Richard Matheson's 1954 novel has been adapted three primary times for film. Each movie has remained basically faithful to the book, but not without deleting some other major reference or plot development. The Vincent Price vehicle, in hindsight, was a miscast. The early 70s version with Charlton Heston still in his Ten Commandments phase, somehow mixed up social revolution and blaxploitation in the process.
As far as big-budget blockbusters go, this Will Smith I Am Legend makes for enjoyable reviewing. Special effects are awesome, as a New York City (and by imaginary extension, the world) is rendered dead and vacant by a virus that mutated from a cancer cure. Smith's rather ripped military scientist, Robert Neville, traverses Manhattan's deserted streets by SUV (or in one case, a Mustang) and goes through apartments and stores, collecting all he can in the way of non-perishable food or even DVDs.
The "survivors," in a sense," are not the traditional vampires in Matheson's books. Instead, they're more like distant cousins of zombies from 28 Days (or Weeks) Later. Nowadays, movie zombies are pale and bald, making up for their lack of conversational skills with super speed and strength. They distaste light, especially ultra-violet, and are infectious with one bite. Sadly, it seems so much money was spent on special effects (and no; doubt Smith's salary), little was left to produce more intriguing CGI zombies. They're more like grown-up Gollums.
Smith's Neville doesn't stockpile liquor like Matheson's Neville did. Instead, he spends his time trying to communicate by radio, hunting for live game, playing with his faithful canine Sam and working on a vaccine that is initially very unsuccessful on "the darkseekers."
Unlike the past two film adaptations, there are flashbacks to life before the apocalypse. There's a Spielberg "War of the Worlds" type scene where amongst the throng of humanity yearning to break free of a soon-to-be-quarantined Manhattan Island, Neville tries to scurry his family to safety. Eventually, Neville meets two regular survivors. By then it's clear, he has lost his faith in God ("God didn't do this, we did") and is slowly losing his mind -- all the while fanatically holding onto the idea that he can fix the whole thing.
As a scientist, fighter and stricken family man, Smith plays it well and cool. There are thrills and chills, and ultimately you may feel a desire to delve deeper into moral implications of human devolution, genetic engineering, isolation, free will and the like. Until then, just put your brain on neutral and enjoy.
Ah, perhaps one or two more flicks to watch before 2007 closes (Sweeney Todd and Juno). Oh my, The Dark Knight trailer is ridiculously awesome. Add that to my must-see 2008 list along with Indiana Jones and the Quest to Recapture Lost Youth.
