Will Smith is a tour de force in this movie!

Rating: 8/10 (7 February 2008)

I was tremendously surprised when I saw this film. Will Smith is always capable and entertaining. His work in this film is his best, yet.
Throughout the film, he moves through the full range of emotions required, and does it excellently. From his concerned father and husband trying to save his family, to his loner trying to keep his sanity with flip remarks, to his grieving over the loss of his last friend, to the final realization of his purpose in this crisis, Smith sets just the right tone, just the right stage.
Ultimately, this is also a story of faith, loss of faith and the restoration of that faith. The family of Smith's character is obviously a religious one. His losses that lead to his being the last man are what makes him question his faith and to temporarily reject God.
However, in the last moment, in that defining instant when he sees clearly what his purpose is in this whole tragedy, his faith is restored and, through it, he is steeled for that which he MUST do.
Smith deserves an Oscar for this performance.