A Book of Empty Pages

REVIEW: If it wasn't for Denzel Washington and Gary Oldman headlining this movie, I'd say The Book of Eli is probably worth reading its first chapter. That's it. The movie preaches about having faith in our darkest hours and not lose it when everything in the world says otherwise. Yet, the Hughes Brothers showed no faith in their audience at all.

There was no drama within the character of Eli (Washington) at all and his so-called path of faith towards west didn't present much of a test for him that make him question the voice he heard that prompted his 15-year long trek to save humanity from themselves. Meeting and befriending the brave but innocent Salara (Mila Kunis) is not exactly what I call a testament to his found beliefs.



The film also attempted a twist at the end but poorly executed the build-up because too much were revealed along the way. If you don't catch enough of it, don't worry. It isn't worth the trouble.

But the best thing about the film is it didn't get too carried away in delivering its message and provided an intriguing, mysterious character. Yet without Washington at the driver's seat, Eli would seem to be just another typical post-apocalyptic anti-hero. Washington gives religion to this film.

Writer Gary Whitta probably didn't see much of Oldman's work because his character (Carnegie) and dialogue didn't feel like it was custom-made for him. Whitta has one of the finest English actors to come across the Atlantic, and he gives Oldman leftover lines and not enough scenes that really examines why he's an antagonist to Eli rather than an obstacle who can read. Oldman is quite good at making the audience hate and fear him, but don't blame him if he happens to steal the scene. But with Washington on the other side, I don't think that will happen...often.

Speaking of read, the film seems to also suggest that those who read or believe in the power of the written word are the ones who can make a difference, good or bad, in this world. Either that or literate people are the ones who have the capacity to have faith in a higher power or anything else beyond the obvious.

Why pass judgement to those who can't help their inadequacies? Why didn't the film make a bolder step by saying that those literate who decide not to read are the ones who aren't helping themselves or their fellow man?

If you can get past some of the bad seasonings, The Book of Eli isn't a bad excuse to spend 2 hours of your spare time even if you're an action buff, which the film has enough of. Just don't expect more even if the film promises so.

The Book of Eli (2010) (Warner Bros./Columbia Pictures). MPAA rating: R for some brutal violence and language. Running Time: 1 hour, 58 minutes. Now Playing.

ACTION: B

FUN FACTOR: B-

STORY: C
ACTING: A-
ORIGINALITY: C+
MUSIC: B-
SCORE: B
STUPID LEVEL: 6/10
VERDICT: A film full of potential but highly limits itself with its own lack of faith.