Prepare to bELIeve

Think of your favorite movie. Was it something that makes you laugh each time? Or perhaps it was something that scares you out of your seat, no matter how many times you see it. Or maybe you’re like me, where your  favorite movies are those that leave their mark as you exit the theater, still pondering what just happened. Enter The Book of Eli.
I, like many others, went to see this movie on Movie Night Out. I knew nothing about it and, therefore, had zero expectations of it.  Needless to say, I was amazed.  In order to better review it, I went to see it again to ensure that the first time wasn’t simply a fluke, but, somehow, it was actually better the second time!
A post-apocalyptic story set 31  years  after the  ‘Great War,’ the  movie follows Eli (Denzel Washington) as he journeys westward across America. The movie begins with a solemn tone with dark coloring and a somber attitude as Eli journeys through the decimated landscape, void of nearly all human life.
However, the scene is far from dull or lifeless as the powerful music draws an audience into the movie and  anticipation builds as the lone man travels west. Eli ventures onward and encounters violent scavengers, delivering the viewers the epic action scenes some of them came to see.
Eli soon comes across a small settlement, reminiscent of an old western town, complete with a dusty road and a saloon.  Here, he encounters a hindrance to his ‘path’ in the town’s founder, Carnegie (Gary Oldman).
Carnegie, like Eli, was alive before the war and knows the “old ways,” including how to read and write.  He is looking for a book, the last of its kind in existence, and, you guessed it, Eli has it.
Carnegie  attempts  to  keep Eli in his town by using a young girl under his employ, Solara (Mila Kunis). And, once you get past seeing Jackie (That 70’s Show) and hearing Meg (Family Guy), Kunis plays a crucial and convincing supporting role.
This  movie will  turn some people off with its ‘R’ rating, for brutal violence and language.  The movie does have some strong violence, but compared to most action films the violence is manageable with minimal gore, minus a few moments. The swearing is also evident, but surprisingly rare with roughly a baker’s dozen through the duration of the movie, used in an exclamatory, rather than derogatory, manner.
The movie’s impact lies not in a single theme or statement, but can be gathered throughout the movie. Each person will likely take home his/her own unique lesson, different from the person next to them. This allows the viewer to relate to the movie and possibly enjoy, and learn from, a different aspect each time they watch.
The Book of Eli couples strong, emotional visual effects, brilliant acting and a compelling, thought-provoking story line to deliver a powerful film that you simply cannot see just once.
In the words of Eli, “There is always a choice.” Make the right one and see The Book of Eli.