The last apparent survivor is scientist Robert Neville (Will Smith).  The new holiday season sci-fi, I AM LEGEND follows Neville’s survival in NYC as the human population is devastated by a deadly virus that transforms the infected into zombie-like monsters.  Neville broadcasts on a.m. radio daily with the hope of finding other immune survivors while at the same time experimenting for a cure.  As the film begins, he roams the empty streets and buildings of NYC (though the book is set in L.A.) with his faithful dog, Sam. 

I AM LEGEND is somewhat similar in feel to 28 DAYS LATER.  I am not familiar with NYC as I am with London.  But when I watched Danny Boyle’s 28 DAYS LATER, I was really amazed at viewing the deserted streets of busiest London - something that I will never see.  I am sure those who know NYC will feel the same.  Warner Bros. reported spent an estimated $5 million for a 6 night shoot in New York involving the Brooklyn Bridge. To film in this location, the producers needed the approval of up to 14 government agencies.

Unfortunately, I AM LEGEND is nothing audiences have not seen before in one form or another. The nightmare sequences are reminiscent of THE OMEGA MAN with Charlton Heston.  The screaming sunlight fearing creatures attack like the zombies in the recent 30 DAYS OF NIGHT.  As the film stars Will Smith, who again does a marvellous job as a caring father figure, one knows that he is going to survive all the nasties in the end.  He incurs quite a bit of injuries though.  The action sequences are exciting enough though director Lawrence is fond of jolting the audience out of their seats with clichéd shock tactics.

I AM LEGEND is the second remake of the Richard Matheson book of the same name.  THE LAST MAN ON EARTH (1954) was the first.  But I prefer classic THE OMEGA MAN (1971) the most.  I know as I still have nightmares over this one.