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"I AM LEGEND" (PG-13)
Will Smith is
surprisingly good in the otherwise mediocre I Am Legend
By Clayton Davis
Francis Lawrence, the director of
Constantine brings us the futuristic, science-fiction thriller I
Am Legend starring Academy Award nominee Will Smith. Smith
plays Dr. Robert Neville, a scientist living in a dissolute New York
City trying to develop the cure to the virus that wiped out the entire
world population and left him immune.
There isn’t much that can be said about the picture rather than Will
Smith gives his most brave portrayal to date and places him as one
of the most talented actors working today. As the film will gain much
comparisons to Robert Zemeckis’ Cast Away starring Tom Hanks,
this film holds no measure. As Neville tries to develop this cure by
day, at night he must flee and hide from something dark and demented
hiding in the shadows. These “creatures” are a little cheesy and even
more corny as the special effects seem rushed and unrewarding.
The first ¾ of the picture are engaging as we follow Smith around
the jungle-like New York City and brought into flash backs of the end of
days over three years ago. The ending is very sour in taste and
unrealistic in actions. I have an imagination as much as the next
person, but some things just bother the viewer when we’re watching an
event unfold that seems so witless.
Consequently, it’s Will Smith that is the revelation and
fantastic to watch. He gives us range, humor, dramatic elements, and
something to awe at. The storyline is interesting in concept but wrong
choices are made in execution. It’s definitely worth a watch.
**1/2/**** |
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