I finally got to see this through the magic of Blu-ray. I hated the intrusive
now-is-the-time-to-be-sad score, and some of the "dark seeker" FX were weak, but, overall, I enjoyed the film way more than I expected. BUT! The ending almost killed the film for me. And the "controversial" alternate ending is even worse. There’s so much good in the film, so many solid moments. Since it seems to disregard most of the source material, they really could’ve taken it in a different direction and created something unique. There were just so many possibilities with Neville’s isolation, his growing loneliness/insanity, etc.
If I were to break into Akiva Goldsman's house (no, I’m not going to kill him and write "bat nipples" in blood on his wall), I would have whispered this possible ending into his ear while he slept.
Spoiler (Highlight or Triple Click to Read):| Although I didn’t like the arrival of Anna and that kid, it would have been interesting to have Neville kill or capture them both. Either out of some psychological complex from being "the last man" or perhaps for some scientific reason (i.e., watch the virus work from start to finish up close). Such a bleak ending would have been far more satisfactory given the mood of this film. |
Or something like that. As it stands, though, I don’t think I’ll be buying the disc. I’m still on the fence as to whether or not it deserves the benefit of the doubt. Why do I smell focus groups?
Okay, back to sleep Akiva.
