***UK Release Date: January 15th 2010
A post-apocalyptic tale, in which a lone man fights his way across America in order to protect a sacred book that holds the secrets to saving humankind.
Director: The Hughes Brothers (From Hell, Menace II Society)
Starring: Denzel Washington, Gary Oldman, Mila Kunis, Ray Stevenson
The Book of Eli looks good from the outside, but the inside is hollower than an Easter egg. There is no surprises here.
Denzel Washington stars in this post-apocalyptic action-thriller. Eli (Washington) is a lonesome traveller, going wherever the road takes him. His mission: bring the one and only copy of the Bible to safety, so it can be used for good rather than bad.
Surviving is the least of Eli's problems. He attracts unwanted attention, and that attention comes in the form of Carnegie (Oldman), a leader, or rather a dictator, of a small settlement. He's searching for the very same book, but intends to use it for avaricious purposes. The Book of Eli showcases the very core of good vs. bad.
Denzel Washington stars in this post-apocalyptic action-thriller. Eli (Washington) is a lonesome traveller, going wherever the road takes him. His mission: bring the one and only copy of the Bible to safety, so it can be used for good rather than bad.
Surviving is the least of Eli's problems. He attracts unwanted attention, and that attention comes in the form of Carnegie (Oldman), a leader, or rather a dictator, of a small settlement. He's searching for the very same book, but intends to use it for avaricious purposes. The Book of Eli showcases the very core of good vs. bad.
Eli and Carnegie's intentions are different but both of their minds are set on using this book. There's a few messages here that can be interpreted a certain way depending on your beliefs.
There are snippets of substance hidden in the wastelands of America. It's light and murky where it should be deep and meaningful. The CGI makes the locations dazzle, and the acting from the main three (Washington, Oldman and Mila Kunis) is top notch, but a weak plot and a below standard support overwhelm their efforts.
Other strengths come with hints of weaknesses. Eli wields a short sword and uses it only when necessary. He single-handedly takes on numerous foes at a time. The massacres are nearly as funny as Carnegie's temper.
The Book of Eli edges safely towards The Road and Fallout 3. It shows no originality, but it's still worth seeing for Washington and Oldman.
Other strengths come with hints of weaknesses. Eli wields a short sword and uses it only when necessary. He single-handedly takes on numerous foes at a time. The massacres are nearly as funny as Carnegie's temper.
The Book of Eli edges safely towards The Road and Fallout 3. It shows no originality, but it's still worth seeing for Washington and Oldman.
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