Riffing on The Last Man On Earth and Charlton Heston's Omega Man, the story follows military scientist Robert Neville (Smith) as he attempts to find a cure to a global disease that has wiped out most of the world's population.

After three years of desertion, nature has started to reclaim New York City. But Neville is far from alone. When darkness falls, the infected remains of the human race come out to feast on the living.
Devoted to his quest to put things right, can he save the planet before it's too late?

You could be forgiven for thinking that the concept of a virus turning humans into killing machines that spread infection is starting to become a little worn - especially with films like 28 Days (and Weeks) later and the Resident Evil franchise storming the cinemas.
But the hype can certainly be justified.

A non-linear narrative that chops between the panic ridden streets of NY as the disease takes grip, and the desolate emptiness of the after effect is a pleasure to watch; producing mind blowing visuals through the disconcerting absence of people that are akin to Vanilla Sky's 'Times Square' sequence.

Following up his successful comic book adaptation Constantine, director Francis Lawrence has toned down his super slick music-video style to make a genuinely gripping and engrossing thriller.

Gone is the over stylized camera work and throbbing colour; replaced by gritty handheld juxtaposed against a subtle use of special effects to create 'impossible angles' that keep visual interest.

Keeping everything together is Smith, who continues to push the envelope with acting skill in what is essentially a one man show.
Portraying a man on the edge of sanity through loneliness and bringing motivation to his crazed determination to find a cure, he yet again shows his prowess at bringing quality as well as box office draw.

Although the CGI work on the infected may not quite hold the level of realism required, and an arguably rushed ending brings may leave you wanting more, nevertheless, I Am Legend is still an envelope-pushing thrill ride that shows there is still life in the zombie genre yet.

8/10 - Jaw-dropping scenes and a terrifying premise makes it a worthy remake.