Transcend beyond the eye-candy trend...

Rating: 10/10 (5 January 2008)

In the last few days since watching I am Legend, not only did I gain a deep respect for Will Smith as an actor, I found myself more able to immerse myself into a character. Since movies like The Matrix, Serenity, the Pirates of the Carribbean series, etc.. I think movie watchers have become spoiled by the use of computer graphics. Not only do they expect dazzling effects, they have a huge tendency to compare movie to movie. It's my opinion that movie watchers of the present typically are not capable of transcending beyond the eye-candy, and don't allow themselves to put themselves in the character's shoes.
I was deeply moved the FIRST time I saw I am Legend.. after all, what would YOU do in a situation like that? 3 years after an apocalyptic event with no human contact, and the very serious prospect of being the last man alive? Consider the mental and emotional consequences of not only knowing that everyone is dead, but also losing your immediate family. ..Think of the routines you might develop... after all you're the only one you have to hang out with 24 hours a day.... ..I felt, in a way, close to Robert Neville. During the course of my lifetime I've found myself, in a sense, completely alone. Of course, the good doctor did have a canine friend.. ..so did I. ..and like the doctor, I've lost friends like that. I hated that part of the movie, and for the first time in a very long time, I had to wipe tears from my face.
Yes, I've had arguments with other people that watched this movie and picked it apart because for ridiculous reasons like the "overuse of CG". It makes me wonder why people even watch movies.. Albeit it's all "entertainment", if you're able to, try putting yourself into that situation and consider everything that might happen in a 24 hour period. ..hell.. consider everything that could possibly happen in 24 minutes. This movie deserves recognition, and Will Smith has impressed me more than most actors ever have. Not only was his character completely believable, he displayed a strength that is nothing but rare these days. In reality, I think that too many people have taken the stance that it's "better to not get involved".. ..or when they see someone in trouble they prefer to stand back and watch rather than try to help or do something to prevent bad things from happening. In general, too many people disgust me with their apathy towards others.. Lottery mentality and disgraceful gestures by the you-tube generation.. "it's not my problem man.." "not my job man.." ..self serving degenerates... "why work when you can sue somebody" hasn't anyone considered the simple parts of this film? ..returning DVDs to the store.. not pillaging the entire town of items like after the Katrina disaster? Has that not been taken into consideration while analyzing Will's character? Didn't anyone see the crowds of people hauling TVs and stacks of DVD players from stores? Did they really NEED those things to survive? I think we all know the answer to that question.
I commend the makers of this film, and my hat is off to Mr. Smith for a BRILLIANT, POWERFUL, and EMOTIONALLY STIMULATING Performance. If I had the chance to personally thank him, I would. I found this character to be inspiring on many levels. Thank you Will, and Thank you Mr Lawrence for producing this wonderful story.