Who's in it?  THE Denzel Washington, Mila Kunis (That 70's Show), Jennifer Beals, and Delightfully Creepy Gary Oldman.
What's it about?  A man on a 30-year mission to protect a very important book and deliver it to safety.

Denzel Washington turns in yet another understated yet powerful performance in The Book of Eli, a film about a man who at first seems a little unstable until you realise there are definite reasons for his strange and violent actions. He carries a sacred leather-bound book in a battered knapsack under lock and key, which must be delivered to someone or something for the sake of the continuation of the human race.  He runs across a young prostitute Solara (Kunis) and together they must dodge very bad people and keep the book safe from harm. Solara is enslaved by Carnegie (Oldman) who holds court in his rundown "palace" where the dregs of humanity come in for their wine, women and dust-ups. Solara cannot escape since Carnegie has captured her blind mother (Beals) and is in charge of the town's only source of water. 

The setting is a post-apocalyptic America and the wasteland left behind is both shocking and credible.  Cinematography fans will appreciate the sets and scenes as you can taste the dirt and grime in your mouth watching all the characters scrounge for sustenance out of the desolation.    Supporting cast members are interesting, including Beals' pivotal turn as Carnegie's concubine, and an elderly couple with lots of guns and penchant for human flesh (this, you have to experience).

The Book of Eli is a must-see for Denzel-ophiles as the master of many critically-acclaimed films marches through the movie without wasting a word - much like he doesn't waste his precious water - with nary a thought to his own pain and suffering. At times it felt like Eli was meant to represent a Christ-like figure, with Solara as his Mary Magdelene, staying faithfully by his side.  Eli even experiences a crucifixion and resurrection of sorts. Carnegie could even be seen as a Judas figure who sells Eli out for his own selfish, megalomaniac plans. The similarity ends there however, as this Jesus survives due to a very un-Christ-like penchant for gory violence.

The film's heavily religious theme might be a turnoff for some viewers, but even if religion is not your thing, you can still appreciate the message of undying, unwavering faith in something more powerful than yourself or anything you know of on this earth.  Basically, it's theme is an unflinching desire to fulfil your destiny in the face of desperation and certain death. Ok, so it's a little heavy, but still worth the ride.

The Book of Eli, now showing at Deluxe Cinemas, High and Market Sts.  Call 462-2188 for showtimes.

Rated "R" for serious violence, and mature themes
 

4 popcorns out of 5