The Book of Eli

It came on time and was excellent quality

I remember when I saw the trailer for this movie and told myself, I really hope the special item isnt a Bible because thatd be a bit too cliche (itd be more interesting if it turned out to be say a book on farming or something key for the rebuilding of society...though you could argue a Bible might be such a key). Even so, I had to see it since I really like Denzel Washington and Gary Oldman (and Mila Kunis isnt exactly hard on the eyes). Wow, it took a few minutes before it sunk in and I really loved this movie. The almost sepia-toned picture and ambient soundtrack might seem bland but it really works well. I also like that the movie doesnt hit you over the head with whats going on. Its subtle and despite the partial spoiler about the book (hey, the product description has it so I went with it) theres still another surprise which adds to the discovery. And, despite knowing what happens, my subsequent runs through (yes, I liked it that much) were still just as enjoyable. Great actors, beautiful scenes (despite it being desolate), beautiful ambient soundtrack, and a great story really make this movie worth adding to my collection. And, even though it doesnt seem to be in the description or title of the product, this Blu-Ray turned out to be a combo pack including a DVD and a digital copy (though supposedly the digital copy expires June 11, 2011 which is ridiculous). Not a bad deal considering it cost less than the DVD version alone. If you like post-apocalyptic movies, like Denzel Washington, are are just interested in something that tells a great story, by all means, buy this.

This film is told like a biblical story. A lone wanderer progresses through the vicious society that the world has become, intent on a mission that is gradually revealed to us. He is protected from the literal slings and arrows of those who would prey on him, but he is no passive penitent; instead he is more like a warrior monk with magical skills in the martial arts. The wanderer progresses, although no one else does, except for a young woman who insists herself into his company. Gary Oldman as Carnegie is the perfect wicked Biblical King, who is confronted at his end with the despair of his own Godless emptiness, his empire falling down around him. Eli is transformed into a kind of sainthood. At the very end is Elis prayer, which to me is an archetypal example of how one can converse with God. At times the movie lapses into excessive detail of dark scenarios, but so do some of the books of the Bible.

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.

Overall outstanding post-apocalyptic movie. Danzel Washington was awesome. The landscape was bleak, stark, and offered no hope. People are savages, preying on others. Not a place I want to be. Whether you are a believer or not, you can relate to Elis propose. Gary Oldman, as always, was a great bad guy. Id like to have seen him dead. :) Mila Kunis? Eh. Just a burden to Eli, and didnt have a character that I felt was believable. Beyond that failed casting/directing, absolutely a great movie, worth the watch for sure, esp you like the post-apocalyptic genre, or ideas dealing with faith.

D.W. was outstanding one of the best actors ever.

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.

Evil bad guys in a post apocalypse world? Well no surprise there. This movie is superbly cast and shot. The desolation and desperation in the post apocalyptic portrayal is done well. The scenes are not crowded with detail, it seems Kubricesque at times in it sparseness, but there is still plenty to take in in the sets and backdrops. This film is well worth seeing for its vision alone. Denzel is aging well as an actor, and gosh I sure hope his age is augmented for the films sake because I hate to think of him getting old! There are few surprises in the plot, as neither the theme is new, nor the way the plot unfolds; and I think weve all seen visions of the end of the world enough to get the idea. Still, as science fiction goes, this is a pretty good movie. I like it. But if hope has to be peddled to the post-apocalypse masses in the form the book used, I think a good preacher would really make the difference.

Worth seeing!

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!