Jo Reviews

Denzel Washington stars in this year’s first action packed flick, “The Book of Eli”. We all know they have one of Hollywood’s best starring in this film but can the script live up to its star. The world has changed as we know it. The dust has settled after a flash of light when the sun overtook the Earth and caused massive ramifications. The world has begun again and many of the survivors are left blind and fending for themselves. Fighting to stay alive as they struggle to find water, a place to sleep and what is left of any toiletries. Eli is a lone man on a mission and does not seem to care about these things, things that we take for granted. He has a goal in mind and is set on fulfilling that goal.

As he is making his was west across America he arrives in a town where he immediately makes his presence known as he is in a bar fight and winds up killing almost everyone in the bar. Carnegie (Gary Oldman) the leader of the town calls upon Eli and makes is known that he is impressed by his tenacity and could use him on his team. Trying to convince Eli to stay he provides him with food, water, a comfortable place to stay and Solara (Mila Kunis). He is hoping Solara can seduce Eli into staying, but Eli is not interested in using her. He agrees to let her stay the night for her safety. The two ask many questions and Solara is very interested when she sees Eli has a book. Before dinner Eli shows Solara how to pray, something she finds very inspirational.

The next morning when Solara returns, Carnegie witnesses Solara’s new word from the testament and is immediately furious. He realizes that Eli has the book which he has been searching for. This book is the only Bible remaining in the World and he is determined to have it. Little does he know Eli will do whatever it takes to protect the book. It becomes a courageous struggle that ends in an unexpected way.

“The Book of Eli” was a powerful tale taking us back to the beginning of time. A lesson that should teach us to appreciate the things we have and to not be as greedy as we are in today’s society. It had a great message that could not have been delivered any better than from Denzel Washington. He offered a stunning performance as did his side kick Mila Kunis. My only complaint is that watching Mila Kunis transform on screen from a shy woman into a confident “bad ass” was hard for me to believe. The pace of the film was great and the mystique of it makes it that much more enjoyable. Finally a post apocalyptic tale that offers everything you want and expect!