The trusty (rusty?) post-apocalyptic (itself a duff term) film conveyor belt churns out another entry with The Book Of Eli. In this one we get Denzel Washington as the book carrying Eli, carrying said tome from East to West American following an unspecified incident (referred to only as “the flash”) which has left a barren planet scorched by an endless sun. On the way Eli encounters the now usual staples of motorcycle gangs, rapists, cannibals etc. There’s not too much originality. We also get Gary Oldman hamming it up as the lord of a small town, who controls everything due to his control of the minimal water supply, and Michael Gambon and Frances de la Tour pop up in bizarre scene which only seems to serve the plot in terms of the Hughes brothers being able to show off some fancy camera tricks. In terms of that the film itself is nicely framed and coolly shot by the brothers, but is let down by far too many plot holes and a twist that is so outrageous if has to be seen to be believed. Though, once you’ve seen it you’ll think that was pretty unbelievable. Washington is fine and the actual point of his journey through the film feels surprisingly fresh and a nice touch by the Hughes’s. However, they don’t totally follow through with their belief as the final shot of the film feels like a concession to making sure no noses are put out of joint.
The OC Film Sting Final Verdict
Stylishly shot, but that can’t make up for a general feeling of déjà vu and a limp ending. Rating: 5/10.
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