Not Just Another Will Smith Movie

As a fan of classic horror films, I wholeheartedly appreciate the 1964 film, The Last Man On Earth, starring Vincent Price. As such, I was wary upon entering the latest incarnation of the same story-I Am Legend, starring Will Smith. While sci-fi and horror fans may gripe that this remake doesn't remain true to Richard Matheson's novel by the same name, it's impossible to count out the performance delivered by Will Smith in this exciting, fun thriller.

To be sure, I am Legend is determined not to be just another Independence Day or I, Robot-films which, while they raked in the dough for Smith and movie producers alike, could hardly be called heartfelt or provocative. And I believe I am Legend succeeds on this count-it is everything that previous Will Smith vehicles have not succeeded to be-and manages at times to be both heartfelt and provocative, not to mention downright horrifying.

In a horror film landscape that has been dominated in recent years by poorly-done remakes of Japanese movies, I Am Legend stands out, if only because it doesn't have a deranged Japanese child in the role of the scary villain. That being said, the digital monsters that do find their way onto the screen in this one, won't be winning any special effects awards any time soon. Sure, they're a little scary looking, but honestly, if this was the best that the filmmakers could do within time and budget constraints, they'd have none better not to show the monsters at all. What is scary is what the monsters are able to do-these are not mindless drones, as Smith's character, Dr.Neville, believes them to be-but intelligent and complex creatures that can move at great speeds, have immense strength, and can work socially to trap Neville and his Dog Samantha in precarious situations.

Smith really carries this entire movie on his shoulders-there is little help from a supporting cast, aside from Neville's dog-who helps to establish a somewhat "human" connection throughout the first part of the film. And Smith and the dog both do an excellent job of carrying out their respective roles-and connecting with each other.