The Book of Eli (R)

<b>OK FOR HIGH SCHOOLERS 16 AND OLDER</b><br>
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<a class="taxInlineTagLink" id="PECLB003929" title="Denzel Washington" href="/topic/entertainment/denzel-washington-PECLB003929.topic">Denzel Washington</a> is a powerful, mysterious presence as Eli, a hero/prophet in a post-apocalyptic world. Eli carries with him a book of great import (it is left unnamed until near the end) that he salvaged after "the last war." Co-directors/siblings Albert and <a class="taxInlineTagLink" id="PECLB002465" title="Allen Hughes" href="/topic/entertainment/allen-hughes-PECLB002465.topic">Allen Hughes</a> here combine ultraviolence with a strongly spiritual theme, which makes <i>The Book of Eli</i> an arresting parable. The film's intended message is muted and cheapened, however, by repeatedly deafening and bloody fights and shoot-outs.<br>
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Eli is trekking across the land because a voice told him to take the book West. In a ruined city, he meets a power player, Carnegie ( <a class="taxInlineTagLink" id="PECLB003339" title="Gary Oldman" href="/topic/entertainment/movies/gary-oldman-PECLB003339.topic">Gary Oldman</a>), who rules the place with his thugs. Carnegie wants Eli's book. He thinks it will increase his own power. His mistress ( <a class="taxInlineTagLink" id="PECLB000398" title="Jennifer Beals" href="/topic/entertainment/jennifer-beals-PECLB000398.topic">Jennifer Beals</a>) and her daughter (Mila Kunis) try to help Eli.<br>
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The mayhem earns the R rating, as do scenes that imply intended sexual assaults (which are stopped), other milder sexual innuendo, and some strong profanity.

( Alcon Entertainment, courtesy / January 12, 2010 )

OK FOR HIGH SCHOOLERS 16 AND OLDER

Denzel Washington is a powerful, mysterious presence as Eli, a hero/prophet in a post-apocalyptic world. Eli carries with him a book of great import (it is left unnamed until near the end) that he salvaged after "the last war." Co-directors/siblings Albert and Allen Hughes here combine ultraviolence with a strongly spiritual theme, which makes The Book of Eli an arresting parable. The film's intended message is muted and cheapened, however, by repeatedly deafening and bloody fights and shoot-outs.

Eli is trekking across the land because a voice told him to take the book West. In a ruined city, he meets a power player, Carnegie ( Gary Oldman), who rules the place with his thugs. Carnegie wants Eli's book. He thinks it will increase his own power. His mistress ( Jennifer Beals) and her daughter (Mila Kunis) try to help Eli.

The mayhem earns the R rating, as do scenes that imply intended sexual assaults (which are stopped), other milder sexual innuendo, and some strong profanity.

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