I Am Legend: Amazing Acting, Poor Climax

I remember watching the Fresh Prince of Bell-air. Will Smith would open the show with his witty rap about how he ended up in Bell-Air, then probably make fun of Carlton's awkwardness with girls, and at some point probably get smacked by Uncle Phil (or at least threatened).

Doctor Robert Neville--his character in I am Legend--is a huge departure from the Fresh Prince days. Will Smith has taken strides in terms of his acting career. He is probably one of the great male leads of our time. In fact, I've read people comparing him to George Clooney. Many of you out there will strongly disagree. My only response is to watch this film and then tell me what you think.

The first two-thirds of the film are very good. As what appears to be the last human on earth, Will Smith explores New York City with his best and only friend Sam. Sam is a dog, but she might as well be human to Smith's character. This may sound comedic, but in the film, it is not at all. You get this feeling of sorrow from Neville. You pity him and you try to relate.

Smith sets up mannequins around the city and talks to them (ironically, probably to keep his sanity). He hunts deer, sends out a radio signal every day, and listens to Bob Marley like it's heaven.

The virus that was supposed to cure cancer has turned the remaining human population into zombie-vampire types. Neville avoids them at night, but in some sense, hunts them. He captures one at a time to test his new potential cure.

The ending is probably necessary to the movie, but I disliked it. I can't say much more without spoiling.

The CGI kind of sucked, but the other special effects were awesome. The cinematography was great. And of course, Smith's performance was amazing. Overall, I liked the film.

(spoilers kind of ahead)

If you've read the novel, you know that I am Legend was basically the first modern vampire story. You also know that I am Legend is supposed to mean that Neville is the legend in the vampires/zombies as Dracula was once a legend to ancient populations. Neville has become the hunter, the feared one, the Legend.

The movie suggests this, but the ending gives a different reason for the title: he is a legend because he found a cure. Stupid reason in my opinion. There is an alternate ending for the film, in which Neville escapes, but whether it's better or not is a toss-up. It's better for the meaning of the film, but not better for its overall tragic feel.

Anyway, here's a link to the alternate ending of I am Legend:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikH8xape4hY&feature=related