I Am Legend is not my typical movie. While I’m not fond of the science fiction genre, I am incredibly fond of spending time with my spouse and this was the choice du jour. So I settled in for what I thought would be an incredibly long two hours of science ‘sciencey’ boy stuff.
While it’s still not my favorite movie, I do have to say I was pleasantly surprised. I Am Legend, is actually a movie based on the same titled book written by Richard Matheson. This is not the first movie that’s been based on this book but it is the most successful versions.
Plot Summary
Will Smith stars as Dr. Robert Neville, a military scientist who is the last man alive on earth. He is living in New York City, alone, after a deadly plagued killed off everyone else, or turned them into ‘night walkers.’ He spends his days with his dog, and the majority of his time attempting to find a cure for the population from their horrible virus.
One thing that I particularly liked about this movie is that it’s one of those that you have to pay attention while watching in order to follow what’s going on. It’s not particularly difficult mind you, but key pieces of information are dropped throughout the dialogue. I have to say too, that I think there are few actors who can pull off doing almost an entire movie by themselves (think Tom Hanks and his volleyball friend Wilson), but Will Smith was, as always, very good. (Pay close attention to the scene where his wife and child are getting into the helicopter and you’ll get a glimpse of daughter Willow Smith.)
I also have to say that while I’m not into the zombie thing, the message of loyalty and sacrificing yourself for others was heard loud and clear.
Some Warnings
This is definitely not, in my opinion, a family movie–unless your family consists of older children. It is intense, and there is violence and scary scenes. There is very little language and being that the whole plot revolves around the supposed last man alive on earth–there is no sex.
Valorie Delp shares recipes and kitchen tips in the food blog, and also writes about politics and the occassional movie review. To read more articles by Valorie Delp, click here.