A lone man journeys across a post-apocalyptic America
protecting a sacred book that could save mankind. ACTION/DRAMA
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The Book of Eli (2010)Directed by Albert Hughes and Allen Hughes
Written by Gary Whitta Starring Denzel Washington, Mila Kunis, Gary Oldman, Ray Stevenson, Jennifer Beals |
Denzel Washington has always been an unique actor when it comes to action movies, and The Book of Eli is no different. The movie continues the trend of Washington playing a hero who lets his actions speak for him, something he has nailed down when he does movies like this. Add to that a deliciously over the top performance from Gary Oldman and some bombastic action scenes, you got a sure fire winner here.
As mentioned, Denzel Washington is great as the protagonist, Eli. He is a kind man on a very important mission, yet isn't afraid to fight back if he is pushed to it. Washington has nailed these types of roles down in his previous action roles, and this is no different. It makes me wish he do films like this more often, instead of every once in a while. On the other end of the spectrum, Gary Oldman is great as the villain, Carnegie. His performance is perfectly over the top and crazy. These being an action film, there are several great moments that will get your blood pumping. The two that have always stood out to me ahem been the fight in Carnegie's town and the assault at the cannibal couples' home. The directors do a good job of staging the set piece moments and making them look suitably tense. Since this is a post-apocalyptic, I will say, while not original looking, it still looks good in regards to the movie. While it's been done a million times before, I do appreciate the directors never openly saying what exactly happen. They never even imply it. I actually appreciate that, as the world feels more lived in. I've always liked it when Denzel Washington decides to do an action, and The Book of Eli is no different. It once again shows that Washington is not only a tremendous actor, but he can kick some serious butt to. Gary Oldman is not far behind as the film's central villain. All in all, The Book of Eli is a fun action flick with great actors leading it. |