Let me begin with two simple observations. First, I found this re-make of Richard Matheson's short story to be flawed but fun. Secondly, I am as likely to believe that Will Smith's physique is the sole product of exercise and nutrition as I am that Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds have bulked up solely on a diet of Wheaties and Post Toasties. Come on, Will, what was with that narcissistic exhibition of shirtless chin-ups anyway?

Alas, I digress. "I Am Legend" tells the interesting story of an apparent cure for cancer that mutates in the patients, resulting in them becoming a type of rabid, flesh eating vampire that are (naturally) allergic to the light. Immune for unexplained reasons (probably due to his workout routine), Smith plays Robert Neville, a scientists who remains in New York City on a solitary hunt to find a cure that will save the human race.

To Smith's genuine credit as an actor, he is able to carry this movie almost single handedly in a fashion comparable to Tom Hanks accomplishment in "Castaway." Like Hanks, he invests his character with genuine emotions of earnestness, sincerity and likeability.

You genuinely feel for him as he roams New York City by day with his faithful dog trying to both find a cure for mankind and maintain his sanity. The scenes where he picks up and returns DVD's at a video store while carrying on conversations with mannequins is as touching as it is heart felt.

But anyone who has seen the previews knows basically where this movie is heading. Without wanting to spoil the trip, let me say that any apprehensions you may have over the fate of his loyal dog are not misplaced. In addition, once you learn the fate of Smith's wife and daughter, you also suspect that his destiny is likely that of a martyr for the human race.

The cinematography, particularly overhead shots of a desolate, abandoned New York, is at times spectacular. In addition, the story of Neville's battles with the vampires as they mutually try to trap the other is genuinely suspenseful.

The principal draw back to this movie is its last third, centering around the convenient appearance of an attractive female survivor and the young boy in her care. The sudden, out of place cosmic discussions concerning the hand of God in this human disaster is woefully misplaced by any definition.

After all, this movie is an old fashion vampire horror film, not a philosophy discussion. And as Philip Seymour Hoffman's character in the delightful "Charlie Wilson's War" put it, "You should never put Descartes before de horse". . . or in this case, before de vampires.