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Smith's 'Legend' continues to grow

By Christian Toto
December 14, 2007

Will Smith broadens his appeal by expanding his range in the world-disaster actioner "I Am Legend."

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If a film features only one man left alive after a virus devastates humanity, let that man be Will Smith. The former "Fresh Prince" remains our most bankable star, and with good reason.

He makes being the best look easy.

"I Am Legend" showcases not just his broad appeal, but his still-expanding range. It's 2012, and military scientist Robert Neville (Mr. Smith) is the only person still alive after a virus wipes out humanity. The "lucky" ones who didn't die from the virus were transformed into zombies who look an awful lot like Lord Voldemort from the "Harry Potter" series.

Robert tried to cure the virus when it first broke out, and three years later he's still searching for a solution. Except now he does so from an underground lab in a deserted New York City.

He's only got his dog, Sam, for company, but the two aren't exactly alone. The zombies come out at night, meaning he must forage for supplies during the day and retreat behind a makeshift fortress when the sun goes down.

But how long can he stay alive before the zombies catch him? And is he truly the only survivor?

"Legend" may have all the trappings of a big, bland blockbuster, but it never feels compromised by the genre's limitations. We're not bombarded by zombies or given gross-out moments to push our cheap-thrill buttons. The action sequences are rare, but director Francis Lawrence, who previously gave us the flawed but fascinating "Constantine," makes every one count.

These beasties make the fleet of foot ghouls in "28 Days Later" look stiff by comparison.

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