The Book of Eli

shained · 01-17-2010, 08:35 PM

I had been looking forward to this since I 1s saw a trailer a few months back. It wasn't as good as I thought/hoped it'd be but was still more than watchable.

It follows Eli as he travels through a desolate United States which was destroyed by the "flash". I don't know if it was deliberate but the film doesn't go into what happened at all! The naming of a "flash" is as much in depth as it goes. He's carrying a book which he believes he needs to take West along the "path".

The films main strength is its amazing fight scenes. They're choreographed so well and look amazing. The problem is there's really only 2 (3 if you can't a shootout) which was disappointing as the story wasn't as gripping as it could/should have been.

Eli is kind of a bland character that I didn't too much care for and the way he gets a companion in Kunis is quite poorly written and developed. Oldman was good as Carneghie who desperately wants the book so he can control his people and become a god.

There is a twist(y) ending which I thought was good but the review I saw on the main site thought it was poor, but I appreciated it as it explained some of the things that happened in the film.

6/10 - Not as good as I expected but worth a watch nonetheless

FilmJerk · 01-17-2010, 10:35 PM

I thought it was excellent. Loved the look of the movie and the action was well done. I also loved the soundtrack too. the twist was alright I guess, I didnt mind it. 9/10

chaotic · 01-18-2010, 05:03 PM

3/10

Very bland and has one of the worst endings in recent memory. I loved the look of the film though.

Drizzt240 · 01-20-2010, 03:39 AM

A lot better than I thought it was going to be. Enjoyed a lot of the sub-text too.

8/10

Tzarinna · 01-21-2010, 04:29 PM

I still can't decide if I want to see this. Too many mixed reviews, suppose I'll wait.

ambrosia · 01-21-2010, 08:11 PM

Last I looked on Rotten Tomatoes, it stood at a little under 50% positive, which leaves me a little uncertain as well.

Kailey · 01-21-2010, 08:42 PM

i watched the trailer .. and it kinda confused me .. it's kinda like what the hell it wanna tell us ?

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DarthVader 2004 · 01-21-2010, 09:28 PM

Hey near 50 at Rotten Tomatoes if not bad for a January film. Id consider that fact if were you.

Drizzt240 · 01-22-2010, 03:17 AM

I should probably saw I went in with the lowest expectations and was pleasantly surprised.

DarthVader 2004 · 02-10-2010, 05:35 AM

It was an ok movie. The action made it interesting but i think its one of those movies were have more questions then answers. I mean doesn't say what ended the world only slight clues.
I think should have opened with how the world got that way.
It had some not bad acting in it but feel like the story needed slight touching up.
7.5/10

Tolkien · 02-13-2010, 10:44 AM

Know it's kind of late to reply but, in my opinion this film was near perfection.

Maybe I related to it more because I'm Catholic but, I thought it was amazing.

I didn't care about the action one but, I was completely encased in the story.

As for it not explaining how the world got that way; I hate films that explain it.

Films that explain how things went bad suck. That's why The Road is amazing.

P.S. The Road is still one of the greatest Post-Apocalyptic films ever produced!

JG7_ME262 · 03-15-2010, 01:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FilmJerk

I thought it was excellent. Loved the look of the movie and the action was well done. I also loved the soundtrack too. the twist was alright I guess, I didnt mind it. 9/10

8/10
Loved the soundtrack as well....

prake258 · 03-16-2010, 05:35 AM

This movie is also very good movie... i watched this movie with my friends and liked it very much...

FVD · 04-17-2010, 12:36 PM

Well I actually enjoyed it. Denzel pulled off his fighting skills rather well. And there were a few dismembered heads and limbs etc going around too huh? Hadn't seen Jennifer Beals in a while so I thought that was cool. Loved the twist at the end. That was quite a startling revelation. Another viewer who walked past told me he wants to see a Prequel. Don't think it's necessary but an Animated Short (or a Comic like Star Trek: Countdown) which could go into detail as to what happened would probably be more ideal for me.

8.5/10

Ewok Droppings · 04-19-2010, 01:16 AM

Yeah, I saw this a few weeks ago and enjoyed it more than I thought I would. It reminded me a little too much of The Postman with Kevin Costner but it was still enjoyable. I didn't see the twist coming at the end. Not sure I entirely bought into it though. But, as an overall movie, it was better than I had expected.

8/10

FVD · 04-19-2010, 08:32 AM

I'm also thinking about picking up a pair of those Oakley Sunglasses that Denzel wore in the film. Inmates I believe they're called.

PG Cooper · 09-10-2010, 05:26 PM

The Book Of Eli is another movie I missed upon it's theatrical release. While I've never heard of the directors, I was interested in the film because of actors Denzel Washington and Gary Oldman as the stars. But a release date so early in the year left me very skeptical. But, The Book Of Eli is a pleasant surprise.

The film takes place in the future, set thirty years after a post-apocalyptic event. Denzel Washington plays Eli, a nomad with the task of delivering the bible, possibly the last one left in this world, to West Coast America. Along the way, he stops in a small town run by Carnegie (Gary Oldman). Carnegie is seeking the bible and wants to use it as a tool to control people. However, Carnegie doesn't initially know Eli has a bible. While in the town, Eli forms a bond with a girl working for Carnegie, Solara (Mila Kunis). Once Cernegie finds out Eli has the bible, the film essentially becomes a chase between Eli and Carnegie for the bible.

As I said, the only thing that really interested me about this movie was the actors. And for the most part, the acting is solid. Denzel's Eli is a very believable as a total bada**. On paper, the character isn't overly deep or interesting, but Denzel brings a lot to the table. The man who really steals the show though, is Gary Oldman. Whenever Oldman was on screen, I couldn't take my eyes off him. I thought he was a great villain. He comes off as a smart and sly type of guy, but at the same time can be very ruthless and sadistic. Something I appreciated about the film, is that it wasn't a preachy film about Christianity. While Eli is escorting a bible over, it really could be any religious book he has. I also love the movie's interpretation of religion as in the right hands, it can be something that inspires faith and hope. But in the wrong hands, it's something that can be used to manipulate and control people. Maybe the strongest element of the film is the action scenes, particularly the fight scenes early on. These scenes are very well shot, and very brutal.

The film isn't without it's faults. For starters, the post-apocalyptic world isn't overly creative. It doesn't look bad, but it looks near identical to the world of The Road Warrior. Also, there is a scene where the movie goes to far with it's idea of faith. Let me explain. In the scene, Carnegie's men are in a shoot-out with Eli. Now despite the fact that they're all fighting on a small stretch of road, none of Carnegie's men can hit him. It's strongly implied that this is because God is protecting him. The scene goes even further when Carnegie's right hand man has the drop on Eli, and Eli has no where to go. He could easily kill Eli right now. But instead, he let's him go believing that God will just stop the bullets anyway. I have two major problems with this. Number one, the idea is just more of a cheap way to have Eli escape. Number two, later action scenes lose their edge because we don't believe Eli is in any actual danger. These action scenes maybe visually stimulating, but without suspense, they're significantly less interesting. Another thing that bothered me about the film was the treatment of the character of Solara. Now she is a decent character, and Kunis has a solid performance, but as the movie enters it's third act,they start to try and pass her off as a bada**, and it doesn't work. The ending of the film really suffers from this. There is also a twist near the end that I didn't care for at all.

Well, despite my complaints, I have to admit, The Book Of Eli was a lot of fun. The acting from our leads was good, the plot is solid, and the action scenes are fantastic. If you're into action movies, you should check this out. Especially if you like post apocalyptic films.

8/10

Tolkien · 09-10-2010, 08:06 PM

We think alike, you know that? lol. I never wrote up a lengthy review for this, but if I did, it'd be more or less like yours. Glad you enjoyed it. I think I agree with your complaints the most too, especially with Solara's character development.

PG Cooper · 09-10-2010, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tolkien

We think alike, you know that? lol. I never wrote up a lengthy review for this, but if I did, it'd be more or less like yours. Glad you enjoyed it. I think I agree with your complaints the most too, especially with Solara's character development.

Right on man. Great minds think alike

Ramplate · 06-11-2012, 08:02 AM

I really enjoyed this movie - the washed out colors were really effective, and the acting really good. The whole look and feel of the film was top notch.
Loved the ending.

9/10

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01-17-2010, 08:35 PM	#1
shained Y.N.W.A Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: liverpool, england Posts: 3,385	The Book of Eli - Review Thread I had been looking forward to this since I 1s saw a trailer a few months back. It wasn't as good as I thought/hoped it'd be but was still more than watchable. It follows Eli as he travels through a desolate United States which was destroyed by the "flash". I don't know if it was deliberate but the film doesn't go into what happened at all! The naming of a "flash" is as much in depth as it goes. He's carrying a book which he believes he needs to take West along the "path". The films main strength is its amazing fight scenes. They're choreographed so well and look amazing. The problem is there's really only 2 (3 if you can't a shootout) which was disappointing as the story wasn't as gripping as it could/should have been. Eli is kind of a bland character that I didn't too much care for and the way he gets a companion in Kunis is quite poorly written and developed. Oldman was good as Carneghie who desperately wants the book so he can control his people and become a god. There is a twist(y) ending which I thought was good but the review I saw on the main site thought it was poor, but I appreciated it as it explained some of the things that happened in the film. 6/10 - Not as good as I expected but worth a watch nonetheless __________________ Liverpool Football Club You'll Never Walk Alone Letterboxd Last edited by shained; 01-20-2010 at 06:40 PM.

01-17-2010, 10:35 PM	#2
FilmJerk How bout a magic trick? Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: In your mind Posts: 5,949	I thought it was excellent. Loved the look of the movie and the action was well done. I also loved the soundtrack too. the twist was alright I guess, I didnt mind it. 9/10 __________________ Top 5 All Time 1. The Dark Knight 2. Heat 3. Training Day 4. Collateral 5. The Departed

01-21-2010, 04:29 PM	#5
Tzarinna Prepare for glory! Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Prague Posts: 4,123	I still can't decide if I want to see this. Too many mixed reviews, suppose I'll wait. __________________ King Leonidas: Then what must a king do to save his world when the very laws he has sworn to protect force him to do nothing? Queen Gorgo: It is not a question of what a Spartan citizen should do, nor a husband, nor a king. Instead, ask yourself, my dearest love, what would a free man do? http://tzarinna.dvdaf.com/owned

01-21-2010, 08:11 PM	#6
ambrosia Aiming To Misbehave Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: I - don't - know.... Posts: 2,336	Last I looked on Rotten Tomatoes, it stood at a little under 50% positive, which leaves me a little uncertain as well. __________________ Watcher of Movies, Lurker of Threads.

01-18-2010, 05:03 PM	#3
chaotic Executive Producer Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 1,544	3/10 Very bland and has one of the worst endings in recent memory. I loved the look of the film though.

01-21-2010, 08:42 PM	#7
Kailey Banned Status Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 19	i watched the trailer .. and it kinda confused me .. it's kinda like what the hell it wanna tell us ? _______________ 24 DVD boxset 24 DVD set 24 DVD boxset Supernatural DVD Supernatural DVD set Supernatural DVD boxset Last edited by Kailey; 02-02-2010 at 12:22 AM.

01-21-2010, 09:28 PM	#8
DarthVader 2004 Executive Producer Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: West Virginia Posts: 13,557	Hey near 50 at Rotten Tomatoes if not bad for a January film. Id consider that fact if were you.

02-10-2010, 05:35 AM	#10
DarthVader 2004 Executive Producer Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: West Virginia Posts: 13,557	It was an ok movie. The action made it interesting but i think its one of those movies were have more questions then answers. I mean doesn't say what ended the world only slight clues. I think should have opened with how the world got that way. It had some not bad acting in it but feel like the story needed slight touching up. 7.5/10

02-13-2010, 10:44 AM	#11
Tolkien LOTR Junkie™ Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Minas Tirith Posts: 15,031	Know it's kind of late to reply but, in my opinion this film was near perfection. Maybe I related to it more because I'm Catholic but, I thought it was amazing. I didn't care about the action one but, I was completely encased in the story. As for it not explaining how the world got that way; I hate films that explain it. Films that explain how things went bad suck. That's why The Road is amazing. P.S. The Road is still one of the greatest Post-Apocalyptic films ever produced! __________________ “When you want something you've never had, you have to do something you've never done.” -- The Truth. My Facebook - My Twitter - My Blog

03-16-2010, 05:35 AM	#13
prake258 Banned Status Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 31	This movie is also very good movie... i watched this movie with my friends and liked it very much...

04-17-2010, 12:36 PM	#14
FVD The Pineapple Thief Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 10,568	Well I actually enjoyed it. Denzel pulled off his fighting skills rather well. And there were a few dismembered heads and limbs etc going around too huh? Hadn't seen Jennifer Beals in a while so I thought that was cool. Loved the twist at the end. That was quite a startling revelation. Another viewer who walked past told me he wants to see a Prequel. Don't think it's necessary but an Animated Short (or a Comic like Star Trek: Countdown) which could go into detail as to what happened would probably be more ideal for me. 8.5/10 __________________ *“I'm an Alien, I'm a Legal Alien, I'm a New Zealander in Perth....”* I do not want what is not mine.... I only need what comes from within....

04-19-2010, 01:16 AM	#15
Ewok Droppings Executive Producer Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Endor Forest Floor Posts: 14,443	Yeah, I saw this a few weeks ago and enjoyed it more than I thought I would. It reminded me a little too much of The Postman with Kevin Costner but it was still enjoyable. I didn't see the twist coming at the end. Not sure I entirely bought into it though. But, as an overall movie, it was better than I had expected. 8/10 __________________ The flat Earth myth is one of the greatest errors in modern history.

04-19-2010, 08:32 AM	#16
FVD The Pineapple Thief Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 10,568	I'm also thinking about picking up a pair of those Oakley Sunglasses that Denzel wore in the film. Inmates I believe they're called. __________________ *“I'm an Alien, I'm a Legal Alien, I'm a New Zealander in Perth....”* I do not want what is not mine.... I only need what comes from within....

09-10-2010, 05:26 PM	#17
PG Cooper Raging Bull Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 6,141	The Book Of Eli is another movie I missed upon it's theatrical release. While I've never heard of the directors, I was interested in the film because of actors Denzel Washington and Gary Oldman as the stars. But a release date so early in the year left me very skeptical. But, The Book Of Eli is a pleasant surprise. The film takes place in the future, set thirty years after a post-apocalyptic event. Denzel Washington plays Eli, a nomad with the task of delivering the bible, possibly the last one left in this world, to West Coast America. Along the way, he stops in a small town run by Carnegie (Gary Oldman). Carnegie is seeking the bible and wants to use it as a tool to control people. However, Carnegie doesn't initially know Eli has a bible. While in the town, Eli forms a bond with a girl working for Carnegie, Solara (Mila Kunis). Once Cernegie finds out Eli has the bible, the film essentially becomes a chase between Eli and Carnegie for the bible. As I said, the only thing that really interested me about this movie was the actors. And for the most part, the acting is solid. Denzel's Eli is a very believable as a total bada. On paper, the character isn't overly deep or interesting, but Denzel brings a lot to the table. The man who really steals the show though, is Gary Oldman. Whenever Oldman was on screen, I couldn't take my eyes off him. I thought he was a great villain. He comes off as a smart and sly type of guy, but at the same time can be very ruthless and sadistic. Something I appreciated about the film, is that it wasn't a preachy film about Christianity. While Eli is escorting a bible over, it really could be any religious book he has. I also love the movie's interpretation of religion as in the right hands, it can be something that inspires faith and hope. But in the wrong hands, it's something that can be used to manipulate and control people. Maybe the strongest element of the film is the action scenes, particularly the fight scenes early on. These scenes are very well shot, and very brutal. The film isn't without it's faults. For starters, the post-apocalyptic world isn't overly creative. It doesn't look bad, but it looks near identical to the world of The Road Warrior. Also, there is a scene where the movie goes to far with it's idea of faith. Let me explain. In the scene, Carnegie's men are in a shoot-out with Eli. Now despite the fact that they're all fighting on a small stretch of road, none of Carnegie's men can hit him. It's strongly implied that this is because God is protecting him. The scene goes even further when Carnegie's right hand man has the drop on Eli, and Eli has no where to go. He could easily kill Eli right now. But instead, he let's him go believing that God will just stop the bullets anyway. I have two major problems with this. Number one, the idea is just more of a cheap way to have Eli escape. Number two, later action scenes lose their edge because we don't believe Eli is in any actual danger. These action scenes maybe visually stimulating, but without suspense, they're significantly less interesting. Another thing that bothered me about the film was the treatment of the character of Solara. Now she is a decent character, and Kunis has a solid performance, but as the movie enters it's third act,they start to try and pass her off as a bada, and it doesn't work. The ending of the film really suffers from this. There is also a twist near the end that I didn't care for at all. Well, despite my complaints, I have to admit, The Book Of Eli was a lot of fun. The acting from our leads was good, the plot is solid, and the action scenes are fantastic. If you're into action movies, you should check this out. Especially if you like post apocalyptic films. 8/10 __________________ PG Cooper's Movie Reviews Our Youtube Channel CS! Recod Holder: Quickest Review in the Film Club (2 hours 19 minutes). April 18th, 2013, 9:24 PM-???? "Terminator 2's a pretty awesome movie."- Paul Thomas Anderson

09-10-2010, 08:06 PM	#18
Tolkien LOTR Junkie™ Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Minas Tirith Posts: 15,031	We think alike, you know that? lol. I never wrote up a lengthy review for this, but if I did, it'd be more or less like yours. Glad you enjoyed it. I think I agree with your complaints the most too, especially with Solara's character development. __________________ “When you want something you've never had, you have to do something you've never done.” -- The Truth. My Facebook - My Twitter - My Blog

06-11-2012, 08:02 AM	#20
Ramplate Muwahahaha!...Hamster. Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 25,666	I really enjoyed this movie - the washed out colors were really effective, and the acting really good. The whole look and feel of the film was top notch. Loved the ending. 9/10 __________________ "When I said 'nuke the Chinese' I meant put the take out in the microwave!" "We're not spies, mate. I don't even speak Russian." "What?" "I don't...Am I speaking Russian? How come I'm speaking Russian?"