Apparently an annual tradition (14^th year in a row) at the Lab is to have a movie day before breaking for holidays. I suppose it’s more politically correct than a holiday party. Everyone piled into the Cineplex at First Markham Place this morning at 8 to watch either I Am Legend or The Golden Compass.

I woke up this morning, ate breakfast, arrived at 9, picked up my bag of popcorn and pop and still made it in time for the commercials and trailers. I picked I Am Legend because it seemed more interesting and it wasn’t half bad. The first half of the movie was the most interesting, which followed Will Smith as he lived his life in the overgrown New York City. Kind of how World Without Us would look on the big screen (which is still sitting on my shelf, waiting to be read). He develops all sorts of psychotic problems, which is what I would expect from an extrovert who has to live without social contact for 3 years.

Once the plot reveals itself however, the movie is less interesting. There is not as much tension or chasing as normal zombie movies, and in fact I would say it’s written to appeal to a wide audience. While there were some cover-your-eyes type moments, there were also many heart-tuggers. Also Will Smith has a couple of Will Smith™ scenes (i.e., Eat your vegetables).

I’d give this a three out of five, although there are some puzzling plot holes. For example, who moved the mannequin? It’s a significant device that advances the plot, but there is reasonable explanation of who would do it given the characters.

Posted by Kevin in Blogs Tags: moviereview, working