The Book of Eli is directed by the Hughes Brothers (Menace II Society) and starring Denzel Washington (Training Day), Gary Oldman (The Dark Knight), Mila Kunis (That 70s Show), and Ray Stevenson (Punisher:Warzone). Released January 15, 2010
The Book of Eli comes at a time when post-apocalyptic movies are making a comeback with 2012 and The Road released in recent months. However, Eli doesn't disappoint the average action movie fan, because it is great action, good story, and amazing actors.
Washington is the perfect actor to portray a older man that is a nice person at heart, but having to do terrible things in a split-second. You love his character from the very beginning to the surprising end. He battles himself to just mind his own business, but he knows he has to do the greater good and help out others in need.
For the supporting cast, it's simply superb with a fantastic actor, Gary Oldman, as the main villain. His character is a desperate man trying to locate the "book" that he would use for his own gain. Also, Ray Stevenson plays Oldman's right-hand man, who is likable and smart with his actions until later in the film. And, Mila Kunis plays the daughter of Oldman's "woman", and a sidekick/protege figure to Washington as the film progresses. Overall, the supporting cast is chosen perfectly.
The Hughes Brothers cinematography and camera shots are amazing. They have some great colorization that shows a dark world and gives a dreary feeling throughout the movie. And the action scenes sold me from the first fight to the last. They really include you into action with great close-ups and slow-motion shots. They were born to direct action films. Best part is that there is 2 of them.
The story is the part that made me want to see two times. It is kind of predictable with the characters moral choices and fight scenes. Although, not all the time. I will say the ending had a WTF moment. The information you gain from the ending has a Six Sense feel to it. No, he isn't dead or he can see dead people. It will most likely make you go "are you serious". I wanted to see it again to notice the small things that lead to the discovery at the end. You will not see it coming I guarantee it.
I give The Book of Eli a very strong rating of 88 out of 100.
Benjamin Myers
PSN ID and Gamertag: fusionman15
