Escape to the Movies: Book of Eli

[Gir1yG4m3r]

It's pretty sad how many people here take Bob's review as fact. Go form your own opinions.

Probably the worst review I've seen Bob do. Honestly, he really just hates this movie because it's supposedly pro-religion (which it isn't; it's pro-faith). This movie was nothing short of fantastic acting and a good moral. And the twist at the end was completely unexpected. He walked into this movie wanting to be disappointed.

Oh, and "When God gets involved, it's obvious whose going to win". Wow, that's the worst quote I've heard. I guess every movie with God in it sucks then.

I don't think he walked in wanting to be disappointed. I rather think that he may have walked in excited about the movie.

What he means is that if you have "God" or some highly-powerful being that "watches" over you, it's rather hard for you to lose. Of course you're going to win, because you have the most powerful being(s) in the universe protecting you.

 

[Ohlookit'sMatty]

You know this is a film where I would have loved to see the good guy (ie: God) lose for once, but Denzel Washington is to bad-ass to go down without a fight!

-M

 

[SimGrave]

EDIT: sorry for the duplicate, I did "reply" instead of "quote" once again!

It's great to have a second opinion. Especially like yours since you bring an interesting perspective to it. I guess I didn't hold my breath for this movie to be any good, since I still don't have any interest in actually spending 20$ to see it in theater. However, it's a definite rental. Thanks for taking some time on your reply. I really appreciate that kind of exchange.

 

[SimGrave]

Bob brings up some extremely good points that I held throughout the movie. The fighting sequences were quite nice, dialogue was rather good, and the way it was shot was quite beautiful. The premise was kind of interesting, so I tried to keep an open mind about it. I really enjoyed the music, which will usually decide whether I like a film or not. The acting was good, but it didn't save me from wanting to walk out of the theater.

I am honestly trying to do everything I can to point out saving factors of the film.

For the first two thirds of the film, it is just so serious and tense, that you don't get any relief from it. I'm very open to all genres of movies. I found myself bored, looking around the theater, wondering how everyone was reacting. It was slow-paced until maybe the last bit of the movie, when he meets Mila's character. Finally there was a little bit of a lighthearted innocence to be found. A little bit of humor. It was the first time you saw smiles on everyone in the theater since the commercials. Denzel did a great job of acting, but it didn't help the fact that things were just so lulling and serious. Mila's character was a bit of a saving factor for me, and then when they met the older couple with the awesome house. The movie had my attention for a little while, seeing a little bit less serious fight going on.

To be very honest, my bf and I had just watched Six String Samurai, and were excited about the whole "after destruction of most of the world" thing. I was also curious about the film due to its striking resemblance to some of the scenery in Fallout 3. We saw the commercials, and thought," Hey that looks rather artistic and full of action. Let's see it because we've had really good luck with post-apocalyptic settings lately."

We were both very very bored. I tried to focus on detail and cinematography to keep awake. The only reason I stayed is because I was curious about the ending. I loved the whole "preserving humanity's history" because of the little museum in Rivet City in Fallout 3.

In all, I think that Bob's review was very accurate. I couldn't really agree more with it. I'm not saying it due to a bias in any way, I'm just stating the facts that I observed during my movie-watching experience. It really depends on what kind of movies you like. Some people like slower movies that are more dry and dark. That's fine, you'd probably like this movie. People expecting an action-packed,gritty journey, I don't recommend it.

It's great to have a second opinion. Especially like yours since you bring an interesting perspective to it. I guess I didn't hold my breath for this movie to be any good, since I still don't have any interest in actually spending 20$ to see it in theater. However, it's a definite rental. Thanks for taking some time on your reply. I really appreciate that kind of exchange.

 

[Lusulpher]

I really, really liked the movie. I found the plot enjoyable, and the fact that the book is a bible isn't a twist...you find out very early in the movie. even then it should be obvious from the trailer. the action was awesome and the twist in the movie that is, you know, an actual twist was amazing. bob is just butt sore about it having religion in it. although if he had actually paid attention to the movie like a good reviewer he would know that the antagonist wanted to have the bible to manipulate the "weak-minded." it isn't a purely "oh the bible's so great" movie. if you're going to hate a movie because you don't agree with it's religious views, you've got issues

Really? You're actually saying this?

Not agreeing with whatever's views is the main reason for people disliking it. Avatar, the apparent hippy tree-hugging (although I can't say I noticed it too much). Triumph of Will, nazi propaganda. (Or whatever that old propaganda movie was called). Independence day, just... bad.

Religion isn't sacred, neither is any other view. Nobody's gonna stop you from making a movie about it, but quit whining about others criticizing it.

I see the point you're making, that they have the right to dislike a movie, but hating a movie because you disagree with some religious, political, or whatever view it has is a stupid reason to hate on something meant to entertain, in my opinion. just like those radical catholics or whoever it is that hate harry potter because magic is evil or something. but I need to clarify something...are you complaining about my complaining? isn't that hypocritical? why can people bash the movie for having a religious undertone, but I can't point out that's a dumb reason to hate a movie?

@clzark, You are correct. This was a really great movie. IF the book had been a Chinese takeout menu, the technicals still hold up. But since it plays WITH it's twist[Bible is NOT the twist], then it's simply an amazing movie.

By the end I was wondering if they stalked me too, as I'm a Black, Christian loner who obsessively listens to my music player and a basic understanding of what the Japanese call "cutting"...REALLY eerie!

When he quoted me, "I've fought the good fight." My mouth was agape! 2 years to the Apocalypse?? I need a machete!

Also see 'Daybreakers', and 'The Road', awesome overtones. 'Book of Eli' is what 'The Postman' movie should have been like!! And that is no small claim.

Kunis' acting was haphazard though, and the forced her scenes[like how did she escape the spring??] EVERYBODY else was flawless. The main security, Carnegie's "wife", EVERYBODY.


I'm really disappointed in MovieBob's lack of objectivity.

 

[TJF588]

Read through much of Page 4 (enough to see Bob's post and get through the following HyenaThePirate post, stopping after saying that "Obama has CHANGED the WORLD" (I'm sure plenty of the world still moves on as it's been, and that Obama's influences haven't been any greater than what most Presidents have effected) thing), so I'll just babble around down here for a bit...

First off, totally agree that for a professional review, this one wasn't as comprehensive as it should have been. Yeah, the premise, whatevz, but by your post, Bob, it seems there was more you had to say about its implementation than what you put into the video. That is the sort of elaboration you should have friggin' used, instead of just balking about the premise on a trailer-level of examination.

For the book itself (hadn't seen many, if any, trailers for this, at least fully, but "Eli" does strike as God-involvent (R.I.P. Eli Stone?)), I'm fine with it being "just a Bible". As said, use of words carry a power, and that'd be fine to use the Bible for, as it's obviously still an effect on people's ways of life.

However, I couldn't glean from your video review alone how that Bible was used. You claim that the Bible/its words are comparable to magic in Harry Potter, but that can't be if it's "just a Bible". There's no mention on what was done AND what wasn't done with it as a plot device, how the villain(s) wanted to use it, how anyone who knew Eli had it reacted to its presence (Eli can't be that old for no one to remember or have been told about the cataclysmic effects of religions for them not to have felt apprehensive, curious, excited, etc. about an 'artifact' of one of those institutions present), how Eli presented himself or the Bible to anyone (this goes back thoward that lack-of-commentary-on-the-dialogue/delivery thing), blah blah blah (It's getting hard to see what I've typed...)

As for that spoiler, I will say that I think that sounds pretty coo' (I audibly "WHOA"ed), at least from just-now reading it...

Spoiler

I get how you figure that Eli could've just memorized the book and orated it, but again, GOD (damn you, and your pervasive ALL-CAPSing) said to take the book with him (maybe as contingency should anything happen to Eli, such as memory failings from time or damage, since supposedly man still has free will to screw around with). That "he's blind with a Braille Bible" thing sounds p. cool, and makes his actions up to that point sound impressive (not that you discussed those much, even if it's just to say "each of the blah number of fights aren't very impactful, as fight scenes go"), but then there's that "wait, so did God imbue Eli with superhuman, DareDevil-level fighting ability to both kill people that could have been convert-material (not that I know who all was taken down, and Jeebus knows that OT God KO'd his [people's] enemies), and basically guarantee his survival should he make the delivery?" thing...
[/spoilers]
...but I think the technicalities of what occurred are what's to focus on here, that impressive shit went down, more than what could have been done in examining human strengths and weaknesses, the wills to believe and to survive, the sacrifices and rewards of following what you "know" to be right, blah blah blah whatever would have made this movie more poignant than just an item quest (an item quest where both the character and the audience are assured will be completed, because a verifiable God gave it). You didn't rightly tell us that, yes, it is just him fulfilling a purpose for the Bible's intactness, because it comes across as a repeating reiteration that "he was told to do something by God" (heh, add a comma after "something"), and thus doesn't settle that "he was told to, and does, take the Bible from one location to the other, while (apparently) not doing much with the Bible that one would expect to be done with a basis of faith/inspiration," though IIRC after all this banal ramble of mine, you said he does help people come to God (does he do this with the Bible's words/messages, justifying its presence, or freehand?).

ANYWAY, let me see if I can tl;dr summarize this:
Your review was not comprehensive enough of what was both in (acting, action, script, cinematics, music) and not in the movie (suggested plot and pacing alternatives, etc.), the use of the book aside from being the MacGuffin was not put forth, neither in Eli's journey nor in the villain's intentions for it, and the spoiler you avoided in the review is impressive in technical way (an awe for what has been done, both by the apparent God's power and Eli's execution of it) moreso than a considerational/poignant way (how Eli's journey could have exemplified man's relation to himself, to his God (both the apparent one and whatever beings or forces other characters subscribed to, denied, or didn't give mind to), to other men, and to his environment).

Haven't seen this flick, prolly won't (I don't go to movies much), and it's completely up to chance if I watch it when my folks rent it (unless it's something I'm intended on, I usually only watch something if I'm wanted for company or if I stick around to watch enough of it to stay for the rest). Book of Eli doesn't sound bodily convulsively bad, but doesn't sound like a must-see and doesn't fit with the sort of geeky crap I get into. (That may have been the only well-constructed paragraph in this whole spiel, eh?)

And Gxas, I've glanced your post, sir.

EDIT: Ah, yeah, reading the post above mine, it is a point to make about active religions in reality and as a part of fiction. JudeoChristianty, as said in the Legion review, has an interesting mythos to pull from, and even then, just one deity's mechanics and use can be something interesting, as long as the viewer remembers that it is a fictional portrayal: one incarnation of a being that, IRL, is seen in a multitude of ways. So, just like with the various takes of universally agreed fictional beings, "God" just has to work as part of this story, and doesn't have to mesh with a viewer's personal views of the being in the real world. Now, if "God" is used stupidly in the movie, then yeah, bash it, as it's a maldeveloped/employed character and/or plot device.

...wait, kinda drifted. Point was, this is a fictional God, fictional Christianity (just as there's fictional people, in a fictional world, of a fictional scenario). That must always be in mind with non-non-fictional materials.

 

[Alex_P]

But since it plays WITH it's twist[Bible is NOT the twist], then it's simply an amazing movie.

A good "twist" is an unexpected turn of events that still follows sensibly from what went before. It needs to complete the story both on the level of plot detail and on the level of themes.

Check out The Prestige -- Tesla's machine is truly shocking because it shatters the bounds of genre, but it's exactly what was promised and desired, and the setup for the thematic exploration in the movie's final act; the true secret of Borden's trick is carefully foreshadowed throughout the movie, both through direct details and metaphor, such that everything adds up perfectly when it's revealed.

A good twist isn't just a surprise. It's actually expected in a way -- it's something that, deep down, you do dread or long for as it's coming 'round the bend; you just don't consciously expect it to happen because it seems like too much, too cruel or wondrous or surreal for the formula you're used to seeing. It's all about the story going somewhere you never thought it would dare to go.

If a story still holds together after you drop a twist, it was unnecessary to begin with. If a story is better without that twist, then you've got a case of flat-out shitty writing.
  

The Book of Eli is too lazy to get this right.

Does Eli's blindness pull together all sorts of little details that went before? Or does it drop out of the sky like an anvil and invalidate the details in previous scenes? Being blind-with-superpowers like Daredevil or Zaitochi is still not the same thing as just having a character who acts like he can see.

Moreover, and I know I've said this before, Braille Bibles are huge. Those little easy-carry Bibles with the gilded pages are printed in small fonts on super-thin paper. Braille books have huge lettering and require very thick paper to hold the indentation. This isn't some kind of special esoteric detail. It should've been obvious to anyone involved in filming a scene that involves Eli flipping out his Bible and then showing the Braille letters inside it.

The twist is, like, the one time you can't just ignore these sorts of details and shout "Suspend your disbelief!"

This is what you get when nobody cares. You start with a writer craps out a script that lacks internal consistency or a real understanding of the topic he's working with, either because he has he's just doing it for a paycheck or because he has the narrative sensibilities of a ten-year-old. Then the directors, figuring they'll just put their talents to use on other stuff and try to sweep the crappy story under the rug, make it into a film because it's the only thing they can get green-lit at the time. And the actors go along with it because, hey, someone's paying them a lot of money to do this (like Wolfman). This is basically how bad comic books are created, except with a movie there are more people involved.

-- Alex

 

[jthm]

I dunno, I think moviebob's review sells the movie a bit short. Sure, the story is a bit trite, but the cinematography and the profile landscape shots are art in their own right. Plus, some of the best fiction ever written has had the divine as an inspiration without making it bad. For example, The Once and Future King. Arthur gets divine inspiration (granted there's a great deal of fantasy narrative and wizards too, but one man's fantasy land is another's post apocalyptic setting) to create Camelot and to be a just and good ruler.

Hell if you want a good example of beloved religious fiction, may I recommend the Bible itself. Some of the stories are remarkably good tales of redemption and deception. It's nothing to base your life on, but still... just because God or the Gods have a hand in the story doesn't make it bad.

Finally, this is probably the closest we will ever get to Fallout 3 the movie. Hell, Malcolm Mcdowell shows up at the end just to cinch it for you.

 

[Gir1yG4m3r]

You're welcome! I'm glad I could be helpful.

 

[Gir1yG4m3r]

Bob brings up some extremely good points that I held throughout the movie. The fighting sequences were quite nice, dialogue was rather good, and the way it was shot was quite beautiful. The premise was kind of interesting, so I tried to keep an open mind about it. I really enjoyed the music, which will usually decide whether I like a film or not. The acting was good, but it didn't save me from wanting to walk out of the theater.

I am honestly trying to do everything I can to point out saving factors of the film.

For the first two thirds of the film, it is just so serious and tense, that you don't get any relief from it. I'm very open to all genres of movies. I found myself bored, looking around the theater, wondering how everyone was reacting. It was slow-paced until maybe the last bit of the movie, when he meets Mila's character. Finally there was a little bit of a lighthearted innocence to be found. A little bit of humor. It was the first time you saw smiles on everyone in the theater since the commercials. Denzel did a great job of acting, but it didn't help the fact that things were just so lulling and serious. Mila's character was a bit of a saving factor for me, and then when they met the older couple with the awesome house. The movie had my attention for a little while, seeing a little bit less serious fight going on.

To be very honest, my bf and I had just watched Six String Samurai, and were excited about the whole "after destruction of most of the world" thing. I was also curious about the film due to its striking resemblance to some of the scenery in Fallout 3. We saw the commercials, and thought," Hey that looks rather artistic and full of action. Let's see it because we've had really good luck with post-apocalyptic settings lately."

We were both very very bored. I tried to focus on detail and cinematography to keep awake. The only reason I stayed is because I was curious about the ending. I loved the whole "preserving humanity's history" because of the little museum in Rivet City in Fallout 3.

In all, I think that Bob's review was very accurate. I couldn't really agree more with it. I'm not saying it due to a bias in any way, I'm just stating the facts that I observed during my movie-watching experience. It really depends on what kind of movies you like. Some people like slower movies that are more dry and dark. That's fine, you'd probably like this movie. People expecting an action-packed,gritty journey, I don't recommend it.

It's great to have a second opinion. Especially like yours since you bring an interesting perspective to it. I guess I didn't hold my breath for this movie to be any good, since I still don't have any interest in actually spending 20$ to see it in theater. However, it's a definite rental. Thanks for taking some time on your reply. I really appreciate that kind of exchange.

Oops, I did the whole "reply" thing as well.

You're welcome! I'm glad I could be helpful.

 

[AdamaGeist]

My honest statement. I've made this comment before, and I'll make it again.

If you have or understand faith, you will adore this movie. If you do not, you will not understand it.

I know, that's pretty lame, but that's the truth of it. Because the entire movie is about faith. Faith is Eli's purpose. Faith is what Carnegie wants to exploit.

I went in despite Bob's review, and I absolutely loved this movie. I will be getting it on DVD when it comes out.

Really, this movie isn't about the action, the violence, or the visuals. It's about a man's journey of faith, and how he realizes that he went wrong somewhere along the way. It's about how an innocent voice can cause us to question what we believe and by doing so renew ourselves. And it's about how blind faith can be abused.

Even in the villain this is shown, in how Carnegie throws away EVERYTHING he has in order to get a single book, solid in the belief that what it'll gain him is worth all that he's lost. But in the end he loses everything, including his own life.

Come on, you can't actually expect him to survive all that? Gangrenous leg, rebellious population, abandoned by the one surviving member of his crew?

The depth was not in the story, but in the execution. Meaning was more important than twists. The characters were archetypes for a reason.

 

[Raziel Star]

My brother and I thought this was gonna be a Fallout movie from the look of the trailer, we were both very disappointed when the title came up.

 

[Lusulpher]

But since it plays WITH it's twist[Bible is NOT the twist], then it's simply an amazing movie.

A good "twist" is an unexpected turn of events that still follows sensibly from what went before. It needs to complete the story both on the level of plot detail and on the level of themes.

Check out The Prestige -- Tesla's machine is truly shocking because it shatters the bounds of genre, but it's exactly what was promised and desired, and the setup for the thematic exploration in the movie's final act; the true secret of Borden's trick is carefully foreshadowed throughout the movie, both through direct details and metaphor, such that everything adds up perfectly when it's revealed.

A good twist isn't just a surprise. It's actually expected in a way -- it's something that, deep down, you do dread or long for as it's coming 'round the bend; you just don't consciously expect it to happen because it seems like too much, too cruel or wondrous or surreal for the formula you're used to seeing. It's all about the story going somewhere you never thought it would dare to go.

If a story still holds together after you drop a twist, it was unnecessary to begin with. If a story is better without that twist, then you've got a case of flat-out shitty writing.
  

The Book of Eli is too lazy to get this right.

Does SPOILER.

SPOILER snip

The twist is, like, the one time you can't just ignore these sorts of details and shout "Suspend your disbelief!"

This is what you get when nobody cares. You start with a writer craps out a script that lacks internal consistency or a real understanding of the topic he's working with, either because he has he's just doing it for a paycheck or because he has the narrative sensibilities of a ten-year-old. Then the directors, figuring they'll just put their talents to use on other stuff and try to sweep the crappy story under the rug, make it into a film because it's the only thing they can get green-lit at the time. And the actors go along with it because, hey, someone's paying them a lot of money to do this (like Wolfman). This is basically how bad comic books are created, except with a movie there are more people involved.

-- Alex

I knew about the "SPOILER TAG"(the trailer gave away the Bible thing). But I was still stunned they pulled it off THAT way, which is the cinematography at work.

And yes, I rewatched the movie to see if they laid the groundwork for it. They did, But I was busy myself digesting the grungeyness of the Apocalypse. Seriously, that was the way they should have made "The Postman"!

And I knew Wolfman would become a gimmick...a little trailer told me. The "spoiler Bible" is Hollywood license(dramatic license?). Just like having a Tesla machine.





!!!!!!!!!!!!!!SPOILER!!!!!!!!!!!

























The lighter scenes
The iPod usage
No eye contact
Not shooting until they revealed position
The voice in head
the bodyguard not hitting him{"he was struck spoiler" lol}
The Eden metaphor using a prison
The commentary with the wife[magnificent]
And then continuation of the Path symbology with Kunis

There are other clues, especially in Denzel's complex acting.

But like someone said above, the whole movie is about Faith. It might be a litmus test for it, it's that well made.

 

[Optimystic]

I have to agree with the lack of tension bit. God says "go do this" to protagonist, protagonist is probably not going to fail. Yawn.

 

[magnuslion]

While I have enjoyed most of you reviews, I notice you seem to have some serious issues with religion, and take that out on any movie with any religious theme. You might want to get some counseling for that.

 

[Celtic Qwest]

Listen Bob, as an agnostic i'm not exactly a defender of any religion (especially Abrahamic ones). But I feel that you missed the point of this movie. Its not so much about the fact that its a bible, but a testament to the power of the written word. *spoilers* At the end of the movie one of the last scenes is the bible being placed on a shelf right next to a Koran along with dozens of other book. So its not like this is some evangelical fantasy film bent on converting the masses to Christ. To me it seems like you have quite of beef with religion (not that i can blame you), but please try to keep it out of your reviews so as not to diminish your professional integrity.

 

[jixser]

While I have enjoyed most of you reviews, I notice you seem to have some serious issues with religion, and take that out on any movie with any religious theme. You might want to get some counseling for that.

Agreed.

I couldn't help but think that every scene would have fit quite well into the Fallout 3 game, and had the story been tweaked slightly to reflect that game, it would have gotten a favorable review.

 

[gnomebard]

wow I just saw the video. never saw the movie and now definitely don't want to see it. I was hoping that the book was just simply blank. and it was the mystery of what was in the book that gave people hope.

that's just me. it's something I would do in a D&D game.

 

[comet5002]

It's pretty sad how many people here take Bob's review as fact. Go form your own opinions.

Probably the worst review I've seen Bob do. Honestly, he really just hates this movie because it's supposedly pro-religion (which it isn't; it's pro-faith). This movie was nothing short of fantastic acting and a good moral. And the twist at the end was completely unexpected. He walked into this movie wanting to be disappointed.

Oh, and "When God gets involved, it's obvious whose going to win". Wow, that's the worst quote I've heard. I guess every movie with God in it sucks then.

I love you. And I agree with everything you said. It's really sad that people are crying and butthurt about a movie being "religious" when it's not even. It's about people being able to find faith in something to hold on to and realize that life doesn't suck as much as it could.

Sorry to revive such an old thread, but I just saw the film, and I wanted to see MB's review of it...and not only was I disappointed, I was ticked off. Never have I seen a more blatant bashing of Christianity from someone who claims or appears to be a "professional" of any sort. You might as well be a 5 year old throwing a tantrum because your mommy's not giving you any ice cream.

What's sad is that you probably could've replaced the Bible with any "normal" book, like Twilight (poor example, but I can't think of a better one), and it probably would have been more favorably received. What's even sadder is that you could probably replace any religion, Islam, Buddhism, whatever, and it probably wouldn't have been as harshly reviewed as MB did. Maybe I'm wrong, but that's the sense I got from this review.

Setting religion aside, I thought the movie was brilliant. The acting was by far the best I've seen from Washington or Kunis, the cinematography was beautiful, the action scenes were intense, the story was interesting, and the characters were likable. The twist at the end (yes, there actually is one, kiddies! Don't listen to MB) also floored me, I never suspected it.

"What he means is that if you have "God" or some highly-powerful being that "watches" over you, it's rather hard for you to lose. Of course you're going to win, because you have the most powerful being(s) in the universe protecting you."

And? What were you expecting? The bad guys to win? I don't know what movies you've been watching lately, but I'm pretty sure that at least 98% of movies ever written end with "the good guys win".

Again, sorry for the revival of this thread, but I had to put my two cents in on such a poor review.

 

[Tyrany42]

It's pretty sad how many people here take Bob's review as fact. Go form your own opinions.

Probably the worst review I've seen Bob do. Honestly, he really just hates this movie because it's supposedly pro-religion (which it isn't; it's pro-faith). This movie was nothing short of fantastic acting and a good moral. And the twist at the end was completely unexpected. He walked into this movie wanting to be disappointed.

Oh, and "When God gets involved, it's obvious whose going to win". Wow, that's the worst quote I've heard. I guess every movie with God in it sucks then.

I love you. And I agree with everything you said. It's really sad that people are crying and butthurt about a movie being "religious" when it's not even. It's about people being able to find faith in something to hold on to and realize that life doesn't suck as much as it could.

Sorry to revive such an old thread, but I just saw the film, and I wanted to see MB's review of it...and not only was I disappointed, I was ticked off. Never have I seen a more blatant bashing of Christianity from someone who claims or appears to be a "professional" of any sort. You might as well be a 5 year old throwing a tantrum because your mommy's not giving you any ice cream.

What's sad is that you probably could've replaced the Bible with any "normal" book, like Twilight (poor example, but I can't think of a better one), and it probably would have been more favorably received. What's even sadder is that you could probably replace any religion, Islam, Buddhism, whatever, and it probably wouldn't have been as harshly reviewed as MB did. Maybe I'm wrong, but that's the sense I got from this review.

Setting religion aside, I thought the movie was brilliant. The acting was by far the best I've seen from Washington or Kunis, the cinematography was beautiful, the action scenes were intense, the story was interesting, and the characters were likable. The twist at the end (yes, there actually is one, kiddies! Don't listen to MB) also floored me, I never suspected it.

"What he means is that if you have "God" or some highly-powerful being that "watches" over you, it's rather hard for you to lose. Of course you're going to win, because you have the most powerful being(s) in the universe protecting you."

And? What were you expecting? The bad guys to win? I don't know what movies you've been watching lately, but I'm pretty sure that at least 98% of movies ever written end with "the good guys win".

Again, sorry for the revival of this thread, but I had to put my two cents in on such a poor review.

I'm reviving it too, because I just rented Book of Eli. I was not surprised by Bob's extraordinarily in-depth (cough) analysis. I have yet to read one review that simply states in an unbiased way that it's about the Bible and then goes on to analyze the pacing, the characters, and the plot. Instead I get five minutes of "no, really, it's about the Bible. How stupid is that?"
Book of Eli in my opinion is a welcome deviation from movie norms. Consider this: a young woman forced by her master enters the protagonist's hotel room in order to bribe him. How many movie protagonists would take advantage of her?
Also, there IS a reason why this takes place in a post apocalyptic world. It shows a society with no laws and no morals. If law and human ethics were wiped out, and all that remained of them was an ancient book explaining how and why people should be good to each other, then I would say that makes for a pretty good plot. No bullshit about something hiding in a hollowed out book that has been used how many times in movies exactly?
Something about reviewers ceases to be professional when religion gets involved.