Why did I want to see this film again? Someone must have dropped the “vampire” word, and I thought, “Why not? Will Smith¹ is a funny guy.” But as far as funny guys go, he’s more Keanu Reeves than Bill Murray—Eye rolls ‘r’ us when he tries to be serious.
The monsters in this movie are horrifying, as in, Egads! You spent how much money to generate such ridiculous, plastic baddies?
Half a star for the German shepherd’s riveting performance. [Sniffles] Excuse me while I hug my dog.
**1/2
¹Nothing but fond memories of the first dubbed Hollywood movie I saw in Bologna—Independence Day: Il giorno della riscossa. Will Smith opened his mouth, and the most beautiful Italian filled the cinema.
You know, I think ANYTHING in Italian makes a riveting performance from an average film. Not that I have seen I am Legend, the badness was off-putting. Enough of that in my head – I tend to seek endorphin /dopamine type entertainment. Leaves out most of the vamps, although I’m keen to get my hands on some Buffy. Not at my library. Sigh. Trying hard not to just go buy it – a big no-no in my life, but the impatient and heedless self-indulgence gene wins too often. On a tight leash at the moment. I’m eating lunch out of Dad’s fridge which ought to clue you in as to my determination.
My memory of French tv in 1969 is a stellar John Wayne moment conversing with the badass Injuns – in fluent French. The reason for that 5 day weekend in 2002 when I had to go to Paris to see LoTR on the big screen dubbed in French. I went expecting to be critical and emerged dazed and impressed. And owning the first copy I could get my hands on. And explaining to a knot of clinging and hungry fans wanting to know all that I knew about where Pete had shot the landscapes of Middle Earth. Loved being the expert! I still buy all my movies with a French track. And I even watched my Harry Potter in Espagnol! A desperate woman looking for a moment of high. Hey, bring me season one of Buffy and return it on the flip side oh powerful library chick!
Way too harsh! The Sheppie alone makes the whole film worthwhile, not to mention Bob Marley, man. The entire soundtrack is Bob and is wonderful, especially the scene where Will is singing “Three Little Birds” to his dog ~ “Don’t worry about a thing, cause every little thing is gonna be OK,” as though wishing it were so could make it so. How often have you and I felt that way?!?
I thought Will did all right himself. No eye rolling (or not much) here. Of course, I thought Keanu Reeves was gorgeous and satisfying in “Speed” too, so I guess our eye roll settings must be different.
I wouldn’t say this is a great film, but I enjoyed it. I do agree about the zombies though. Pretty lame.
Have to go cry on the dog now.
M
Girls, girls,
I love this family.
Okay, M, I was going to recommend that you NOT see this one, specifically because of the intensity of the shep’s performance. I can see I still have much to learn about appropriately recommending you movies.
And yes, of course, I adore “Three Little Birds” and everything Bob Marley, but not in this flick.
ViaLys re: Buffy
Stand down! Your library DOES have Buffy – you’ll just have to request it.
Meanwhile, I started looking into getting my own personal copy – checked the used bookstore, etc. But I’m going to hold out, try to pinch pennies, because there’s a Complete Series box set and I want that!!!
While you wait for the library’s copy, you can watch the first two seasons on Hulu.com. It means sitting near a networked computer instead of in your comfy living room, but it’s at least a chance to try it out while the library works its magic.
Can’t wait to hear what you think of it.