Posted by
Catmman on Monday, December 17, 2007 12:33:28 PM
"Lengendary" it isn't - forgettable is more like it.
This new movie is a remake of 1971's "The Omega Man" starring Charlton Heston. Both movies are based upon a novella written by Richard Matheson back in the 50's also titled "I Am Legend."
As far as action goes, the Charlton Heston vehicle was a much better movie. The newer remake does have it's moments and is scary in one part in particular, but just seems to lack energy overall.
I'm a big fan of the Matheson story, I read it about 12 years ago in one sitting. It runs around 100 pages in length and is pretty engrossing and a page turner even though written about a half century ago. Matheson is well known in the sci-fi/horror genre having written several screenplays for The Twilight Zone and Tales from the Darkside, amongst others. The print version of "I Am Legend" is a good, quick read as is recommended.
That being said, the new Smith vehicle is a bit on the slow side. The story is fractured at spots with not a lot of backstory is prescribed. Some of the history is told in "flashback" form, just as the "Omega" version. "Legend is truer to "Omega" than the print form of "Legend" as well, all the way down to the opening of the movie with Smith driving a brand new red Mustang GT 500 around a barren NYC (Charlton Heston opened in "Omega" also driving a red Mustang convertible around a seemingly deserted LA). SPOILER ALERT: Also, if you've seen the "Omega" version, you know how the movie will end. If you don't know the story, you'll really be po'd upon leaving this movie.
The audience is left to make the connection about the "outbreak." We see a newscast about an apparent cure for cancer given to over 10,000 people. All of the people were cured of their cancer. The twist is that apparently this cure has somehow mutated into an airborne and contact catagion, killing 99.6% of those who are infected. A small portion of the population has some natural immunity while a large portion of those survivors who were infected become some type of creature. In "Omega", mankind is wiped out from manmade bacteria released during a war between the Soviets and the Chinese. Of course I guess one could make the political jump and surmise this is another "blame America" vehicle, but this is not an object of the movie (just me reading into things).
You do become more emotionally attached to Smith, mainly because of a relationship he has with a German shepherd, as opposed to Charlton Heston in Omega. There is also a truly nail-biting scene early in the movie where Smith has to rescue his dog from a dark, obviously occupied "hive" of infected, vampire like creatures. This scene is tense, well shot, with darkness used as in old horror movies. You are drawn into this scene more by what you don't see as opposed to what you do see.
Unfortunately, this is the only scene to draw you in in such a way throughout the entire movie. Most of the rest of the story is predictable and you leave the movie wanting more - much more. I guess this is a good thing in it's own way, but after paying $55 to see it on IMAX, I left the theater disappointed and upset. The movie only runs about one hour and 40 minutes or so and this story could use at least another 20-30 minutes for adding more.
"More" is the biggest problem with this film. Though acted well, with decent digital effects, this whole film just leaves you wanting much more for the money you spent on it. I was disappointed by this one from Smith. I have enjoyed his sci-fi forays (I Robot, MIB, ID4) but this one, thought the most dramatic of those listed, is by far the least satisfying. A third movie based on the original story (the first being "The Last Man on Earth", starring Vincent Price) this is probably the worst of the three on that same "satisfying" scale. A truly honest retelling of the original print story would be awesome if ever done - the story really deserves one.
If you can find this at a "dollar" theater, put it on your list, otherwise just wait for the DVD.