It took me a long time to come across this movie. I saw no advertisements on TV. Not even on the internet. Suddenly, I came across an article in one magazine about fantasy, sci-fi and horror. The name of that magazine isn’t important, because if you’re not from Czech Republic or Slovakia, you have no chance of being able to read it. Anyway, I decided that I have to see this movie.
The movie I am legend is inspired by a novel, which was written by Richard Matheson. I haven’t read this novel, but it isn’t important anyway as this article is about the movie. So, let me tell you what it is about. Don’t worry, I won’t tell you everything. Just briefly about the story.
People genetically manipulated some virus, which has mutated and started killing people. The most people on Earth died, only a few are immune and the rest has mutated into aggressive creatures. They could be best described as something between vampires and zombies. The movie I am legend is mainly about a man, who is the last survivor in the New York City. You should be prepared that this is not an action movie, with a hero who is massacring mutants in Rambo style. The main character is a scientist. He is trying to find a cure for this deadly disease and of course, to survive. I had a little problem believing that main character (his name is Robert Neville) is really scientist. It is because he has big muscles. Have you ever seen a scientist with big muscles? I bet you haven’t. Neville has been played by Will Smith. Acting isn’t bad. However, sometimes I just couldn’t believe him that he feels what he should, in the situation he was in.
There are some non acting-related issues I’d like to mention. For example two or three year old American flags, which looked like new to me. And I’m sure that mutants didn’t clean or replace them. So, who took care of them in deserted New York? Neville hardly had a time to clean up all American flags in the city. Also, I think that mutants are a bit too unrealistic. Of course, this doesn’t kill my good feeling about this movie. I am legend has a good atmosphere (for an American movie). Only and the biggest problem is the end. It is as original as **** in toilet. However, I think that most Americans will like it. It’s typical ending in American style. The main hero finds a cure, sacrifices himself for it (and for a woman). Then, she finds a survivor colony and gives them the cure.
It is really stupid and naive ending of good movie. Fortunately, there is an alternative ending available. This alternative ending makes the end of I am legend watchable for non-Americans. I will tell you almost nothing about the alternative ending. Otherwise you wouldn’t be surprised. Maybe you won’t be surprised anyway. A scene somewhere in the middle of I am the legend gave me an idea how it could end. The alternative ending is made exactly in the way I was expecting it.
So, what’s my verdict? I think that I am legend is movie worth seeing. However, you shouldn’t expect too much. It could be much better made, but it could be much worse also.
