this movie, contrary to those who cannot see past any religious reference, is not about religion. it is about our history and this country's history cannot be separated from the bible. this movie was about hope, literacy, determination, power (and it's tools) but it was not about god. without giving anything away, the main character is misguidedly driven for the first three quarters, he is neither inspiring nor heroic. his transformation has more to do with recapturing humanity than it has to do with scripture. the wisdom that he draws from his knowledge of the bible is common to every major and most minor religions in the history of civilization. that wisdom is inspirational and hopeful but is only biblical because he had the bible and not the koran, the torah, or the bagahvad gita. if you go to see this movie please pay attention to the meaning and not the symbols. One neat hint is to pay close attention to one of the last scenes: the other books on the shelf. GOOD LUCK.

One synopsis I read put it this way "one man (Denzel Washington) fights to protect that sacred tome that could hold the key to the survival of the human race". Another, "a lone warrior (Washington) must fight to bring civilization the knowledge that could be the key to its redemption and save the future of humanity" I kept waiting to see how the Bible he carried was going to lead to survival of the human race or save the future of humanity. I'm still waiting!!! (If you want good vs evil, rent Stephen King's "The Stand". A great book made into a pretty decent flick)

Being a Denzel fan, I couldn't wait to see his latest movie. In a word, The Book of Eli is...different. Because of the apocalyptic mood of the movie, we found the movie to be very dark and kind of depressing to watch. There's a message in there, but, some people who just want to see a "light" movie while they crunch away on the buttered popcorn may not find what they are looking for viewing this movie. We take so much for granted though...being able to turn on a faucet and get clean water, being able to walk into a grocery store and have anything we could want right at our disposal...living in a "civilized" world, (more or less, depending on where you live). The Book of Eli really makes you stop and think, "...what if all of that was taken away?" As always, LOVED Denzel. As Eli, he's the character he played in "Training Day", but, with a definate soft side. In this movie, he hurts only when he's forced to, which he does with stunning precision. Denzel is still # 1!!

This movie featured one of the most talented actors of this time. The movie started slow and then picked up like a ride on a rollercoaster. The action was pheonomenal and the story thought provoking. As a regular movie goer I measure the movie by the time "I feel like I've been sitting in the theater". The movie was fast paced enough for me to forget about time and immerse myself in the story. This is no a movie for young children - violence prevails in most action scenes and it is visual and you can feel the action. As a Christ follower the movie was priceless. The "what if" was portrayed and the thank God for the power of "good" over "evil". I recommend it for all believers and nonbelievers. The most important lesson of life is taught and learned in this movie. The power of the WORD.

Non-believers step aside, The Book of Eli will make you feel stronger the next time you hold a bible. All Denzel fans beware, he's more dangerous with a knife in his hand. The Hughs Brothers recreated several passages from the bible and succeeded in painting this post apocalyptic vision, feeling the fatigue from this mans journey, walking for thirty years. It reminds you of Moses, traveling to the promise land; Eli was traveling to the West. The road was dangerous people had to revert to old ways, hunting anything that walked including humans. Eli's faith was his footsteps, guiding him across the land to a place where others didn't believe existed. I liked the overall feel of the story, actors Washington, Oldman and Kunis all put in good average roles. The overall scenery is what carries the movie with more drama than action. The book is the key of hope and I hope you take this movie for what its worth not holding any expectations. Rated R for violence and language. go see it