Book of Eli (B- or 2.5/4 stars)
What is with post-apocalyptic films of late (The Road, 2012)? There's so many of 'em. Who knew they were in such high order? The latest in that line is this film, 'The Book of Eli', directed by the Hughes Bros. (From Hell, which I loved). The first 15 minutes or so of the film contains almost no dialogue; allowing us to focus on the stark, haunting visuals. Great, immersive start to the movie. I wish the ensuing back story were more cogently explained, but I digress. Apparently, Eli (Denzel Washington) has been on a journey for over 30 yrs., walking west across ravaged America after a cataclysmic war (the "Big Flash") turned everything into a wasteland; a war that appears to have been motivated by religion (shocker). In fact, Eli carries with him the last known copy of the Bible.
The bands of lawless civilians who roam the land for food, water, & other supplies have adopted a kill or BE killed mentality. Some characters in the story even have flash-blindness (including Jennifer Beals' character) from effects of what would logistically be a nuclear war. Eli is a sort of peaceful prophet, you see (with God apparently telling him to get to a place where the Word can be followed). But if anyone gets in Eli's way ... watch out. He'll take you down within seconds (wielding guns & machetes). He's not looking for carnage; he just defends himself out of necessity. The barren road takes him into a shanty town that is populated by outlaws & those who they capture. And the town is led - with little resistance - by a malevolent man named Carnegie (Gary Oldman).
Knowing the Bible, Carnegie also believes that the book can wield great power; though, he'd be using it as a weapon to win-over his people & create an unstoppable wasteland empire. Clearly, Eli wants nothing to do with Carnegie; so he keeps his belief in something greater than himself, & ends up on the run - joined by Carnegie's stepdaughter Solara (Mila Kunis) a woman whose live he'd saved. Using his skills, his brain, & help from above ... can Eli fend off his foes, survive, & get the sacred book that holds the secret to saving mankind to its final destination?
Well. It's been a long time that my like or dislike of a film hinged so heavily on the success of its climax. Meaning ... while the Sixth Sense-like "twist" at the end of this movie is undisputedly ridiculous -- it's actually REALLY cool as a standalone sequence. You see, I can pick apart aspects of the film & say how much I liked or didn't like the parable advocating faith, the Christian undertones, the preservation of humanity, the hammy performances from some of the actors, the film's visual identity, the various plot contrivances/unpleasantries, OR the really cool fight sequences, etc. etc. etc. ... but the end makes up for my uneven feelings. Overall, I think 'The Book of Eli' is a decently acted, cool-looking, if familiar action/drama that struggled to hold my interest in parts. Furthermore, I feel that the acting, visuals, & neat plot twist overrode what's essentially a naggingly too-simplistic storyline.
Denzel works his magic as the world-weary, enigmatic Eli. Well into his 50's, Denzel can be such a badass when he wants to be. I love that! Gary Oldman chews the scenery very well. Mila Kunis is fine, but does little more than any other actress would do in the role. She sure is hot, though. And I loved a segment 3/4ths through involving 2 cannibals played by Sir Michael Gambon & Frances De La Tour. As mentioned, the film looks good, is kinetic when it needs to be, & filmed in that familiar, grainy, sepia/gray tone that depicts the end of the world scenario so well. And there are moments of uneasy humor & ill-at-ease tension. So, yeah, like I said, though it's a mixed bag of somber-ponderous-action-filled entertainment, I do recommend it. I wasn't blown away 'til that implausible, but kinda awesome twist. And it makes me want to re-watch it all over again to pick-up on things that were right in front of me the whole time.
The bands of lawless civilians who roam the land for food, water, & other supplies have adopted a kill or BE killed mentality. Some characters in the story even have flash-blindness (including Jennifer Beals' character) from effects of what would logistically be a nuclear war. Eli is a sort of peaceful prophet, you see (with God apparently telling him to get to a place where the Word can be followed). But if anyone gets in Eli's way ... watch out. He'll take you down within seconds (wielding guns & machetes). He's not looking for carnage; he just defends himself out of necessity. The barren road takes him into a shanty town that is populated by outlaws & those who they capture. And the town is led - with little resistance - by a malevolent man named Carnegie (Gary Oldman).
Knowing the Bible, Carnegie also believes that the book can wield great power; though, he'd be using it as a weapon to win-over his people & create an unstoppable wasteland empire. Clearly, Eli wants nothing to do with Carnegie; so he keeps his belief in something greater than himself, & ends up on the run - joined by Carnegie's stepdaughter Solara (Mila Kunis) a woman whose live he'd saved. Using his skills, his brain, & help from above ... can Eli fend off his foes, survive, & get the sacred book that holds the secret to saving mankind to its final destination?
Well. It's been a long time that my like or dislike of a film hinged so heavily on the success of its climax. Meaning ... while the Sixth Sense-like "twist" at the end of this movie is undisputedly ridiculous -- it's actually REALLY cool as a standalone sequence. You see, I can pick apart aspects of the film & say how much I liked or didn't like the parable advocating faith, the Christian undertones, the preservation of humanity, the hammy performances from some of the actors, the film's visual identity, the various plot contrivances/unpleasantries, OR the really cool fight sequences, etc. etc. etc. ... but the end makes up for my uneven feelings. Overall, I think 'The Book of Eli' is a decently acted, cool-looking, if familiar action/drama that struggled to hold my interest in parts. Furthermore, I feel that the acting, visuals, & neat plot twist overrode what's essentially a naggingly too-simplistic storyline.
Denzel works his magic as the world-weary, enigmatic Eli. Well into his 50's, Denzel can be such a badass when he wants to be. I love that! Gary Oldman chews the scenery very well. Mila Kunis is fine, but does little more than any other actress would do in the role. She sure is hot, though. And I loved a segment 3/4ths through involving 2 cannibals played by Sir Michael Gambon & Frances De La Tour. As mentioned, the film looks good, is kinetic when it needs to be, & filmed in that familiar, grainy, sepia/gray tone that depicts the end of the world scenario so well. And there are moments of uneasy humor & ill-at-ease tension. So, yeah, like I said, though it's a mixed bag of somber-ponderous-action-filled entertainment, I do recommend it. I wasn't blown away 'til that implausible, but kinda awesome twist. And it makes me want to re-watch it all over again to pick-up on things that were right in front of me the whole time.