I Am Legend (2007)

I Am Legend is one of those movies that will be remembered in this slew of apocalyptic movies. It's not because it was a well made film though. It's because of the story.

Imagine Cast Away in an apocalyptic New York City setting. It has the main character who has grown accustomed to desolate life, only accompanied by a sidekick they talk to who will never utter a word back. However, there is hope. The story opens up with a radio signal that there is shelter to the zombie-esque apocalypse. Robert Neville, a scientist, is searching for a cure in this NYC isolation. We learn of his life before the apocalypse through his dreams and flashbacks. He comes across other survivors, but in the end neither him nor his dog make it. Instead, if it's any consolation, Neville may have left his legacy with a cure. 

The story is richer and more developed than that of other apocalypse films. There is also no definitive solution to the problem, and in life, there rarely is. Conclusion: Worth A Watch

Rating: 7/10

No Country for Old Men (2007)

No Country for Old Men is an epic cat and mouse chase. Expertly crafted by the Coen Brothers, the film draws you in from the beginning and doesn't let go. Following the story of drug deal gone bad and a suitcase full of money, the pieces are set from the beginning to light off an absolute explosion of a movie.

NCFOM mainly follows Llewelyn Moss as he comes across a suitcase full of money while he is hunting in the Texas desert. What could be the find of a lifetime proves to be a death sentence as hit man Anton Chigurh is set on his tracks. Wielding a cattle gun, Chigurh is an unrelenting, unreasoning character who doesn't seem to have a purpose other than serve as an angel of death. Following Chigurh's trail of blood is Sheriff Ed Tom Bell, the weakest character to the story. 

Once Moss is murdered by Chigurh, the story seeks a resolution but fails to find one. I shouldn't blame this on the filmmakers as it's not their fault. Having read the book by Cormac McCarthy, I also failed to find that conclusion once shutting the book. This brings me to my greatest problem with the story: what was the point? In a way, this could be an extremely well crafted horror film intended just for thrills. Like other horror films or thrillers, the villain and killer is not to be sympathized with, yet is the most developed character. I saw no purpose to Chigurh's killing rampage as there was no explanation. All that aside, this is an extremely well made film. Conclusion: Worth A Watch

Rating: 8.75/10

Superbad (2007)

This film is iconic amongst most teenagers and high schoolers. Why? Well, for one thing, it is a hilarious and ridiculous comedy that is all the while quite relatable. Secondly, the film discovered certain stars such as Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, and Christopher Mintz-Plasse.

The story follows a typical group of high school losers trying to get with girls. They resort to the only way they know how to get a girl to possibly sleep with them, which is buying booze. This simple plot element sends the snowball rolling on a ridiculous and hilarious avalanche.

The stars of this film are hilarious in what they do as their performances are genuine and convincing. However, from watching what they have done since, I only see Hill as the actor with true potential. Sure, he has had several roles after Superbad where he was essentially the same vulgar and unlikable fat kid, but he has slimmed down for a few roles and has also performed well as either a shy or rambunctious supporting character.

I would say that if you are or have been in high school and have experienced the under-21 struggle, this film is definitely worth a watch as it is hilarious and relatable. It's a film that'll make you enjoy a period of life that may not have been that enjoyable. Conclusion: Worth A Watch

Rating: 7.5/10