1

Wow.

When I saw it in the theater, the last 10 minutes ruined the movie for me. I thought the ending was too abrupt and did not touch at all on the original concept of the book. This ending was fantastic. I especially like how Smith glances at his wall of photos and realizes that he must appear to be some sort of serial killer, with photos of his "kills" displayed on his wall. Very cool.

Chris Schoenherr on Mar 5, 2008

2

I really like that ending to. I would have been happy with it if it was the one they used. Wish they could do a re-do and have that been the end.

Stephen on Mar 5, 2008

3

I like what you're saying about the 'idea' but to me, as an aspiring filmmaker, what is of paramount importance is the ability to retain the filmmaker's voice throughout. When Alica Braga turned up in the film, it felt like Hollywood had stepped in to make it alright and I guess what they were doing is 'splitting the protagonist' so that she gets to do her 'you are not alone" speech with or without Neville. Which is also the logic applied in Seven, i.e., the good guy wins because the protagonist is split in two (Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman).
Oddly enough, the killing of Neville in Legend and Pitt's character killing John Doe in Seven are both more subversive endings for big star-vehicles than if all goes well and the good guy lives and wins. So I think I prefer theatrical ending and (still) hate the look of the vampires.

Elvis D on Mar 5, 2008

4

I read the book in the weeks preceding the film's release and I was disappointed by the script's deviation of the ending and overall concept. I agree that the novel's concept of Neville being a legend to the vampires is far superior to the film's concept of his death being a legend amongst survivors. Thank you for posting this alternate ending. I very much liked it and it better than the theatrical version. Although I had wished that the alternate ending was more true to the novel in which Anna is an evolved daylight vampire who helps capture Neville and brings him to the vampires. She then explains that the vampires are a new society amongst themselves and view Neville as a killer and ghostly legend. And then they execute him.

In this alternate ending, Neville should have died. This aspect makes the theatrical version superior, but it would have been great if both versions were combined to see Neville giving up, taken, and then executed. It would be a much more bleaker ending and it'd be a gamble, but very unique and artistic.

Matt S. on Mar 5, 2008

5

Amazing, much more powerful of an ending than the one I saw in theaters. When Neville snatched the girl in the movie I was thinking that the writers were alluding to her being the leaders girl; the way the leader jumped into the sunlight when she was taken and how the vampires stepped up their tactics to try and get Neville after that. Its good to see I wasn't just imagining it. Its also interesting how Neville believed that the vampires had completly lost all traces of their humanity when he watched the leader expose himself, when actually it was the one aspect of his humanity left that made him jump into the sunlight.

baby kicker on Mar 5, 2008

6

Elvis #3, I'm still not sure I understand your reasoning for why it was better (even for Hollywood 'big star-vehicles') for Neville to be killed off… It's obvious most people didn't like the more "hopeful" ending that we saw in theaters. And the funny thing is they called this one "controversial" when I don't think there is anything even controversial about it - it's just a more emotional and powerful ending that sticks with the concept than pulling something "Hollywood"…

Matt #4, to respond to your consideration about Neville being killed again… I think that if they tried it with this ending, it would've been too hard to explain that concept and everyone would have been saying "oh, these vampires really are ruthless, even when he helped them and gave them what they wanted…" I think that's why that wouldn't have worked here, but I'm not sure… I still don't like the idea of Neville being killed at all.

Alex Billington on Mar 5, 2008

7

WB…this ending is better. Nuff said!

crabby on Mar 5, 2008

8

I have never read the book, so take my opinion from that point of view. I liked both endings and without knowing anything about how it was "supposed" to end I would prefer the theatrical ending, but knowing more about the book I think I see why you liked this ending better. I think the idea that Neville will sacrifice himself to save humanity is what the theatrical ending tried to get across while the ending here is more rosy.

Stephen on Mar 5, 2008

9

Realistically though… Did regular layman moviegoers actually think to themselves "oh this was about Neville sacrificing himself to save humanity" or did all of that get overshadowed by the simultaneous "pfft" heard in the theater when Alice showed up at that survival town.

Alex Billington on Mar 5, 2008

10

Cool, I've been looking forward to the alternate ending since I saw the movie. I'm a huge fan of the novel, especially because of the 'legend'-part, so I was rather disappointed when they didn't even talk about that in the movie. As you say, the first half is incredible, even thought the similarities to the novel are non-existing, I still liked it a lot, great performance by Smith and I loved the fact that they kept the sub-story about the dog, even though that was also changed significantly.

Anyway, the theatrical ending is horrible, and after reading about this alternate ending, I still didn't really expect it to be anything other than a short scene where Smith hands over the woman and the vampires leave. The fact that you see how much the alpha-male cares for the woman, that they just want to be left alone, and Neville realizes he's been doing something horrible, is incredible, it didn't seem like they dared to do that. Too bad WB chickened out in the end.

Marcus on Mar 5, 2008

11

Alex,

Your taste for movies must reside somewhere in your asshole if you think this movie even deserves to be near a best of 2007 list.

This was one of the worst movies of 2007 and resembled I-Robot so much that it probably could have been called I-notveryscarymonster.

For you to see this movie at the theatres 3 times is a disgrace as it proves that your intellect is somewhere beteween that of a turd and a retarded spider monkey.

Also now that you are actually trying to decifer why the most retarded scientist in movie history was killed really proves your stupidity.

Scott on Mar 5, 2008

12

Scott I think are being a bit harse. I thought it was one of the best movies I saw this year, better then National Treasure and others like that. It was one of the few movies I did get to see so maybe that biases me some what. As for your last comment Alex, yes I did think it was about him sacrificing himself, I saw the movie a couple weeks after opening so I doubt anyone there was a fan of the novel and were just "layman" moviegoers as you call em.

Stephen on Mar 5, 2008

13

I will grant that that was better than the original ending. However, I still do not think it is the best it could have been. I think sticking closer to the overall theme of the book would have made the movie stronger. You still lose the fact that Neville IS the last man on earth, and you're left with hope that there are other survivors. So even with this ending, you lose some of the magic of the story. But yes, far less "screw the people who read the book"-y.

Quicksilver on Mar 5, 2008

14

Stephen,

'I am legend' is a cinematic materpiece when compared to 'National treasue' obviously by your comments you don't get out much.

I suggest you watch movies that aren't endorsed by Alex as the movies that Alex declares as best of the year will turn you into a mindless fucktard.

Scott on Mar 5, 2008

15

i loved the alternate ending, and i would have preferred it in theaters, i think it is more complete to me for some reason. either way, i loved i am legend, and i loved it in IMAX, cant wait for DVD

taurinh on Mar 5, 2008

16

I loved the book and really disliked the movie as it was a total disconnect from the entire 'Legend' concept of the book. Neville was entirely re-written from an ordinary man fighting every day to get through to a kind of "super-hero" Dr.

That said, I would have liked the movie better if the ending had been this one, but overall read the book. Much better.

Ben Reubenstein on Mar 5, 2008

17

The alternate ending is definitely better, and felt true to the story. Warners really messed up with the version they put in theaters. It ruined the whole movie for me. Seeing the alternate ending makes the movie feal more complete to me now.

Thanks Alex!!!!!

TCox on Mar 5, 2008

18

Like Stephen, I have never read the book but I think 28 Days later and 28 Weeks later are far more superior than I Am Legend.

Also, I Am Legend was very predictable. The second I saw the dog I knew he was going to be bitten by the Vampires and that Smith would have to kill him…. See, this is the problem with Blockbusters, they're made with the same predictable formula.

By the way, am I the only one to think that the CG used in the film (read: every vampire) wasn't that great?

Anyway, I'm tired of those film…

Redge on Mar 5, 2008

19

If I would have seen this, that bitter taste in my mouth would not have occurred.

Sam on Mar 5, 2008

20

I was under the impression that this ending was changed because it didn't test well with audiences. But was this because they didn't like the fact that you don't find out if there are any other survivors, or because Neville didn't die?

Ross on Mar 5, 2008

21

Am I the only one who liked the theatrical ending better????

Ryan on Mar 5, 2008

22

This actually brings me to ease, because throughout the entire movie I was looking for that specific sequence that I had seen in the trailer (virus infected human whispering sweet nothings in Smith's ear) yet I was dissapointed, or more confused, that it was missing in its entirety, where I thought it should be at the end. I enjoyed the alternate ending immensly, as it seemed to bring a lot more depth along with some closure; whereas the theatrical one just seemed to…yeah…close.

Though, the theatrical one was more intense, and I think it was needed as most people would've walked out of the theatre with the alternative ending saying "that sucked…I hated the ending." I enjoyed the alternate one, but I can see why the other was chosen, and I probably would've have appreciated the alternate if I hadn't seen the theatrical version in the first place.

maverick on Mar 5, 2008

23

To be honest, I think the the theatrical ending is a lot more somber and better overall. I mean Will Smith's character dies in the theatrical ending …. I just think it's a bolder choice.

This one just sort of … ends with the happy "family" driving off.

S Dub on Mar 5, 2008

24

Side thought: Why wasn't Will Smith nominated for Best Actor for his performance as Neville?

http://www.supersatellite.com/2008/03/05/i-am-a-better-legend/

Quicksilver on Mar 5, 2008

25

This was excellent, and added more tone for the audience to feel after watching the movie…


DIDN'T THEY BLOW UP THE BRIDGE THOUGH?!?!

Forrest on Mar 5, 2008

26

Whilst I do prefer the alternative ending, I think I like the threatrical one more on the basis that Neville dies. To be, that makes a massive impact, and I can't tell you how refreshing I found it to see a Hollywood film where the main character doesn't survive for once.

Personally, I would have liked the alternative ending to have Neville executed by the Vamps (I forget the actual name). After glancing at the subject-wall, Neville could easily mumble something like, "What have I done?" or "What have I become?", before being carted off by the vamps or fed on. You could easily have the head Vamp go over to the wall of something, and show that he recognises Neville's acts as murder. This kind of ending would have been a lot more inkeeping with the book, whilst remaining as sombre as the threatrical cut and keeping that fantastic feeling of dispare.

Joseph on Mar 5, 2008

27

This is awesome. I can't tell you how much better this made the movie. I never read the book, but hearing from people who had, and knowing the original premise really made me feel they butchered it. Especially after they claimed they made the first movie adaptation that stuck by the book. The person commenting above me (#23) missed the point. That ending they created changes the story so much, and even pertaining to the title of the movie, that it becomes a different story all together. That moment where he realizes he is the monster and not the hunted, is the ah-ha moment this movie needed. Thanks again for posting this

Josh on Mar 5, 2008

28

I am a huge fan of the big and expressed on many occasions my dislike for the film to Alex.
This ending is better in that it doesn't show the vampires as wild creatures it shows them as a
collective with leaders and such. However….like Alex explained….Neville was the legend.
Legends die….
The introduction of the woman is what really screwed up the movie for me.
If she was like the one in the book and the ending followed the book it would have been a trully great film.

Heckle on Mar 5, 2008

29

This ending was much better. I hated the ending in theaters with the whole community of survivers and stuff. This ending showed some hope but was still very open. Why do studios always have to fuck things up?

Andreas on Mar 5, 2008

30

The theatrical ending wasn't that bad. The alternate ending was better even though I thought realistically they should've killed Neville basically because he's killed so many and their food supply was pretty low. But the alternate ending leaves more room to expand on maybe Neville can return and become this bad ass character he is in the book but then again we've already got a Blade movie so why do another. I'm with Alex, I think the movie was one of the best of 07' National Treasure sucked. They should put the alternate ending back into the movie and release it into the theater again like Michael Clayton.

Tirrell on Mar 5, 2008

31

this ending was so full of win that i'm even more pissed about ending we ere subject to. I wish they would make a real i am ledgend movie that is based directly off the book, or even off the leaked orriginal screenplay (leaving on the tugboat and having an undergrownd sewer city with the creatures in it etc.).

I want a DVD copy of the movie with the alternate ending being used as the actual ending so I don't have to go to special features to watch it.

Avelanch on Mar 5, 2008

32

This ending is far superior. Not because of Neville but what we learn about the infected. They still have a part of humanity and the leaders intentions were more than just get Neville. When Neville glances to the wall of photos of all the infected that he experimented on you can see that he understands that he has lost his humanity as much as them. This ending would have made this film much better. Overall the theatrical ending was just lame, although I didn't mind that Neville died. Will Smith was an amazing force in this film.

E. Jones on Mar 5, 2008

33

This ending is quite amazing. It totally captures the same feel as the ending from the book and at the same time is updated and fits with the rest of the movie. The only reason I can think of that this wasn't used is because they felt they had to dumb the movie down for the masses. Once again the sheeple have ruined a perfectly good movie.

Knightmare on Mar 5, 2008

34

this ending is definitely 1000 times better. this was the ending that should have happened. thanks for showing it to us. i of course would have liked a movie that followed the book a lot closer, but this is fantastic. again, thanks for showing this alternate ending. it's the great ending this movie needed.

julius on Mar 5, 2008

35

While I think this ending would have been an improvement over the one that they actually used, I can honestly say I still wouldn't have liked the movie.

I'm not going to claim any reason other than the book has been one of my favorites since I was young and the movie was just wrong. Will Smith himself did amazingly well. I didn't realize he was that talented an actor, but he is drug down by the fact that everything he's in has to be such a big blockbuster and have lots of CG and a huge budget.

I actually stopped liking the movie as soon as the vampires showed up. They were just wrong. IF you've seen 30 Days of Night (not a spectacular movie in itself really, but… ), the vampires in it, with a tiny bit of tweaking were much closer to what the vampires in this film should have been. I do not and never will understand why they would use all CG to create monsters that are basically sick human beings. It makes no sense and it ruins what little chance this movie had of really sucking you in. And when the woman showed up, it just got even worse. Neville coped entirely to well and too quickly….. okay. I'm going to stop or I could go on and on.

Basically, why take an amazing book and change it so much it barely resembles itself? Hollywood does it over and over and over. It's incredibly frustrating.

XMalice on Mar 5, 2008

36

I didn't like the survival town thing in the theatrical ending. It took the hope out of Anna's character and made it reality. However, I did like that, in the theatrical ending, he finally cured the disease. The blaze of glory was to satisfy the folks who like explosions and violent self-sacrifice, nothing more.

I'm iffy on this alternate ending. I'm probably leaning toward it, though, because it puts more humanity into the vampires and Neville gets out of the situation alive, and is presumably able to continue his research.

Colin Dean on Mar 5, 2008

37

I would have much prefered that ending to the movie.

Dustin on Mar 5, 2008

38

Alex Billington #6, I love the idea of Neville being killed because it simply fits in with the concept and title of the novel and film. For one to truly be a legend, one must be dead or have their existence in question. If Neville lives with Anna and drives away from the vampires in Manhattan, the title comes into question for the viewer as to why the movie is called I Am Legend. It'd be quite difficult for the viewer to connect with the vampires in how they see him as a legend. Certainly, humanity will not see Neville as a Legend if he lives because there are other survivors who should also be called Legends as well. But if Neville dies, then it is easier for the viewer to understand that he is both a legend to humanity and the vampire nation alike.

Matt S. on Mar 5, 2008

39

Yes, the movie was AMAZING. Like many have already mentioned, however, this ending is much, much more fitting. They hinted at the unknown advancement of the "vampires" earlier in the movie, and this ending brings that fulfills that idea. This is way more satisfying. Warner Brothers screwed up.

Evan F. on Mar 5, 2008

40

Obviously someone in WB said "let's finish the movie with a big explosion" and there you have it. This ending is a lot deeper and unveils something that Neville character didn't thinks in the movie: that the beasts doesn't want to be cured.

Reiem on Mar 5, 2008

41

Just the same bull. And you should read the book again. Neville is legend because he is an relict of a former society that doesn‘t exist anymore. He commited suicide.

Mark on Mar 5, 2008

42

I agree with you Alex. This was definitely the ending that we should have seen in theaters. But, like you said, Warner Bros is thinking they made the right choice. A truly satisfying and optimistic ending.

Apples to oranges comparison: I also believe that the alternate ending to "Rocky Balboa" on the DVD was the ending we should have seen at theaters. It was a much more satisfying ending that capped off the franchise. That ending alone would have helped the flick garner bigger box office!

Spider on Mar 5, 2008

43

A much, much better ending.

It was never really explained how or why the vampires (though they weren't really vampires) were so clever in setting traps etc to then just want to tear Neville apart. Showing the Alpha male doing everything he did just to get his woman back shows that they are evolving or that they still have human characteristics.

It shows that Neville was the one out of place not the vamps. He was the last remnant of the past and the world had moved on. Had it been played better, with this ending and the girl not turning up it could have been an awesome twist at the end (just like the book was)

Having such a thoughtful and considered ending makes the clumsy appearance of the woman and them heading off to the safe haven too good. So I know I want everything but in a perfect world it would have had this ending and maybe even Neville just shuffling off to do his own thing, wiser to the fact that life is still going but just fundamentally changed.

What a shame that WB's didn't have the bottle to run with this.

Payne by name on Mar 5, 2008

44

The original ending didn't suck, but this is sooo much better. Thank God for alternate endings!

If you're a drudge fan: drudgetracker.com

Jimmy L on Mar 5, 2008

45

Um, has it been pulled by WB already?

Birdwatching From Mars on Mar 5, 2008

46

I am so sick and tired of going to see movies which work perfectly well up until the end, when you can almost smell the men in suites walk into the cinema and spray their idea of what they think people want all over the place like a wolf marking its territory. I think Frank Zappa called such a phenomena as a 'Cocaine Decision'.

Thank you so much for letting me get a chance to see this otherwise brilliant movie, in the way it was meant to be seen - or at least in the way that actually makes more sense of the entire rest of the plot.

Jim Gardner on Mar 5, 2008

47

Wow, ya, this was waaaaay better of an ending than the theatrical release. This followed closer to the book, compared to the theater release which was a big disappointment for me when I saw the last 10 minutes! I would LOVE to see this put on the dvd as an alternate ending and shoot, even if they were to consider a re-release of sorts! I'm not a huge fan of franchise movies but I think this could have had a continuation in the story if they had wanted to. Will Smith did an excellent job!

Sean on Mar 5, 2008

48

I have NOT read the book so I am not biased in that way, I liked the theatrical version much better, so i guess the original concept is hes a legend to the vampires and not humanity? Uh great? So in other words we all die and Nevelle is a "Legend" to beats that have no real communication skills, how do they pass on legends? in grunts?

And Nevelle just decided oh man i killed vampires with feelings, i guess i should leave them alone and let whatever happens happen, screw that, fight till the end or die trying.

lol I don't know I thought that was a very interesting and cool alternate ending, but like i said i liked the theatrical better.

Richard on Mar 5, 2008

49

While I was watching the movie in theaters, I thought Will Smith's character would give back the vampire's woman seeing as how I thought it was obvious to the audience that was the driving force behind the attacks.

Having him sacrifice himself help the others escape seemed to break the continuity of the story. Now that I have seen the alternate ending, I am more at ease that I was correct in that feeling.

superfob on Mar 5, 2008

50

I don't know. Having read Richard Matheson's book I was fairly disappointed with the movie. It would have been great as a movie unrelated to the book, but I was really looking forward to the final scene of the book when he looks out over the new population of vampires and finally realizes that he has become their legend. I think if nothing else the original ending holds truer to the concept of a legend. He dies to get a cure out etc. While this ending is powerful, I think it strays even more from Matheson's vision.

Liz on Mar 5, 2008

51

I read the book before seeing the movie and loved the book. I enjoyed the movie interpretation on some levels as well. I can see why Hollywood went with the alternate ending of Neville going out in a blaze of glory. This made him so much more the hero. Completely self-sacrificing. And, as someone noted previously, could average joe movie goer have figured out the I Am Legend twist that Neville is a legend to the vampires as a legendary killer? I would hope the answer would be yes, but possibly not. He would might have had to actually state somehow that to the vampires he is a legend for some people to get it.

One thing I didn't like about the alternate ending, was whatsername giving the final broadcast. If Neville is still alive, why wouldn't he do the last one? Why is she suddenly the focus? It was HIS story all along, with either ending. Her speaking the epilogue doesn't make sense to me if he's alive.

I do think having him die makes so much more of a statement. I didn't like the original endings twist on the 'legend' aspect because of how COOL the book ending was. I liked the alternate a bit more, but there was less bittersweet triumph with it since every one is alive and unharmed. Meh. Like the interaction with the head vampire, and the tenderness between him and the female. Really drove home the fact that even though they were very animalistic in nature, they did retain some human nature after all. Or maybe were starting to regain some humanity. That was great.

So, all in all, neither ending was perfect. If I could have mixed and matched a bit, then it would have been perfect, but I was also very spoiled by reading Matheson's original story.

Amber on Mar 5, 2008

52

Wow!

When I saw the Movie in the Theater I, thought Great Cinema, Crappy ending and as a Result I didn't recommend the movie to friends. I Thoght it to downbeat. To Anti and not really complete sort of light a Book were the Author died and they got someone else who didn't get it to write the Last Chapter. This ending has rectified the Movie for me. I hope WB gets it attached to a Directores Cut edition so that one can watch the Movie as it was ment to be.

Y-not

Stephan Hauser on Mar 5, 2008

53

WB made a horrible mistake! This ending would have made the movie much better. Like most people here I felt the end just left you hanging and I hadn't read the book when I saw the movie. I expected this type of ending and was disappointed when it didn't happen. It just makes more sense why things played out the way they did….

Jeff on Mar 5, 2008

54

Wow! Great ending, far better than original.

S?awomir Koz?owski on Mar 5, 2008

55

The theatrical ending was better. People need to realize this was this was the ORIGINAL ending, so "the evil suits" only decided to change it after several complaints received at test showings. Movies aren't made for geeks, a lot of things done in the book would've looked retarded on the big screen. What works inside your mind/imagination, doesn't translate that well in film… take for instance, the way everyone keeps saying "they should've done it just like in the book" - uh, no. You would turn what was a flick almost everyone enjoyed, into a real cartoon fest.

Cesar Manzo on Mar 5, 2008

56

FIRST - as for the guy who ripped your opinion about this being one of the best movies of 2007 and called it one of the worst - Get A Grip!

I love the personal feel to this website and everything about it. Alex didn't ask for opinions about him, it was about the ending. To refer to Alex as an a _______ is out of line.

As for this ending, I preferred this alternate ending to one used in the theaters. It does show that the remaining people do still have a SOUL, unlike real vampires, and not just blood thirsty killers (at least some of them)

The ending in the move was OK, but like others said, very FINITE.

As for the ending in the book, I am maybe one of the few (and do know others who feel the same) that the book ending was screwed up. Why get him all the way through that only to have a new race (execute him for what he did). If the infected still had a soul in the book, then they would have realized the Neville was doing the same thing they would have done if they all believed that the vampires/infected were only out to kill him.

Maybe keep him imprisoned, but not kill him in the book and study why he was never infected.

As for the movie, they could have easily incorporated the vampire/infected becoming the regular race, Neville giving the girl vampire/infected back. AND THEN drive out of the city …. THUS leading to a sequel where he could have been captured on his way to Vermont, leading to interrogations and imprisonment and then taken it from there.

John on Mar 5, 2008

57

SOOOO much better than the ending we saw in theaters. Didn't the ending posted here not test well, so they changed it? If so, what the f*ck was that test audience thinking? I know they didnt choose the alternate ending, but this one, the original, is fantastic and made the movie much better. I want to watch the whole thing over again with this scene included.

Keith on Mar 5, 2008

58

Way to be the man, and get this out to everyone. Youtube had to shut it down b/c of the copyright infringement crap, but thank you for keeping the mirror alive.

As for the alternate ending. OMG. I was floored that this original cut wasn't the final ending! It truly is a testament to how changing anything in a movie just to make money IS THE WRONG WAY TO MAKE MOVIES. It is a shame that WB was the instigator here. I think the facade that all the "dark dwellers" are basically inhuman is greatly contrasted with this ending that proves this wrong and makes Neville the "legend" he is. Great ending. Thanks.

Steve on Mar 5, 2008

59

Great ending, one question, how did they rebuild the bridges so quickly?

Marcus on Mar 5, 2008

60

now that's and ending to a movie that i would have been proud to spend 10 bucks on.

groonk on Mar 5, 2008

61

I think the reason for her doing the epilogue is to trick you for a moment into thinking he died.
Then it gives you the shot of him smiling and she mentions his name.
Besides he recorded the previous message that was broadcast. It was her turn.

heckle on Mar 5, 2008

62

WOW. I was so disappointed with the ending they chose for the theatrical release, but I finally feel like I was vindicated from that with this alternative ending. It explains why that lead vampire (that, to me oddly enough, looks like John Malcovic) went to such extreme lengths to get back his love. That kind of dedication reminds me of What Dreams May Come with Robin Williams.

I absolutely loved the book, and I feel the movie ran as far as it did because it used the name "I Am Legend" as a vehicle to propel it. Finally, with this ending, I'm satisfied with where it led.

PS: Thank you so much for showing me this.

Chinda on Mar 5, 2008

63

This was a fantastic ending. The theatrical version was just too abrupt an end for a character much of he audience had attached themselves through. I'm a huge proponent of killing off a main character if it's appropriate, rather than having Hollywood corporate influence dominate the ending. But there are certain characters who just go through too much for them to have an unhappy ending. It doesn't feel right that after two hours of rooting for this person, fearing for them, actually being on edge when they are on edge, and feeling every emotion they feel so profoundly that they should die and you are left with nothing but those emotions. A sense of accomplishment needed to be felt in I Am Legend, and it is sort of felt in the theatrical version. But in this one, it also humanizes the vampires, if only for a moment, and gives a great deal of development to Neville. This is one character I would not prefer to have dead. The last minute or so though, with the car on the bridge bit, wasn't so appealing. Maybe they should have shot Anna's voice over a montage of her and Neville packing up and cleaning up his house, rather than insert a trite bit of cinema. Overall though, this was a much stronger, much more well-rounded and less hurried ending to an otherwise superb movie and acting effort on the part of Will Smith. Had it not been for that ending, I truly believe he would have at the very least gotten a Golden Globe nomination.

Reza on Mar 5, 2008

64

The bridges thing is a good question.
Also…In the book i can totally see why they would want him dead. He was killing them off.
He was a serial killer. Don't we execute our serial killers?
Oh also….test audiences are often not the people that would normally go see the type of movie they are viewing.
They are often just told that it is a movie with a certain actor and maybe what genre it is.
So they arent the best judges of the films….its a flawed way of testing.

Heckle on Mar 5, 2008

65

Even though the movie wasn't spectacular, this ending would have made up for it plenty. This was a MUCH more emotional and impacting ending that at least payed a little bit of homage to the book it was based after.

Bob Smith on Mar 5, 2008

66

i like this one better, much better!
I completes the movie better.
I would have enjoyed the movie better too. I make have to make my own cut of the film to watch in the future, with this ending.

louis on Mar 5, 2008

67

Here's the mistake I think people are making with this ending: it only really works if you've read the book. Otherwise, it doesn't make a lick of sense. You have to infer so much just based on glances and gestures that you end up scratching your head. Why would Neville apologize to these ruthless monsters? I get the reasoning based on what the book is about, but that's not the story the movie was telling. The filmmakers figured this out, thankfully, in time.

For me, the theatrical ending is so much more powerful. You end up with this science vs. religion thing that was in the movie the whole time, but only very subtly so. And when it fully emerges…I remember thinking to myself, "THAT'S what this movie's about." It becomes about this marriage of science of faith where the legend in "I Am Legend" is the legend of Robert Neville's sacrifice for humanity (making him a Christ figure) and his salvation of it through his work in the lab. I thought it was brilliant and was completely shocked to find out that the novel was otherwise when it seemed so perfect in the story the film presented.

Brock on Mar 5, 2008

68

I liked this ending, however i feel that nevel still should die at the end for his crimes. not out of principal, but to lend the story a more tragic feel. After the vampires kill him ,(if they must keep the woman and the boy in the film and go with the whole survivor storyline to leave room for sequels), they could walk away and leave the woman and boy alone, continuing on with the second ending of driving over the bridge but not finding other people just yet. and for gods sake cut out the over the top voice over.

Dan on Mar 5, 2008

69

I don't like either ending, but since I think the movie was uninspired, I think either ending suits it. There seems to be a lot of talk in these comments about vampires though, so maybe we didn't watch the same movie?

Ponens on Mar 5, 2008

70

that was the ending they should have used, much better then wat they used. I have one thing that i dont like about it tho, at the end when Alice Braga's character starts talking, i think Will Smith should have ended it just my opinion tho still amazingly better then what we saw with the theritical ending.

Curtis on Mar 5, 2008

71

Well, bottom line is it totally saves the film. I had a hard time with the "Scooby Do" monsters….this eased the pain a little. Still really did not enjoy it that much. I really wanted to as well. Still the Batman/Superman logo ad was still one of my favorite segments. But thank you for this, I will pass it on.

Tim Clovefield on Mar 5, 2008

72

This should have been the ending in theaters. In the theatrical ending all of the vampires' behavior was explained away by saying they had socially degenerated. This actually explained why the lead vampire kept returning to try and kill Neville personally.

Cioeboy on Mar 5, 2008

73

Love the alt ending. The release ending left me disappointed and feeling the movie was uncomplete. Thanks for showing us the "true" ending.

Chad on Mar 5, 2008

74

Thank you for posting this article as I completely agree that the theatrical ending we saw was not good. I didn't read the book so I was judging the film completely on it's merit. I enjoyed it up until the ending where I thought he needed to survive and make his way to the colony. Ideally I was hoping for a little bit more even from the alternative ending. Obviously this film is not CHILDREN OF MEN and I think I set my standards to that movie every time now. The raw emotion you feel when Clive Owen delivers the girl up the stream and to the ship is unsurpassed. Unfortunately LEGEND was never gonna deliver this kind of power and the ending in either form is anti-climactic. CHILDREN OF MEN mixes the sadness of Owen's death with the joy and optimism for the future of the human race. In the actual theatrical ending of LEGEND, its wrong that Smith dies. But in the alternative ending it can't avoid but be happy and cheesy as they sit in the car smiling at one another. All in all LEGEND is a fun flick that would have benefitted from the alternative ending but not been made great..

Dom on Mar 5, 2008

75

Wow, this ending was awesome. I was a fan of the movie overall. I understood why they took the movie in the direction that they did in order to make it appeal to a broader audience. But I think that they could and should have kept this original ending to the film. The ending to the theatrical version was the one slightly disappointing part of the film. I am glad that I got to see this version, as it is much better.

NamelessTed on Mar 5, 2008

76

well….I thought the film was…okay. I'm so damn done with bleak endings, no more mankind, etc. Yeah, sorry kidsNational Treasure was dopey at times, but more "fun" at least.
Really now. Sure the we become the monsters (or Neville becomes the monster) and the infected vamp-like ones are the 'new society.' bullshit. What society? I've readmany of Matheson's works, including his original novel for this but….
this ending is more 'satisfying' in its own way. I'm all for humanity still existing, no coming to end replaced by these creatures. Perhaps it's because I'm a parent and not just some sci-fi fanboygeekola. Will Smith did a great job in the film, I just found it, again unsatisfying. But not as horrible as Cloverfield. Asked for money back, though the theater manager wouldn't do it because we'd stayed for the whole film, taking no responsibility for running what was ultimately crap. But that's another debate, ain't it?

crankyoldguy on Mar 5, 2008

77

This was the right way to end this movie. I won't buy a DVD of it unless there is a version with this one restored, not just as an 'option' to watch separately.

Ranson on Mar 5, 2008

78

SO much better!

Also, this alternative ending opens the opportunity for a sequel, something the studio should have thought of.

Tortuca on Mar 5, 2008

79

I just don't understand why it would have been that hard to follow Matheson's concept. Braga's character is in on it. She has evolved further than first generation vampires. She becomes the narrative voice explaining why Neville had to be executed at the end.

This is the kind of stuff that drives me crazy about science fiction getting translated into films by major studios. Matheson wraps the vampire convention in a plausible life-science scenario of genetic mutation and species evolution. It's a big idea kind of book. And it builds and it builds and it builds and you have no idea where it is going until wham! You are on the last page and there is the big reveal and it is over and there you sit - astounded by what Matheson has pulled off. Something you never see coming. Just like the ending of The Sixth Sense.

Imagine if the movie studio heads determined in the end that audiences weren't smart enough to understand what M. Night Shamalayan was doing in The Sixth Sense and told him to erase the part about Bruce Willis's character being dead - scratch that part. Let him solve the murder mystery conventionally and become a fond uncle to Haley Joe Osment's character. I can hear them: "Let's let him watch the young man mature and live happily with his wife into the future. Much brighter that way. Audiences like bright." That is essentially what happened to I Am Legend. Some studio head at Warner Bros. decided that people were incapable of handling a big idea movie and instead settled for science fiction movie conventional ending #435. I was fuming when I left the theatre. They took an amazing plot and eviscerated it. And that happens all the time.

This modified ending helps some, but still leaves so much that could have been great unrealized.

Tim on Mar 5, 2008

80

I love this ending. I thought the theatrical ending was a cheap gimmick, and that Neville never really "got" the real truth of what was going on. In this ending, he did. Amazing.

Ingrid on Mar 5, 2008

81

I honestly thought the original ending was much better, this one was kind of bad. not gonna lie

Dan on Mar 5, 2008

82

this ending was better than the first but still missed the point of the book. he only becomes a legend through his death. the world has started over and left him behind as civilization has found another way and he is the only thing left for them to fear. so with his death he becomes the story that a new culture will tell scary stories about. the ending would have been perfect the way it was envisioned by the author. before seeing the movie i imagined a beautiful scene of will smith accepting and going to face his imminent death and finally speaking the same simple words that ended the book so powerfully. "Full circle. A new terror born in death, a new superstition entering the unassailable fortress of forever. I am legend."

Daniel on Mar 5, 2008

83

This was the way the movie should have ended. It's SOOOOOO much better. Just watching the alternate ending made me change the way I thought about that movie. IT's now so much better, I hope the DVD has that version of the ending as a choice for you when you watch the DVD. I hope you can select that as the version cause it would make me go out a buy the DVD. That was the real ending as far as I'm concerned. FANTASTIC!

Tim on Mar 5, 2008

84

i think the final cut shown to us made sense without knowledge of the book. i think that's why they did it that way. if you had not explained what was in the book, i would not have entirely understood this version and would have had to guess why things were happening. but all that aside, this version was powerful and broke the cycle of the same ol' ending. i would have been happy with either ending. on a side note: i like how Neville flinched when the other Vampire creatures tried to spook him. showing he's not in control of the situation and is vulerable.

craziemutant on Mar 5, 2008

85

bottom line, they trashed several classic movies and made a horrible version of Money Making Crap.

I thought Will Smith had better morals.

This movie (and all of your 'awesome' reviews) makes me embarrased to share a love for film with such kooks

dan on Mar 5, 2008

86

This ending was definitely superior. The one in theaters was so bad I laughed my dick off. What kind of frag grenade blows up like a nuke? Get dicked on WB.

Dick on Mar 5, 2008

87

regardless of the book this ending was far better than the original

payton pickard on Mar 5, 2008

88

A friend of mine sent me this page because I complained about the ending and as an aspiring writer and director, I told him how it should've ended, just like this cut!

I have never read the original novel, I just deduced that the ending should have the vampires more humane since that's how the entire movie played them out to be, that they weren't mindless. And that the boss dude was in fact the lover of the girl.

Why Francis Lawrence didn't allow this scene in the final cut is just perplexing…

But it has made me happy that I have a similar vision to the original's idea and they chose to film it.

Bernard Lau on Mar 5, 2008

89

I much prefer this ending - what a great twist to turn him into the monster. It would be better though if the lead vampire wasn't a spitting image of Ted Danson - mannerisms and all.

nathan on Mar 5, 2008

90

When watching the film in the theater I immediately picked up on the relationship between the head vampire and the captured test subject. That was further reinforced with "kidnapped mannequin" sequence. When none of that was paid off at the end of the film I was let down, even confused by it.

This ending is SOOoo much more emotionally satisfying I can't find words to express it.
My hope is that this will be an extra on the DVD release, then I'll just cut the film together the way I had hoped to see it in the first place.

If it isn't an extra to allow that to be an option, then I won't bother picking up the DVD at all, because the way that it was released in the theaters was a "fine ride", but ultimately not worth my owning it. I know I just wouldn't bother watching it with that unsatisfying ending.

Dinosaur Dan on Mar 5, 2008

91

I like this ending WAAAAAY more. It gives a more human feel to the ending of the movie. The ending in this movie was way too simple and Hollywood like.

Mac on Mar 5, 2008

92

That was SOOOOOOOOOO much better than that piece of crap ending in the theater…

Bill on Mar 5, 2008

93

In most cases, mass media has to follow a fixed format in order to successfully integrate into the market. The alternative ending does not follow the "golden rules" that make a product viable to the "dreaded" lowest common denominator (read: profitable). This is the sole reason WB consistently "slaughters" fantastic creative works in a rather predictable manner, regardless of artistic merit and plot integrity the deviations are required for a return on the millions of dollars invested in production. I'm sure it's a fantastic book, but intellectually challenging epic novels will rarely (if ever) make it to blockbuster level following the original storyline verbatim.

MEOWCHiX on Mar 6, 2008

94

…they ruined the movie.

They RUINED the freaking movie.

For WEEKS after seeing the film, the lack of this very type of connection irritated me. I needed to see the connection between Neville and the lead infected. I needed to see the point at which Neville realized that they HAD retained their humanity. I needed to see the point at which Neville realized that the lead infected was simply trying to rescue his love. Neville never should have died…that ruined the entire concept.

Thank you. This has literally rescued the movie. If there's a petition to get a release of this movie with the alternate ending, point me in the right direction. I need to sign it.

THIS MOVIE NEEDS TO BE SEEN WITH THE PROPER ENDING.

Gordon on Mar 6, 2008

95

I have never read the book or seen other incarnations of the movie…The Will Smith I Am Legend is the only reference for this story that I have - that said, I really enjoyed about 50% of this movie. The first half was superb, conveyed emotion and held my interest. The moment the woman and her child were introduced I began to get bored and started to dislike the story. You could see where it was going - nowhere good. The ending turned out to be ridiculous as expected, and defeated the first half of the movie that I had really enjoyed. I had hoped that the lead male mutant would back off after seeing that Neville had cured his mate and that Neville would become legend in the eyes of the cured vampires…As the female he had cured related his story at the end. I would have really liked that to have been the end, but alas, it was not to be…And the woman and her child as well as the sudden religous themes at the end ruined the movie. This alternate ending is, in my opinion, better than the theatrical one by far - but is still not precisely what I was hoping for after watching the first 50% of I Am Legend…Had they allowed Will to truly be the last man on earth this movie would have been great, however it will now go down as mediocre and poorly ended.

SOMEONE on Mar 6, 2008

96

Hi,

I have not read the book, i thought the first ending SUCKED and ruined the whole move. I actually left, not liking the film, probably only because the last 10 minutes just plain sucked.

This ending is much better. and I see it as bring much more hopeful, a scientist who discovered the cure and knows how to administer it, as opposed to the movie's ending where he gives some info, kills himself and hopes someone can figure it out.

Either way I'm intrigued to read the book… and Omega Man was still 100x better than this film!!!

Chris on Mar 6, 2008

97

Yeah this was deff a way better ending i mean come on his dog dying was enough sad dramma then him dying too nah way to much at that point i was like oh nah they didnt need 2 do that… but this ending saves tha day and i think its 100 times better ……wmhs is da click dat i roll wit …..

canadian kid on Mar 6, 2008

98

I think some people are really missing the point. This end states clearly that Neville is the monster, hence the 'I am legend' title. Without this ending the title and film makes no sense at all.

Tim on Mar 6, 2008

99

All I can say is wow. That was a better ending by far. There was so much feeling and struggle in that six minutes that would have pushed that movie over the top. Hell I probably would have seen it a few more times in the theater instead of saying at the end, I might buy it. thank you.

azriel on Mar 6, 2008

100

That was a stupid ending. The theatrical release was actually a more daring attempt because it wasn't such a sappy ending…

Harner on Mar 6, 2008

101

Come to think of it, these comments must be fake. This ending is the one that seems cheap and tacked on. The original unhappy ending was the correct and brave choice. Bravo WB.

Harner on Mar 6, 2008

102

Now that ending is a hell of alot better then the theatrical cut it should have been used because I wasn't exspecting thr hero to die at the end.

Carl on Mar 6, 2008

103

Better than the original ending, but still not what it could have been.
From the moment the woman and child were introduced the movie went downhill.

I agree wholeheartedly with post #79

chris on Mar 6, 2008

104

We constantly berate studios for NOT taking risks when it comes to their main characters. Well WB chose to kill their lead in the end and it ruined the ending of this movie.

This alternate was everything I look for it was shocking yet touching, bold yet understated.

I really wish they would have gone with this ending b/c after a great ride the movie fell flat in the last 10 minutes.

lib4 on Mar 6, 2008

105

this ending was truly amazing, like 100 times better than the other, the other ending never actually made sense to me, even though the movie itself up until the ending was awesome, so this changes my once clouded opinion of this movie to it being totally amazing with this ending!!

rayhaan on Mar 6, 2008

106

The alternate ending is controversial and I loved it!!! Not even close to being as harsh as the book, but a twist reality whose really the villian now….. still a PG-13 ending, but that's the demographic the film industry is pandering to.

Vinny on Mar 6, 2008

107

That was really interesting. And I'm quite surprised most of you like this "happy ending" more than the one released. I really enjoyed the movie, I don't love it or anything, but it has many interesting things.
The way the story goes, there is no way it can end in a fully-happy-fashion.

As I said, it was really cool watching this alternative, but it's not quite believable to me. The mad zombie/vampires getting emotional? It makes no sense at all. Too much touchy-feeling to me. Robert Neville has nothing else to live for, his family is dead, he had to kill his dog (SPOILERS!). How can he be smiling in his SUV with his "new" family? It seems like a happy advertising.

The one released isn't perfect, but I think is much more close to the original intention of the novel. There is no concept of legend here.

Sam on Mar 6, 2008

108

Just to clarify..You consider a man coming to the realization that he's experimented on & tortured dozens of sentient beings as opposed to raging monsters a 'happy ending'???

The point of the story is that he's now in the minority..The legend element is what he perceives to be monsters are now the dominant species and they tell stories of him. He kidnaps and murders their kind, thats his 'legend'. The title and whole point of the story is him coming to this realization.

If he blows himself up with a grenade, how exactly is he supposed to find out how they perceive him?

I cant read these posts anymore. I despair.

Tim on Mar 6, 2008

109

Scott, you are way out of line.

People can have different opinions about movies without running the risk of being labeled assholes or fucktards. Grow up.

Mike on Mar 6, 2008

110

I watched the movie and I personally expected more…. but if this alternative ending was placed into the movie, it would have been a lot better.. I really liked it

jose on Mar 6, 2008

111

Thanks for showing us this version.

I never read the book so I saw the I Am Legend film for what it was. I have to say I greatly enjoy the theatrical versions ending much more. It was tragic to see the Robert Neville die but at the same time it was refreshing for a movie. With this version Robert Neville lives but it just seems to come to a to common ending, they leave, Robert Neville lives and rides out with his new family to the survivors colony.

The theatrical versions ending is so much better, it seems different from the typical Hollywood movies ending. I might be in the minority though, I've shown this version to some family members and they seem to like it simply because Robert Neville lives.

Hans on Mar 6, 2008

112

Love it,,,

Jacob on Mar 6, 2008

113

Legend was a complete rip off of 28 days/28 weeks. STOP THIEF!

Lis on Mar 6, 2008

114

this ending is a million times better!!!

timaree on Mar 6, 2008

115

"I Am Legend" was written in 1954, you dumbass. 28 Days/Weeks Later were both made after 2000.

Lis is an idiot. on Mar 6, 2008

116

The altenate ending is definitely better but it doesn't save the movie for me. The ending of the book is much more powerful, that ending ligltly touches it, but it's still too light. In the end, Neville should be the monster without ambiguity, anything else and the point is moot.

Corbor on Mar 6, 2008

117

I feel like it's hard for this movie, considering the book was so breathtaking. While this new ending doesn't necesasrily SAVE the movie from what happened to it (unecessary character additions,) I think it certainly allows for a much more moving, engaging conclusion to the story.
I wasn't the biggest fan of Neville's "FIRE TACKLE" in the long run.
As a reinterpretation of the book, I really quite like this film. This made things a bit better for me.


–IK

Ian on Mar 6, 2008

118

I believe the original ending is the best way to show our emotional to our kinds from all races that we are humans already. Today, we faced war every where. I found the theatrical ending so similar to our today situation in the reality. Fight them, kill them, and having a castle for survivours. But the original's , I think, is trying to show us a balance between good things and bad things. Every one has a right for living even, vampires. We can not find peace in a castle which is so similar to a home, we can find it in a balanced world.
Finally, I perefer the original ending. It was great. Thank you.

Mehraz on Mar 6, 2008

119

The theatrical ending was sloppy and lazy. I liked this ending much better.

Ryan on Mar 6, 2008

120

This ending far surpassed the theatrical ending. As someone who was a fan of the book well before the movie was even announced, I truely wanted to love absolutely everything about this movie before I even saw it. After watching it, I did love it, but was definitely let down with the ending. This new ending, however, completely changes the tone of the film. For the better. Bravo and thanks for sharing this.

shaun mcalister on Mar 6, 2008

121

This unreleased ending fits the movie better!! It already alluded multiple times to leader wanting the girl back. It played off of his last bit of humanity (and his growing intelligence in how he went about getting her back) and how he was like Dr. Neville, who had lost his own family in the tragedy that spawned the "vampires." The theatrical ending, although fittingly depressing in terms of Dr. Neville's character, just never really did it for me, and it was abrupt.

I grow really tired of dumb suits who focus on money and know nothing of art and story attempting to dumb down the American audience, or consider us idiots to begin with who can't handle "complicated endings." You know, Shakespeare remains timeless for a reason and he was far from simple-minded in his writing. Hollywood keeps trying to clone Pixar's success but never realizes what makes Pixar's soul isn't computer animation but great story telling that doesn't dumb it down for the audience. Computer animation just happens to be the medium they like to tell their stories through–and they use that tool damn well.

Art on Mar 6, 2008

122

Jeez, we're all such moviemaking experts! Maybe I'm a sucker, but I'm baffled by people who bash this movie with such severity. I found it totally engaging; for 2 hours, I didn't worry about work, bills, the government, etc. I was completely entertained. I like the book, and even the Omega Man flick, but I watched this movie for what it is, for what it tries to be. Yeah, we could probably do without the woman showing up, and somehow saving the main character, but sheesh, minor point. Will Smith was terrific in the part, and as someone who lives in NYC, it was pretty neat to see him zipping thru Times Square hunting deer.

But anyway, thanks for posting this alt ending. It puts a whole different twist on the story.

Citizen54 on Mar 6, 2008

123

I liked this one better. The ending in the movie was too abrupt for me, and the idea that you could reverse those types of "symptoms" was beyond belief.

And I think there was enough death in the movie, without Neville having to die at the end, too. The fact that the dog was sacrificed on the alter of "art" was more than heart-wrenching to me. I'm just glad Neville didn't have a cat!

But I'm so glad you shared this alternate ending. I'm sure it will make it's way onto the DVD version, but I would have rather my theater experience ended this way than the ending they chose.

RStewie on Mar 6, 2008

124

Why the fuck didn't they show this on the big screen? A million times better than the theatrical cut with the bullshit semi-religious ending!

The alternate ending leaves a nice possibility for a sequel too.

Kenneth on Mar 6, 2008

125

I was very disappointed by this film originally but this ending mitigates it somewhat. there were just too many dense stupid things done by a man who otherwise was doing loads of intelligent things. Not anyway near enough action for this type of film or enough tension instead of action.

I haven't read the book but of course am aware of it and the impact it had upon publication etc. Am i wrong in thinking that neville went round the world raizing cities to the ground a la I am destoyer of worlds. If so that would have been much better than resorting to the cliche of another survivor coming to his rescue in his hour of need. but hey that's hollywood cater to the lowest common denominator

bboy on Mar 6, 2008

126

That's incredible. I would have MUCH rather seen this ending than the crap they are feeding us at the theaters! In all honesty, I was so disappointed after watching the movie the first time … and I honestly think that I would have liked a LOT better had they kept the original ending!

Nicki on Mar 6, 2008

127

Holy crap that was awesome.

Joseph on Mar 6, 2008

128

I think the theatrical ending fit more with the theme's that were emphasized throughout the movie. ie. saving humanity, finding the survivor city, etc. The ending that was used made the story feel complete and tied up most loose ends (this coming from someone who hasn't read the book and didn't know what the story was about until now). Now that I know what the real story was about the alternate ending is incredible and completes the story so much better. But of course Hollywood is all about making money and chose the ending that they thought would appease the masses.


How did they cross the blown up bridges in the end??Haha

Lori on Mar 6, 2008

129

What do you think of this new ending and would you have preferred it in the theaters?

I almost cried - that is the way the movie should have ended.

Oh hell yes I would have preferred it in the theater. Hey, Hollywood - we're adults and we prefer being treated that way.

Brian Dunbar on Mar 6, 2008

130

Charlton Heston should not have gone from Hollywood.

drancope on Mar 6, 2008

131

At the theatre I felt ripped off by the cost of the ticket, which tends to sour me on going back to the theatre for a while. This ending would not have given me that feeling. I'm vindicated though thinking about the gate receipts that I have withheld as a consequence of WB making a totally irrational decision that resulted in ruining the movie.

Doug on Mar 6, 2008

132

Fact: The alt. ending is much better then the one potrayed in theaters.

Mike on Mar 6, 2008

133

Alternate ending preferred by myself and at least 5 other folks I've shown it to.

Jon on Mar 6, 2008

134

I like this ending MUCH better than the theatre one. I really enjoyed the entire movie in the theatre, but I felt like the ending was a bad cut and paste job. Now I know why. It was. All of the foreshadowing throughout the movie makes this the natural and more satisfying end. Too bad they had to "lowest common denominator" it at the last minute. As far as it not sticking to the book…honestly, have you ever seen a movie that did? You just have to accept them as totally seperate entities and it usually makes both much more enjoyable.

Cat on Mar 6, 2008

135

I loved the original ending and feel cheated that the powers that be felt it necessary to change it.
I was shocked at the ending in the theatre and felt like it ended too abruptly. This ending fits so much better than the one they chose to show us.

Wow what a mistake they made in not showing us the original ending!

Jeanie on Mar 6, 2008

136

Sheer Awesome.
Much better than the original ending, and Im glad that it'll be appearing on the DVD.

I'll be picking it up.

Neef on Mar 6, 2008

137

I really like this ending!! I read a part of the book but not the whole thing. I like this ending because it further affirms the fact that the lead "vampire" was just trying to get his woman back. I thought the part when Neville says to the camera that because the vampire exposed himself to the light that he'd lost all human charchteristics, made it seem like the vampires were animals. When, in fact, anyone with a brain could see that the male was hurt, angry that Neville had taken her. I, personally thought, that because the lead male thought his girl was dead that he wanted to hurt Neville in the same way by some how killing the dog (which, by the way, had me sobbing in the movie theater).
I didn't like the chick showing up just like that all of a sudden, but reading all of your comments about an evolved female who takes Neville back to the rest of the vampires, makes sense. And this ending gave me that AHA feeling. I understand why he was legendary. Because he was a Serial Killer.

The theatrical ending wasn't bad, but this one is makes alot of sense and it definately would've been a gamble.

ALMA on Mar 6, 2008

138

Wow. This is probably the best alternate ending I have ever seen. To me, it ties up the movie miles better than the theatrical version. I was extremely moved by the character interaction as well, and it really leaves me more satisfied at the end. WB needs to see this.

Chris on Mar 6, 2008

139

This is the better ending, definitely and makes more sense based on the setup IN the movie. The fact that the movie completely drops the intelligent monster aspect lead to a fight within our group of whether or not the vampire intentionally set the trap for Will. It seemed like he did but then why have that aspect and no follow up, and further why make it a point to say that the vampires aren't intelligent after we clearly saw that they were! Not only was this ending better but, to me, the ending in the film made no sense whatsoever. With that said, I still found the reveal of the human woman completely lame if they weren't going to go the way of the book and how did she even get to Manhattan if all the bridges were blown up?

Mel on Mar 6, 2008

140

To those saying this alternate ending was "rosey" compared to the final theatrical ending got it backwards. In this alternate ending, Neville realizes he is the monster, when he looks up at the wall observing all his previous "failed" experiments. He recounts the the acts he's committed through THEIR eyes instead of his own and realizes. We are then left with the thought that.. humanity is doomed. Possible coexistence is possible but we dont know if any of those immune are still alive besides the three as they drive away.

I cant even believe they chose that popcorn crap ending over this one, did they even read the book? I mean… did they even understand the relevance of the title? They spun it completely the wrong way and nutured the story entirely.

WAaaaaaaaay better on Mar 6, 2008

141

They called THAT the "controvercial" ending!? and the ending where they glorify a suicide bomber and make him the hero is. . . what? Seeing the film in the cinema was a big let down. They took a good book and twisted it into a generic Hollywood everyfilm. Too bad, could've been awesome

Richard on Mar 6, 2008

142

I really loved this ending, it was much more emotional and really would have made the movie, just that damn much better.

Chuck on Mar 6, 2008

143

I much prefer that ending. I too felt the one in the film was rushed and abrupt. I preferred seeing the humanity left in those with the infection.

Nicola Ball on Mar 6, 2008

144

Much better than the twee small town USA dross we had to sit through at the cinema, had this been the ending I would have enjoyed the move a lot more.

praxis22 on Mar 6, 2008

145

I did not read the book but I have to agree that this alternate ending is much better. When I watched it at the theatre I was drawn in to the film up until the ending. It didn't seem to really fit. I am really looking forward to reading the book to see the different dinamics. Thanks for putting this out there.

Happy on Mar 6, 2008

146

This actually changed my mind about the movie.

Much more superior- much more emotional. Makes you ACTUALLY care.

douche bag on Mar 6, 2008

147

This ending is amazing!

Tommy Villarreal on Mar 6, 2008

148

I liked everything about the theatrical version including the ending, however I do prefer this ending for a few reasons that have already exhaustively been mentioned. I liked the visualization of the remaining human nature shown in the infected. I liked when Neville was made aware of the type of legend he was viewed as from the infected point of view. The only major part of the book missing now would be the execution of Neville, which should have been ordered by the lead Vampire after retrieving the female, & the fact that Neville should have been portrayed as the last human on earth.

Alex, the theatrical version still should have easily made the "best of 07" list.

Sinner on Mar 6, 2008

149

I never read the book, any reviews or even saw any previews before watching this movie, so I came to it totally clean.

It was amazing! I`m quite hard to please with movie's.

firstly, can I ask people to stop calling them "Zombie's" or "Vampires". I hate that. They were diseased and mutated human beings, extremely infa-red light sensitive, stronger and more violent. Even a major film reviewer (Julie something) on ABC tv here in Australia got it totally wrong, and called them Zombie's. She canned the whole movie because of it, that this guy was trying to save the Zombies blah blah blah. Totally missed the point.

Secondly, I think the best ending (for me), having seen both versions, would be for a mixture of the two:
- Will tells the chick and boy to open the door for him, then shut it and get into the oven thing.
- Will takes the mutant lady out etc. Near the end of Will sees the wall of 'trophies'.
- When the mutant boss leaves, the others go to rip Will apart, and then Will sets off his hidden explosives and blows himself and the rest of them away.
- Chick drives off like above, movie ends as above (but without Will). Although I didn't mind that she found a virus-free colony somewhere in the original ending, I think it would be more interesting (and maybe lead into another movie) for her not to have tied up the whole story like that. I suppose they had to though, as Will's blood was needed as the cure, and he can't have died in vain.

If it had to be a choice between the two endings, it's a tough one, but maybe the one they didn't use would have been better purely for the fact about the message of Will being the cruel and violent one (even if his cause was just), and setting it up for a sequel. They have to make a sequel, surely.

But yeah, do a better job on the mutant cgi. I think they did a very good job on the movements and facial animations etc (definitely scared me), but the textures were too plasticky.

Gary Storm on Mar 6, 2008

150

Although I liked I Am Legend, that ending made it waaaay better. Way better.

Landon on Mar 6, 2008

151

The book concept has the idea that Neville is now the legend in their myth, for he is the minority of reality. But this alternate ending while good has no bearing on that point it just shows that Neville has finally realized he under estimated their intelligence and worth as people and is willing to be the better man and be diplomatic to the creatures.

This still has nothing to do with the concept of becoming a legend. Overall in vampire lore, there aren't points where the vampires (being the minority, the legend to humans) stop and go "maybe the humans aren't so bad after all" "maybe I will stop thinking of them as inferior". lol and no where in this alternate ending do they make an references to being or becoming a legend. So while good, this alternate ending doesn't add to the movie nor does it stay more true to the book, we already knew the infected were smarter then Neville assumed, we already knew that the Alpha was coming for his woman (hence that he loved her) the only difference is that Neville doesn't die which is not true to the book and we still don't get an accurate sense of what it means to become a Legend like the book's concept.

Teno on Mar 6, 2008

152

So since there isn't a filmed ending that is exactly like the book, if I had to choose between the theatrical and the alternate, I would choose theatrical. Because this version is happy go lucky everyone wins, Neville doesn't become a legend in any sense whatsoever and from all appearances no one finds a cure either.

Teno on Mar 6, 2008

153

Oh and the last thing, I see a lot of comments saying "this version made me care more" well in either version we know the Alpha male is coming for the female infected, just in the theatrical version he never accomplishes his goal but that doesn't mean he didn't love her. And if the theatrical version made you not care, does that mean you only care if people live? and when Neville dies you don't care? hmmmmmmmm…..

Teno on Mar 6, 2008

154

This ending is marginally better, but the movie is still a crap festival that bears no relation to the book it is supposedly based on.

Skullfuc| on Mar 6, 2008

155

I liked it as it was shown in the theatre and with the alternate ending. But it is irrelevant which ending anyboby likes. The part that didn't make sense to me was Neville getting caught by the vampires. That whole trap stunk. When that dummy appeared out of nowhere on the street, his thought would have been "TTTRRRRAAAPPP". His sense of self preservation suddenly eclipsed by the emotional bond he had with a mannikin? Give me a break. OK, so they copied his trap. They were watching him like a hawk. They might have noticed he always carried a flamestick or boomstick or one of those AK-47s. The vampires might have gone looking for some of those. Do you follow me?
One night while Rob is kicking back in the tub with Fido, the Vampires blow into town and start capping all the mannikins they can train their sights on. We get the usual scene where the protagonist starts stuffing every armament known to man in his shorts and bolts out of the house
guns blazing. Nev is wasting hundreds of these twitchy fuckers when suddenly the head vampire arrives, grunts up and pulls a Browning out his asscrack. Everybody dies in a blaze of gunfire.
The "Hollywood" ending we all know and love.
OR…..
We could beg Hollywood to apply the "Home Alone" ending to this movie. Robbie gives the bastards whatfor with swinging paintcans, tarpits, bricks, flaming rope and "Snakes" with his lousy cheating on the countdowns. All the vampires get picked up by the cops and Robbies mom and dad finally get back from Paris.
I'd let one sneaky vampire bite Buzzs' head off at the end for that last thrill that tells us the whole damn thing ain't never gonna end.

Yeti on Mar 6, 2008

156

That is the ending I wanted to see in the theatre. Just so much better. Wow.

Seth on Mar 6, 2008

157

If they'd wanted an ending like that, they never should've dumbed-down the vampires. There just wasn't enough time devoted to them to make that ending seem plausible to audiences.

"Because this version is happy go lucky everyone wins, Neville doesn't become a legend in any sense whatsoever and from all appearances no one finds a cure either."

Agree completely. There is no "legend" in this version of the ending. This whole thing just reeks of too many cooks, and it's a shame they wasted yet another opportunity to actually film the book's ending. It would be different if someone could actually come up with something better, but after three attempts, no one has.

James on Mar 6, 2008

158

I agree with what most folks were saying. I loved I Am Legend, and I thought Will Smith was amazing in it, but the ending did not sit well with me. It just didn't seem to follow through with where the rest of the film was going. But THIS ending follows through. I love this ending. Please, WB, release this cut.

Carrie on Mar 6, 2008

159

There is one continuity error with this ending. It shows them DRIVING OUT OF TOWN OVER THE MANHATTAN BRIDGE. Earlier on in the movie, it was clearly indicated, and, in the case of the Brooklyn Bridge, shown, that the Air Force destroyed all of the bridges connected to Manhattan.

Brandon on Mar 6, 2008

160

To be completely honest, this was the ending that I expected to see in the movie. Everyithing pointed to it. It was obvious to me that the head "vampire" was there for the love of the woman stolen from him. I was surprised that Neville never caught on to this, and that they ended the film the way they did.

John on Mar 6, 2008

161

Wrong Teno & James. This new ending shows more clearly why he would be concidered a legend. He's not a legend b/c he found a cure. He's a legend in the infected eyes b/c he has hunted & killed so many of thier kind in broad daylight w'out being hurt. He is the last of a species & they do not understand why he captures & kills them. Like the book say's, & Alex points it out as well, Robert Neville is "legendary" because he is that myth that goes out day after day hunting them.

Sinner on Mar 6, 2008

162

The altered theatrical version was a departure from the book's conclusion, but so was the original (alternate) ending we see here (Neville lives). I do prefer the alternate ending though, as Neville appears to understand his "social de-evolution" as much as the apparent cultural de-evolution of the nocturnal zombie's.

The theatrical version misses the book's epilogue of demonstrating the nature of the (de)evolving zombie culture and their view of Neville's predation on their species; the primary head zombie character, his mate, and Neville