So it's been months and months and months since I went to the cinema. So here's a long overdue review.
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I AM LEGEND
So, Will Smith’s latest film is called I Am Legend. No, it’s not the sequel to Ali, but with Smith dolled up as Mohammed Ali’s boxing legend daughter Laila. Cos that’ld be stupid. No, it’s the latest post-apocalypse film in a 28 Days Later stylee. Indeed, “stylee” probably isn’t the right word to use. It’s almost exactly like 28 Days Later, but set in the “capital” of America: New York. Basically, a virus gets lose (sound familiar?), kills half the world (yep), and turns the rest into mindless, savage zombies (de ja vu?). And almost no one survives. Cue eerie mid-day shot of a deserted Lon—I mean, New York.
Actually, the film ain’t half bad. Will Smith is a seriously underrated actor. Yeah, sure, his films are big box office draws, but ask anyone to name the top three great male film actors of the day, and it’s likely “Will Smith” won’t be on their list. Popular, but not critically acclaimed. Which is a shame: from Wild, Wild West to Men In Black to I, Robot to Ali to Independence Day – okay, scratch that last one – Will Smith is every inch the man. And, for all the ladies out there – and all the repressed homosexuals – there is a fantastic topless scene where sweaty Will Smith does some dirty exercises. Oh yeah.
Now, let’s talk real terms.
The visuals are truly stunning, even if we’ve (kinda) seen it before. The overgrown, deserted New York is genuinely believable and evocative. I mean, it’s been three years since the virus, so we wouldn’t expect to see a Tyrannosaurs or elephants running wild. And thank God, we don’t; one of the greatest compliments I could pay this film is, despite basically being an action film of sorts, it does not resort to over-the-top cheesiness to get the blood pumping.
The characterisation is spot on. You care for the characters, particularly Smith’s. There were times when I realised I was cringing, flinching, and biting my lip for the characters. That doesn’t happen too often in a cinema these days.
This film has the perfect balance of elements. Just the right amount of action; just the right amount of suspense; just the right amount of shocks; just the right amount of horror; just the right amount of humour. And, unlike some recent-ish post-apocalyptic films (ah-ah-choothedayaftertomorrow!!! Bless me), I Am Legend absolutely does not drip sickly, treacle American blockbuster sentimentality (ah-ah-choowaroftheworlds!!! Bless me again).
Despite inevitable comparisons, this film really is no rip off. Somehow, in spite of a very similar plot, I Am Legend is every bit its own. It is definitely not a poor man’s 28 Days Later (that honour ironically goes to 28 Weeks Later).
I give it 8.5 out of 10. I gave 28 Days Later 9.5 out of 10. So why isn’t I Am Legend quite as good as 28 Days Later? Two reasons. One, it lacks the psychological terror of the “enemy within” element. And two, it isn’t set in London.
-- Bryan A J Parry (30th Dec. 2007 11.45pm)