Denzel Washington is a versatile actor. He fought in the Civil War as Private Trip in Glory, He played the human rights activist, Malcolm X, in Spike Lee's Malcolm X, and he was the corrupt narcotics officer, Detective Alonzo Harris, in Training Day. He's an accomplished actor who's always charismatic and always finds depth in his roles, even if he's playing the villain. His latest role in The Book of Eli is no different.

The film follows Eli, played by Washington, as a lone wonderer protecting a book that may be the last hope of man kind. It's set in a post-apocalyptic world 30 years in the future. It doesn't explain what lead the apocalyptic event, but instead moves forward and leaves the audience guessing what happen, which I like. Throughout the film Eli is face with many challenges. Besides surviving without the needs of food and shelter, he is confronted by countless scoundrels who tries to stop him. Of course, Washington's ability to fight is never in question, so usually his attackers end up on the ground unconscious or dead.

Eli ends up in a small town run by Gary Oldman, who plays the antagonist, Carnegie. Carnegie is looking for the book which Eli has possession of. I don't want to connect the dots and make it too obvious but I think you know what's going to happen next. Eli refuse to give the book and all hell is broken loose. Also, along the way Eli is befriended by Solara, played by Mila Kunis.

The Hughes brothers wonderfully directed the film. The grey and dull palette that covers the film fits the mood of what a post-apocalyptic world should look like. I also like the touch of how the world looks like an old western film. Actually there are many references to old westerns. The way Washington walks through the town or how Oldman is the corrupted official running the town. All that's missing are some horses. As for the action, I must hand it to the Hughes brothers for the well choreograph fight sequences. You can't deny the people who brought us Menace II Society and Dead Presidents, the action here is amazing and exhilarating. There are couple of action sequences where I can't stop to think that the Hughes brothers were inspired by Hiroyuki Nakano and Michael Bay, yes Michael Bay. Nonetheless, they were awesome sequences, especially the Michael Bayesque Mexican standoff set piece. The story isn't bad also. It's written by the once game designer, Gary Whitta. This could have been a knock off from a Mad Max film instead we get somewhat an original story that is told with a good narrative and dialogue. Unless you're an atheist then you'll probably understand the religious content more. The score of Atticus Ross is also good. It's ghostly and hypnotizing which plays off very well in the film. The song "Panoramic" is a great example of how he captures the bleak tone perfectly.

Most of the acting is good, especially from Washington and Oldman. If anything, they saved the film from being too silly. You get a small but humorous cameo by Tom Waits. My only problem is Mila Kunis, she technically ruins it for me. Besides one set piece, Kunis is wasted and seem out of place. She seem like she's a model for Forever 21. Everyone has dry skin and dressed like salvages but Kunis manage to have great skin with make-up and clothing that's too fashionable. Not believable at all. She's not a bad actor, I just think she's miscast.

Overall the film isn't bad, but it does have flaws. If you can dismiss the plot holes and the ridiculous last act, which I love, than you'll enjoy the film. You can watch it for it's deep message, lack thereof, or watch it because Denzel is kicking some ass. Either way, you'll have a great time.

[review pros="Well choreograph fight sequences, great directing from the Hughes Brothers and great acting from Denzel Washington and Gary Oldman." cons="Plot holes and Mila Kunis miscast" score="80"]