Plot: Eli (Denzel Washington) is walking the road thirty years after an apocalypse burnt up the world and made most of the people blind. The world is devoid of plant life, and people live by scavenging and stealing. Eli seems to have superpowers and is able to defend himself against the bandits and road warriors. After while, we learn that Eli has the book of the title, and local strongman Carnegie (Gary Oldman) wants it. He sends out thugs and his step-daugher Solara (MIla Kunis) to get it.
Review: The Book of Eli starts out bleak and violent, but it is more pleasant than The Road because Eli is reluctant to kill people, and only hurts people in self defense. While the beginning is similar to The Road, the end is very different because the Book of Eli ends with a faith-filled Christian message. The movie does a nice job of gradually introducing the Biblical references and moving from superhero action to the miraculous. The spiritual dimension does not provide a moral or theological insight, but it is clever, Christian fiction. It is a great metaphor, but not inspirational.
I liked the art direction in The Road better, but I liked the acting better here. Both Denzel and Gary Oldman play understated tough guys, but the performances are engaging, and we care about them. The story is best part.
I liked the art direction in The Road better, but I liked the acting better here. Both Denzel and Gary Oldman play understated tough guys, but the performances are engaging, and we care about them. The story is best part.
Cast: Denzel Washington, Gary Oldman, MIla Kunis, Jennifer Beals
Directed by: Allen and Albert Hughes
Rating: 2.5 flasks
