I Am Legend (2007)

Robinson finds the film absorbing but uneven, with its two halves clumsily joined and its action standard. She praises the haunting first hour, especially its portrait of Will Smith coping with isolation in an empty Manhattan.

Ebert finds the film effective but limited, rather than a fully realized adaptation. He singles out its striking visual atmosphere as a strength.

The visible text presents the film as a darkly intense sci-fi horror drama, but the critic’s full verdict is behind the paywall. It praises Francis Lawrence’s direction, comparing its flair favorably with his work on Constantine.

Jolin finds the film an effective, thoughtful drama by day but a clumsy horror spectacle after dark. He praises Will Smith’s performance and the evocative, empty New York while criticizing the creatures’ poor CGI.

The review gives a measured verdict on the remake. It singles out Will Smith’s star power and abundant CGI as commercially sensible ingredients.

The review finds the film a valiant but ultimately disappointing adaptation, with its final act undermining the tension. It praises Will Smith’s performance and the moody, eerily beautiful cinematography of deserted Manhattan.

Chocano finds the film slick, adrenaline-fueled fun but less compelling when it slows down or leans on its superhuman hero. She praises the opening’s vivid, post-apocalyptic Manhattan while criticizing the later supporting characters as boring and less lovable than the dog.

Honeycutt finds the film emotionally effective but uneven, caught between speculative fiction and horror, with a finale that may not convince. He particularly praises Will Smith’s extraordinary performance as a man unraveling under isolation.

Schager finds the film atmospheric but ultimately undermined by its flawed execution. He praises the deserted New York imagery while faulting the computer-generated creatures and the wayward third act.

McCarthy finds the film effective but irksome, with its atmosphere undermined by cheap horror shocks. He praises the haunting, desolate images of New York City and singles out Will Smith’s performance with his dog as especially powerful.

The review recommends the film as a sensory experience but finds its story incomplete and its ending unsatisfying. It especially praises the striking, atmospheric depiction of an abandoned New York City.

The review finds the film an entertaining but clunky blockbuster that never fully explores its bigger ideas. It praises Will Smith’s warmth and humor while faulting the CGI creatures and intrusive action sequences.

Basham finds the film entertaining but says it falls short of its potential. He praises Smith’s performance and the evocative, deserted New York City, while faulting the creature effects and rushed ending.

The critic finds the film gripping and accomplished for much of its runtime, but says the final third undermines it. He praises the desolate Manhattan imagery and Smith’s compelling performance, while condemning the ending’s political and religious message.