User Score
7.0 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 456 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 65 out of 456

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  1. SeanF
    Jun 7, 2009
    10
    An interesting updating of the original novel. Will Smith shows that he can actually act. Sometimes when I make that statement people give a quizickle look, but, remember that most of the film is Smith acting on his own with a dog, and he holds the audiences interest. One of the few films that brings a tear to my eye during one certain scene. However, what the hell is up with the new ending? It sucks,and also makes the film title itself nonsensical. Expand
  2. Sep 10, 2011
    5
    "I Am Legend", a horror movie starring Will Smith, could have become a better movie with the idea it pertains. However, all I saw was a monotonous movie where Will Smith was running away from infected zombie-like creatures with a unexplained horrific ending.
  3. Feb 4, 2012
    1
    Will Smith is an especially popular actor who makes particularly bad movies. He is usually serviceable in his performance, but never any good. This film is a remake of the far more enigmatic and entertaining B-movie from the 1970s, Will Smith walks around abandoned Manhattan and tries to survive against heavily CGI vampires. There is no villain. There are no great action sequences. There aren't any great lines. It's actually boring. The only part of the movie that was somewhere good was the opening sequence where the US Military has to shoot down the Brooklyn Bridge to quarantine Manhattan because the plague is starting. But that part had nothing to do with the rest of the movie. Expand
  4. MickD.
    Jan 11, 2008
    1
    Worst movie I've seen this year. The quality of Smith's and Sandy's acting was made redundant in my opinion; there are so many holes in the plot it beggars belief. The zombies' depiction is mostly to blame for this because- [***SPOILER***] 1) They haven't the brains to appreciate Smith is trying to cure them, BUT they are able to capture him in an elaborate mannequin hoax/rope loop operation. 2) They are most enthusiastic in their efforts to devour Smith, but are miraculously overpowered by a small South American woman and her son when Will finally loses it and goes Kamikaze. 3) Despite having an insatiable appetite, they regularly overlook the option of eating each other. To be fair, as many friends have pointed out, most of the movies that would appear to have inspired I Am Legend adopt a similar policy of anti-cannibalism amongst zombie societies (28 Days Later, Omega Man), but I personally still view it as an inexplicable flaw. The movie progresses from predictably dull, usually unnecessary confrontations with the locals to nauseating dogmatic metaphor, which includes a cringe-inducing 'argument' between Smith and Anna, in which our hero rejects all hope and reiterates his own personal belief that God is in fact Bob Marley. This confuses Anna enormously since, as she's already tried to explain, she doesn't actually know who Bob Marley is. She goes on to wonder if he's any relation of Damian, thus destroying her own credibility, and any presumed didacticism intended by the movie. Positive points? Hard to find any. The setting was well thought out, New York did look fairly eerie, all overgrown and deserted like it was. The soundtrack was ok, I guess. And the actual concept itself is genius, in my opinion. Sure, its been done before, but I genuinely jumped everytime a zombie showed up; despite its predictability, it will get the heart rate up. They're loud, ugly and notoriously light-footed (when they want to be) and, as such, the debate over the quality of the special effects can be overlooked if necessary. The mediocrity of the movie however, can not. Horrible dialogue, awful plot and sickeningly sanctimonious. Give this one a miss. Expand
  5. Oct 1, 2011
    2
    This movie failed to keep my attention. Not only that the movie became very unrealistic. I watched this movie as it was rated as a vampire movie but it clearly was not.
  6. Dec 22, 2011
    7
    I thought it was good for the most part. The biggest flaw of the movie was that it too far too long to get into. It was solid overall though, The acting was ok and Will Smith's performance did help carry the film during it's boring parts.
  7. TerryC.
    Dec 10, 2007
    3
    The point is totally missed, Will Smith plays in a clunky execution that is complexity plotted.
  8. MaxM.
    Dec 10, 2007
    0
    Do yourself a favor and don't go see it. I wasted 100 minutes of my life watching Will Smith walking through his house, dating dummies, and driving his van around the city.
  9. BenL
    Dec 11, 2007
    7
    I am Legend is an exciting movie. Its glimpse on the future is amazing. Although it is horror/suspense they manage to create humor. Excellent for people who like all sorts of movies, especially scary movies.
  10. TommyC.
    Dec 11, 2007
    6
    Most people rate movies before they come out for fun, I have seen 10's, 9's, and whatever else, and all they say is "I loved it, the best movie of the year!" Those kinds of people judge the movie on its trailer, and to settle the reviews. Well I'm telling you one thing, those people better start getting on track because I'm not rating the movie just because, I'm rating it because I saw it. I Am legend, a legendary great movie to end off the year, with its other side by track films: national Treasure: book of secrets, The Golden Compass. I have to say this movie is good, a lot better than most horror movies, it is action-packed, really fun, visually stunning, but I caught up with so many bruises on in this movie quality. It has a complex plot, it winds up with an intense beginning, and leaps into the future with - not dull - but difficult follow through, it rushed itself so that the audience wouldn't be bored with loud and noisy fun. I sure wasn't embarrassed during the show, no on else was, I was quite entertained. Although I was lost at most times, and the aliens were bizarre and torn together to settle the plot down and confuse you with a whole new race existence that mixes your brain through pointless development that made the movie slightly disappointing. But truly it was all right, nothing spectacular, your only in their for about 95 minutes, and I saw it in the IMAX so, this movie isn't that bad of a holiday fulfillment, but it will never be forgettable how wonderful this experience sure was. Expand
  11. JoyceC.
    Dec 11, 2007
    5
    Shows the future in a different kind of way, more terrifying, suspenseful, and like anything else this year, soulless. Will Smith pulled off a great success, but the fun never stops, and the intensity is too Jaw breaking, the excitement tightens your smile muscles and you become stiff and uncomfortable. This movie was a bit overdone, but fully loaded for the IMAX, trust me, I saw it twice, and the IMAX show is just too ridiculous. The normal way of doing things is a better choice. Anyway, I don't know, this movie was way too quick, it wasn't boring, but it left us watching uninformative and a deliberate buildup which basically all was intense survival. Well, Will Smith, he shot a few deer, tigers, and aliens, but the sad thing is that he only does those things once, which makes the movie just lame. But as far as Ii was concerned, it was entertaining. Expand
  12. DanyA.
    Dec 11, 2007
    9
    Enjoyable, I saw a special screening, and I was impressed, it is astounding entertainment, full-throttle action, suspense, story, and scares. Great PG-13 stuff.
  13. EdyC.
    Dec 11, 2007
    3
    Oh please, give me a break, Will Smith stinks, and the critics don't make any sense at all, they say its magnificent performances, well there wrong, I'm so certain that there was very little action, mostly suspense, but truly, its rated PG-13, well excuse me you MPAA people, this movie should be rated PG-15, only if it is available, it is just silly dumb cinematic poorness, like last year, there was very little good movie choices for the Christmas holidays. Expand
  14. JohnJ.
    Dec 12, 2007
    0
    I cannot believe people think that Will Smith can act. He is ridiculous in this movie. Being in shape and being able to run at lot, does not mean one can act. Get a grip. I thought it'd be exciting and cuting edge like Children of Men was last year, but it was so lame. If you've seen the trailer, don't waste your time, that's better than the movie.
  15. JayD.
    Dec 12, 2007
    10
    Edy C...please learn the English language before writing another review.
  16. MarcN.
    Dec 12, 2007
    9
    I saw I Am Legend at a screening Monday night and it was well-received by the audience who clapped as the credits rolled. Will Smith did a fine job as Dr. Robert Neville -- a man with every reason to just check out of life, but who instead chooses to labor on in the hopes of saving what is left of humankind. Yes, parts of the film slow down -- after all, he is alone in New York City. Okay, this film is not for those who think that the Resident Evil films are the epitome of American cinema. I Am Legend has plenty of action, but it is also a film that makes you think. This movie delivers. Catch it on the big screen. Expand
  17. John
    Dec 12, 2007
    8
    I saw a screening of this movie, and it was very well done. Well, most of it at least. The first 2/3 of the movie are totally englufing and terrifying. Unfortunately the movie becomes 'Hollywood-ized' in that last 1/3, complete with a worthless and annoying heroine. Will Smith actually acts and pulls it off for the most part.
  18. AndrewM.
    Dec 12, 2007
    9
    Really good futuristic effects. Will Smith is the shiz! I like that the vampires aren't too computer animated.
  19. SeanT.
    Dec 13, 2007
    10
    Oh Man! This movie rocked the house, Yo! people around me were screaming and jumping and going insane. But it's not really that type of movie overall. It's deep stuff. You really feel what it's like, the isolation of being the last person left alive. Props to Will Smith. I recommend this to anyone and everyone. I'll see it again, definitely.
  20. PeteT.
    Dec 13, 2007
    10
    Excellent flick. It's much more emotionally grounded than the standard action movie. It really involves you in the emotional turmoil that the Robert Neville character must be undergoing. Really powerful movie. Go see it!
  21. mark
    Dec 13, 2007
    5
    To some of the comments, you may not like Smith in this current film, but anyone who saw his fully formed, heartbreaking performance in Pursuit Of happyness knows he is a very good actor. Do yourself a favor, read the classic novel I Am Legend and rent the cheesy but fun 70's film Omega Man with Charlton Heston.
  22. Dane
    Dec 14, 2007
    10
    I thought it was good movie. Good effects and overall the movie reminds me a bit of 28 weeks/days later.
  23. TyroneD.
    Dec 14, 2007
    9
    After some of the mixed reviews and the heavy critics I went into the movie with low expectations, which is the best thing to do. Cause I loved every minute of the movie. I thought it was one of the best of the year, and the reviewer that criticized Will had me in doubt, but now I know it wasn't a valid critic to begin with. His performance is Oscar-worthy. It was THAT good. The first hour of the movie was PHENOMENAL. There are some things that could have been better, such as the CGI of the monsters and it could have used a more powerful ending....but by no means was it bad...it was definitely something else...in a good way. Expand
  24. PedroJunior
    Dec 14, 2007
    0
    It's NOT a performance if you're acting like yourself! Didn't the Kevin Costner experiment teach us anything?
  25. BradN.
    Dec 14, 2007
    8
    Good movie with some subtle dialog and excellent acting by Will Smith. The dog is excellent as well. I don't agree that turning it into a zombie movie at the end discredited the movie. Think of the Movie signs with the ending hokieness.
  26. RogerM.
    Dec 14, 2007
    0
    This is most likely the worst movie I've ever paid to watch. Everything is stretched to insane boredom. It's totally fiction, and why the "hero" have to end up as he did, escapes my wit. Nothing worth mentioning in this movie. Unless you buy the evangelical twist at the end. I wouldn't have seen this through if I went alone. Ouch. Ouch. Ouch.
  27. NikolaiC.
    Dec 15, 2007
    9
    This was a darn good movie. It may not have followed the book to the letter, but Will Smith gives a great performance in a pretty tough role. It could have been non-stop action (which would have killed the movie) but it was pretty darn realistic in terms of what would most likely happen if things got hectic. Definitely a must see for everyone.
  28. [Anonymous]
    Dec 15, 2007
    8
    Great movie, worthy of my money. Smith's performance is great, the storyline is paced well - keeping you interested throughout. The movie is a gripping watch and the only disappointment coming in the end.
  29. WayneS
    Dec 15, 2007
    7
    Saw the movie tonight, and while it didn't blow me away, it was a decent flick. Will Smith gave a very good performance in the movie which is essentially a one man show for the majority of the movie. There is enough suspense and shockers to keep viewers ready for the next and it didn't seem to drag at any one point. However, the amount of CG used was not needed and pulled down the experience for me. The sneaking in of the Christian overtones at the end made the wrap up of this movie, among other things, a bit of a let down. Expand
  30. WillL.
    Dec 15, 2007
    4
    What a waste. Very simplistic story that could a been made as a TV movie of the week. To think I wanted to see this in IMAX, thank goodness it was sold out and saved me some cash.
  31. EricP.
    Dec 15, 2007
    9
    Overall, i felt it was a great movie. Thrilling first first third, with suspenseful second third, accumulated to an interesting final third. Some people may like it, or not, but in the end, i felt it the most plausible ending. While the ending could have gone either way, there will always be people who wouldn't like it. The movie took risks, and ended as a simply COOL movie.
  32. MohsinK.
    Dec 15, 2007
    10
    One of the greatest movies all year. an unbelievably great performance by will smith and the best possible ending I could every imagine.
  33. MattB
    Dec 15, 2007
    10
    Excellent film, more than just an action movie. The action scenes are mediocre, but the suspense makes up for it. The relationship between Neville and the dog and the last-man-left atmosphere are both extremely well done.
  34. Matthew
    Dec 15, 2007
    7
    A decent film. Once the action picks up in the last third of the movie, it loses almost anything that made it unique (the excellent sense of isolation and dread with some well placed comic relief) and interesting, instead opting for stuff we've all seen way too many times (boom! run! fire! guns!). Also, as I left the theater, I couldn't help but be disappointed that the ending was changed from the original (which also makes the title of the story meaningless; the reasoning given in the actual movie is ridiculous and not nearly as compelling as that given in the book). Nevertheless, the first two thirds of the film were surprisingly enjoyable. If the power had gone out at the theater at that point I would have had a better impression of I Am Legend. Expand
  35. ChadS.
    Dec 15, 2007
    7
    "I am Legend", the latest horror movie on steroids, makes potentially good use of a Bob Marley song during its end credits, which would've registered more strongly if we knew precisely how Dr. Neville(Will Smith) erred in man's deevolution into feral zombies. His guilt isn't fully explained to the audience as he works on a cure to restore humankind back to its former incarnation. "I Am Legend" leaves a lot to the imagination. We never see the transformation, we suspect, to remind people of the superior "28 Days Later". "I Am Legend" doesn't scare like the Danny Boyle film because the weaponry neutralizes the threat of being easily picked off by the undead. "I Am Legend" is really for action aficionados. To be properly scared. the pursued needs to be completely vulnerable. There's not enough blood for the Fangoria-jetset. But it does get one thing right, adroitly and methodically. At first, Dr. Neville's patrols through a desolate New York landscape looks like fun, an adventure; but after a crucial plot point, his dystopian singularity becomes more readily apparent. "I Am Legend" self-corrects the error most films make about people in duress(mostly in war movies), the wide open spaces of the great outdoors disguises the hell they're living in. Unfortunately, "I Am Legend" isn't "Castaway"; it has commercial instincts. The film is better off with Dr. Neville talking to mannequins rather than live people, like Tom Hanks' one-sided monologues with a volleyball. Expand
  36. JeffS
    Dec 15, 2007
    7
    It's not overly bad, but way too many changed plot point and an ending that completely twists the meaning of the book takes this a couple of notches down. While some CGI was good the creature were pure junk, and the necessary running zombie came back instead of the slow weak vampires from the book. It might be worth a view but if you have any respect for Matheson's work you';ll know why this movie's final 1/3 fails in every way. Expand
  37. JasminW.
    Dec 15, 2007
    2
    Week plot, poor logic, cheap scare instead of real suspense. Not worth the $9 or $10 bucks to see this movie in the theater. Don't bring your girlfriends to this movie as a date. I saw several couples walked out on this one.
  38. TracyJackson
    Dec 15, 2007
    0
    Lack of any logic or common sense in the plot. Wasted a good actor Will Smith in this movie. I feel sorry for him to be associated with this film. What a waste of time and money to see it in the theater.
  39. MaxL.
    Dec 15, 2007
    5
    The third act made it a lesser movie after the initial setup and the potential for it to be great.
  40. NathanS.
    Dec 16, 2007
    8
    As good as this movie was, it wasn't without flaws. Naturally, it doesn't compare to the source material. However, Will Smith delivered an amazing, emotional performance. The plot worked flawlessly for the first half of the movie, began to crumble a little for the second half, and only turned into a complete mess with the weak, almost cliched ending. All in all, it's a film worth seeing, if only just for Smith. It's certainly not for those seeking originality, though. Expand
  41. NickA.
    Dec 16, 2007
    7
    In his sophomore offering, director Francis Lawrence (who debuted with 2005
  42. LewisP.
    Dec 16, 2007
    3
    First of all, I was wondering how the female survivor and her son were able to get out of NYC so easily at the end of the movie. If she drove her car maybe she would have taken the Henry Hudson Parkway to the Bronx and then upstate. But wait a second--if the Army blew up the Brooklyn Bridge in order to prevent people from leaving Manhattan, wouldn't they have blown up all the bridges? So how did the two get to the "colony"? Maybe she was able to drive the car on to the Staten Island Ferry and figure out how to operate it (if you believe a ridiculous scenario like that, you probably rated this movie a "10"). There were other things in "I am Legend" that I found to be too incredible to be believable. For example, when we first meet the mutants, they don't seem intelligent enough to hatch a plan to do anything except bite people. But toward the end, they seem to be organized with a leader, capable of going after Will Smith. And how did they figure out where Will Smith was living? All of a sudden they have such great intelligence? If they had such capabilities, why didn't they track Will Smith (in his home) earlier? Even if one was engrossed by the first two Acts of this script (and I certainly wasn't) , Act 3 fell apart completely. Will Smith is so depressed because he has no one to talk to and when he finally meets the female survivor and her son, instead of being overwhelmingly happy that he's no longer alone and can talk to somebody, he ends up almost immediately arguing with her about the existence of the 'colony'. The chemistry between the two is almost non-existent and the writers attempt to 'humanize' Will Smith by giving him some lame lines about how he likes reggae music. And what about that scene where Will Smith is so depressed that he decides to play a game of kill-the-mutants with his car. I couldn't tell if this was one of Will Smith's dream sequences but if it wasn't, it didn't make a hell of a lot of sense. Here's a guy who's been spending all his time trying to save humanity by finding a vaccine that will transform the mutants and after he loses his dog, he goes to the trouble of setting up floodlights at the base of the Brooklyn Bridge and (for kicks) tries to kill as many mutants as he can. Was he trying to commit suicide or was it the director's decision to (awkwardly) place the hero in jeopardy and get him out of it? If it was still night out, how was Will Smith able to drive home in the dark without being attacked by a horde of mutants? Most unimpressive were the flashback scenes explaining how the virus wiped out humanity. There's no buildup, no tension whatsoever. Within a few hours, the virus has infected most people in Manhattan and they're all trying to escape. The movie would have been much more compelling if the infection was gradual and we saw how people coped with the transformation of their neighbors. Some reviewers have praised the film for its 'inspirational message'. In true 'faith-based' Christian fashion, it was God who told the female survivor that there was a colony in upstate New York (or was it Pennsylvania, I can't remember). But God takes a backseat when it comes to 'faith' in this movie. Rather it's "science" that's elevated to the status of true religion. "I am Legend" echoes the mantra which we've been hearing since the 50s that "science" somehow holds the key to solving our most unsolvable problems and allaying our deepest fears. The whole idea that a virus can in a matter of a few weeks (or even days or hours) can infect and destroy humankind is laughable. Even more laughable is that some scientist can come up with a "cure" in the form of a mysterious "vaccine" to reverse the effects of such a contagion. In reality, when people get sick from some kind of 'disease', it doesn't happen overnight. It usually takes years before symptoms manifest themselves. 'Scientists' have been trying to find a 'cure' for cancer for years and always boast that they're one step away from discovering the elusive clue. The same goes for the pie-in-the-sky stem cell research which has been touted as a potential panacea for most diseases. I'll believe more in I am Legend's mutants before I believe in stem cell researchers enabling paralytics to walk again! "I am Legend" has a few good special effects and that's why I give the film 3 stars. But even those cuddly mutants become tiresome after awhile. As for Will Smith--he was far superior in "I, Robot" which at least had a fairly engrossing story. If you like Zombie movies coupled with pseudo-religious pontification, then I am Legend might be for you. Otherwise, exercise your brain by reading a book (non-fiction would be most preferable after coping with one shrieking zombie after another). Expand
  43. LouisCC.
    Dec 16, 2007
    8
    Surprisingly entertaining. Didn't expect much, but it's actually quite good in spite of being done many times before.
  44. PHB.
    Dec 16, 2007
    3
    Horrible ending. If ruined the other 2/3s of the movie for me. Did it remind anybody of the wicked terrible ending to the movie "Signs"?
  45. Mike
    Dec 16, 2007
    6
    Overall this movie, isn't bad. But it could have been soooo much more! I The special effects they did to New York ciry were excellent! The atmosphere was just perfect, I would of liked it to be a little "darker" but still they did a great job. The opening scene where he drives the shelby was great as well! I really got into the movie, but it all went down hill for me, when he was "saved" by that woman, the movie seemed to run out of ideas by that time and got really slow and boring. To top it all off, the monsters were really fake looking as they were CG. By the end the movie is just a mess. See it on DVD. Expand
  46. AsherR.
    Dec 16, 2007
    7
    This is an excellent film that is amazing to watch. Will Smith was very good and the plot wasn't bad. It is unlike most things that you see in theaters. My only criticism is that it had a few plot holes but is otherwise enthralling. The bottom line is that this is a movie worth seeing if you want to try doing something different for once.
  47. Steve
    Dec 16, 2007
    5
    The most unfortunate part of the movie is that the entire reason Robert Neville becomes a legend is *entirely* different than in the book. The reasons are not even remotely similar, and incidentally, the book's ending is what makes the story as good as it is. The spirit of the book is upheld through about half the movie (Will Smith does very well portraying Neville), but then the story drastically changes from the book after that. The reason that Robert Neville becomes a legend is quite interesting and makes for a very good read. I highly recommend the book (it's ~200 pages), but I cannot recommend the movie. I give the movie a 5 only because Will Smith captured the character of Robert Neville well. Expand
  48. KyleJ.
    Dec 16, 2007
    8
    I found the most of the movie depressing in a way. I was so sad about what happened with his dog. Will Smith gives an awesome performance though. Good story with good acting by Smith and his Dog.
  49. JoeG.
    Dec 16, 2007
    7
    The movie started very, very strongly with Smith racing through Manhattan's steel canyons after a herd of whitetails in a Shelby GT. Smith and his dog provide a great experience during the first hour of so of the movie, alone in New York. However, the ending was disappointing (cop out?). The "Fred" scene was very good though -- a classic suspense/horror scene.
  50. Joe
    Dec 16, 2007
    10
    Amazing movie the start, Beginning and end. If u haven't seen this movie u must see it.
  51. AdamL.
    Dec 16, 2007
    5
    After a pretty good first half, the movie comes to a screeching halt with the arrival of two entirely unnecessary characters. I highly urge everyone to go read the original novel to see just how short this movie has fallen. Bad CGI, too.
  52. LouisK.
    Dec 16, 2007
    10
    this is one of the best movies i have ever watched i think, with this movie it just proves that will smith is one of the best actors in the world and I love the end and his heroic death i love movies with this kind of end.
  53. MaryM.
    Dec 16, 2007
    9
    Good Movie with lots of emotion. Will Smith was brilliant. Lots of jump out of your seat moments. I would think twice about taking a child under 12. There were quite a few children in the theatre with us and many were visibly shaken when the movie was over.
  54. DanielD.
    Dec 16, 2007
    9
    I thought the movie was very well done. Will gave a wonderful performance as Robert Neville.
  55. DanielS.
    Dec 16, 2007
    10
    This was a great movie. l
  56. KeithJ
    Dec 16, 2007
    7
    I would have given it a 6, but I gave it a 7 to somewhat counteract the buffoons who gave it a zero. Why on earth would you give this movie a zero? It's better than typical Hollywood, and Smith does a good job conveying a man who's at or slightly past the edge of sanity. I didn't see him as all that "messianic", as some of the reviews allude to; in fact, there's not much in the movie to suggest he's anything more than a well-informed and well-equipped survivor. The injection of God annoyed me slightly, and there are some gaps of logic - things that probably warrant explanation but aren't explained. (Are the vampires smart enough to move a mannequin and set a booby trap?) Overall, this won't be the best movie you've ever seen, but it's solid and thought-provoking entertainment with a charismatic star. Expand
  57. JonK
    Dec 16, 2007
    9
    I thought this movie was very enjoyable. A slight bit "evangelical" at one point but that was virtually it. Being somewhat agnostic, I didn't feel I was being told what to think. Will Smith was fantastic. Vast emotional range, laughing, crying, scared, hopeful. It was entertaining and that's why I go to a movie like this. A few minor faults but very good.
  58. MovieCritic
    Dec 16, 2007
    0
    Horrible, noisy. This is film is a crude advertisement for medical products and services, by its scary dramatization of "virus epidemics", extending the theme of the earlier film, "28 Days", however, "28 Days" was skillfully done and entertaining. "I Am Legend" is garbage. From now on, just seeing Will Smith's face in an interview sends me into shock. This film is the epidemic.
  59. WillH.
    Dec 17, 2007
    9
    Pay attention to amplitude in reviews. This is a kind of movie that some people would love and some would love to hate. If you don't want to watch a horror film with zombies, simply do not go. In any other way, it's a wonderful piece with superior everything - acting, artist work, gfx, and good story.
  60. LongL.
    Dec 17, 2007
    7
    Smith is a really great actor.The first hour of the movie was very attractive.But middle part was not so good.Ending was really powerful.So i think 7 is the best score.
  61. BruceC.
    Dec 17, 2007
    7
    Will Smith saves the world (again) and saves this movie with a surprisingly strong performance. Based on the same short story as Charlton Heston's "The Omega Man", Will plays a scientist trying to find a vaccine to cure a virus that turns humans into mindless zombies. He does a great job with a weak script, and despite his acting and some terrific special effects, the movie falls apart eventually. An above average 7 out of 10. Expand
  62. RHow
    Dec 17, 2007
    4
    I found the movie to be boring. The "Omega Man" was much more entertaining...in a 70's kinda way.
  63. JoeB.
    Dec 17, 2007
    1
    A bore. I agree Will Smith is a fine actor, but he is terribly miscast in this feature. I believe Robert Downey Jr would have been a much better choice. This is essentially a one man show, and requires a very interesting personality to pull it off. Smith is a consummate leading man, but like all leading men - strong silent and not super deep. That is what we require of our leading men. This story forces the main character to struggle against survival, a fight to find a cure, and to stave off his own insanity. That role calls for a much more multi-dimensional actor. I was hoping "legend" would either get eaten by lions, or mauled by vampires. by 30 minutes into the film, I was ready for him to loose. Expand
  64. RubinM.
    Dec 17, 2007
    1
    The movie sucked. Its a good thing that didn't paid for it. But, either way I spent 90min of my life watching this stupid movie, therefore, I'm thinking about seeking some sort of reparation from Paramount Pictures.
  65. TonyZ.
    Dec 17, 2007
    10
    Best performance of Will Smith since Ali.
  66. Chris
    Dec 17, 2007
    9
    Not really like the book, but good in its own right. Will Smith was pretty believable and the action was heart pounding.
  67. BrandonS.
    Dec 17, 2007
    8
    The running argument against this movie from many review sites holds up. It's a great movie until it's last 15 minutes or so, and then it kind of tanks. It's a shame too. For people who claim it's not acting if you're acting like yourself... you probably don't know anything about acting or movies. Will Smith gives an amazing performance that blends what he seems to have learned in Pursuit of Happyness with the characters he's been playing since Independence Day. The result is a character who is extremely capable put into a situation where he is physically battling monsters as well as psychologically battling loneliness, hopelessness, desperation, and guilt. No other actor that I can think of could pull that off, and Will Smith does so effortlessly. The CGi monsters drag the movie down substantially. They are basically cartoons. This isn't anything against the CGI process, but rather the artist who created the film. The monsters often times look at the screen and shriek, and when they do so, the artists felt the need to make their jaws hyperextend to make their mouths wider and therefore more "frightening". Think of the mask from Scream, for instance. This is absolute cartooning 101 and it makes the monsters ridiculous and unfrightening. Poor directing choice and poor use of artist license. I think the biggest shame is that the majority fo the cast probably had no idea this stupidity was going to be put into place until the premiere. Expand
  68. BillyS.
    Dec 17, 2007
    3
    I Am Nauseous.
  69. ColbyS.
    Dec 17, 2007
    3
    I can't be the only one who saw this as a blatant ripoff of 28 Days Later. Come on. And Will Smith is only popular because chicks dig his body.
  70. IanI.
    Dec 17, 2007
    8
    I loved the first half of the movie, will smith is surprisingly an amazing actor. I agree with Austin chronicle, the downfall was with the horribly generic CG zombies and the bad acting of the woman and child in the second half. One of the best movies I've seen in a while ruined by CG.
  71. SimonC.
    Dec 17, 2007
    10
    I had low expectations going in, due to some of the criticisms I had read online. I ended up being engrossed by this film. Will Smith's tour de force performance as a man driven to the brink of insanity by the loss of his family and his partial responsibility for essentially wiping out all of humankind is heart-breaking. There are bits of humor and action and lots of tension, and overall, a very satisfying end in my opinion. Bravo. Expand
  72. AdamK.
    Dec 17, 2007
    2
    I saw I am legend and I was bored. The premise is great and could have been so great, but it failed to deliver..(yeah I saw omega man when I was 12). So picture castaway, but instead of Tom Hanks, slip in Will Smith and some angry super zombies....(read more) Don't get me wrong...there are many scenes that grip you with tension...but it seems like the zombie porn and collapse of society concept has come to an end with this one...they did a great job making NY look empty and over grown I have to say...but with so few people on the screen you need a really good actor keeping you in to it...will smith can't carry the role. I think worst of all were the zombies...I think they were all CGI which made it feel awkward...all this work to create a reality of end of days and then throw in CGI super zombies? When they screamed their mouths were the size of the grand canyon...but to try to get real about an unreal movie...these zombies could scale 4 story building like lightening...they could crash their heads into windshields 15 times and not get hurt...they had a virus that made them nuts and thirsty for people, but how does that make them invincible...bullets stop them but breaking through a plexiglass wall with their heads or a windshield doesn't slow them down...whatever... skip it all together. Expand
  73. BenB.
    Dec 17, 2007
    6
    Oh, how I wanted to like this movie
  74. JS
    Dec 17, 2007
    3
    Note that the top four ratings for this film are all from New York sources. Take those out, and the movie scores much lower.
  75. Matt
    Dec 18, 2007
    7
    This movie would have been so much better if it had ended like the book. Instead of a shocking and moralizing twist end that makes you consider what it's like to be in someone else's shoes, we get a bland end. Still, a great movie about a man's battle with loneliness and the creeping insanity it begets. Great atmospheric movie. Don't watch this if all you want is action or scares. Expand
  76. CloydE.
    Dec 18, 2007
    10
    I don't know what people really look for in movies , I have read most of the reviews and some of them I was really surprise at some of there comments. Will Smith did well, when I go to a movie I don't expect very thing to each up to all of my expectation but I do want to to really enjoy the movie. If a movie is bad to me it's because it was total out of text form what I thought it would be like. The movie was good , the man played the part well and all the other action effects did just what they were suppose to do, what more do you want Some people just don't want to give credit where credit is due. Expand
  77. FannieC.
    Dec 18, 2007
    8
    This is a very good movie... I went throw different type of emotion! Will Smith is very good!
  78. JordonB
    Dec 18, 2007
    7
    Great scenic graphics of New York city. some parts had excessively shaky cinematography such as the deer scene. the ending ruined the movie.
  79. ArleneK.
    Dec 18, 2007
    0
    Terrible movie!
  80. HollyR.
    Dec 18, 2007
    5
    Was sooooooooooo looking forward to this movie after I loved Omega Man in the 70's. However, Omega Man was far better because both Neville and the Infected characters were dealt with in depth. In this movie, only Neville's character was really given any thought and as excellent as this was, the lack of anything about the infected ruined this film for me. In Omega Man, Methias�39; People were scary not just because they were out to kill, but because they were bizarre, organized and smart. The infected in this movie could have been the same ones from 28 Weeks Later. Wondering after the movie if I had been overly critical, I bought the novel. Already into the first couple of chapters the infected are revealed to be much more complex and interesting than this movie portrayed them. The lack of balance totally ruined it. Expand
  81. KennethM.
    Dec 19, 2007
    8
    A potentially jaw dropping movie utterly destroyed by the most aweful revisionest ending it has ever been my misfortune to witness.
  82. DavidD.
    Dec 19, 2007
    8
    This was a very entertaining movie. I know for the die hard fans of the book it might be a little disappointing but i personally like the premise of one person vs. the world and the environment (ala Castaway). As for J S's comment about how if you take the top four reviews off it would be a big drop off. Well Mr. Math Genius, Actually if you take all 35 reviews and divide them by total score, it comes out to 67. If you take the top four reviews off of there and divide it by 31, it comes out to 65. Wow!! HUGE difference, huh? Sigh! dope! Expand
  83. AlexK.
    Dec 19, 2007
    9
    The first two thirds of this movie are the most intruiging and nerve-gnawing than any other movie i've seen...the turnout was a little foggy, but necessary.
  84. NickM
    Dec 19, 2007
    6
    I really wanted to enjoy this movie, but it had so many shortcomings. It started really well but then kind of dwindled. There were several times in this movie where I expected some more info but never got it. Like, how did the creatures set that trap? Aren't they supposed to not be human at all any more? I just had questions that were created but never answered. This movie could have had so much more depth with a little more work, but it just wasn't there. It all felt kind of shallow at the end. Expand
  85. willsucks
    Dec 19, 2007
    0
    What a stinker , not worth a penny to go see . I was so bored , yawn not even worth my review.
  86. BitBurn
    Dec 19, 2007
    9
    Apart from the weak animation scenes, this film was terrific. Scarry, heartfelt, powerful. Good performance by Will Smith. Warning: For adults only. Kids under 18 don't bother going.
  87. vidMan
    Dec 19, 2007
    7
    The movie was good. It was very suspenseful. However, the ending was very anti-climactic.
  88. TonyL
    Dec 19, 2007
    7
    Fades during the last 1/3 of the movie. I thought the deer chasing scene was a blantant product placement. Why would you hunt a deer like that?
  89. DM
    Dec 20, 2007
    7
    Gee, "OMEGA MAN" re-visited 36 years later. Much more competent lead actor, CGI that was not available in 1971, and much more imiginative make-up than was available then as well! Worth a matinee ticket.
  90. PeterO.
    Dec 20, 2007
    10
    Warning: People who digged Transformers (and such High Octane - Emotionless movies) do not bother with I Am Legend, because it's not for you.
  91. AndrijaP.
    Dec 20, 2007
    6
    Fun to watch but full of movie-ruining plot holes and consistency issues (think about the ending for instance), this movie would not have been worth it without Smith's amazing performance.
  92. JoshC
    Dec 20, 2007
    8
    Very good movie I find. This is probably the only movie that made me jumpy. The surprise scenes will get you jumping out of your seat unexpectingly. The one scene in the dark creepy building was intense as well. However the only problem that kind of annoyed me in this movie were the monsters, they seemed a bit fake obviously...but overall I really like this movie it was unexpecting story but very good. I think its a must watch if you want a thrill or get intense. Expand
  93. MarcelK.
    Dec 20, 2007
    8
    This movie is good - really good. [***SPOILER***] If you are able to look over a couple of plot holes (i.e. why did everybody in New York die at the same time, how do they get to Nevada at the end when all the bridges out of Manhattan are destroyed). What I liked the most about the movie was the pacing, all the major plot points happen at the right time. That being said, don't expect anything groundbreaking, it is a solid remake of an already great original movie based on a original book. Expand
  94. NickL.
    Dec 20, 2007
    10
    This movie was amazing!!!!
  95. MattWk
    Dec 21, 2007
    7
    6.5 actually. The movie wasn't great, but it wasn't bad. The Idea itself was good but the story could have been better. Not worth watching in the movie theater. The ending was weak. The monsters were lame.
  96. PhilB.
    Dec 21, 2007
    0
    The only good part of this movie is when you get to see SHREK. Other than that ....it sucks. Too bad I cant put -1.
  97. JasonM.
    Dec 22, 2007
    5
    Its an ok movie. It was fun at times but it just couldnt hold the excitement of the beginning. I absolutely hate the typical Hollywood ending. Such a departure from the book that the movie misses the point. Ok CGI. Zombies way too overanimated to be believeable. Oh well, the masses will love it.
  98. GaborA.
    Dec 22, 2007
    5
    Could a been, should a been, would a been, but wasn't good movie. This here is a moments flick. A few good moments, a lot of bad ones. This movie was supposed to be made by Ridley Scott over a decade ago. That also would have helped a lot because simply these ideas are getting old. When the book was written some of these ideas were revolutionary. Now they're just tired.
  99. AndyA
    Dec 22, 2007
    6
    If you
  100. GnyquF.
    Dec 22, 2007
    4
    Of course this movie has some redeeming qualities. Will smith is pretty good and some of the concepts are cool. Unfortunately there is WAY too much CGI to the point that I would compare the realism to Jumanji of the 90s topped with a one dimensional plot that doesn't go beyond the overused last minute savior cure for humanity's most recent and destructive super virus. I would rather see No Country For Old Men Six times than see I Am Legend again. Expand
Metascore

Generally favorable reviews - based on 37 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 37
  2. Negative: 2 out of 37
  1. Smith, sporting a newly buffed physique, delivers an extraordinary performance as a man slowly coming unglued under the strain of no human contact and a constantly alternating role of hunter and prey.
  2. Reviewed by: Todd McCarthy
    70
    Remarkably eerie yet annoyingly larded with cheap horror-film shock effects, I Am Legend stands as an effective but also irksome adaptation of Richard Matheson's classic 1954 sci-fi novel.
  3. The first two thirds and change of I Am Legend is terrific mindless fun: crackerjack action with gnashing vampires barely glimpsed (and scarier for that) and how’d-they-do-that New York locations that retroactively justify the traffic jams.