2008 Woodie Awards
Torch Online review: I Am Legend 2-disc DVD
Alex Quevedo, Staff Writer
Issue date: 3/12/08 Section: Torch Online Exclusives
When "I Am Legend" was released back on December 14, it was met with a slightly mixed reaction from critics, and that includes us. The first and second acts of the film were great, containing solid acting, suspense and emotion. But then the characters Anna and Ethan were introduced and the film slowly degraded, eventually putting forth an ending that, while appropriate, left many with a sour taste in their mouths. The DVD has arrived in stores today, March 18, and while the film's entire third act cannot be rectified, the alternative ending included in the 2-disc edition makes the film well worth a purchase.
For those unfamiliar with the film, or those who have simply forgot, "Legend" revolves around Robert Neville, played by Will Smith. Loosely based on Richard Matheson's novel of the same name, Neville is a United States Army virologist whose cure for cancer goes horrendously wrong. Opening in 2012, the "cure" had two effects: it killed those who came into contact with it, or it turned them into dark-seekers, which are essentially vampire zombies. As he has immunity, Neville, accompanied only by his dog Sam, is the last man in New York and quite possibly the world.
As we mentioned, the first two-thirds of the movie are great but the introduction of Anna and Ethan leads to its demise. But of course, we are not here to judge the movie as much as we are the DVD. Thankfully, the 2-disc release is well worth your time and money.
The second disc of the set includes the alternate version of the film. A vast majority of it is not too different than the original. An extra scene that shows Neville, Anna and Ethan at the Museum of Natural History is squeezed in after their introduction. The really good stuff comes at the end, though. This new ending gives a whole new sense of emotion that works very well. Robert earns the title of Legend more so here than in the original ending, though not quite as much when compared to the original novel. And while the original ending will be acceptable, many may come away from this ending and appreciate it more.
For those unfamiliar with the film, or those who have simply forgot, "Legend" revolves around Robert Neville, played by Will Smith. Loosely based on Richard Matheson's novel of the same name, Neville is a United States Army virologist whose cure for cancer goes horrendously wrong. Opening in 2012, the "cure" had two effects: it killed those who came into contact with it, or it turned them into dark-seekers, which are essentially vampire zombies. As he has immunity, Neville, accompanied only by his dog Sam, is the last man in New York and quite possibly the world.
As we mentioned, the first two-thirds of the movie are great but the introduction of Anna and Ethan leads to its demise. But of course, we are not here to judge the movie as much as we are the DVD. Thankfully, the 2-disc release is well worth your time and money.
The second disc of the set includes the alternate version of the film. A vast majority of it is not too different than the original. An extra scene that shows Neville, Anna and Ethan at the Museum of Natural History is squeezed in after their introduction. The really good stuff comes at the end, though. This new ending gives a whole new sense of emotion that works very well. Robert earns the title of Legend more so here than in the original ending, though not quite as much when compared to the original novel. And while the original ending will be acceptable, many may come away from this ending and appreciate it more.
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