A taut mesmerizing piece

Rating: 9/10 (14 July 2008)

I Am Legend is not a perfect film but it exceeds as being three things: mesmerizing, exciting, and stunningly beautiful. It's mesmerizing because of Smith convincing, and realistic performance as Neville (not to mention Sam as a gorgeous lovable pup until...) we never feel the need to have someone standing next to him other than the dog. It's exciting because it simply works as an action pic with many jump-in-your seat moments. The flashback scenes are white-knuckle stuff. I also liked that the film subtly promotes Neville as a man of reason. But, three years deep into the apocalypse he is losing his sanity and sense what's real. This character study is interrupted by the third act however which has received unfair criticism because I loved how awesome and intense the end was. The true stars of this film are Smith and that unbelievable scenery. Manhattan has become vacant (save for wildlife) and vegetation has sprouted every which way. The posters claiming that there was still a fledging hope were an excellent touch. To Neville they have become commonplace, to us we will never see anything like them. The scenery is realistic, stark, and beautiful. This is an entertaining film that I loved. Sure it might have it's flaws but the "Prince" proved he can overcome any and all. He's the king of entertaining movies.