Cartmel College - Lancaster University - Official Website

A new term, and a new mission for our intrepid reviewer Robbie. Due to a slight drought in films he actually wanted to watch, we decided to let him go into a bit more detail on I Am Legend, and then let him do the huge gadget review that we’ve been saving up for an occasion just like this one.

I Am Legend

I Am Legend is a classic zombie movie with a difference (and I am not referring to the grammatical error that is its title!). Replacing all-out action and shuffling hordes of constant zombies with thoughtful and provoking imagery, this film helps to re-define the zombie drama and bring it out of the Dawn of the Dead era, which is unsurprising after the harsh treatment it received in British film parody Shaun of the Dead.

With only a handful of actors and very little action, this film is not all too difficult to follow, but does give a chilling vision of life for a man on the edge, reduced to his instincts and clinging to his sanity. However, there are some moments which may leave a sting in the mouth. After the brilliance of most of the film, the end is a bit of a let down (don’t worry, I won’t give it away!) and the cloying references to God and his deus ex machine-style role may have been misplayed a little, particularly for a modern audience.

Nonetheless, I would certainly recommend this film as worth a watch, with Will Smith excelling himself with faultless acting. It is very difficult being the only actor and having to convincingly still say things out loud, and it is a tribute to him that he can pull this off. Compare him to his time in the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and you would not think he was the same man (although he was, of course, brilliant in that too). And of course, he manages to hold on to his title of appearing topless whilst exercising in all his films (if this sort of thing excites you, then you’re in for a treat).

On a final note, I don’t know the name of the dog in this film, but WOW. Never since Lassie has an audience felt so much for a film-based canine, and the performance here puts Beethoven to shame! Expect to see hundreds of movie in the next ten years or so (but not much longer presumably) featuring German Shepherds, giving reason to the phrase ‘Man’s Best Friend’.

Robb’s verdict: Rent this film! Like marmite, you can love this or hate it! You can always buy it is you like, but I would advise not committing until you have seen it.