Not quite there

Rating: 5/10 (21 March 2012)

'I Am Legend'is not a bad movie, but it's not a good movie. It doesn't do much to tilt the scales in either direction, and as a result, I give it a 5 rating.
I decided to rent the DVD, not expecting very much. It did deliver on this point. And that says it all. It was entertaining to a certain extent, granted, but 'I Am Legend' is like a roller-coaster. It's up one minute, down the next, up again, then down. It never comes into its own, and when a 100 minute film is at times a chore to sit through, you've hit a brick wall. Will Smith does delver a fine performance, but I don't believe it's the show-stopping performance many have touted it as.
Granted, Smith keeps 'I Am Legend' from sinking in its own muddled sea of emptiness, but it's just not enough. It doesn't take long to discover that 'I Am Legend' just doesn't have the script or direction to deliver a good movie. And what could have been the film's saving grace, special effects and action, quickly become one of its weakest efforts. The CGI is unrealistic enough to take us out of the film almost entirely, while the sparse and repetitive action breaks no new ground.
'I Am Legend' could have been an exciting and action-packed blockbuster. This film had potential. But perhaps worst of all, it tries to front itself as a deep psychological character study and be a popcorn blockbuster at the same time. It just doesn't work, and it comes off feeling forced and cheap. 'I Am Legend' wants to say something, it wants to pack a punch. But I was never able to muster up enough enthusiasm to really care. A disappointment, but low expectations helps ease the pain.