The Book of Eli

Denzel Washington is on a quest to save humanity

Denzel Washington is on a quest to save humanity.

In one of those post-apocalyptic movie worlds, Washington plays armed traveller Eli who fights his way to the west coast of America with a sacred book.

The plot takes a weirdly pseudo-religious angle but, complete with a strong turn from Washington, an engrossing script, lots of exciting, gory action and striking visuals, this is highly impressive entertainment.

Mila Kunis, Jennifer Beals, Frances de la Tour and Michael Gambon are underused, but Gary Oldman gives his usual villain role a great workout as the boss of a makeshift barter town Denzel fatefully visits.