The Book of Eli (2010)

Directed by Albert Hughes & Allen Hughes. Starring Denzel Washington, Gary Oldman, Mila Kunis, Ray Stevenson, Jennifer Beals, Michael Gambon, Frances de la Tour, Evan Jones, Malcolm McDowell. [R]

In an ashen post-apocalyptic world, the criminal ruler (Oldman) of a small town repeatedly sends out road crews into the wasteland to look for a certain book (you can guess which one). Then a taciturn drifter (Washington)—is there any other kind in these kinds of pictures?—wanders into his radar, possessing the very tome he wants so badly; mayhem and standoffs ensue. Not without some small measure of entertainment value, this dismal, Western-influenced actioner has a bleached look that too often seems artificial, turns downright monotonous after a while. The twist near the end may seem clever at a glance, but just a second-and-a-half of reflection makes the whole thing unravel like a mummy during a t.p. shortage. (Try rewatching the pic after knowing the secret and see how often Denzel’s “skills” inspire derisive laughter.) Though it’s nothing to write home about, Oldman’s distinctly flamboyant villainy is a nice relief from the dust-clumped tedium. Tom Waits cameos as a shopkeeper.

40/100