We went to see I Am Legend this evening — braving ultra-sticky snow and consequently nasty roads to do so — and it was everything I had hoped it would be. My wife even called it one of the best movies she’s seen in a long time.

I’m not going to rehash the particulars in great detail, since I think everyone knows them by now, but basically humanity has suffered a catastrophic infection of a man-made virus and there is nearly no one left on the planet. Dr. Robert Nevill (Will Smith) is one of the rare ones who is immune, and as an army pathologist he was working on the cure before the outbreak became global. He is a survivor living in New York City, along with his dog Sam, and is still looking for the cure. The catch is…he’s not truly alone.

For at least 80% of this one hour and 40 minute movie, Will Smith was alone on the screen (excepting the German Shepherd). It takes an amazing actor to carry that many scenes completely alone, and although I’m not sure he could have done it in his younger days, he certainly has the knack now. I’ve always liked him a lot, but I can’t picture the amusing but somewhat flat Will Smith of Independence Day (circa 1996) pulling off what I just witnessed. He now brings a deeper, more textured performance that goes a long way in conveying how very, very lonely — and tortured — the life of Robert Nevill is. It brings to mind Tom Hanks’ performance in Castaway. Personally, I liked Smith even better.

The direction and production of the film was exceptional as well. Movies in which New York City is destroyed or suffers some calamity are a dime a dozen, but this abandoned and desolate look was well-done and unique. The way some shots were done with jerky handheld cams — following close to Smith during intense moments — and the way others were held a few beats longer than you would normally expect — to let the loneliness sink in — all contribute to getting you inside the world of Nevill. The suspense was palpable throughout — I greatly enjoyed the “enemy” in Legend.

I’m sure it won’t be for everyone (I saw at least two couples just get up and leave during the movie), because if you’re expecting some typical, shallow, cheap thriller you’d better look elsewhere. This movie is a little more complicated; it demands your attention (the detail in every scene is fantastic and offer a lot of clues), it plays hard on your emotions, and it likes to screw with your head by getting you inside Nevill’s. It’s a very entertaining piece, and we highly recommend it.