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The Rewatchables · December 20, 2022

I Am Legend

host Bill Simmons host Van Lathan

What aged best: Post-pandemic resonance
Casting what-if: Schwarzenegger and Ridley Scott
Weakest link: Talking to mannequins

All 31 categories

Who won the movie Will Smith
Roger Ebert

The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award · 1:04:06

Will Smith’s best acting performance

Van Lathan: Post-COVID improvement is proposed as a mild take; the stronger choice places this performance above King Richard, with Six Degrees as a rival.

The contemporary Oscar field is reviewed, with the There Will Be Blood performance treated as unbeatable.

The Coach Finstock Award for Best Life Lesson · 1:29:08

Stay disciplined

Bill Simmons: A last survivor should return before dark and keep the dog on a long leash.

The film

I Am Legend (2007)

Directed by Francis Lawrence · Horror

IMDb Letterboxd Find on JustWatch Rotten Tomatoes

Cast

Selected cast credits · Film reference

Will Smith Robert Neville

Alice Braga Anna

Dash Mihok Alpha male

Charlie Tahan Ethan

Salli Richardson Zoe

Everything from the episode

In the order the hosts got to it. Open a row for the discussion.

21:47

Apex Mountain

Will Smith’s movie-star charisma in Hitch

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 00:21:47Read transcript

Hitch is suggested as the peak of Smith’s ability to carry modest material through charm. — Van Lathan

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24:11

Most Rewatchable Scene

The upside-down trap; the virus-statistics monologue

In the discussion (10)

Approx. transcript time · 00:24:11Read transcript

The speech giving the virus’s death and survival figures is singled out as an exceptional Smith performance and especially powerful after COVID. — Van Lathan
The first hour is preferred while Sam remains alive; the opening deer chase and escaped lion make empty-city driving compelling. — Bill Simmons
The basement’s experimental rats establish a scientist methodically working toward a cure. — Bill Simmons
Sam entering the dark building creates suspense through delayed revelation; showing less of the creatures afterward could strengthen it. — Bill Simmons
The mannequin trap, waking upside down and racing the fading daylight are praised; his injury and disorientation defend his slow escape. — Van Lathan
Sam’s rescue from the infected dogs is praised, but the subsequent death is too upsetting to rewatch. — Bill Simmons
Will mowing down zombies in the car could have lasted longer; after they kill his dog, he wants to take out as many as possible while killing himself. — Bill Simmons
The Bob Marley speech is praised despite low dialogue volume.
The house assault leads into discussion of the alternative ending where he survives. — Bill Simmons
Final choices split between the upside-down sequence and the statistical monologue, called a career-best acting scene. — Van Lathan

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26:33

Roger Ebert's review

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 00:26:33Read transcript

Ebert gave three stars and praised Smith’s performance. — Bill Simmons

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43:14

Picking Nits

The blood needs a scientist to make a cure

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 00:43:14Read transcript

The alternate ending’s survival is preferred because a remote commune may lack anyone able to synthesize the cure from blood; a second scientist could have made the theatrical ending more hopeful. — Van Lathan

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46:49

What’s Aged the Best?

Post-pandemic resonance; empty-city effects; routines; future predictions; Sam; bridge collapse

In the discussion (5)

Approx. transcript time · 00:46:49Read transcript

Post-COVID resonance, the empty-city production and the survivor’s daily routine remain effective. — Bill Simmons
The ticker’s projected basketball retirement is close to the actual timing. — Bill Simmons
A Batman/Superman billboard and six-dollar gasoline seem prescient; the superhero project had earlier development history. — Van Lathan
The relationship between a man and his loyal trained dog remains central. — Bill Simmons
The bridge-collapse effects and family flashbacks are praised, though the bridge action can be hard to follow. — Bill Simmons

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52:19

The Big Kahuna Burger Award for Best Use of Food and Drink

The saved bacon

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 00:52:19Read transcript

The saved bacon produces a dramatic upset when it is used. — Van Lathan

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52:53

The Den of Thieves Benihana Award for Scene-Stealing Location

Empty New York City

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 00:52:53Read transcript

Empty Times Square, Washington Square and the waterfront routine are specific favorites within the deserted city. — Bill Simmons

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53:18

Brandy Booth Award for Best Performance by a Pet

Sam

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 00:53:18Read transcript

Sam is the obvious winner; a story that Smith tried unsuccessfully to adopt the dog is treated as plausible but unverified. — Bill Simmons

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54:07

The Great Shot Gordo Award for Most Cinematic Shot

The hunt through weeds; stepping onto a car windshield

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 00:54:07Read transcript

The wide hunting shot places the man and dog against the overgrown city. — Van Lathan
The shot from inside a car as he steps onto its windshield turns a manufactured object into wilderness terrain. — Van Lathan

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54:38

The Butch’s Girlfriend Award for the Weakest Link in the Film

Talking to mannequins; Ethan

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 00:54:38Read transcript

Talking to inanimate objects is challenged as an unbelievable movie trope, with Cast Away and The Hurricane as comparisons and a request for real-world evidence. — Bill Simmons
Ethan is unanimously criticized for contributing no personality or useful action. — Bill Simmons

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56:26

What’s Aged the Worst?

Video stores; Sam’s death; creature CGI; Matt Lauer

In the discussion (5)

Approx. transcript time · 00:56:26Read transcript

The cancer treatment is distinguished from Neville’s attempted cure, but the speakers remain uncertain about the mutation mechanism. — Van Lathan
The video-rental store feels dated, prompting a discussion of library rentals. — Van Lathan
Killing Sam is challenged because cages and restraints might have allowed treatment instead. — Van Lathan
The computer-generated creature faces seem artificial and grow less frightening with exposure; the switch from makeup is criticized. — Bill Simmons
The old morning-show footage includes Matt Lauer, while saved podcasts are imagined as an alternative companion. — Bill Simmons

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1:02:29

The Ron Burgundy Flute Award for the Best Time for a Pee Break

The last half-hour after Anna and Ethan arrive

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:02:29Read transcript

The final half-hour slows with the new arrivals; Anna brings hope but little practical help and Ethan contributes nothing. — Bill Simmons

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1:03:12

Is There a Better Title for This Movie?

Light Up the Darkness

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 01:03:12Read transcript

Last Man Standing and Dark Seekers are offered, but Light Up the Darkness is favored. — Bill Simmons
The novel’s title refers to the protagonist as the creatures’ monster; the movie’s closing explanation is judged less effective. — Van Lathan

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1:04:06

The Neil McCauley “A Book about Metals” Award for Best Line from the Movie

“God didn’t do this. We did.”

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:04:06Read transcript

The line placing responsibility on humanity is the strong quote selection. — Van Lathan

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1:04:06

The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award

Will Smith’s best acting performance

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 01:04:06Read transcript

Post-COVID improvement is proposed as a mild take; the stronger choice places this performance above King Richard, with Six Degrees as a rival. — Van Lathan
The contemporary Oscar field is reviewed, with the There Will Be Blood performance treated as unbeatable.

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1:07:26

Casting What-Ifs

Schwarzenegger and Ridley Scott; Nicolas Cage; Michael Bay; Guillermo del Toro

In the discussion (4)

Approx. transcript time · 01:07:26Read transcript

The 1998 Scott/Schwarzenegger version stalled over budget and recent commercial setbacks; the ability of Schwarzenegger to sustain the solo role is debated. — Bill Simmons
A late-1990s Cage version is appealing. — Van Lathan
Bay and Smith reportedly chose Bad Boys II instead of their 2002 version, a decision the panel welcomes. — Bill Simmons
Del Toro was reportedly Smith’s first choice but made Hellboy II; his version is imagined as more intimate. — Bill Simmons

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1:09:46

The Ruffalo / Hanna / Rubinek / Partridge Overacting Award

Will Smith; Sam

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:09:46Read transcript

The shouted everyone-is-dead speech is nominated but defended as a justified explosion; Sam receives a joking counterselection.

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1:10:31

The Dion Waiters Award for Best Heat Check Performance

Dash Mihok as the alpha creature

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:10:31Read transcript

The alpha performer receives the award for looking frightening despite limited alternative supporting roles. — Bill Simmons

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1:10:51

Recasting Couch

Michelle Rodriguez; Eva Mendes; Halle Berry; Sanaa Lathan; Regina King

In the discussion (4)

Approx. transcript time · 01:10:51Read transcript

Anna needs a stronger survival presence; Rodriguez, Mendes and Berry are proposed. — Bill Simmons
The casting discussion considers perceived restrictions on Smith’s romantic pairings and why Braga’s character lacks force. — Bill Simmons
Rodriguez or Lathan would supply believable physical capability and sensitivity, with Love & Basketball as supporting context for Lathan. — Bill Simmons
Regina King is another accepted replacement suggestion. — Van Lathan

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1:13:12

Picking Nits

Unused UV defenses; creature society; decaying bodies; water; abandoned-city realism

In the discussion (5)

Approx. transcript time · 01:13:12Read transcript

UV lights on multiple vehicles, demolishing hideouts or using explosives could exploit the creatures’ weakness, though their numbers and sewer refuge complicate this. — Van Lathan
The creatures hunt and become more intelligent, raising questions about food, society and possible sports. — Van Lathan
A reconstruction sequel could use flashbacks but the commune still may lack the expertise to synthesize the cure. — Van Lathan
Dead bodies, disease and water supply are questioned; scavenged bottled water offers an answer. — Van Lathan
A Popular Mechanics critique reportedly challenges drainage, fire damage, urban pests, virus mutation, immunity and the bridge collapse; the hosts admit they do not understand the biological objections. — Bill Simmons

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1:14:02

Half-Assed Internet Research

Human mannequin; quiet soundtrack; bridge shoot; abandoned prequels; location disruption; generators

In the discussion (4)

Approx. transcript time · 01:14:02Read transcript

A mime subtly moved as Fred to unsettle viewers. — Bill Simmons
The quiet sound design reportedly followed the director watching The Pianist muted while his baby slept. — Bill Simmons
The bridge sequence reportedly cost five million dollars over six nights; unused prequel ideas involved a parade, Washington outbreak or infected zoo elephant. — Bill Simmons
City closures reportedly annoyed residents; scavenged fuel and generators explain power. — Bill Simmons

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1:16:15

Apex Mountain

No affirmative selection

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 01:16:15Read transcript

Smith’s peak is placed at Hitch instead; apocalypse movies are rejected, while post-COVID apocalypse resonance is highly ranked without a clear yes. — Bill Simmons
Bob Marley, dog deaths and heroic dogs are rejected; Washington Square favors Searching for Bobby Fischer. — Bill Simmons

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1:17:33

Best Race Horse Name from This Movie

I Am Legend; Darkseeker

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:17:33Read transcript

I Am Legend works as a racehorse name; Darkseeker is an ominous alternative and KV is rejected. — Bill Simmons

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1:22:40

Sequel, Prequel, Limited Series, or All-Black Remake

A sequel; an expansive television adaptation

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 01:22:40Read transcript

A Smith and Michael B. Jordan sequel was reportedly announced before the Oscars, with returning screenwriter; Smith’s return conflicts with the theatrical death. — Bill Simmons
A large-budget television version could begin with the virus’s creation and develop the collapse over multiple episodes. — Bill Simmons

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1:24:31

Is This Movie Better With…?

Samuel L. Jackson as Neville’s brother

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:24:31Read transcript

A flashback brother could receive a warning call and have his own creature-attack action scene. — Bill Simmons

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1:25:21

Just One Oscar

Will Smith; Sam

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 01:25:21Read transcript

Smith is the easy actor choice, with the director an alternative; another choice goes to Sam under a proposed pet-Oscar category. — Bill Simmons
A separate animal-awards ceremony is imagined with horses, pigs and Bart the Bear. — Bill Simmons

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1:26:14

Probably Unanswerable Questions

The Today-show tapes; head injuries; Robert Neville Day

In the discussion (3)

Approx. transcript time · 01:26:14Read transcript

The source of time-coded morning-show recordings is questioned, and other NBC programs could have provided entertainment. — Bill Simmons
Repeated prolonged knockouts and concussions seem implausible to survive. — Bill Simmons
September 9 is proposed as Robert Neville Day and a possible television-series title. — Bill Simmons

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1:27:29

Best Double Feature

Vanilla Sky

Cast Away

I, Robot

Vanilla Sky

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 01:27:29Read transcript

Cast Away and I, Robot are candidates, but Vanilla Sky is chosen for its strange empty-New-York pairing; I, Robot is rejected. — Bill Simmons
An early-adult group screening and Cameron Diaz’s intense performance are fondly recalled. — Van Lathan

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1:28:24

What Piece of Memorabilia Would You Want From This Movie?

The Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:28:24Read transcript

Both want the first car, later identified as a Ford Mustang Shelby GT500; it does not return after he switches to the SUV. — Van Lathan

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1:29:08

The Coach Finstock Award for Best Life Lesson

Stay disciplined; leash the dog; shoot the deer

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 01:29:08Read transcript

A last survivor should return before dark and keep the dog on a long leash. — Bill Simmons
Stopping to shoot the herd would improve the hunt; the fictional cancer cure prompts a joking warning. — Van Lathan

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1:30:14

Who Won the Movie?

Will Smith

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:30:14Read transcript

Both voices choose Smith and reiterate that his earlier films remain enjoyable. — Bill Simmons

Podcast choices

Speaker not identified: Will Smith
Speaker not identified: Will Smith

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More from the conversation

The hosts debate the timing and authenticity of Will Smith’s post-Oscars publicity while saying the incident did not prevent enjoyment of his older movies.

Approx. transcript time · 00:03:04Read transcript

The slap, subsequent speech and industry response prompt a broader critique of Hollywood’s reflexive celebration and comeback narratives.

Approx. transcript time · 00:06:58Read transcript

Smith’s mid-2000s solo vehicles are treated as a rare combination of acting skill, charisma and star power, contrasted with franchise-defined modern stardom.

Approx. transcript time · 00:11:00Read transcript

Viola Davis and The Woman King are discussed as an important star vehicle, while Emily the Criminal and Tár illustrate smaller original films.

Approx. transcript time · 00:13:58Read transcript

The 1954 Richard Matheson novel and earlier screen adaptations are recalled; the hosts debate Smith’s preference for commercially safe vehicles.

Approx. transcript time · 00:16:41Read transcript

The performance’s seriousness and grief mark a transition, while missed supporting roles and filmmaker partnerships could have broadened the career.

Approx. transcript time · 00:18:25Read transcript

Ali’s memorable opening and closing sequences are praised despite structural problems.

Approx. transcript time · 00:22:28Read transcript

The pandemic premise feels more unsettling after COVID; the hosts interpret the fictional mortality figures as a source of new emotional resonance, not verified medical data.

Approx. transcript time · 00:23:11Read transcript

The deserted New York photography provokes questions about location closures and digitally removing people.

Approx. transcript time · 00:26:33Read transcript

The city’s wilderness and realism impress more than the creature effects, with Vanilla Sky as an empty-city comparison.

Approx. transcript time · 00:27:26Read transcript

The mannequin sequence reportedly used human performers to subtly unsettle the viewer.

Approx. transcript time · 00:35:36Read transcript

Dog deaths prompt an unranked discussion of Turner & Hooch, K-9, Eight Below and Dog, correcting the mistaken assumption that the K-9 dog dies.

Approx. transcript time · 00:38:12Read transcript

The dog-death discussion resumes with Marley & Me, John Wick, A Dog’s Purpose, The Art of Racing in the Rain and Old Yeller; The Lion King is challenged as a non-dog example.

Approx. transcript time · 00:45:00Read transcript

Lost, Fringe and Friday Night Lights prompt a digression about network television and streaming.

Approx. transcript time · 00:47:13Read transcript

A realistic origin for fictional zombies is speculated to be viral, followed by a personal respiratory-illness anecdote.

Approx. transcript time · 00:56:58Read transcript

An imagined survival scenario places a podcaster at the safe haven; this is a joke rather than medical advice.

Approx. transcript time · 01:02:00Read transcript

The apartment scavenging scene merits more time; canned tomato soup and seasoned greens become favorite survival-food choices while frozen pizza is rejected for lack of refrigeration.

Approx. transcript time · 01:19:54Read transcript