Will Smith is "Gettin' Jiggy Wit It" in his latest feature, 'I Am Legend' hitting theaters 'dis week. Instead of battling ET(see Independence Day) this time, he fights Vampire Zombies that quest for the blood of the 'uninfected. 'I am Legend,' not dissimilar from 'A Boy and his Dog' (an obscure science fiction feature from the 70's starring Don Johnson), but identical in theme to 'The Last Man on Earth,' and 'The Omega Man,' is a cautionary tale of how man in his quest to eradicate disease on the planet may actually find a way to eradicate himself.

In this story,as it's told through screenwriter's Mark Protosevich and Akiva Goldsman and borrowing elements from'The Omega Man' screenplay. Adapted from a novel from Richard Matheson, who wrote 'I Am Legend' in 1954, the AK virus(Named after the cure's discoverer(cameo by Emma Thompson), is used to end cancer for good.

Unfortunately, it wasn't tested thoroughly (where's the FDA?) and turns 90 percent of the 'cured' into nocturnal, rabid creatures. The other 10 percent to be eaten, I assume, by the 90 percent, leaving Neville the last uninfected man alive( or so he thinks). The disease infects by airborne means as well thoroughly infecting animals and humans alike.

The film begins by explaining a few details of the events leading up to the present, but most of what happens before 'ground zero' contamination in NYC, is revealed in vivid and unsettling flashbacks of our hero Neville(Will Smith). The film takes about five minutes with explanations and then plants us firmly in Neville's solitary and unusual world. The setting is New York City in the year 2012. The director wastes no time to use his multimillion dollar set.

One of the 1st things the viewers will notice about this world is the copious amounts of stranded vehicles, sheets of plastic covering entire skyscrapers and weeds in Times Square. The viewer will pick up a increasing looming feeling as the movie progresses and certain events take place. The movie is very much visual as it is expressive of one man's onus as he takes companionship in a canine and sometimes mannequins, but never zombies.

The setting taking place in New York City is grand in it's detailed depiction of isolation and barrenness. The people in charge of this did an outstanding job. I've even heard it (NYC) being referred to as upstaging Will Smith. It was that engaging! From what I understand, it took many months(weekends only) to film these portions of the film. Weeds had to be brought in from Florida to add to the aura.

Special Effects in this movie are not groundbreaking, but are befitting of the holiday season blockbuster fare. CGI doesn't overwhelm the story or the acting, so they are not out of place. They do their job as they should. Another breathtaking effect was seeing these huge Brooklyn bridge style structures blown in two. I didn't catch the significance of this iconic image, but it sunk in later during one of Neville's flashbacks.

The zombies are generic. They are pale creatures which is what we expect from these melatonin active fellows. They are hyperactive with seemingly endless energy as nocturnal. They are computer enhanced actors although any semblance to any one living or dead is mere coincidence. In other words, they are the cheesiest part of the movie, yet intrinsically necessary to be true to the novel.

This film approaches the 'thriller standard, ' but doesn't overuse the typical jars that are so abundant in cheap thrillers. I was expecting to be thrust from my seat on many occasion, but nothing came. The tension is there, but release is granted but only a few times. The jolts come from almost mundane experiences. The film is more interested in third person narrative of Neville. We get a good 45 minutes of Neville's daily life in present and past life in flashback form, before the zombie action begins.

The film also builds the story around the underlying theme being that science and religion should and can work together in balance. No one discipline or belief should have the upper hand. This theme is explored and brought to light toward the end of the movie when Neville is challenged with just this personal dilemma as he questions the belief system of his professional life. He is able to resolve this, but I won't provide a spoiler on how he does it.

Will Smith has proved himself in Hollywood. Although, not paid by the standards of say a Tom Cruise, he has shown he can bring the throngs to the box office(earned 70 million over the 1st weekend). He doesn't seem to be a 'flash in the pan' type action flick actor like Arnold Schwarzenegger, because he also delves into other genres. He does drama('The Pursuit of Happyness,'2007) and comedy ('Hitch', 2005) equally well.

If given the right script, I'm sure someday we will see him on stage accepting an Oscar. Smith is careful about the roles he chooses and this explains his less than prolific body of work. He is close to being typecast, but evades the typecasting by delivering performances exceeding expectations. Smith brings his unique and refreshing humor to his work.

He has the ambition and talent, but needs the vehicle and perhaps more experience with drama. It's a very difficult thing to carry a movie almost entirely on your own, but in 'I am Legend,' I think he succeeds. He has the charisma, charm and emotes well. Sentimental scenes are believable to the movie goer, not gratuitous. And, he seems like an all around likable guy.

There are no real supporting actors in this movie(sans NYC). Most characters 'enter' the movie during Neville's flashback. We meet many extras such as evacuees and the 'infected' (as they are billed at IMdb). We also meet Neville wife and daughter, Marley(Willow Smith) who add some dimension to Neville's life. Willow, being Smith's real life daughter, brings some chemistry to the role and that translates well in some heartfelt episodes.

Music in 'I Am Legend' is subdued and original by James Newton Howard. I thought the score was very well done. Not every sequence uses music.

I am going to recommend 'I Am Legend.' I don't think the critics will rate it as a serious contender for Oscar material although it certainly reaches for one in the glorious settings and ambitious themes.

Smith is coming close to a nod as he carries this film solo for at least 3/4's of the movie offering insights into his character through honed emoting.

CGI isn't remarkable or groundbreaking, but befits a blockbuster of it's stature. The movie is entertaining and even thrilling at times. I think it will appeal to any audience except the very young. It's a very good movie. Go see it.





Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older