I Am Legend (2007)

I Am Legend (2007) Movie Review

Based on Richard Matheson’s apocalyptic 1954 novel, this is a timely parable about the dangers of genetic engineering and dangerous drugs. "I Am Legend" follows the trials and tribulations of the last man on earth after after a miracle cancer drug turned the whole of humanity into flesh-eating zombies. Scientist Robert Neville (Will Smith) must find a cure to turn these predators back to humans again before he himself is infected by the zombie mutation.

The first half of the movie is is excellent with its intense and nail-biting suspense reminiscent of Ridley Scott’s suffocating and claustrophobic “Alien”. Unfortunately, the second half of “I am Legend” was turned into a full blown zombie movie very much like James Cameron's Alien sequel "Aliens".

Nonetheless, it is still a worthwhile movie to watch because of the great production design sets (like the ruined Manhattan overgrown with vegetation in 2012) and Will Smith’s outstanding performance showcasing the worst and the best of humanity.

The ending of I am Legend which is more upbeat than Matheson’s end of the world novel is refreshing. It provides the world with hope of redemption. "I am Legend" is one of the few sci-fi and horror movies that show God in a favorable light. There is its spiritual element of redemption when Neville finally overcomes his crisis of faith and realizes that his suffering may be part of God’s Plan to save humanity by finding a cure for the diseased zombies (a manifestation of mankind's fall from grace?):

For three years, Neville has put the fate of mankind on his own back by defiantly proclaiming: "There is no God!". But then, a mysterious woman appears who says the real hope is in God. "He has a plan," Anna (Alice Braga) says. "He sent me here for a reason." In the final 10 minutes, the movie takes on the themes of God's providence and the need to listen for his voice. Anna says, "The world is quieter now. It's easier to hear God."

I Am Legend Movie Review - Not Suitable for Young Children:

This movie is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi action, violence & mature themes and therefore, not recommended for younger children. Even adults will cringe at the gore and the distressful terror scenes.

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