The Book of Eli

The Book of Eli 2010
Directors: Albert and Alan Hughes
Writer: Gary White
Starring Denzel Washington, Gary Oldman, Mila Kunis, Ray Stevenson, Jennifer Beals, Evan Jones, Joe Pingue, Michael Gambon, Tom Waits and Malcolm McDowell
Post apocalyptic films are one of my favorite genres of films, so I am always keen on seeing a new one. This one boasts a fine cast that is anchored by Washington and Oldman and it is a fresh take on the genre, though it reminds me a lot of A Boy and His Dog which is one of my favorites. The plot is strong and carries the film and the end has a twist that you really do not see coming unless you pay close attention to the film. The action sequences are fast and furious and it really sets the tone for the film. Washington is a badass with a blade and it shows in his performance. This was his best work in the action genre since Man On Fire. Oldman as always does a great job as the heavy. He is bad but you still feel some sympathy for him, which round out his character making it more believable. The film is set like a Mad Max type of film and that setting really works for the film. The only drawback is Mila Kunis, she looks just a little too perfect for a hard eged landscape such as this. Everything else falls into place and really works, though.
The plot basics are this, it is 30 years after a global war has decimated the world and the world is now a violent post apocalyptic wasteland. We meet Eli (Washington) a drifter who for the last 30 years has been traveling west and he is safeguarding a book that he believes is the last hope if mankind is to flourish. He ends up in a village ruled by Carnegie (Oldman) who is looking for this book. Eli is in the town for food and supplies and after taking out Carnegie’s men is offered a place in his army. Eli refuses and soon Carnegie discover that Eli has the book he so desires. But Eli will safeguard this book with his life, and so begins a battle for the survival of humankind.
This is a fast paced and frenetic film. The Hughes Brothers direction is tight. Their visuals are mesmerizing and they stage the action sequences beautifully. I especially like Eli’s fight in the bar, it was quick and brutal and you could see everything that happened. The scene on the road with the car crash and explosions were done very well too. The script is very thorough and intelligent too, this is not a film that dumbs you down but keeps you thinking. All the characters are well rounded and they all have a proper story arc. The cast is excellent. Washington is a great protagonist as Eli, he commands the viewers presence with every scene he is in. Oldman is also a great antagonist and he is very oily in the film, but still has hints of humanity that fleshes him out. Kunis does well with what she has to work with, though she is too perfect looking compared to all the other characters in this film. The SFX and action sequences are pulled off very well, they almost have a Michael Bay quality too their designs, which really puts this film above some other action films I have seen as of late. The score by Atticus Ross plays off the film well too; it is very haunting and hypnotic. This is a great addition to the genre of post apocalyptic films and well worth seeking out.
This one gets 4 out of 5