I Am Legend Disappoints

	Imagine an empty world – a world without people. Buildings are left to crumble and animals are 
free to roam the streets, but there is no humans left. Except for one – the last man on earth. 
	Will Smith's latest blockbuster features just that situation. Smith stars as Robert Neville, a 
military scientist left as sole survivor after a devastating virus decimates mankind. The few that outlive 
the infection become horribly mutated vampire-esque monsters that find sunlight toxic and are doomed 
to live out the rest of their days as nocturnal demons. Most of the movie focuses on Neville's solitary 
days spent searching for supplies, survivors, and a cure to the deadly disease, with nights spent 
barricaded inside his townhouse. 
	I Am Legend implements this storyline with an amazing result. At first, the desolate landscape is 
shown in stunning scenes of Neville hunting deer at Times Square, speeding down cracked streets 
strewn with empty cars, and golfing from a neglected Navy carrier. Beautiful cinematography sets an 
eerie tone as we see New York abandoned in a rush and left for nature to overrun. Slowly, the tension 
builds with frightening reveals and moments of darkened terror.
	It is in this method that I Am Legend builds itself as a realistic horror/thriller that reaches out to 
you much more than a typical “peek-a-boo” scary movie. In between the harrowing scenes of suspense 
are brief comedic moments and saddening flashbacks, adding to a larger message the movie attempts to 
make. Attempts, however, is the key word there. Where “I Am Legend” disappoints is it's horribly 
atrocious ending that ruins everything that came before it.
	In a mere three minutes, I Am Legend is changed from a deeply depressing movie into a tale of 
artificial hope and stereotypical heroics. The complex and brooding personality of Neville that took an 
hour to develop is completely ignored in a situation that can only be called preposterous. For a movie 
that featured realism and in-depth characters to suddenly end on an improbably upbeat note simply 
ruins the entire experience. 
	Despite its horrific ending, I Am Legend is still a must see movie. With its breathtaking scenes 
and shocking moments, I Am Legend is more than enough to satisfy any movie lover – just as long as 
you don't watch the ending. 

(Ian Gibson)