The Book of Eli is substanceless, gimmicky fun. It's not a must-see, nor a must-avoid. It has two great actors, and a few mediocre ones doing adequate work. Ultimately, Eli is about faith — in both the film's essence, and its plot.
The Book of Eli is the latest in a slew of post-apocalypic movies. The world is ungoverned, desert landfill. Murder, cannibalism, rape, and plunder are commonplace. Denzel Washington is Eli, a man simply "headed West." Why? He won't say. Eli saunters through the desert, stopping only when forced (to recharge his iPod, get water, or defend himself). Fortunately he is a heavily armed, ruthlessly efficient killer. Eli reads every day. He stops in a town run by the tyannical and inexplicably powerful Carnegie (Gary Oldman). Carnegie is desperately seeking a book — the very same book Eli carries and devotedly reads every day.
Without Denzel Washington and Gary Oldman, The Book of Eli would be unwatchable. Denzel's charm is matched only by his ferocity. It's worth mentioning his action sequences have no stand-ins, and are done in single takes from multiple angles (to prepare for the film he trained with several experts, including Dan Inosanto, Bruce Lee's protégé and current authority on Jeet Kune Do). Mila Kunis is surprising as the female tag-along. It's not a breakthrough that people will discuss like Anna Kendrick, but it's a respectable performance high above the wretched Max Payne.
The Book of Eli seems like it would make a great video game. So much of it suits a video game premise: The characters and events are mildly engaging but fairly simple and shallow; there are scenes with intense action; it's set in a threatening, yet alluring landscape; story details are revealed slowly as the plot and character progress on this journey; and most importantly, Eli has a handgun, grenades, a shotgun, and a bad ass machete.
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Article comments
1 - FEM4Ever
I don't know why but I just can't resist these post-Apocalyptic movies!
Gimmicky fun? Hmmmmm, guess it'll be good enough for a quick get away from the kids...
2 - gb
Great AVATAR leads, its a masterpiece! unlike this classless and disturbing movie LEGION, or this boring violent movie ELI. Filmmakers please note that gory violence or a black cast will never make a huge box office.
3 - Robin
I feel this movie was of more substance than portrayed in the critique. The author failed to mention the book Eli read and the guy was in search of was the bible. The critic left out the most important aspect which drew me into the movie! Great movie, interesting plot line. Even if it could be turned into a game, other important aspects were present. Must-See for yourself!
4 - raquel lopes
the book of eli is an awesome movie.denzel washington plays the role of eli very good, he makes the character more real!
5 - 2dreviews
Hi Robin,
I felt the movie made considerable effort to hide details from the viewer, it felt wrong to tell them what the book was, and why Oldman wanted it.
But I agree, it is important and does make it more interesting
6 - Josey
I rate this movie as an A+. We went to see it twice and I would like to see this again. I hope that Denzel Washington gets an award!