The Book of Eli

[cfriend]

Do not post any spoilers or discuss plot in this thread.

Was really, really good. Let me preface the following by saying I see at least one, usually two movies a week. It is entirely possible I enjoy the experience of going to the theater more than some movies themselves. Wedging myself in a large comfortable chair (middle of the theater, eye level with an imaginary line dividing the top third of the screen from the middle third of the screen... divine!) with a cup of coffee (my theater allows outside food and beverages) and my phone off... there are few things I enjoy better on a lazy afternoon. That said...

I am shocked at the mediocre reviews this movie received, though I am quickly learning Rotten Tomatoes is not a consistent source or baseline. I am bursting to tell people about it; with such a great story, Denzel leading a wonderful cast, and a superb and wholly unexpected ending... I thoroughly enjoyed it. Denzel has the fortune of being able to pick and choose scripts that appeal to him, and his involvement in a film just about guarantees it to be an good time. Go see it, immediately, and come back so we can talk about it. Go!

 

[Dustinl]

Go see it, immediately, and come back so we can talk about it. Go!

We are planning on it this weekend!


DL

 

[Sullybob]

This movie looks really good. I may try and see it this weekend.

 

[Milton]

I plan on seeing very shortly. Still need to see Avatar too...

 

[cfriend]

I'm not one for midnight showings, but I will go the next morning when everyone is working.

 

[SalvadorMontenegro]

I actually thought the previews looked horrible, but your review and the cast have me interested. I might check it out, though I'm also interested in the Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus.

 

[Mr. O]

As someone who doesn't get paid to review movies, would you mind posting a synopsis about it for those of us on the fence of whether to see it? Nothing worse that paying todays ticket prices and sitting through a horrible movie.

 

[Tolduonce]

Planning to see it this weekend if I can squeeze in the time. I'll be back to contribute. Hold on.

 

[thirdeye]

I don't do movie theaters so please don't let out the story because I really want to see this one.......

 

[cfriend]

Yes, please don't post any spoilers in this thread.

One of my biggest pet peeves is people who ruin movies, especially current movies. That said, the previews should be sufficient to get a general idea of the movie, Denzel guards a book and lets no one touch it. Oldman wants the book. Much turmoil ensues. I cannot push you over the fence, but I can promise you the grass is a gorgeous, luscious green on the other side.

 

[gaseousclay]

i'd like to see it. the previews reminded me of mad max

 

[taprater]

I wanted to see it but alas I just dropped $450 on college books and am now a broke joke that's not even worth a small chuckle

 

[Mr. O]

Yes, please don't post any spoilers in this thread.

One of my biggest pet peeves is people who ruin movies, especially current movies. That said, the previews should be sufficient to get a general idea of the movie, Denzel guards a book and lets no one touch it. Oldman wants the book. Much turmoil ensues. I cannot push you over the fence, but I can promise you the grass is a gorgeous, luscious green on the other side.

Not a problem. Thanks!

 

[mkevenson]

SUNDAY,it is.

 

[SalvadorMontenegro]

I had an epiphany recently: Gary Oldman has to be the most underrated actor working today. I've never seen him do anything that would merit an academy award, but he's created some incredibly diverse and memorable characters: Dracula, Sirius Black, Commissioner Gordon, the drug dealer in True Romance, Mason Verger in Hannibal. It's amazing that he hasn't received more attention. I guess it's because he's usually in commercial films and never the star.

 

[gaseousclay]

I had an epiphany recently: Gary Oldman has to be the most underrated actor working today. I've never seen him do anything that would merit an academy award, but he's created some incredibly diverse and memorable characters: Dracula, Sirius Black, Commissioner Gordon, the drug dealer in True Romance, Mason Verger in Hannibal. It's amazing that he hasn't received more attention. I guess it's because he's usually in commercial films and never the star.

let's not forget his roles in The Professional and Fifth Element (both Luc Besson films). I hate that he's usually typecast as a villain - the guy has some serious acting chops

 

[cfriend]

let's not forget his roles in The Professional and Fifth Element (both Luc Besson films). I hate that he's usually typecast as a villain - the guy has some serious acting chops

I forgot he was Sirius Black... what kind of HP fan am I?

 

[SalvadorMontenegro]

let's not forget his roles in The Professional and Fifth Element (both Luc Besson films). I hate that he's usually typecast as a villain - the guy has some serious acting chops

Oh yeah! Those were great, too. I think he's kind of like an older, not so attractive version of Johnny Depp. He tends to gravitate towards roles that are a little bit eccentric. I guess he's what they call a "character actor." I don't know that he could carry a movie like DeNiro or Nicholson, or even Depp, but he's damn good in his supporting roles. And I thought he was fantastic as Sirius Black!

I like Denzel, too. Oddly, I wasn't a big fan of Training Day, but was very impressed with Malcolm X. I also saw him recently in some movie with Clive Owen. I can't remember the name... "The Inside Man," maybe? Anyway, I don't think it was that big of a hit, but I thought Denzel was great in it.

Edit: The movie is Inside Man. It's about a hostage negotiator. I saw it on a bus and really enjoyed it.

 

[cfriend]

I like Denzel, too. Oddly, I wasn't a big fan of Training Day, but was very impressed with Malcolm X. I also saw him recently in some movie with Clive Owen. I can't remember the name... "The Inside Man," maybe? Anyway, I don't think it was that big of a hit, but I thought Denzel was great in it.

Edit: The movie is Inside Man. It's about a hostage negotiator. I saw it on a bus and really enjoyed it.

Training Day is not one of my favorites, either. However...

Man on Fire
Deja Vú
Out of Time
Inside Man
American Gangster
Taking of Pelham 123
Manchurian Candidate
Antwone Fisher

Are all fantastic movies. Maybe I'm just Denzel's target market. I think Book of Eli falls between Man on Fire (my favorite all time Denzel film) and Deja Vú. If you've never seen Man on Fire, please watch this trailer: Man on Fire Theatrical Trailer

EDIT: The trailer isn't as good as I remember, but the film is fantastic.

 

[Phog Allen]

I had an epiphany recently: Gary Oldman has to be the most underrated actor working today. I've never seen him do anything that would merit an academy award, but he's created some incredibly diverse and memorable characters: Dracula, Sirius Black, Commissioner Gordon, the drug dealer in True Romance, Mason Verger in Hannibal. It's amazing that he hasn't received more attention. I guess it's because he's usually in commercial films and never the star.

Agreed. I would also point out his performance as "Zorg" in The Fifth Element. Lets see. A space age villain with a weird southern accent. "...a little death, destruction, and chaos." He was superb in that movie in an over the top sort of sense. Underrated is probably the understatement of this posting. Good call Salvador.

Regards, Todd