Remarkable Visuals. Remarkable Acting. Remarkable Film.

Rating: 9/10 (29 December 2008)

This film goes in a different direction with Richard Matheson's novel than Omega Man and The Last Man on Earth. This is the most interesting adaptation, as it skips over the original message regarding the foolishness of mankind, and focuses on Dr. Robert Neville's struggle to find hope and maintain his sanity after a pandemic kills nearly everybody on the planet. With his dog, Sam, as his only means of company for the past three years, Robert Neville still tries to find the miracle cure for the man-made disease.
The setting of ground-zero Manhattan - after three years in the absence of man - incorporates annihilated buildings clashing with wildlife such as deer (these clashing elements are epitomized in the opening scene in which Robert Neville chases down a deer with his car). The setting is fantastically done, sporting the best set decoration of 2007.
While the first half of the movie contains no dialogue, (all of the speaking takes place when Dr. Neville is talking to his dog or mannequins which he has set up through the city) you still learn so much about Robert Neville's character, and Will Smith's performance is perfect. The limited dialogue between Neville and Anna is always meaningful and extremely well-acted.
If for nothing else, see this movie for its outstanding acting performances. But this movie has a lot to offer, particularly the incredible score by James Newton-Howard.
9.2 out of 10