I Am Legend

I started 2008 on a big one.
I have heard about this for nearly 2 years now.
In a nutshell: supposedly the book it's adapted from is one of the best "vampire" books of all time (I haven't red it yet). And the adaptation took years and years to be made, the original had the reputation to be the best script ever written. But no one could do it.
And then it finally resurfaced and Will Smith was attached to it, with the director of Constantine directing. That produced quite a stir, with fans fearing that Will Smith would change the main character into a wise-cracking guy.
I had to admit that when the book is supposed to be 1 guy alone going crazy, that could be a problem.
Also, doing a "Hollywood blockbuster" based on that could lead to fabricated action sequences that would spoilthe whole spirit of the novel.

So I took good care not reading the book efore seeeing the movie, to reduce the chances to be disappointed to the minimum.

Well as a movie, just on its own, I have to say it's a pretty damn good effort.
The script also alternates quite nicely drama moments and action sequences that are handled quite well, that gives a nice rythm of tension build up then release then build up... There are plenty of memorable moments and the overall tone stays quite dark.
Having completely CG vampires seem a bizarre idea, yet it didn't really bother me.
More importantly Will Smith is excellent, with a very believable turn on a man alone. I just felt it rang true. He relly carries the film.
Ultimately it's what makes the movie compelling.

Now I have to read the book, to see the (apparently numerous) differences.
Even if it's much better at least I'll have been able to enjoy the adaptation!