The Film discussion thread seems to be kind of dead here so i decided to add a film to discuss. First of all I would like to say I loved the first three qaurters of this movie (as most people are saying) but i didn't mind the last qaurter, it was still awesome, but i just think they kind of deviated them from the direction the first part was going too, if I were to rate the first part I would give it a 9/10 and the second part i would give a 6.5/10 all together i would still give the movie an 8/10. I wasn't expecting a whole lot from the film I thought it was going to be some zombie action fest, which it didn't turn out to be thankfully, Will Smith in the leading role is the best asset in this movie his acting is superb and keeps you involved throughout the whole movie, when hes scared your scared when hes feeling down your feeling down, I strangely found myself more involved in the first part of this film than any other movie this year it was masterly created. Just seeing NYC in that state is awesome, and my mind was just going on about how cool that would be and a bunch of "What If..." It gets you involved and on edge, with some humor mixed in with his pet dog...kind of like the wilson in Cast Away. I loved this film and I Reccomend everyone to go see it, its worth it just to get wrapped up in the first part, even if the second part doesn't meet standards. Amazing, and I would have to say one of my top three films of they year, if not my first. I really hope Smith gets a nomination for this one, although that seems doubtful. What did you all think?

I've seen in and out of it. Not the whole movie but I can agree with all you're saying except I haven't seen all of the last part so i dont know. But the acting was good.

I enjoyed it quite a bit. Not necessarily a great movie, but i thought it was pretty good. I love post-apocalyptic stuff, so that probably made me like it more too. I thought it was pretty fun to see Will Smith going crazy, haha. I think the worst things about it were, the over use of cg (come on seriously those vampire/zombies didn't have to cg), and the Hollywood ending. Overall though it was fun to watch, had a few good scare moments, and a pretty good story for the most part. Now I just need to read the book and see that it wasn't much like the book, lol.

I saw it with a bunch of friends and it actually really exceeded my expectations.
I was expecting a really mediocre film but it turned out to be pretty good. I agree Will Smith's acting was pretty good. I thought the ending was pretty decent actually. It could've done without the whole thing where the- hmm I just wrote out a bunch of spoilerish stuff then realized I probably shouldn't. I guess I'll just say it could've done without the very last part, in my opinion. Anyways, good movie, go see it if you haven't.

I originally didn't intend to see the movie, but on a whim, I went to see it and actually was impressed.

I too was expecting something painfully mediocre. But I enjoyed it a lot.

What I thought did not work was the CGI zombies. I thought it would have been infinitely more scary, realistic, and creepy to have actors in heavy makeup hunting Will Smith.

I thought the Hollywood ending probably did not go along with the book (which unfortunately I am only vaguely familiar with).

And I thought *some* of the pop-culture references (i.e. the Shrek scene) won't be poignant in 40 or so years.

I loved Will Smith's acting. I thought his fear, anger, and depression were quite believable. The lady I was with cried during the 'dog' scene. Will Smith's face looked genuinely in emotional pain.

I also liked some of the more subtle pop-culture references, such as the 'Wicked' poster and if anyone noticed, there was a billboard with a Superman logo transposed on a 'Batman' logo - suggesting a Batman/Superman film. I imagined anyone who saw that got their comic-book hearts racing. Foreshadowing, perhaps?

I thought the music was terrific (James Newton Howard always does incredible work) and the atmosphere was well maintained.

I also thought the scene where you first see the creatures - where Smith's character shines light on them and you only see their backs - was an excellent, tension-filled shot.


I have also seen 'Omega Man' (1971) and the two are quite similar in many respects - save one major detail. The 'zombies' in this film are still human, merely a mutated form. They have formed a cult called 'The Family' and have a leader, Matthais. To them, the main character is the actual monster and they are on an anti-human, anti-technology crusade.

Their zombies are actually more unnerving because of how creepy cults are. Their general look for some reason just gets under your skin.

Also, the ending, with its religious theme, was absolutely perfect and was better than 'I am Legends' ending actually.


This movie also borrowed from 'The Quiet Earth' (1985). The original trailer I think had shots that weren't in the film, like a broken fire hydrant spilling water in an arc shape - a shot taken directly from 'The Quiet Earth'.

Will Smith's speech on the radio is taken (in concept) almost directly from 'The Quiet Earth'.

Even one the female leads in 'I am Legend' says "...the earth is quiet now".

But I would say 'The Quiet Earth' is still the best film on the 'last man on earth' topic.

Overall, 'I am Legend' is worth a viewing and deserves a chance.

First two acts were great, but everything fell apart when Anna was introduced. Ending was weak.

quote:

Originally posted by Josh:
First two acts were great, but everything fell apart when Anna was introduced. Ending was weak.

Exaclty my opinion. After that heart wrenching dog scene, I felt cheated with the ending.