"I AM LEGEND"
Starring Will Smith
Release date: Dec. 14, 2007

WATCH THE TRAILER

IT'S A SCARY thought to be alone. Add to that a fear of worldwide catastrophes, like nuclear war, global warming, tsunamis, or — as in "I Am Legend," to be released nationwide on Friday — a freak bacteria that causes an apocalypse, and you have a thrilling film.

Robert Neville (Will Smith) is the lone survivor of such an apocalypse in New York City, year 2012. Being an amazing scientist, and coincidentally immune, he attempts to create a type of anti-virus with his blood.

Along with his only companion, a German shepherd, Robert approaches each day as a strict routine, constantly sending out radio messages in hopes of discovering someone, anyone, out there.

Ultimately, this story focuses on Robert's mental disposition and the fact that he is trying to survive and save the human species. He struggles with having no contact or means of interaction with other people — so much so that it might drive him insane.

The film is based on Richard Matheson's 1954 science fiction novel, "I Am Legend," and addresses exactly these issues. Matheson's writing style is dramatically descriptive. It gives you chills, on top of the horrific plot.

Matheson reveals that Robert is a "legend" because he is the last of his race, and the mutants who did not die from the infection fear and loathe him.

This is because he has the ability to withstand the sunlight and use it to his advantage toward hunting the mutants. Hence the title, "I Am Legend." Excerpts from Matheson's novel can be read here.

There have been a few other adaptations of Matheson's novel. "The Last Man on Earth" was made in 1964. "The Omega Man" came out in 1971, and previously this year Griff Furst produced an adaptation titled "I Am Omega" that went straight to DVD (so it must have been pretty lame).

This new adaptation starring Smith appears to be promising, though. Post-apocalyptic fiction is always intriguing, especially when it takes place in the near future. It creates insecurity in people, and should make an entertaining movie.

"I Am Legend" opens in theaters Friday, Dec. 14.

"I AM LEGEND" AT A GLANCE: CAST

• Will Smith………………………………….Robert Neville
• Dash Mihok………………………………….Alpha Male
• Alice Braga………………………………….Anna

"I AM LEGEND" AT A GLANCE: CHARACTERS

• Robert Neville: The survivor of the apocalypse, living in New York
• Alpha Male: Leads a band of mutants who interact with Robert
• Anna: A survivor who hears Robert's daily broadcast

"I AM LEGEND" AT A GLANCE: QUICK FACTS

• Director: Francis Lawrence
• Writers: Mark Protosevich and Akiva Goldsman
• Filming Locations: Brooklyn Bridge, New York City
• Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures
• MPAA Rating: PG-13
• External Sites: Official site, IMDb entry