I Am Legend

[Christopher Ashe]

Alright, this one plans to be the big blockbuster for the weekend. Normally, I probably would have been right on this one immediately, but I can't bring myself to see it yet. Why: I read the book. I've read it a few times, actually. I probably would go so far as to say that I consider it one of the more important works of science fiction or horror in the 20th century. It's stunning, human, gritty and for teh time it was written in, amazing in its depth of what it would cover. Stephen King lists this one as an influence, and you can actually see reading it how much Matheson influenced his work if you're a King fan.

I'm a guy who's fine with movies based on books. Generally, even if I liked the book far more than the film, I still separate the differences and enjoy a good movie. Movies do tend to screw it all up for one reason or another. The problem with I am legend is that it's practically impossible to put the book onto the screen and get the effect. I read all the spoilers on the movie and I can't bring myself to see it yet. I will eventually, I like Will Smith's movies, but I have to cool down first. Because I know it can't live up and for some reason this one means more to me than the others. So I urge you folks out there, read this book. I am legend will blow your mind. It's an amazing read. Whether you enjoy the movie or see it or not, read it.

- Ashe

[Elune]

I have not read the book (I will endeavour to do so soon, however - it is one I have wanted to read for a long time, but as usual for me, never got around to it).
Whilst films based on books almost never get it 100%, some adaptations have been very good. Remake's and "re-imaginings" however, are almost always bad, and never live up to the originals.
I have seen a copy of the film - Will Smith always plays Will Smith in his movies, and this one is no exception.
He "wise cracks" through the film like he always does - the best actor in the film was the dog, by the way - it certainly received more reaction than Smith did :)

The special effects - as usual for "blockbuster" films, are good - but the film itself didn't seem to have enough meat in it - something was lacking and I'm not sure what it was. It felt quite short, rushed almost, skimping on the story.
Of the four films I have seen which appear to be based on this book, I have to say this was quite poor (third of four in my opinion) , and did not add anything to mix.
Of the others, Charlton Heston's "Omega Man" was my favourite, (Smith does not have anything like the presence on screen Heston had) followed by the 1964 Vincent Price film "The Last Man on Earth". "I Am Omega" was rather bad too, in a cheesy, low budget way.
As I said earlier , I have not read the book yet, so I cannot compare how any of these films stick to the story from the book.
But if you have read and enjoyed the book, remember it fondly, and think long and hard about whether or not you would want to see this film - if you have not read the book - like Ashe says - go out and read it (instead).

[thephlapbadhu]

what annoys me is that they took the twist out of the book so the film became a zombie cliche movie (albeit with vampire types in it). the character is a legend but not to the survivors but i won't ruin it- its a great book.
i disagree with you re: will smiths performance- i think the film succeded in capturing the isolation of the book as did will smith. i was sceptical about him being able to carry off the role not having seen his serious films but i think he was good.
hated the cg vamps- no need for them
maybe one day someone will see that if they made a film more faithful to the original story they have a much better film.