Media MindField

I’ll start by saying that I am a true fan of the directors of this film, the Hughes Bros. Allen and Albert the twin black film makers with a track record of good to great films, their best in my humble opinion being “Menace to Society” with “From Hell” a close second, that is until now.”The Book of Eli” is their first directorial effort in 9 yrs and they show no signs of rust or slowdown. This film may be their best yet, wait…it is.

The premise is the first, to my knowledge, that any prominent black director (or directors) has tackled. A sci-fi premise taken seriously, the “post apocalyptic” storyline. Now this premise or idea has been done to death in the “B” movie realm for decades, rarely taken even semi-seriously. There are standouts like the awesome George Miller directed “Mad Max” trilogy… the post apocalyptic template. This idea was taken even more seriously (although with considerably less action) with the recently released “The Road”(with Viggo Mortgenson).”The Book of Eli” easily ranks with the best the genre has to offer and has to be the most beautifully shot, nuked out future yet, with enough gravitas to be taken seriously. There is plenty of  not-so-subtle religious undertones but you’re never beat over the head with them. Throw in some dope action and you have quite a banger on your hands.

The story goes like this, 30 years after the big disaster/war we are introduced into a nuked out future, it is brutal, primal and lawless. What’s left of humanity is of course divided into savage gangs of cannibal rapists and everybody else. This takes place roughly, water is scarce, money is useless and the “little” things in life are most valuable, like soap, shampoo and good clothing. Apparently most of the current population is illiterate and books are also a rare commodity, so to any survivor who can read they are veeeerrrry valuable. With the most sought after book being the bible, all of which were supposedly burned before the end.

Now, enter Eli (Denzel Washington) a grizzled world weary traveler with a purpose and the last bible on earth. So, he’s been walking to the west coast for 30 yrs which has made him a real badass as far as ass kicking is concerned, with his machete sword ,shotgun and .45 he goes on his “quest”. While traveling he comes across a town with one of the best character actors ever Carnegie(Gary Oldman) who keeps the town under thumb and Solara (Mila Kunis) a young servant girl daughter of Claudia (Jennifer Beals who’s aging like fine wine) Carnegie’s blind squeeze. Carnegie being literate has been searching tirelessly for “the book” (the bible), to start up civilization he understands it’s power to control and wants to use it to his advantage. He finds out Eli has the bible and the action begins. I won’t spill any more beans because you should go and see the film and wait for the interesting ending. Stylishly shot top notch action sequences are here but not overdone, a hard “R” for gratuitous violence and graphic rape scenes, not for kids…at all. The film elevates itself from “B” movie trappings with dope performances and very, very, competent direction and cinematography, a definite 8.Check it out. Sir M

Rating: (8/10)

Smite all cornballs

Sir M.

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