Page 18 THE VILLADOM TIMES II & IV • January 27, 2010 ‘The Book of Eli’ traces a loner on a mission by Dennis Seuling Films about the end of the world and its aftermath have been in abundance on movie screens this season. First there State Line 375 State Highway 17 North, Mahwah Open 24 Hours, 7 Days Join Us For Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner The Best Got Better! Diner - Restaurant 201-529-3353 Now Serving Cocktails, Espresso & Cappuccino Denzel Washington stars as a lone traveler in an apocalyptic wasteland in ‘The Book of Eli.’ $ 00 On $10.00 and over. With this coupon only. One Coupon per table. 5:00 to 9:00 pm only. Off 1 $ 00 VT On $20.00 and over. With this coupon only. One Coupon per table. 5:00 to 9:00 pm only. Off 2 was “2012,” then “The Road,” and now “The Book of Eli” directed by Albert and Allen Hughes. Eli (Denzel Washington) is a loner heading West in a post-apocalyptic landscape of gray skies, scorched earth, and thugs ready to kill for fresh water or any number of common comforts that have become more valuable than gold because of their rarity. Eli speaks little and is not looking for trouble, but seems always to be in the middle of it as he must defend himself and protect a book he is carrying. Adept at martial arts and deadly with machete, bow and arrow, or gun, he is constantly fending off grungy marauders who prey on the weak and defenseless. When they come up against Eli, they soon learn they have picked VT on the wrong guy. Carnegie (Gary Oldman) is leader of the dregs of humanity who constitute his henchmen. He has found a secret source of drinking water and bullied his way to leader with this knowledge and a case of overacting. Carnegie’s abused mistress, Claudia (Jennifer Beals), is desperate to protect her daughter, Solara (Mila Kunis), from the dangers of a lawless world. Carnegie has ordered his men to locate and bring back any books they find. He is in search of one book in particular. This book, if found, will cement his role as leader not just of the town he rules with an iron hand, but possibly the entire world, or at least what is left of it. When Eli wanders into town, Carnegie discovers Eli has the very book he is seeking and thinks his search is over. Eli, however, has other ideas. Since life with Carnegie is no picnic, Solara contrives to escape with Eli. “The Book of Eli” is well made and boasts a star in the leading role who gives it a stature it would not have otherwise. The concept is not terribly original. Mel Gibson’s “Road Warrior” movies covered the same ground many years ago, and “I Am Legend” presented breathtaking images of a silent Times Square overgrown with weeds. The original plot point here is the mystery of that book. What is the book, and will Carnegie eventually get his hands on it? What comes to mind is the Wicked Witch of the West’s frantic attempts to seize Dorothy’s ruby slippers in “The Wizard of Oz.” The Hughes brothers know how to pace a film, and incorporate solid action sequences at appropriate intervals. They also toss in a bit of humor in the persons of George (Michael Gambon) and Martha (Frances de la Tour), an (continued on Crossword page) �������� ������� ��������� �������� ��������������������������������������������� Valentine’s Day Join us on ���������� ���������� Full Regular Menu Available Call for Reservations �������� ������ �������������� ���������� V alentine Specials SUNDAY FEBRUARY 7 , 6-9 PM FREE BUFFET ������������������������������������������������ Superbowl Party �������������������� HAPPY HOUR ������������������ �������������� ��������� ������� ������������������ ������������������� �������������� � �� �������������������������������������������������������������������� 1-20-10