In the new film " The Book of Eli"...  the world is a devastated wasteland ... 30 years after the advent  of a vaguely described holocaust.... that leaves mankind scrounging for food water and some remaining scraps of humanity. 

    Walking through this wasteland is a grim loner named Eli... played by Denzel Washington.... a man with a mission... he says is from God to protect and deliver a valuable book ... the last one of its kind.... to a safe haven on the west coast.  

     Along the way... this lone traveler runs into any number of renegades and killers... some of whom work for a nefarious small town dictator, named Carnegie played by Gary Oldman.  It seems Carnegie is also searching for a special book as well... and as it turns out the very book he's seeking... is the one Eli is carrying... leading to a face off and deadly confrontation that's equal parts, Road Warrior... old style western shoot-em up... with a healthy dose of theology thrown in.

   It's not hard for the audience to figure out early on what the special book is... that Eli is protecting. 

    That's part of the problem with "The Book of Eli" ... there is no mystery... to the mysterious book's identity. Eli says he's on a mission from God... and  Carnegie wants the book to twist its purpose to rule a brand new- but devastated world.

    "The Book of Eli" is a mixed bag for film audiences. Many will enjoy the action sequences... which include lots of gunplay and martial arts by Washington. 

     However... audiences may be divided by the film's overt religious overtones.   To the film's credit... it doesn't mince it's message on Biblical faith in the character of Eli.  He is a true believer in the book, it's message and it's value to those who cherish it's message and meaning.

    You may or may not not believe in it's stand, but the film doesn't cop out by trying to please everyone with a vague "middle of the road" stand or wishy-washy plot line.

    This film is much more energetic and exciting than the similarly themed film "The Road" which came out in November of last year.  While the "end of the world" atmosphere hangs heavily over both films, "The Book Of Eli" isn't as relentlessly grim as the predecessor

 ... though, both films touch on what the most extreme choice would be for some of the most desperate... when food, real food is in low supply, or almost non-existent.  

     Washington turns in a well acted performance as usual.  However, in this film... Washington's character is expected to be more solemn and perhaps even what could be described as quietly and righteously malevolent.  Washington's performance comes across more through his weary eyes and his commanding presence... rather than lengthy dialogue.

   Gary Oldman is dependable as the town dictator, Carnegie showing the requisite evil and scheming coldness and cruelty his character needs to be effectively dangerous.  

    However, actress Mila Kunis is terribly miscast as a young woman who follows Eli on his mission.

    She seems far too young, or perhaps lacks the necessary gravitas to hold the screen with Washington.  She most certainly seems out of place in the role... that the film's final scene sets up for her character.  

    Overall... the plot of the Book of Eli may leave some as divided... as the actual book itself in the real world. 

    But the film is entertaining enough thanks to the always enjoyable acting of Washington... to give it the gravitas worth deciding for yourself

       For more info about TV entertainment reporter / film critic, Tim Estiloz visit : www.Examiner.com and video reviews at Boston Latino TV : http://bostonlatino.tv/ - Visit Tim's website at : www.TimEstiloz.com