I Am Legend, National Treasure 2 – Book of Secrets

I Am Legend (2007)

Will Smith is one of those actors that can make a passable movie enjoyable. He is likable and can actually act. This role is one that places such importance on the lead that will break or break a movie. He pulled it off. That being said, I enjoyed this movie more when it was called Omega Man or The Last Man on Earth. It was updated well and was not a bad movie. Smith’s performance holds up to those of Charlton Heston or Vincent Price. But for those that enjoyed it, you should rent the other 2 versions of Richard Matheson’s story.

This incarnation does have some of the creepiness that feels right out of Twilight Zone. The creatures are closer to looking like what one would expect. There are a couple of plot holes, but they are needed to move the story along. Alice Braga is a nice discovery. Not that her role is that big, she is effective. Not a classic, but worth the effort.

National Treasure 2 – Book of Secrets (2007)

I enjoyed the movie and tend to like popcorn movies.  This one delivered a good story and decent adventure. The acting was adequate.  It’s about what you expect from a Bruckheimer film nowadays. Cage is good as the modern day Indiana Jones and the formula is about the same.

My only real problem is the contrived plot devices that were used:

• Run red light to get picture – why not used cell phone then (or even when he found the plank).
• Kidnapped the president – could have been explained as it was later, when it happened.
• Made a (not so) big deal about memorizing numbers, could have used cell phone.
• Why email pictures to Dad to take to mom, why not directly to her? 
• Wobbly table physics were hokey and not realistic.  3 people move the same distance from center of gravity, yet balance one guy.
• Riley stashed a brick of gold with one hand, it would have weighed about 30 pounds.

And many more, I’m sure. Again, I enjoyed it, but sometimes those things take me out of the action.