This could have been the pinnacle survival horror movie

Rating: 6/10 (21 January 2008)

Thumbs up for presenting a totally deserted New York City. It's really a wonder how the movie production managed to film something like that. It's not the usual apocalyptic scenario wherein it's devastated, dark and gloomy. It's just that the dead silence of the most populated city on Earth makes it all the more moving and realistic.
Will Smith portrayal of Robert Neville, as a sole survivor of a global virus epidemic, is topnotch. And as the sole actor in the movie, he'd better be. Optimism and loneliness, laced with Smith's trademark humor and you can really relate to his character. Of course, no disaster movie is complete without an endearing pet dog.
Given the family-friendly PG-13 rating, horror buffs should expect to be disappointed. For one I'm disappointed with the zombie/vampire/mutant-like Infected. They looked so CGI generic, so reminiscent of Gollum. Who'll get scared of that? Lots of ridiculous moments when he encounters the overwhelmingly numerous Infected. It's "I, Robot" all over again.
Excellent buildup during 2/3 of the movie but it falters near the end. Lots of plot holes you'll feel the third act was rushed. I won't spoil it but the ending was unexpected, in a bad way. The movie just squandered the foregoing events and character development.
This could have been the pinnacle survival horror movie. What a waste of potential.