The Book of Eli

Excellence in writing, storytelling, and acting. This is a new addition to my all-time favorite movies.

Dead cats, blind guy, twisted mofos, death, destruction, lack of water and food. Covers a lot but not all.

Lets get this part out of the way. This movie was made for a conservative, fundamentalist Christian audience - the kind that can watch an hour-and-a-half story about a religious zealot trekking through a horrific hellscape while nonironically killing for his peaceful, loving god. If this had been a movie about Islam and The Holy Quran, American audiences on both ends of the political spectrum would have rioted. But since it is about someone killing and, in one awful instance, allowing rape in the name of the Christian faith, it is an acceptable movie. The setting and action are done very well. I felt like I was in a post-apocalyptic landscape throughout the entire movie. Im not usually an action fan, and even though the movie overused the one man against a gang of thugs shtick, its not a big deal since thats not what the movie is about. Women are portrayed as second-class citizens and toys, and that portrayal works. I have no illusions that, in a post-WWIII world, racists and misogynists with guns would have a field day. The plot is really loose and its here that one can see just how this movie was created. Its a Frankensteins monster created piecemeal to cater to a religious and action movie loving audience that doesnt really care about plot. In short, theyre catering to people that pat themselves on the back when they can see through the most transparent veneer of symbolism. If this was supposed to be a fun movie, I would forget about that part. But it pretends to be a modern-day allegory, not a simple, fun romp through the wasteland. So, if you can stand being preached at by a movie that was made by a bunch of producers with moneybags in their eyes for a target audience of religious guys that make their wives watch boring action flicks, then give this one a shot.

I have watched this a few times a great movie it it’s your thing

Really loved the movie. Denzel Washington was great while Mila Kunis did a pretty good job although I felt some of her moments to be a bit lack luster. The movie itself was excellent, but without revealing any spoilers Id say there are two sides to take on the why as to the finish of the movie. Id say they leave it a bit open, but not so much to make it confusing. Anyway if youre considering this movie, give it it a shot. You wont regret it.

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.

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!

Some people say that this didnt really do anything new for the post-apocalyptic genre. Well, what recent movie has? Most movies are rehashed material old movies with slight twists. This one plays on some great themes - traveling stranger, western shanty towns, etc. Washington, Oldman and even Kunis all deliver as well as could be expected in this type of movie. It has some really well filmed action sequences. I agree that it does use that semi-sepia and tone a little much, but I imagine thats what the world will look like when were nearly extinct anyway, so why nitpick? If you like post-apocalyptic movies, this is definitely worth watching. It wont change the world of movies, but presents a solid viewing. The disc itself is a little disappointing in the special features, but for the right price is a good purchase.

My son and I love this movie. Great ending and just overall a great movie.

I wish I wouldve known this was a religious movie and I wouldve skipped it. Honestly, I watched it for the guns. If you like classic firearms, theres MP5, FAL, Hi-Power, etc. but the gun handling is sub par at best. The cinematography is nothing great. The story is honestly pretty good. If youre a religious person, and like post-apocalypse things and Mad Max, youd love this. If you couldnt care less, I would say this movie probably isnt worth your time.