by What's Your Story?
What's Your Story?
Big Day Plunge
I'm so mean! But anyway Will Smith gave some seriously good acting there.
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Thanks,
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Now that I've seen this, I'm mildly interested in all that came before it. I think 28 Days Later also stemmed from the book...
Thanks for stopping by. Love seeing the world reflected in your lenses!
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
I'm mean too, but it's not our fault. If it had have been more realistic I'm sure we could have brought ourselves to care a bit. I cared (wailed like a madwoman) when the horse fell down the hill in The Man From Snowy River, because that feeling was wrenched from me, through the power of the film.
This movie just didn't evoke anything much. I think they tried to send too many 'messages' about humanity, without putting what was necessary into the delivery. And yet they spent US$150 million! What a waste. But that's Hollywood for you!
Thanks!
Michaelie
Comment by tlcorbin
Does anyone have any theater popcorn left over (xtra butter n salt flavored lard plez), at the rate you folks are Worbling out the details, I won't need to watch it in person. All that's going to be left for me to do is to munch down a soggy, stale bag of popped corn like stuff and sip flat warm soda while I read the darn book. Fowl, ..er, foul! Raven
Comment by What's Your Story?
What's Your Story?
Big Day Plunge
I totally missed it then. Or refused to see it. Haha!
Comment by Wayne F
Bucket Snipets
I found this boring and it's amazing they managed to make a movie about a man who runs around New York City talking to mannequins while battling the worst 'zombies' I've ever seen. I don't even know if you would classify them as zombies anyway.
I hated the effects and I am glad someone agreed with me that these creatures weren't even human looking. I think they would have achieved something more darker and more realistic if they had people wearing zombie make-up. It worked awesome in Dawn of the Dead which has the most real looking zombies I've seen a movie.
I'd agree that this movie is only worth checking out on DVD. I wouldn't believe the hype and I don't even see how critics are loving this rubbish. Just my thoughts even if they are harsh
Comment by D. Armenta
The Florida Keys and Everglades
The Black Sheep Chronicles
What constitutes bad manners?
The male mystique
Debate Fan
My thoughts exactly! I loathe CGI...
Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
Comment by Anonymous
If I had had any idea of what the film was about I wouldn't have watched it - so not my kind of flick. Having said that, I actually got sucked in because I'm such a knowall and I needed to know and understand what it was all about.
It was totally unrealistic and most of my "how" questions were left unanswered. The only real thing about the film was Wil Smith - georgous hunk of testosterone that he is! If I was ever lucky enough to come into contact with him, I can assure that that "where there's a Wil there's a way!"
You're review is spot on. Well done.
Pamela
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
If you're intent on liking it, you'll still like it. There's plenty more to see than what you've got here, like at the end, when he is bitten by the Infected and becomes a mutant himself...
JUST JOKING! That may or may not happen
Apologies, popcorn's on me. I'll send it to your igloo post haste.
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Of a kind. Don't worry, it wasn't very effective. A bit of a religious overtone at the end. Self-sacrifice and persection and persistence, the message of the Bob Marley anecdote. You know, the usual. Lol.
Michaelie
Comment by DeAnne
Public Journalist
Simple Gift Guide
Home Cooking on Recipeyz
Work From Home Online
Every Day Is A Food Holiday
I hate to say it, but of the recent movies I've seen, I enjoyed Alvin and the Chipmunks the most! Is there anything good coming soon?
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Yes, a demonstrative and defiant walk-out is all well and good, but if you can't get home it's (sometimes) best to be prudent!
Yes, the Infected were the true disappointment in this movie. I think there is a lot more that could have been done to make them scary without resorting to the overuse of expensive technology. They would have done better to keep it simple and clever, as you suggest with the makeup.
I actually don't hate or love the film. I definitely don't love it, but for the sake of Will Smith's efforts, I can't hate it.
Very grateful to hear your thoughts, Wayne, whatever form they may take!
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
I think, in very small doses, it can be good. Saw Irreversible after Bryn recommended it so highly and I think CGI was used well there in that one small part.
But this..! It was like they just couldn't be bothered using their brains to create something more realistic. They would rather just spend the money.
When he was chasing the deer in his car especially, I was wondering where my game controller thingy was!
Thanks!
Michaelie
Comment by Rosemary
Alpaca Notes - Tasmania
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
You would especially like his work-out scenes then...
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
And then your questions weren't satisfied anyway! So annoying.
I'm sure that kind of word-Smith-ery would win him over!
Thank ya!
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Well if it's your kind of thing and you still didn't like it, that's saying something!
I think it cost so much because it was in development a very long time, with a lot of changes, and so much money was thrown away on last minute extra CGI (why?!). Also, there was a scene on the Brooklyn Bridge, I think, that cost many millions to make. It all seems like a waste to me.
I haven't seen Alvin and the Chipmunks yet, but I really want to! Loved them as a kid. As for upcoming movies - all my hopes are currently pinned (possibly unwisely) on the Sex and the City film, the release of which I am champing at the bit for.
Also going to look into some others soon - Mad Money, 27 Dresses, One Missed Call, Teeth, Cassandra's Dream, The Air I Breathe, Untraceable, Tropa de Elite - all on the to-do list!
Maybe you'd like Cloverfield is you are into sci-fi?
Thanks DeAnne!
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Michaelie
Comment by Holly Go Lightly
Movie Mage
Holly
Comment by What's Your Story?
What's Your Story?
Big Day Plunge
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Toni, yeah, was a bit much for something so lacking!
Thanks gals,
Michaelie
Comment by Anonymous
It's fantabulous! Just as good as the other 3 and in some areas perhaps a tad better. My all time faves are the Die Hard movies...........and of course The Man From Snowy River.........and Cool Runnings - that even makes my older brother cry!
Pamela
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
No, I haven't seen it yet, but I have all the others. Gotta love John MacLane! But really, they are your all-time faves?? Cool Runnings is funny, and I adore The Man From Snowy River, but don't think any of them would make my top ten or anything.
Thanks!
Michaelie
Comment by postmoderncritic
Postmodern Critic
Relativity Watch
Padsoc
I'm also intending to enjoy those work-out scenes you mention, lol!
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Definitely give it a go if you're still interested. I think it could have been a lot more than it was though - as you say, the concept is interesting, but they didn't run with it in quite the direction I would have expected (in retrospect!)
As for the 'artistic' side of things - be prepared for broad brush strokes... but also, broad shoulders!
Michaelie
Comment by Lilla
From The Home Front
Enviro Warrior
Dream Herald
Esoteric Bookshop
When I saw the shorts for this, my nose started to do its 'crinkle' thing... its involuntary but it seems to know what's best for me, so I decided to wait until the DVD was available. One hour and a half (even of Mr Smith, would be too boo-ring).
However, my teenager has other opinions and is chomping at the bit and off with a large group of other teenagers tomorrow, to catch it on the big screen (?) I will be interested to hear the review from her when she gets back...
Perhaps that is the market this film is aimed at ?
I loved your witty review, *laughs* it was probably more entertaining than the film itself...
Cheers,
Lilla ...
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
I'm a huge fan of the book and enjoyed The Omega Man for what it was. Thought 28 Days later did an Ok job of manipulating the source material.
I have no desire to see I Am Legend, it just looked so dumbed down and I can't stand Will Smith trying to be serious, he just exaggerates everything to pantomime. Credit where credits due though, I did like 6 Degrees of Seperation.
Maybe if it had a lower budget they may have been more inventive, but once you have Will in a film it is always going to be geared to him.....just look at that atrocious opening scene to I, Robot for an idea of what I speak.
Thanks for confirming my fears with this one.
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Hahaha - I think your nose does indeed know!
Maybe the videogame feel will appeal to teens more, certainly Mr Smith will do it for hormonal young lasses...
Honestly, that wouldn't be too hard - but thanks for the compliment!
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Have been wondering about the book and the first two adaptations of it since seeing this, and have heard Omega Man is good so might give it a go and see how it compares.
I really liked Will in this. I think Jim Carrey is the worst for trying to be serious. And from a girl's point of view, Will's presence was no bad thing
No worries, great to have your thoughts
Michaelie
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Just to warn you Omega Man is no masterpiece and can be improved on but still entertaining and thought provoking.
I'm sure it brings up much the same riddles as Legend.
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Mich
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit