The Book of Eli (2010)

Featured Audience Ratings

• John M

  
  A post apocalyptic hell with plenty of faith thrown in. Good action sequences and the books twist at the end made me smile.

• xGary X

  
  A lone traveller through the post-apocalyptic wastelands of the United States is pursued by the ruler of a ramshackle society who believes a book he carries is the key to expanding his empire. The Book Of Eli is basically a western done in the style of The Road. It contains the usual… More
  A lone traveller through the post-apocalyptic wastelands of the United States is pursued by the ruler of a ramshackle society who believes a book he carries is the key to expanding his empire. The Book Of Eli is basically a western done in the style of The Road. It contains the usual mix of desolate wastelands populated by Mad Max wannabes shot through high contrast filters, punctuated with occasional bursts of violence to keep the multiplex audiences in their seats in good time for the Hughes brothers to deliver their aimless sermon about the meaning of the word of God. Or something. Eli's book is a slightly clunky metaphor for organised religion and the idea of a malevolent ruler intending to use it to control the population for his own nefarious purposes is actually quite an interesting one. Unfortunately the script is wishy washy and unfocussed, preferring a weak "twist" to any meaningful conclusion leading to the film petering out to a whimper. The superior cast certainly keep it watchable for its duration but the disappointing "finale" makes it all seem empty and pointless. In the end the Hughes brothers aimed for Mad Max Plus and ended up with The Postman 2.

• Red L

  
  Generally this is a pretty good film. Always fun to watch the good guy triumph over evil. But the details are a bit of a stretch. I had to go check out the plot in Wikipedia to confirm what I saw was what I was supposed to see. So I would give it 3 1/2 stars for a good scorched… More
  Generally this is a pretty good film. Always fun to watch the good guy triumph over evil. But the details are a bit of a stretch. I had to go check out the plot in Wikipedia to confirm what I saw was what I was supposed to see. So I would give it 3 1/2 stars for a good scorched post-apocalypse world, but take off 1 star for unbelievability.

• Daniel P

  
  I fully expected this to be terrible, but three-quarters of the way through, to my surprise, this post-apocalyptic twist on a basic western was still watchable... then, the awful ending was tacked on. SPOILER FOLLOWS This is a dystopic film. Contrary to what everyone marketing… More
  I fully expected this to be terrible, but three-quarters of the way through, to my surprise, this post-apocalyptic twist on a basic western was still watchable... then, the awful ending was tacked on. SPOILER FOLLOWS This is a dystopic film. Contrary to what everyone marketing big-studio films in America seems to believe, all movies need not have a happy ending. Dystopias in particular could be forgiven if they're less than cheery: it's kind of the point. So, 86 minutes in, Gary Oldman shoots Denzel and takes the titular book. Note to director/writer: THIS IS WHERE THE STORY ENDS. The next half-hour was completely redundant. Oh, Mila Kunis can be the walker now... until she finds Denzel, not dead. Wait, what? And, second twist, the book (The Bible, seeing that I'm spoiling it anyway), is in braille, because Denzel - like Gary Oldman's wife - is blind. Not to worry: Denzel memorized it! And once he and Mila Kunis reach Alcatraz, where some form of intellignetsia has holed up and begun reconstructing a library (for good, not for evil like Gary Oldman), he just rhymes it off, and the librarian copies it all out. Puh-lease. What a joke. When Gary Oldman took the book at the 86-minute mark, I thought: great, crisp ending, and maybe a cheesy sequel/trilogy will follow, à la Matrix; in the final 30 minutes, however, they covered all the ground a sequel might, and delivered a resolution to a problem the viewer never knew the plot had (Denzel's blindness). On the whole, this resolution comes not from good plotting, but through a cheap trick. I guess he did have very good hearing and sense of smell, and I can say "sure, heightened because he's blind," leaving aside whether that theory has any truth to it. But to create and resolve a problem this way - after we've left the main character for dead, keep in mind - is disastrous. Plus, Denzel's just not badass enough to play this character. Give me Sam Jackson! Despite this, and the train wreck of an ending, it's a good enough movie. If you turn it off when Oldman's truck drives away with the book inside, you might even enjoy it. Sigh. Such a wasted opportunity.

• Marc L

  
  In 2010, two of my top 20 movies of all time came out. The first was "The Wolfman". "The Book of Eli" was the 2nd. Oscar worthy performances, great script, awesome fight scenes, good message. I honestly believe this was one of the truly great movies of the decade.… More
  In 2010, two of my top 20 movies of all time came out. The first was "The Wolfman". "The Book of Eli" was the 2nd. Oscar worthy performances, great script, awesome fight scenes, good message. I honestly believe this was one of the truly great movies of the decade. There was one thing I really didn't like about the movie. I felt that there was way too much swearing. It really didn't think it matched the tone of the movie, and it would have been better without the constant use of f-bombs and s-bombs. However, if you can ignore the swearing, this is a really good film. The strength has got to be the acting. Gary Oldman as the ruthless Carnegie is probably the best villain performance I have seen since Heath Ledger as The Joker. Denzel Washington was amazing too, pulling off a energetic and realistic role as Eli, an iPod listening, shotgun weilding, King James Bible protecting wanderer, trying to bring the world's last King James Bible to it's rightful place. Mila Kunis did a very solid, while not spectacular performance as Solara, a servant to Carnegie who helps Eli on his quest to protect the world's last King James Bible. I also thought that Ray Stevenson pulled of a surprisingly good job as Redridge, one of Carnegie's henchmen with a soft spot for Solara. The script was really good too. Seriously, this is one of the 10 best scripts I've ever heard. There is one line by Eli in particular that I really liked. That's not to say that the great majority of Eli's lines aren't spectacular. They absolutley are. The fight scenes were downright amazing. I felt like I was watching a fight scene from "3:10 to Yuma" only better and with modern weapons. I particularly liked Eli's first confrontation with Carnegie. Over all, I actually truly believe this was better than a lot of movies that made the oscars. Truly superior and underrated film. Truly.

• E.J. B

  
  The twist at the end will leave you confused and bewildered, and you'll either want to watch this movie again, or you will throw your hands up and scream, "what the fuck was that?!" But despite your reaction, The Book Of Eli is an incredible experience. It takes place… More
  The twist at the end will leave you confused and bewildered, and you'll either want to watch this movie again, or you will throw your hands up and scream, "what the fuck was that?!" But despite your reaction, The Book Of Eli is an incredible experience. It takes place in a post-Apocalyptic America, but it's a western at heart. The Hughes Brothers are very good at creating this world. With the help of CGI, they've scorched the skies, piled cars upon cars, and depicted vast deserts of wreckage as far as the eye can see. This is probably the first post-Apocalyptic action film that reaches and achieves an epic scope. The action scenes are incredibly well staged, with some fantastic camera work and seamless editing. Some of the scenes are over quickly, but they're amazing to watch. Thanks to this, there is never a dull moment, not to mention Denzel, Gary Oldman, and Mila Kunis are all great. Gary Oldman hasn't played someone this evil since the corrupt cop in Leon. As to the religious undertones - the whole basis of the plot is Denzel Washington carrying and protecting a Bible from savages far and wide - the story is more so a cry for a species that is desperately in need of saving. This is a brave film because instead of questioning the authenticity of religious faith, it dares to suggest the possibility that God is real. Westerns are always based around a sole hero who saves an entire town from evil. Eli does just that. But who is protecting Eli while he protects those who are persecuted? It's an aspect that turns the genre on its head, and the ending result is a great action picture.

• Randy T

  
  A Judeo-Christian approach to the apocalypse that falls somewhere between <i>Mad Max</i> and <i>The Road</i>. Great performances from Denzel Washington and Gary Oldman (as usual).

• Jameson W

  
  I originally had no intention of seeing this movie, but I had a free rental so I gave it a shot. It is a really good movie. The action is great. It is a really enjoyable film. It even throws a little religion into the mix.

• Brad W

  
  A awesome cool movie. The story was awesome, and the acting was okay. The movie had some good action scenes, but I had a few problems with the ending. Mila Kunis is already the most beautiful actress in Hollywood, and now she one of the best rising stars. The production was great… More
  A awesome cool movie. The story was awesome, and the acting was okay. The movie had some good action scenes, but I had a few problems with the ending. Mila Kunis is already the most beautiful actress in Hollywood, and now she one of the best rising stars. The production was great and a cool vision of the apocolypse. So why did I only give it 3,5, because I didn't think the ending was cool enough, some parts in the movie didn't make sense, and Denzels acting was just okay.

• Jakey L

  
  It has a good plot and great style of filming it. However, the characters' background are poorly written (more like shallow), making the great list of actors in the film do only okay. And the sub-setting of humanity in desperation was vaguely played as the film only focused on… More
  It has a good plot and great style of filming it. However, the characters' background are poorly written (more like shallow), making the great list of actors in the film do only okay. And the sub-setting of humanity in desperation was vaguely played as the film only focused on the aspect of religion.

• Robert C

  
  I was hoping to see a different side of Denzel, but alas even a post-apocalyptic Denzel is a one trick pony. No range, The few interesting aspects of the film are overshadowed by the fact that the whole premise is a freakin' bible story. Sure there is some impressive… More
  I was hoping to see a different side of Denzel, but alas even a post-apocalyptic Denzel is a one trick pony. No range, The few interesting aspects of the film are overshadowed by the fact that the whole premise is a freakin' bible story. Sure there is some impressive cinematography and casting, but at the end of the day...it's a freakin' bible story. This movie is the theatrical equivalent of "Christian Rock",

• Conner R

  
  You know, for the most part, I actually really liked this. Visually, it's hard not to. This post-apocalyptic rendition is one of the most stylized unless you count something like The Matrix. This has a great opening and lead in, slow paced and beautiful. While it begins to take a… More
  You know, for the most part, I actually really liked this. Visually, it's hard not to. This post-apocalyptic rendition is one of the most stylized unless you count something like The Matrix. This has a great opening and lead in, slow paced and beautiful. While it begins to take a few corny steps here and there, it manages to stay pretty decent. Denzel Washington is surprisingly impressive as an action hero, just one more thing he can do.

• paul s

  
  In yet another post apocryphal tale, The Book of Eli follows Denzel as he heads west (why, because a voice in his head told him to). Along the way we discover that he has been heading west for 30 years (hmm, if you were walking from New York to San Francisco you'd think that you… More
  In yet another post apocryphal tale, The Book of Eli follows Denzel as he heads west (why, because a voice in his head told him to). Along the way we discover that he has been heading west for 30 years (hmm, if you were walking from New York to San Francisco you'd think that you could have made the journey in less time), and that he has an amazing sense of smell, which helps him sniff out an ambush (sorry, couldn't resist). The ambush gives him the opportunity to go all kung foo... wow, that Denzel is such a badass, and then show his human side (or is it non human to forgive someone their trespasses in a world in which civilization has eroded?). When Denzel arrives in a shantytown, mainly to recharge his Ipod (say WHAT???), he comes across the self appointed mayor, wonderfully portrayed by Gary Oldman. Oldman has control of this town, and figures that he can rebuild society (with himself as Emperor) if only he can find the book of words (a pretty flimsy plot device - Oldman figures that the book has the ability to influence people - kind of like some propaganda tome). After yet another display of kung foo, Oldman figures that Denzel would make a very good henchman (Denzel can also read and use his brain - something sorely lacking in these terrible times), and tries to recruit him, offering a meal and a bed, and all the accoutrements that go along with said bed. This allows the film to introduce the 3rd part of the triangle of the film; a young woman and her blind mother, both of whom are in the service (and beholden to) Oldman. The young woman discovers that Denzel is carrying the very book that Oldman is looking for, but after she reports back to Oldman the next morning, Denzel has already left his room (but stays in town to retrieve his Ipod battery from "the electrician" (arrrrgh). From here on we get an OK Corral type gunfight (where it seems that Denzel is invincible, or as both Denzel and some of the baddies comment - "someone is watching over this guy" - hint hint, wink wink.) Denzel runs, both the woman and Oldman follow him. He runs some more, stuff happens and Oldman risks all to acquire the book. That's all I'm going to say concerning the plot, as there are a few surprises that I'd spoil by going further. What I will say is that there is obviously a certain spirituality to the film, and that Oldman's character is the far more interesting one, as he aptly portrays a man who has used his brain to become the big fish in a small pond (but perhaps the only pond left?) - but in securing his position, has lost a bit of himself and his soul (he freely admits to doing things that he regrets and is not proud of). Yet his psyche has become so damaged that he obsesses on the book. It becomes a holy grail to him; the potential cure to all that humanity has lost (both spiritually and materially). The bleak vistas offered in the film are stunning, even with the washed out sepia tones that seem to be all the rage in these "after the fall" type films. There is some wonderful cinematography on display here, especially in the scenes taking place in a field of huge, cement pipes. I just wish that the script had been as meticulous, as there are the aforementioned implausabilities and an absurd tag line ending that makes little to no sense. The acting from Denzel and Oldman is solid, while the young woman is an irritation (part of which, I freely admit, is the role she has to play). There is a wonderful bit of acting by an old couple that Denzel meets on the road - they are quirky as hell, but yet come off as very real. I found the final plot twists to be a bit of wishful thinking and a real let down - I'm certain that if I were to rebuild society the book of Eli would not be my first choice of book to print. I give this a marginal passing grade due to Oldman and Denzel and the cool cinematography. As far as post-apocryphal films go - give me A Boy And His Dog any day. (and I can already hear Grouchy - "of course you would - you're a dog".)

• Michael G

  
  Berfore I start lambasting The Book of Eli, I will give it points for not having Denzel Washington play the exact goddamned character he's done for the last 457 movies and also not being directed by Tony Scott. I'll also give it credit for the great score by Atticus Ross… More
  Berfore I start lambasting The Book of Eli, I will give it points for not having Denzel Washington play the exact goddamned character he's done for the last 457 movies and also not being directed by Tony Scott. I'll also give it credit for the great score by Atticus Ross & co., but that's where the plus column gets cut off. The Book of Eli's greenscreen, contrived look of a post-Apocalyptic wasteland was as maddening as the lump of clay plot's details (or lack thereof) were. The cast did what they could with what they had to work with (namely not a hell of a lot) and the George and Martha scene was too little too late. Nice Tom Waits cameo though. The Book of Eli made me really want to watch The Road and made me mad when post-apocalyptic movie feel the need to get hopeful.

• Jim H

  
  Throughout most of the film, I was left wondering if the DVD came with a free Bible and visit from an evangelist. There is certainly a strain of this film that is pushing an agenda, but there is also - sprinkled sparsely - a too-veiled criticism of the way in which religions are… More
  Throughout most of the film, I was left wondering if the DVD came with a free Bible and visit from an evangelist. There is certainly a strain of this film that is pushing an agenda, but there is also - sprinkled sparsely - a too-veiled criticism of the way in which religions are hijacked by the irreligious. The film's major failure is its lack of self-reflection; nowhere - except for *perhaps* one or two brief moments - does the protagonist come up for question. After all, here is a man sworn to protect the Bible, yet he frequently, gratuitously violates that whole "Thou shalt not kill" rule, with which I think the Prince of Peace might have agreed. Additionally, the Hughes Brothers' stylized action sequences (think Zach Synder) glorify the violence. It's a pro-Christian film, but it's ultra-violent; don't even the faithful see a contradiction here? What I liked about the film is its focus on literacy. Part of the message, aside from the obvious religious parallels, stresses the importance of the written word. As Vonnegut said, "We are healthy to the extent that our ideas are humane," and ideas are primarily communicated via texts both ancient and living. Overall, the filmmakers seem to be throwing aphorisms at the wall and picking out all the ones that stick, veiled in a rather typical action film.

• James A

  
  If you wished that the Road was a more typical generic post apocalyptic story with a more broad appeal then you have come to the right place my friend.

• Eric S

  
  A bleak story of a lone man fighting his way through a post-apocalyptic America with a sacred book which is coveted by the survivors aware of it and it's origin. Therefore, the book of Eli refers to a possession and not of his own doing. Gary Oldman is why I watched this film and… More
  A bleak story of a lone man fighting his way through a post-apocalyptic America with a sacred book which is coveted by the survivors aware of it and it's origin. Therefore, the book of Eli refers to a possession and not of his own doing. Gary Oldman is why I watched this film and he doesn't fail to deliver another solid character portrayal as Carnegie; an injured survivor who will stop at nothing to get what he wants despite those whom he should care about. Oldman is a master of character work and knows how to use walks, speech, props and make-up effects to enhance his ability to make just about any character vulnerable and interesting. Denzel Washington portrays the lone man(Eli) with the sacred book who is on a journey to see it to a proper resting place. There are some well executed action sequences and cinematography that give somewhat of a western feel. Mila Kunis is well cast as Carnegie's daughter who is oblivious to the world and life due to her being born after pretty much everything as we know it was destroyed. This film can be a bit slow, but does draw you in with it's simplistic look at how the book in question shows how easily the opposite behavior to it's being lives on and on.

• Carlos M

  
  The direction is so ridiculously overstylish, with a showy camera flying through windows and door holes so many times, that it almost made me forget how beautiful the static shots are. Even worse is the terrible story, a huge mess with several plot holes, impossible twists and… More
  The direction is so ridiculously overstylish, with a showy camera flying through windows and door holes so many times, that it almost made me forget how beautiful the static shots are. Even worse is the terrible story, a huge mess with several plot holes, impossible twists and conspicuous religious preaching everywhere.

• Mark W

  
  Having already been dealt a dollop of the post-apocalyptic with "The Road", we are dealt another, in the same year, with this latest offering from "Menace II Society" and "From Hell" directors Allen & Albert Hughes. An atomic war has ravaged America… More
  Having already been dealt a dollop of the post-apocalyptic with "The Road", we are dealt another, in the same year, with this latest offering from "Menace II Society" and "From Hell" directors Allen & Albert Hughes. An atomic war has ravaged America leaving it a harsh and barren land. Wandering through this land is Eli (Denzel Washington), guarding his most precious possession - a book. Carnegie (Gary Oldman), boss of a small town, wants the book, which he thinks will give him power. When Eli escapes from town with Carnegie's adopted daughter Solara (Mila Kunis), Carnegie and his gang set out in pursuit, in the knowledge that the book is in fact, the only one remaining of the King James Bible, that brings protection and guidance to whoever posseses it. Religious undertones - or overtones for that matter, as they are hardly subtle - don't sit well throughout this modern, ethereal western. It unashamedly preaches Christianity from the heavens but if you can see beyond the religious mumbo-jumbo, the film has a lot going for it. The cinematography by Don Burgess is simply stunning in capturing the burnt-out and desolate apocalyptic landscape. Some of the images - although bleak - are beautifully captured and a photographer would be pleased to have them in their portfolio. The direction by the Hughes Brothers is slow paced, which adds to the loneliness of Eli, but when it kicks up a gear the action scenes are undeniably impressive and they handle it very well. In particular, the camerawork during the house shootout scene is magnificent, weaving in and out of the action, giving you a full immersive experience. Fine performances from a fine cast also, but both Washington and Oldman seem somewhat subdued this time round. They've done similiar roles in the past to much more effect but then I suppose it's difficult for an actor to convey any real emotion when they're wearing sunglasses for almost the entirety of the film. Great use of music also, adding to the overall supernal feel. However, with all the effort and talent involved in this, it's the story that's left lacking. There are numerous inconsistencies and the "Bible shall set you free" message, leaves a bad taste. Essentially it's "Mad Max" on "The Road" with a little "Children of Men" thrown in. Plenty to enjoy, but at times, I had the feeling that I should have been wearing my Sunday best, during the sermon.

• Dean M

  
  Denzel Washington makes for a glum hero. In the tradition of <i>Mad Max</i>, Eli just wants to move on peaceably, but keeps running into folks who give him hassle, prompting displays of machete-swishing martial arts which leave circles of dying, dismembered thugs. Also,… More
  Denzel Washington makes for a glum hero. In the tradition of <i>Mad Max</i>, Eli just wants to move on peaceably, but keeps running into folks who give him hassle, prompting displays of machete-swishing martial arts which leave circles of dying, dismembered thugs. Also, like every other loner hero in the movies, he runs into a ruthless varmint who wants something from him, and he attracts womenfolk needing protection. Luckily, the Hughes Brothers hired Gary Oldman to play the tyrant of the wastelands: his canny, squirming, amused baddie lifts what would otherwise be a complete downer enlivened only by bursts of violence and moments of laughable solemnity. In fact, this grey, blasted, muddy wasteland is home to a surprising number of eccentric British character actors. Besides Michael Gambon and Frances de la Tour as folksy old-time cannibals with an arsenal under the sofa, there's room for white-maned Malcolm McDowell, taking care of humanity's cultural heritae like the book-memorisers at the end of <I>Fahrenheit 451</i>.

Read all 20 featured audience ratings