The Book of Eli

I enjoy movies and books about the end of the world/civilization and looked forward to watching this movie. I ended up renting it from Amazon, paying about what the film was worth. My overall impression was that the film was having a hard time deciding the optimal mix of ripping off The Road, The Road Warrior, Clint Eastwood westerns and various superhero films. Alert: spoilers below! Pluses: Good if somewhat stoic performance by Denzel. Fairly realistic depiction of post-apocalypse cities, deserts and coastal areas. I enjoyed the stylized action piece under the bridge early in the film, along with cat ambush at the beginning. The scene with the cannibal couple (prior to the arrival of the thugs) was well done. The central theme of the power of the Bible, Christianity and faith was handled well. Minuses: Poor exposition. What happened 31 years ago? Why are so many people blind? Where did Elis extensive scars come from? How is he so good a shooting, fighting and knifing people? Lack of realism. Eli would need much more water than he apparently carried to cross the distances he did. He is not going to get too far on that one cat, either. The big disaster happened 31 years ago and there is no electrical grid, yet there are lots of vehicles are still running around with plenty of gas. Gas goes bad within months, so there would need to be some refining going on the keep all of them running. No shortage of ammunition, either. The bad guys are running around with full-auto weapons with little regard for conserving ammo (or hitting the target). Not much discipline with fires at night, either. When they camped in the ruined cooling tower, a poor choice for several reasons, Denzel builds this giant fire that would have been visible through the gaps in the tower for miles. As for Mila Kunis, she is too pretty for the apocalypse. Her tight jeans and platform boots were interesting choices for going on road. And who taught her how to drive? Oh, and how is that the bad guys dont have enough gas to pursue, but Mila and Denzel can drive their armored Suburban all the way to San Francisco? Then there is the rowing to Alcatraz. Uh, not that easy. The list goes on. Even in a fantasy there needs to be some ability to suspend disbelief and stay the world being presented. Not so much in this film. Who should see this film? Denzel fans and those really interested in seeing depictions of an apocalyptic world.

one if his best movies was damn good when it came out and stillis

Really Great Movie Get it and watch it.

Great story and extremely well depicted. Dont ever mess with a good man on a mission for GOD. In my opinion, if this film doesnt rivet you to your seat, then youre probably braindead anyway.

The movie is multi-layered, blending myth, metaphor, mysticism and mayhem in a post-apocalyptic America. Eli walks his path, guided by the voice of a God only he can hear. He knows only that he will be guided to his goal, which lies... west. He survives in a violent world by using violence as a tool, yet he is clearly not by nature a violent man. We see him witness a murder and rape from a vantage point, yet he does nothing. In time we understand that his mission is to get the book to its unknown destination, not to right every wrong. Denzel Washington delivers a superb performance. Scrupulously paying by trade or barter for so much as a drink of water, he moves through a world that does not abide weakness. In the end his greatest strength lies in his simple incorruptibility.

This is more than just a movie, it is a message. To know the truth is to know the word of God. This movie puts that fact and many others into perspective. In a potential post appoctaliptic world Eli given a mission to carry the last bible to the place that God has ordained encounters events that would take the heart of all people without faith. Eli finaly completes his task having kept the word of God in his heart. The casting is wonderful and I could not imagine a leading cast both good and evil that better portray what the mission of Eli is. The photography is just a bit light on contrast for most of the movie but it plays well in a world close to hell. I have to mention the wonderful job that Mila Kunis did in her role. She plays a young woman who could not know the work of God, and has grown up in a world of the dammed yet she is blessed with love and goodness. Miss Kunis plays this most difficult role very convincingly and with great maturity.

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.

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.

A+

Action-packed, plus message. Recommend.