Is this the best they could do?

Rating: 6/10 (23 December 2007)

The plot of this film had great potential and the story could have been oh so richly and fully developed but sadly it falls very short of being the great film it could have been.
Will Smith's acting is fine, he is of course more than familiar with the Hollywood Sci-Fi genre (Men In Black, Independence Day, I-Robot) so no one should have any complaints about him.
New York deserted looks very striking and the visuals and the CGI are very good, fantastic even and if you examine them on their own you have to say a great job was done, there are some good edge of your seat moments involving the zombies or whatever they were.
HOWEVER while you experience the above you spend the whole time wondering 'Why is this happening?' There is not enough context given to the story, during the film we learn how Will Smith ended up in a deserted New York due to this world destroying virus, but we see only New York and small snippets from his personal life that just leave an empty feeling really.
There is not enough depth to the story and little character development. There is no setting of the scene in the early parts of the film to help you relate to the character you are watching who has only a dog for company. It could give so much more to the viewer.
There could have been an extra hour so this movie. If you like Will Smith and good CGI see it. If you like a film that can tell a story clearly leaving you feeling fulfilled then give I am Legend a miss.