The shocker here isn't Smith's solid turn as a fragile survivor/general/hero/nutcase. The shocker is that Francis Lawrence, the helmer of one of the worst big-budget releases in memory – Constantine - has delivered a film worth watching.

Adapted from the acclaimed source material of Richard Matheson's short story, I Am Legend pleasantly opts for a balance between action, tension and character rather than disowning all three as Constantine did before it (the bashing will stop there). For a runtime spent mostly with a lead performance pace is key and fortunately the one-forward/two-back unravelling of the narrative suits both the impact of the survivor's story and the viewer's backside.

Impressive too is the director's trust in his audience. The holocaust is spelled out in nary a minute and the protagonist's journey is, pleasingly, one of emotion rather than weapon tool-ups. The subtext of modern dilemmas further livens up the party and though at times the film lets loose with a ricochet of bullets and overboard CG, the film manages to find its way back to a more meaningful place. The reasoned discussion of religion and science is one not often seen in big-budget pictures - one certainly not often seen with an unbiased flavour – and kudos should be given to the production for at least bringing some cards to the table.

Haters will find Smith's trademark monologue quips the same self-indulgent distraction they have always been and despite the biceps the actor is still less than the visceral force of determination and screen-chewing integrity the role may call for, but it's the over-arching sense of something more important that keeps I Am Legend both fresh and, at times, sensational.

Discuss this article on our Forum.