In this movie, Eli has a distinct swagger and wears sunglasses (everyone wears sunglasses in this post-apocalypse world). Within the first few scenes, we know Eli is good with knives, and you don't need lots of characters in this movie to make it work. It is meant to look this empty.
The usual scenario in a post-apocalyptic world happens, lack of water, dry desserts etc. All to lure you in into this derelict world. And boy can Eli walk (see distinct swagger above). He's heading west he says.
What the movie lacked in the beginning, it almost makes up in the middle. More action accompanies Eli and his newfound friends & enemies alike, and the real reason for his journey becomes apparent.
The story limps along and the cinematography aids in the believability factor of it all. Eli (Denzel Washington) doesn't need to do much acting though; choosing to remain stern & quiet most of the time.
There's a slight twist in the middle, but with the way movies are going, it might not even be passed as a twist nowadays.
Watch it for something visually different, and you will enjoy the movie. Just be wary of the long silences during the start of the film as it set-up attempts to lure you into this post-armageddon world.
