I Am Legend (2007)

A cure for cancer created by a doctor (Emma Thompson) goes horribly wrong in this remake. Instead of being a boon to mankind, the serum kills off most of the world's population. Flashbacks show a military scientist med Robert (Will Smith), trying to get his wife (Salli Richardson) and daughter (Willow Smith) out of Manhattan to safety. Confusion reigns as many other residents are denied escape because they have been infected.

In the present, Robert's only companion is his dog. His wife and child were killed in an accident as they were trying to leave. He sends out radio messages to anyone that may be still alive. Robert also tries to find a cure for the plague that has decimated humans. He feels that he is responsible for not being able to stop it when it first happened. At night, Robert barricades himself and the dog in the house. The virus has turned most of the humans who are still walking around into cannibals who seek victims.

This film reminded me a lot of Cast Away (2000). There's a man alone in a bad situation with a mute companion to whom to talk. However, the main character's isolation wears thin after awhile, and the mutated creatures weren't scary enough.

Will Smith was nominated for a Best Actor Oscar for Ali (2001) and The Pursuit of Happyness (2006). Willow Smith is his daughter. Salli Richardson was featured in Once Upon A Time. . .When We Were Colored (1995) and How You Like Me Now (1993).

Hancock (2008)

John Hancock (Will Smith) is a superhero, but not the noble kind, or one deserving of respect. He fights crime alright, but costs the city big money in terms of damages. Hancock appears to do his job just because he has the powers, not out of any concern for anyone. The superhero has a bad attitude and a drinking problem. The public can't stand Hancock.

One day, he saves Ray (Jason Bateman) from being run over by a train. The people in the crowd complain about Hancock's destruction of the train, as well as banging up Ray's car. But Ray is very appreciative. Since he's in the public relations business, he offers Hancock a chance to improve his image. Ray's wife, Mary (Charlize Theron), is uncomfortable around Hancock, but not for the reasons Ray thinks.

This movie runs just under an hour and a half, but it is not a tight story. There are mysteries about the main character that still aren't explained even when another character clearly has the answers. We've seen most of the superhero stunts presented here in other films, and they don't feel fresh or new. A plot device involving bad guys out for revenge seemed to have been thrown in late to give the film a bang ending. The premise of the story -- what if a superhero was not likeable? -- is a good idea. Unfortunately, the idea wasn't fleshed out as far as it could have.

Will Smith started his career as a popular rapper known as The Fresh Prince in the 1980s. He was nominated twice for a Best Actor Oscar -- Ali (2001) and The Pursuit of Happyness (2006). Jason Bateman was a child actor, having appeared on "Silver Spoons" (1982-1987). He was also part of the cast of the acclaimed comedy "Arrested Development" (2003-2006). Charlize Theron won an Best Actress Oscar for Monster (2003). Nancy Grace, the host of her self-titled CNN show, has a cameo in this movie.