A surprisingly effective, post-apocalyptic vampire thriller based on Richard Matheson’s novel and the Charlton Heston film Omega Man, it stars Will Smith as the only human to survive a catastrophic plague that turns people into vampires. By day, he searches for a cure for the others; by night, he tries to survive.

For the most part, director Francis Lawrence gets it right, taking the time to build suspense, using CGI to great effect in turning New York City into a post-apocalyptic wilderness. However, the film takes a turn for the worse when the vampires (unconvincingly rendered CGI creatures) appear. The abrupt ending leaves you a bit unsatisfied.

Extras: alternate version adding four minutes, animated comics.

Grade: B+

I Am Legend is currently available.