I Am Legend Alternate Ending

Ever wonder where this picture came from? It wasn't in the theatrical version of I AM LEGEND. Having seen this shot prior to seeing the film, I remember distinctly waiting for this moment to happen in the film.

Of course, it never did and remained a mystery presumed left for dead on the editing room floor....until now...

Alex B. and the guys over at firstshowing.net have posted the alternate ending from the film. Obviously if you are going to buy I AM LEGEND when it comes out on dvd or blu-ray on March 18th and don't want to be spoiled, then DON'T head over to their site to watch the clip.

If you want to see a far superior ending for the film, then check them out now. You'll hear James Newton Howard's score playing lightly even in this alternate ending.

There's a whole bunch of discussion going on over there, but feel free to let us know what you think of it here, too.

Check it out.

I Am Legend (Soundtrack) by James Newton Howard

Seen But Not Heard?
Review by Christopher Coleman

The end of 2007 found the name of JAMES NEWTON HOWARD being seen over and over again in movie credits. Already having released the surprisingly popular MICHAEL CLAYTON score in October of 2007, December would see three more projects from James Newton Howard: THE GREAT DEBATERS, WATER HORSE: LEGEND OF THE DEEP, and perhaps the most highly anticipated of the bunch, I AM LEGEND.

As with so many recent novel adaptations of recent memory, I AM LEGEND came under great scrutiny due to the number of changes made to the original story. The casting of actor Will Smith as the story's central figure, Robert Neville, was met with both cheers and jeers. In the end, I AM LEGEND was, as described very early on, a combination between the original novel and OMEGA MAN (a film with Charleton Heston that scared this little kid quite badly) from 1971; another adaptation of author Richard Matheson's novel.

Hollywood's propensity for reliance on 100% CG-characters is starting to bug audiences and critical and popular reaction to the the film seem to reflect this. The freedom this technology offers directors is certainly to be marveled at, but, as real it can seem at times, its use to portray significant characters, especially humans or humanoids, in a film can call too much attention to itself - taking the audience right out of the movie. Still, even with this being a pretty large negative of the film, there remained plenty to like in I AM LEGEND to make it an enjoyable flick. Will Smith's portrayal of Col. Robert Neville was much more dynamic and well-rounded than one might expect for a sci-fi/action film. Additionally, JAMES NEWTON HOWARD'S score, when present, stealthily provided just the right ambience and emotion...and maybe too well. There were very few moments in the film where I was even aware of the score (and I'm always listening for it). The musical score for I AM LEGEND is a rarity in that, the experience of it within the film versus it as a stand-alone listen, are almost completely divorced. Judging this score by your thoughts, just after you've watched the film, would be a disservice to JAMES NEWTON HOWARD's score as well as to yourself!

READ THE FULL REVIEW HERE

Win January Prize Pack: I AM LEGEND and LORD OF THE RINGS: RETURN OF THE KING (THE COMPLETE RECORDINGS)!

Start 2008 off right by entering our January caption contest, which will put you in the running to win our New Year’s prize pack! The winner will receive a copy of James Newton Howard’s score to "I AM LEGEND" AND the "LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING (THE COMPLETE RECORDINGS)" boxed set, composed by Howard Shore!










First, check out the contest rules HERE (remember, each contestant is allowed up to THREE submissions). Then enter the contest HERE.

I Am Legend - First Impressions

While fully enjoying the holiday season and the time-off it usually affords me, I was able to take in two of the seasons biggest films in one day - a true rarity for me: ATONEMENT and I AM LEGEND. This particular post is obviously focused on WILL SMITH'S latest venture, but more on ATONEMENT later on.

My experience of I AM LEGEND can be summed up thusly. It was better than I expected, but not as good as I had hoped. It's a good story and well acted by Smith. Considering that he is 99% of the film, in terms of acting, I have to say he did a marvelous job. The CG left a bit to be desired...as usual, but I was able to suspend disbelief long enough enjoy the ride.

Now when it comes to JAMES NEWTON HOWARD's score...well...there ain't much there. The suspense and tension seemed to be maximized by silence rather than by employing some dissonant creepy crawly cues. I spent a lot of energy trying to anticipate the next surprise-shock-moment. With no musical clues...I failed every time. When I was actually conscious of Howard's score it was usually in the softer, tender moments. The music did the job, but wasn't hugely remarkable. Perhaps it will be more dynamic on the soundtrack release.

For now I say...check out the film for the film's sake. Don't look for much in terms of another great score from James Newton Howard...there just isn't very much of any.

New I AM LEGEND trailer

A new, much more interesting trailer for Will Smith's upcoming flick, I AM LEGEND was recently released. It offers quite a bit more than the first teaser trailer. I actually am intrigued by this film now. A major departure from the book seems to be that the "ghoulies" are not necessarily vampires. I, for one, don't mind this departure one "bloody" bit. I'd be quite content to see the vampire-genre bathed in perpetual light - ie. I'm quite sick of them and wouldn't mind if another one was ever made again..but as long as audiences keep emptying their pockets to watch them...they'll keep coming. Personal kudos to the filmmakers for showing a little creativity.

Anyway, I AM LEGEND appears as if it wants to give some rationale (an infection) behind the exisitence of Robert Neville's (Will Smith) ghoulie friends. I guess I can go with that. The big thing is...I love German Shepherd's so...that there dog better survive!...but I have a bad feeling.

Anyway, check out the trailer - I haven't identified the music used in it, but the climactic piece bares resemblence to Clint Mansell's oft-used trailer piece. The original score is to be provided by JAMES NEWTON HOWARD, so there good reason for hope in that regard. Perhaps you recognize it. Feel free to enlighten us with your comment.

Check out the trailer at the film's Myspace page.