I AM Legend (just saw it)

[Roland]

So my wife and I just got back from seeing the movie and we both really enjoyed it. Well I loved (most) of it and my wife, who's not really a scifi fan thought it was ok. But even she said that Will Smith hits this out of the park, his performance is the strongest I've seen him do thus far. This movie really shows that his range is far greater than action or comic role guy.

I don't like to go into much detail and dissect a movie apart when writing about them. I'll go into as much depth as you like in person though heh

I just like to say whether I think the film was good and/or entertaining. I'll comment on the story in a generic way and if I like the cinematography and or effect...but I absolutely "hate" reading a review that details the whole movie and basically ruins it before you even have a chance to go...so I won't do it either ;)

So like I said the movie is very well done. Great characterization by Smith, and the dog was wonderful as well heh

The movie deviates quite a bit from the original novel (yes I've read it) and I'd highly recommend it to any interested in the genre and story as well. Though be aware that they are different "version/visions" of the same core story.

Many critics have jumped on the film for it's somewhat heavy use of cgi, especially in regard to the creature effects. I personally didn't mind it or find it distracting at all from the emotion or the story...and I understand why they chose to use it when and where they did. So I say don't let those reports scare you away ;)

There were a few parts of the script that I wish had been done differently, or had them stick closer to the original...But over all the film is well worth seeing and entertaining. The trailer gives you a good overview of the film, so if it looks interesting to you I think you'll enjoy the show.

Out of 5, I'd give the movie a very strong 3.5/3.75 (or 7.5 out of 10) Not perfect but still a lot of fun!

And I say see this movie for no other reason than to see Will Smith's performance and the dog!

If the story would of been flushed out a bit more, maybe another 1/2 hour I think I'd rate it higher. Some things I think needed a bit more development...but I'm hoping there will be a Dir. Cut as I "think" there was some scenes cut ;)

So there you go.

A good solid scifi/action/horror film!

Don't spill your popcorn :p

[Nickolie]

I actually just saw this film today as well and totally agree with this analysis, however I might rate it even a little higher personally but thats prolly because I havent read the book. I was wondering about the book do you have the name(I Am Legend??)/author of it? I might be interested in picking it up, Thanks

[Gene]

I haven't read the book yet (just bought it today and intend to read it over the weekend) but from what you've said I'll likely love the movie. I'll probably end up seeing it this coming week, actually. :p

[Roland]

here's a link for you Nickolie :)

http://www.amazon.com/I-Am-Legend-Richard-Matheson/dp/0765318741/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197834260&sr=1-1

Hope you both (Gene) like it as much as I did.

:)

[tim]

Screw the book. I havent read the story but I give the movie as a stand alone easily 4/5. Will Smith totally did such an amazing job in this movie. I was so impressed by his emotion and range. and the action was great too. Amazing movie. I can't wait to buy the dvd.

[tim]

This likely wont be up for very long but here's the movie if you want to watch it...

http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=-58107535390064482&q=i+am+legend&total=4121&start=0&num=30&so=0&type=search&plindex=15

[Potpie]

DVD quality my ***.

[tim]

I didnt post it. Hell I cant even watch it at work here, no streaming capability. If it is the same copy as I've seen then it is a rip from the screener DVD. Not a cam but certainly not DVD quality. As good of quality as you will get for 700MB though.

[Potpie]

Yah I was referring to the title of that video page, and I didn't once think you'd posted it, ripped it or otherwise. ;)

I don't understand why people post videos like that - who in the hell would want to watch a movie so bad they'd settle for a crappy streaming rip?

I either goto the theater or buy/rent the DVD - anything else is a sub-par experience.

[tim]

I hate going to the theater for ANY movie. I hate all the stupid kids and so called adults at theaters who cant stop talking or shouting out at parts in the film, people who answer their phone in the movie, people who bring screaming babies to the movie, etc etc etc. Other people ruin movies for me. People should just shut the **** up when in public. What ever happened to manners?

[Roland]

Glad you liked the movie Tim :)

Like you, we've had a few times were people were intolerable around us. I'll normally wait to see if it subsides after the movie gets going. But if it doesn't then I'll say something to the people, and then the manager if need be...or leave with a guest pass to try it another time.

I agree it can be a pain sometimes. There's a ton of idiotic people out there that have no common sense or general politeness. I have no problem with the young couple that bring an infant, I know it's hard to get a good sitter, especially for a very young baby...IF they are responsible and take the child out if it wakes or becomes agitated. It's those that sit there thinking that everyone should put up with their screaming kid that pisses me off.

The chatty teen girls that could care less about the movie and just want to talk the whole time irritate the hell out of me. The Mexicans (sorry but that's who does it here 99% of the time) who hop (sneak) from movie to movie, who come in and be loud during the "middle" of a movie...well that gets me going to lol

We specifically stopped going to a nice theater in a mall because of that and their general tendency to bring a **** load of kids and make the theater their living room with wandering toddlers, toys and all. I just will not go there anymore...so sometimes we drive 20miles away if need be but it's worth not having to subject ourselves to their ignorance and inconsiderate nature.

(mind you i'm judgmental because of the frequency we've had to deal with this type of problem. we've seen all nationalities do this to some degree, but the fact is that there are distinct differences and that some tend to do it above and beyond what i would consider the norm or average.)

I'm thinking that once we get the lcd set up we'll be a bit more choosy with the movies we decide to see on the big screen.

But "some" movies you just HAVE to see at the theater! ;)

We've gone between 2-4 times a month for the last 10 years lol

So we've pretty much seen all that can happen at a theater...

Just think of the video setup I could of bought with all that money ($15 a shot normally) wow...

Anyway, guess I just wanted to let you know you're not alone in how you feel about going to the movies, it's a crap shoot every time. But we've found a few good theaters that have very few problems, we just have to drive a bit to get to them.

Good Luck!

[tim]

Yeah, I really enjoyed this movie. It actually brought me to tears at one point. I don't remember the last time a movie moved me as much.

[Gene]

Yeah, I really enjoyed this movie. It actually brought me to tears at one point. I don't remember the last time a movie moved me as much.I. Must. See. This. Movie!

[ward_rb]

just finished watching it on tim's link.....wow. this is a great movie. im definately buying it when it comes out on dvd.


and i agree with what you guys are saying about theatres....they suck. overpriced, not enough leg room, sticky floors, and people who wont shut up.....no thanks. pretty much the only time ill go is when on a date. when im single, 99% of the time ill just wait for it to come out on dvd.

[Potpie]

Rave Motion Pictures recently built a phenomenal theater in downtown Kalamazoo.

DLP projection, full Dolby / DTS digital surround sound, etc - all that cool crap.

I saw 300 there, it rocked.

8 bucks a head, and I didn't observe any unsavory behavior by fellow viewers.
I've only seen two movies there though - Ghost Rider and 300.

Overall I think it's a very positive experience.

[Ôrnil]

my friend said it sucked ***, but I can't remember why
It was something like the action was low at the beginning and suddenly rose?
not sure:S

[tim]

People who didn't like this movie are the people who like games purely for the graphics. Sure the CGI in I Am Legend was a little poorly done and if you were looking for a fast paced action movie then it might not be what you were expecting. THis movie certainly didnt "suck ***" though. It had a deeply psychological and cerebral story and had a bit of everything; drama, suspense, action, horror, and some really tender sad moments, a bit of everything, and the movie did such a great job of conveying feelings of lonliness and hopelessness. Also, people who think movies should always be wrapped up in a neat little package with happy endings and such should steer clear of this movie. Its rather depressing. Perhaps that is why it appeals to me so much. :P

[The Iron Monkey]

For a similar feeling you can see "On The Beach".

I liked this one (Legend) a lot. I thought it mostly a remake of Omega Man. But it was well acted and the images were great. It is not a shoot them up "Resident Evil" thing, so I can see how some viewers will have the wrong expectation. Is more of a "feel the despair" and action is limited.

I hope I don't give anything away, but I also liked how the "hero" is not all there, you know, he is human also. To me thats the meaning of the title, the concept of "the legend" vs the man itself.

I love Sci-Fi and of course I was going to like it. My Dad is not sci-fi oriented, he liked it. My SO is NOT sci-fi oriented, she thought it was good, emotional and impacting. So the movie IS appealing to many viewers for its own reasons. You miss a lot if you let reviews keep you away from this one. Don't take a buddies word for it, you need to see it yourself.

Way to go Big Will!

[The Iron Monkey]

Oh, on the book link : if interested, the Sci-Fi book club has a dual edition of "I am Legend" and "Hell House" (2-in-1) and it comes to $9.99 for members. This is the only club I stay on and I like to get the hardcover editions rather than soft. Just FYI...

[Aggy456]

I. Must. See. This. Movie!

28 Days Later.

I am Legend is a rip-off of this film.

28 Days Later is far, far superior in every way.

[ward_rb]

28 Days Later.

I am Legend is a rip-off of this film.

28 Days Later is far, far superior in every way.

although there are many similarities, 28 days later is more about zombie scare factor, while i am legend is more about the psycology of being absolutely alone.

besides, this is based off of a book written in 1954....if anything 28 days later is the ripoff;)

edit - anyway, if you liked one, youll like the other

[tim]

I am Legend is a remake of the 70's movie The Omega Man.

[Aggy456]

although there are many similarities, 28 days later is more about zombie scare factor, while i am legend is more about the psycology of being absolutely alone.

besides, this is based off of a book written in 1954....if anything 28 days later is the ripoff;)

edit - anyway, if you liked one, youll like the other

Well now that's something I certainly didn't know.
I didn't know there was a book from 1954 about it, hmmm, ty Ward, I think I should do more research before making rip-off claims.

Still think 28 Days Later is better though :rockon:

[Aggy456]

SPOILER ALERT:



although there are many similarities, 28 days later is more about zombie scare factor, while i am legend is more about the psycology of being absolutely alone.


But he's not completely alone anyway, first he has a dog, and as soon as that dies he has a woman and child with him.

[tim]

The book is called 'I Am Legend'. There have been 3 movies based on it: The Last Man On Earth, The Omega Man, and I Am Legend.

[Aggy456]

The book is called 'I Am Legend'. There have been 3 movies based on it: The Last Man On Earth, The Omega Man, and I Am Legend.

I thought it was just a film tbh, I didn't realize it had so much history behind it.

[ward_rb]

SPOILER ALERT:




But he's not completely alone anyway, first he has a dog, and as soon as that dies he has a woman and child with him.

granted, but he's been living with just his dog for years, as far as he knows the only human left. he even starts talking to manakins(yes, i spelled that wrong but the spell check isnt helping) because hes cracking from not having other human contact.

in 28 days, the guy wakes up alone, but within the first day finds 2 other survivors.

i love both movies, im just saying theyre different types of horror.

[Viper_Sweden]

Manequins? ;)

I'll probably get this movie when it comes out, seems rather interesting...

[ward_rb]

Manequins? ;)

there ya go, sometimes my brain just doesnt want to cooperate. :D

[Viper_Sweden]

Sorry, forgot an 'N', the proper term is 'Mannequin'... :D

[Aggy456]

granted, but he's been living with just his dog for years, as far as he knows the only human left. he even starts talking to manakins(yes, i spelled that wrong but the spell check isnt helping) because hes cracking from not having other human contact.

in 28 days, the guy wakes up alone, but within the first day finds 2 other survivors.

i love both movies, im just saying theyre different types of horror.

I agree, both were good, I just think 28 Days Later was better.
Although the kinda madness he went into in I Am Legend, the video store bit especially and the mannequin he saw on the bridge before he got caught in that rope sort of trap were especially good.

I think Will Smith is a fantastic actor btw, he seems to take to every role with no problems at all.

( I'm gonna have to say here though, I think Brad Pitt in 'Meet Joe Black' was astounding )

[Ivaron]

Really liked the movie. Will Smith was definately great. But, I have to say, for me the movie got screwed up when the girl came along. I was really enjoying all the weirdness and figuring out what was going on before that point.
I would have much prefered it if he stayed alone, and fixed the problem by himself.

[tim]

Apparently if you get the special edition DVD there are alternate endings?

[fishinfool]

This movie was ok. Will Smith is one of my favorite actors and I can't wait to see his new one called Hancock.

[tim]

ok? I'd say it was much better than that!

[ward_rb]

Apparently if you get the special edition DVD there are alternate endings?

dont bother. all the alternate ending is is:

SPOILERS

rather than blowing himself and the 'zombies' up, smith opens the door for them because he notices that what they want is the zombie he captured earlier in the movie. the lead zombie makes sure none of the others attack smith, they get their comrade back and leave. then the movie ends like the regular version, but all 3 of them go the the safe city because smith is still alive.

and if that wasnt a lousy enough alternate ending for you, its not even a special feature. its on another disc, and you have to watch the whole movie just to see the 2 minutes of changed footage.

[EFG]

Probably my favorite movie of all time.

The book is way better and isn't ruined by the movie, however. If you liked the movie and are able to grasp undertones (ie philosophical pondering on morality), then you pretty much have to read the book.

EDIT: hehehe sorry for thread necro, I saw the thread and had to post... its not like i went digging, it was still on the front page

[Alek_tq]

thread necro again:

I just watched the movie yesterday. Its great but I'm kind of disappointed he had to die... I know, it was for bigger cause and all but still.... Also, I almost cried when Sam died.

[Alek_tq]

Right, good news I guess.

Warner Bros is making a sequel, the main char is Robert Nevil (Will Smith), so he didn't die. Yay?


http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&ct=res&cd=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.slashfilm.com%2F2008%2F01%2F0 3%2Fi-am-legend-sequel-rumors%2F&ei=Ks3hSNQWkPbQBNm96NwI&usg=AFQjCNFqe2vkNsbbC9jH17sAx1w22Hs30Q&sig2=rZROAvlQSBMvINQqts5k5Q

[ward_rb]

Right, good news I guess.

Warner Bros is making a sequel, the main char is Robert Nevil (Will Smith), so he didn't die. Yay?


http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&ct=res&cd=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.slashfilm.com%2F2008%2F01%2F0 3%2Fi-am-legend-sequel-rumors%2F&ei=Ks3hSNQWkPbQBNm96NwI&usg=AFQjCNFqe2vkNsbbC9jH17sAx1w22Hs30Q&sig2=rZROAvlQSBMvINQqts5k5Q

hmmm

a sequal could be good, but i doubt it. the movie was great, but the ending didnt leave room for a sequel. theyre probably gonna do something stupid like say the cure doesnt work.

[EFG]

I Am Legend is my favorite book of all time, and that movie was definitely in my top 10. I fail to see how a sequel can be anything but a cash grab, they're just completely milking it because it was so profitable. The whole point of the movie was the feeling of being alone in the world, and the doubt of whether what he was doing was right or not.

A sequel will just be a mediocre "humans take refuge in a military base and fight off a zombie apocalypse" movie, not to mention the fact that there wasn't even supposed to be a military base to begin with. I may go see it just to see if they can manage to pull it off, but if Will Smith returns (good on him for not wanting to be in this movie, shows he's about more than just the money), then **** Warner Bros., Neville is dead, don't completely destroy the I Am Legend movie by having some sort of soap opera magical survival BS.

[Alek_tq]

Umm... maybe the sequel won't be good, but its sure gonna be made.

[Alek_tq]

Humans still didn't won. They must cure the others, but how?

damn, I sound lame.

[CAP007]

Hmm Did not know about a sequal. Have you seen the alternate ending. Will Smiths character lives

[Lhyrra]

The movie had very very little to do with the book. It was closer to the Omega Man (Which was closer to the book, but still only loosely based) than it was the the actual book I am Legend.

All in all, one of my favorite books, but definately not one of my favorite movies. They totaly butchered the end of the movie. Actually they butchered the Vampire/Zombie things too. They were not at all like those mindless killer things in the movie.

Smiths Charactor...Nevil died in the Book, but not that way. I dunno, I cant say I enjoyed the movie based on the sheer fact that it was not even based off of the book at all!!!

Sorry...maybe not a popular review. But this movie could have been good if they followed the Book. Hense the reason it's movie debut had been canceled so many times and shelved. To call it I am Legend, and not have anything to do with "I AM LEGEND" means that it's just a movie with a title that is similar to the book.

[Alek_tq]

Who wrote I am Legend and when? I want to buy it.

[ward_rb]

Who wrote I am Legend and when? I want to buy it.

4th post on the first page....

[Alek_tq]

I googled it two minutes after the post. Don't know why I bothered posting. Thanks.

[Mockingbird]

dont bother. all the alternate ending is is:

SPOILERS

rather than blowing himself and the 'zombies' up, smith opens the door for them because he notices that what they want is the zombie he captured earlier in the movie. the lead zombie makes sure none of the others attack smith, they get their comrade back and leave. then the movie ends like the regular version, but all 3 of them go the the safe city because smith is still alive.

and if that wasnt a lousy enough alternate ending for you, its not even a special feature. its on another disc, and you have to watch the whole movie just to see the 2 minutes of changed footage.

Erm, the 'alternate ending' version of the movie changes several scenes throughout the film as well as the end, and in my opinion is a much, much better end to the movie, significantly changing the psychological balance of the film.

I really liked this film, saw it at the cinema then got in on Blu-ray, but I wish they had actually made a film of "I am legend" the book, instead of a different story with the same title and a similar setting.

I encourage anyone here to read the book, by the way. It's not too long and is extremely good, if a little depressing in places.

Summary of my personal perspective:

Original book - best story and best ending.
Movie (cinematic) - excellent movie with a great performance, weaker story than the book but still very enjoyable, let down by weak ending.
Movie (DVD alternate ending) - better than the cinematic one.

[EFG]

I encourage anyone here to read the book, by the way. It's not too long and is extremely good, if a little depressing in places.

I've been campaigning for the book's superiority in all of these threads for a while:


The book is way better and isn't ruined by the movie, however. If you liked the movie and are able to grasp undertones (ie philosophical pondering on morality), then you pretty much have to read the book.

A few months ago.

[Roland]

Agree 100%

The book is fantastic!

Read it back in my poor "donating" plasma days lol

(never again) ;)


And I'm not sure why they felt the apparent "need" to change the story as much as they did for the movie.

******Movie Spoiler******


Hated the Rose character in the movie and the way they tried to make her receiving insperation from God as to where the safe zone was located. Thought that was lame and un-needed, should of just kept it as a rumor, yet one they needed to check out and see. imo

Sounds like I need to watch the alternate ending version ;)

Thx for the incentive!