Book of Eli

Denzel Washington takes on the post-apocalyptic nightmare in the Hughes' brothers' fifth film (and they really haven't impressed since Menace II Society), the first in almost a decade. This time around, they clash a spiritual theme with a more secular and violent delivery. Interesting, right? If done right, the answer might be yes.

Washington plays Eli, a lone wanderer protecting the last remaining bible on earth while making his way to the West through wastelands and Mad Max inspired characters. We have seen this paradigm before. Good guy walks into trouble, finds a head honcho baddie, and leaves a trail of havoc in his wake. The problem with this type of model is that the bad guy generally is not believable as the mastermind and muscle. In this case, it is Gary Oldman, who returns to his Fifth Element mantra as a loud and verbally abusive boss. Only thing is, he appears weak and ineffective when lined up with his rugged and ruthless henchmen.

Throwing another wrench in the mix is Mila Kunis. She is a gorgeous young actress with an annoying voice and little talent beyond her looks. The antithesis of the type of girl you would see in this horrible dystopian future, she sticks out like a sore thumb.

Washington salvages the acting however, although dialogue is not a focal point. Instead, a bleak landscape with impressive sets and slow-motion camera shots are more the star. Long lulls interspersed with short pockets of action are not enough to keep the film afloat. Washington's talent is misused in this film as well, as there is little action, little dialogue, and little story.

The ending, although not as predictable as it could have been, is a cop out in the context of the story. The religious holier-than-thou message is misguided and a bit condescending. The Hughes' should have spent a little more time with the frenetic fight scenes. They are laden with great camera shots and good choreography, but they are ultimately flaccid and unsatisfying.

Much more uplifting and hopeful of a theme than last year's The Road, but I think the post-apocalyptic film genre needs a little break and revamping before it resurrects the Road Warrior. There are just so many times you can root for one man in the face of adversity, especially when there is no justice or real endgame. Denzel took a leap of faith with this role, and although the box office may prove otherwise, it is just not very good.

Interesting idea, but falls flat. 6/10.