Oldman gives the movie, which at its most serious veers into lugubriousness, a nice jolt and a flinty presence that Washington can spark against. But the story that the two play out, beat by beat, cliche by cliche, rarely rises to their talents. Written by Gary Whitta, with some rewriting by Anthony Peckham, the story takes a wrong turn once Solara enters the picture, first as bait for Eli (he doesn’t bite) and then as his unwanted traveling companion.
Kunis isn’t to blame. As Jessica Rabbit says, with knowing wit, in Who Framed Roger Rabbit: “I’m not bad. I’m just drawn that way.” Even so, despite Solara and her manicured brows, and the increasingly pro forma action — Eli has what Carnegie wants, and so the bad man gives rabid chase — the movie keeps you watching and generally engaged. There’s a ticklish interlude at a house where Eli and Solara encounter a fine pair named Martha and George, played with energy and inviting humor by Frances de la Tour and the invaluable Michael Gambon. Despite the air of unease and wary glances, when George cranks up a phonograph, and the disco song Ring My Bell pours out, you’re happily, goofily hooked.
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