Q: Richard Matheson's novel has already been filmed several times, and the idea of a "last man standing" after some cataclysm wipes out the population isn't brand-spaning-new. Is it really worth seeing this story told again?
A: I never saw the Vincent Price version "Last Man on Earth," and it's been a looong time since I checked out "The Omega Man." If you've seen both of those and enjoyed them, sure, Matheson's novel might seem old hat by now. But I've read that this version directed by Francis Lawrence diverges significantly from the original text. And besides, for a while, this is an intriguing movie. This version provides stunning visions of a post-apocalyptic New York City, as Will Smith roams a deserted Times Square. There are enough memorable images to justify the idea of rolling this tale out one more time. Plus Lawrence injects some religious symbolism in so the movie has a certain point of view to go along with the imagery.
Q: Is this like a "Cast Away" situation here? Can Will Smith hold our attention all by his lonesome?
A: Well, there's one guy by his lonesome for a long chunk of screen time, and there is a Wilson-like listener figure in the form of a loyal dog. You know what? I used to rip Big Will, but he is one of the most charismatic performers around, and he earns his paycheck here. He's such a likable presence here that it's easy to watch him fly mostly solo.
Q: You said that "for a while," this is an intriguing movie. What happens?
A: Well, the virus that wiped out or "altered" the entire population leaves Smith as the Last Human Standing. At least, for a while. The film is much stronger, more entertaining, when it's just Smith. When events give him companionship, the uniqueness of the situation is lost, and by the way, the plot holes get bigger and more annoying.
Q: I heard the CGI effects were really bad in this one. What did you think?
A: There are monsters of a sort here, OK? I don't think it's a big spoiler to say so. Problem is, these monsters are kind of cheesy-looking. Some of the landscapes, animals, and various other effects that involved computer assistance are decent, but when a movie relies on a certain type of threat to provide the narrative tension, well, they'd better be darned good. I don't think they were shoddy or anything, but they weren't as effective as they should have been.
Q: What is the single most horrifying vision of a postapocalyptic America? The lack of fellow human beings? Wild animals roaming through urban cityscapes?
A: Personally, I thought the most devastating vision was Will Smith listening to Bob Marley over and over again as if it were the only CD on Earth. Haven't we heard enough of his greatest hits in a PRE-apocalyptic America?
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