A while ago I saw a film about blood sucking night creatures called 30 Days Of Night and was, overall, not too impressed. ‘I Am Legend’ has a similar theme, but contains all the ingredients lacking in 30 Days Of Night. It is one of the most terrifying films I have seen since the Blair Witch Project.

This re-working of Richard Matheson’s classic vampire story of the same name makes for uncomfortable viewing. The CGI is impressive and much attention to detail has been given to creating the desolate wasteland of New York post-viral attack.

Robert Neville (Will Smith) is the only man alive in this feral city and - with his beloved companion Sam, a beautiful German Shepherd - is the sole focus of the action for much of the film. There is never a dull moment as Smith and canine share moments of companionship while playing golf from an abandoned aircraft carrier or hunting the errant deer zig zagging in between the deserted cars in the streets.

The story is pieced together bit by bit and the editing is well done as the viewer learns of the events leading up to Neville’s predicament through his subjective view point. The series of flash backs add to the suspense and are interspersed with scenes of Neville living a precarious existence; we see him curled up in his own bath with Sam and a machine gun at the ready as strange screeches and howls echo in the night. The scenes of gore are minimal and are not the focus of the film, whereas 30 Days Of Night relied on blood lust to carry the suspense.

‘I Am Legend’ has an economical script and is not great on depth, but it is poignant and emotive as the viewer witnesses Neville facing an overwhelming foe. There is no hint of garlic to over spice this film with unbelievable monsters; the fact that these creatures are the creation of humanity itself only adds to the sense of terror.

I am not sure Will Smith is best cast to cope with the depth of the characterization, but he holds his own alone on screen for the most part and his humour provides respite from the terror. The ending is a bit disappointing, but considering how well the film has been crafted, it hardly matters.