The Book of Eli

It has a similar aura to it like the old Mad Max movies, which I didnt mind. But its a whole different plot, and I thought it was clever and well-acted. It was a hoot to see Tom Waits in it, too. When I first saw it, I really hoped for a sequel (which Mila Kunis likely would have had to take over) but it didnt happen.

I wish I didnt like dystopic films so much. A very depressing film. Of course, it has a hopeful message in the end. The plot is a little contrived as some cataclysmic war brings humanity so low it must scratch out a subsistence living. In the end, those that survived the immediate time after the cataclysm seemed to blame religion for the fall and attempt to wipe out all references to it. Now, some years into the future, while men of ill-intent seek out these long since destroyed books to use the word against the weak minded, we find ourselves on a journey with a man who is walking the wasteland with what might be, the only copy of one such book with him as its guardian. If you are religiously inclined, add a half star. It is interesting though, to see Michael Gambon and Frances de la Tour form the Harry Potter movies as a seemingly sweet old couple that turn out to quite heavily armed and not as sweet as they seem to be.

This is one of the best movies Ive watched. I love distopian films, and this really meets that genre at a high level. Yet, its inspirational in ways Ive rarely experienced in a movie. Really worth your time. Watch it!

After seeing this movie twice, I am still amazed at the symbolism and double entendre used to convey thoughts about our waning humanity and disregard for our earth. I highly recommend seeing this movie with friends who enjoy analyzing the meanings implied in the movie. It makes for great discussions about society. While most people focus on the use of the Bible as the object of interest, you can replace it with any other books of knowledge (Koran, Torah, etc.) and the movie loses none of its messages. Turn your attention to the relationships, the moral lessons presented, what can happen when humans are isolated, and more importantly, the order of power when selfish people control our limited resources. This is a treatise on what can happen if we do not pay attention to the signs of our day: our children graduating from high school unable to read, weather changes, iran with weapon grade uranium, wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, etc. If we do not make rapid effective changes in our approach to dealing with each other and our environment, we will sadly leave a world like that depicted in this movie to our children.

This is a great movie and I’m not a movie person. It’s violent and has twists during the movie. My opinion it’s a guy movie on a lazy time to watch it.

just...man that was spectacular! do yourself a favor and pick up this movie! $7.99 is a steal! alright so nitty gritty, the fighting is beautiful, the choreography is perfect with every movement a seamless connection to the next. who ever was behind it was truly a pro. the art style is perfect, sometimes an almost black and white while other times incredibility vivid. the characters are great, denzel washington is both badass and hilarious at just the right times. the villain is perfect, its the kind of guy youd expect to take over in that kind of situation. the ending...is brilliant, so much foreshadowing to different parts that all amount to a twist that doesnt feel forced or out of place but exactly as it should be. (early on in the film there was a moment where I thought why would he do that? and soon after forgot about it only for it to become strikingly clear why he did it once the film is concluded.) I know Im gushing a lot but I watched this movie over twelve hours ago and Im still like this, its a movie that after it ends leaves you happy to find that theres an animated comic book video on the DVD as a bonus feature. overall if you want to watch a good movie you will not be disappointed.

THE BOOK OF ELI is yet another entry in the well-populated post-apocalyptic genre and, to be honest, doesnt do a lot to distinguish itself from its brethren. What makes it an interesting watch are the stylistic choices, well-executed action, and committed performances from a stellar cast. The plot concerns Eli (mentioned by name only once), who is headed west with the last copy of the Bible (in the US, at least). On his journey he meets a warlord (Gary Oldman) who has been looking for the book and wants to use it for his own purposes. From a narrative standpoint, THE BOOK OF ELI keeps things very simple, and even the characters arent too well-defined, being more archetypes than anything else. Of course, this is mostly fine as the film has higher ideas on its mind than just providing a cool story. There was some passing mention of what caused the world to be the way it is, and attempts at fleshing out the finer details of the world in the film, but nothing on the level of what George Miller did with the MAD MAX franchise. What holds the film together is Denzel Washington, who has made a career out of playing men of action (and, occasionally, few words). He plays Eli with the cool detachment required, but also imbues him with a sense of humor and humanity that makes him a little more relatable. Gary Oldman also does fine as the villain, but his motivations (as well as Elis ultimate goal) remain unfortunately broad and vague. Mila Kunis is the weak spot in the cast, and she cant quite hold her own against such heavyweights. Outside of Denzel, where the film really shines is the style and action. Although the film has the same de-saturated color palette common in the genre, it contributed positively to the lived-in feeling of the world it depicted. Everything (and everyone) was appropriately grimy and dirty, as it should be when the world has suffered from nuclear war. I also thought there was creative work in the action sequences, particularly the first one in which Eli takes on a group of hijackers. It took place mostly in silhouette, which gave it a comic book feel. In fact, this film would make an excellent graphic novel. Still, the film is not without its problems. The biggest one is the pacing, which stays a little on the slow side. Granted, there are necessary moments where the characters can interact, but the combination of dour visuals and a slow pace didnt really mesh well. Also, as indicated earlier, the vagueness with which character motivation is treated was a bit disappointing. What saves the film from mediocrity is a great payoff in the last 20-25 minutes. I wont spoil anything here, but I will say that it makes a lot of sense if you know your Bible stories. Ultimately, THE BOOK OF ELI is a solid, if unspectacular, entry in its genre, but Denzel Washingtons performance, inventive action sequences, and examination of religions societal role make it worth your time.

This movie is SO GOOD Ive bought it four times already. Ive given two away. My ex husband took one. So I made purchase #4 because this movie is just so worth it. Denzel Washington is stellar in this movie and the twist really surprised me. I dont get tired of watching this movie again from time to time. I recommend this movie all the time and will continue to do so. When our society moves past DVDs to whatever format is next, this is in my top 3 to make sure I have. If you are on the fence about purchasing this movie -- get off the fence and buy it!!!

I love how big bible-thumper Washington must think this is a huge faith-affirming movie, when a majority of the plot revolves around showing how religion and the bible are often used for power, greed, fear, and control. 5 points for getting Gary Oldman to play the power-hungry zealot who sees the bible for what it is. Oh yeah, plot is pretty enthralling, and so is the acting. Movie has a nice pace with somewhat of a surprise ending.

Great film. Have seen The Book of Eli several times and dont get tired of it. Denzel is remarkable (as well as the rest of the cast). Wonderful story that leaves you on the edge of your seat, too.