Growing up, James Bond wasn't the most popular name in my house. Of course we all knew who he was, but to me he was the guy in those movies that included just enough risque material to make my parents question whether or not us kids should be watching it. I have to admit to this day I am still not very familiar with the older Bonds. All I have seen was the result of Bond marathons they used to play around Christmas on TV. Naturally, my opinion soured since there were about a thousand other things I wanted to be watching around that time of year. The ones I was very familiar with just worsened that opinion. I think I have the right to claim child abuse for having to grow up with Pierce Bronson as James Bond. I mean, yeah, "Golden Eye" was one of the best video games from my childhood but nobody really associated it with the movie did they? Thought not!
Then the world was given a gift. I know there are some people out there that disagree, but Daniel Craig is the best thing to ever happen to James Bond. The man was born to play that role, and sadly I truly hope the character dies with his retirement. Casino Royale received instant acclaim. It had action, drama, romance, betrayal, intrigue, poker... a cringe worthy torture scene. Not only that but they had the best Bond girl as well. However, it seems that I am one of the few people that truly enjoyed Quantum of Solace just as much as Casino Royale. I loved the fact that the enjoyably melancholy plot from the first film continued into the second. So it seems only right that when Skyfall was finally announced my blood pressure increased.
After a mixed year of pleasant surprises, met expectations, and major disappointments, I wasn't sure what to expect when I heard that Skyfall was being called the best Bond film of all time. To put it straight forward for you, I don't feel that was true. I still believe that Casino Royale holds that distinction. But don't be disheartened; I can gladly tell you it was an extremely close second. If you are looking for the number one movie to go see on a date currently, this is the one for you. Clearly, since I didn't think it was the best Bond flick of all time, there were things that I would have changed, but in every other aspect it is a total winner.
What I Loved:
Something I loved so much about this new take on Bond was the flow of the action. As in all three, the film starts out with intense action. Then the action is drawn back and replaced with intensely compelling drama and subtle thrills. And then just when you think you've been completely satisfied by the film, they throw in the most intensely action packed climax you have ever seen. This film uses the same sequence without a "been there done that" feeling. I can't say the opening to this film was the best of the three, because I think they are all completely tied. It was by far the most nail-biting and leaves you eager for the rest of the film. The ending is equally as epic. Even though it has a more claustrophobic tension, it is deeply entertaining. I wish I could tell it to you, but I wouldn't dare ruin the experience!
I further loved the deeper glimpses you get into the life of James Bond and M. In the last two films, you get a lot of hints and inclinations about James' past. In this one, you finally get to see some of it. I won't give it away, but when you finally discover what the title Skyfall refers to. You'll regret that you were ever upset by the title when they announced it. I'll just say... WOW! Since the trailer makes it quite clear that Bond gets shot and presumed dead at the beginning, I won't hesitate in mentioning it now. This provides a great narrative opportunity. Bond has to get re-cleared for action, and we get to see some of the tests Double O's have to go through in order to get that distinction. Additionally, we get further insights into M's past that takes you on a "Dumbledore-style" loss of trust that requires greater faith from our hero.
The one thing this film can claim is the greatest Bond villain of all time. To sum up, I'll just say he makes you feel uncomfortable in every way possible. To be as vague as I can, I challenge you not to be intimidated when you see him with out his "mask." Throughout the whole film it felt like the character was written by Chris Nolan because I was continually reminded of the Joker. Trust me, you won't disagree with me here. I also loved the addition of Ralph Fiennes character. It was very refreshing to see him play something other than a villain. And to round it out, faithful fans of the older franchise will be pleased with the addition of the Q and Moneypenny.
Room for Improvement:
My greatest feeling of loss was from the lack of connection with the first two films. There were a few scenes where I didn't recognize Bond. Some of this is because of the direction of the plot, but the influence of Vesper--so prevalent in the first two--is completely absen,t and it made me sad. It could be argued that it's because he moved on at the end of the second film. However, there is a scene where Bond undergoes a psych evaluation with word association and it would have been the perfect spot to mention her. Oh well. I also didn't like that in several points in the film Bond isn't working solo.
Finally, although the song done by Adele for the film is perfect, I was greatly disappointed by the rest of the score. The first two films have an incredible thing going with the work of David Arnold. The score was compelling, mysterious, and melancholy. This soundtrack by Thomas Newman is nothing nearly as complementary. As much as I loved the film, I will never forgive the choice to abandon Arnold for Newman. Okay, the soundtrack isn't terrible by any means, but this guy here was waiting anxiously to buy it the second it became available... until I heard it. Now this soundtrack won't have the opportunity of being part of my collection.
These shortcomings should in no way dissuade you from seeing the film. The scenery is incredible, the camera work is engaging, the tension is thick, the action is stunning, the humor is comforting, and the acting is beyond censor. In short Skyfall is a winner. Go check it out before The Hobbit pushes the thought from your mind. ;)
What I Loved:
Something I loved so much about this new take on Bond was the flow of the action. As in all three, the film starts out with intense action. Then the action is drawn back and replaced with intensely compelling drama and subtle thrills. And then just when you think you've been completely satisfied by the film, they throw in the most intensely action packed climax you have ever seen. This film uses the same sequence without a "been there done that" feeling. I can't say the opening to this film was the best of the three, because I think they are all completely tied. It was by far the most nail-biting and leaves you eager for the rest of the film. The ending is equally as epic. Even though it has a more claustrophobic tension, it is deeply entertaining. I wish I could tell it to you, but I wouldn't dare ruin the experience!
I further loved the deeper glimpses you get into the life of James Bond and M. In the last two films, you get a lot of hints and inclinations about James' past. In this one, you finally get to see some of it. I won't give it away, but when you finally discover what the title Skyfall refers to. You'll regret that you were ever upset by the title when they announced it. I'll just say... WOW! Since the trailer makes it quite clear that Bond gets shot and presumed dead at the beginning, I won't hesitate in mentioning it now. This provides a great narrative opportunity. Bond has to get re-cleared for action, and we get to see some of the tests Double O's have to go through in order to get that distinction. Additionally, we get further insights into M's past that takes you on a "Dumbledore-style" loss of trust that requires greater faith from our hero.
The one thing this film can claim is the greatest Bond villain of all time. To sum up, I'll just say he makes you feel uncomfortable in every way possible. To be as vague as I can, I challenge you not to be intimidated when you see him with out his "mask." Throughout the whole film it felt like the character was written by Chris Nolan because I was continually reminded of the Joker. Trust me, you won't disagree with me here. I also loved the addition of Ralph Fiennes character. It was very refreshing to see him play something other than a villain. And to round it out, faithful fans of the older franchise will be pleased with the addition of the Q and Moneypenny.
Room for Improvement:
My greatest feeling of loss was from the lack of connection with the first two films. There were a few scenes where I didn't recognize Bond. Some of this is because of the direction of the plot, but the influence of Vesper--so prevalent in the first two--is completely absen,t and it made me sad. It could be argued that it's because he moved on at the end of the second film. However, there is a scene where Bond undergoes a psych evaluation with word association and it would have been the perfect spot to mention her. Oh well. I also didn't like that in several points in the film Bond isn't working solo.
Finally, although the song done by Adele for the film is perfect, I was greatly disappointed by the rest of the score. The first two films have an incredible thing going with the work of David Arnold. The score was compelling, mysterious, and melancholy. This soundtrack by Thomas Newman is nothing nearly as complementary. As much as I loved the film, I will never forgive the choice to abandon Arnold for Newman. Okay, the soundtrack isn't terrible by any means, but this guy here was waiting anxiously to buy it the second it became available... until I heard it. Now this soundtrack won't have the opportunity of being part of my collection.
These shortcomings should in no way dissuade you from seeing the film. The scenery is incredible, the camera work is engaging, the tension is thick, the action is stunning, the humor is comforting, and the acting is beyond censor. In short Skyfall is a winner. Go check it out before The Hobbit pushes the thought from your mind. ;)
Steven and I have been trying to decide if we should watch this. In the commercials it seems like it might be a little scandalous! Was it?
ReplyDeleteThe only scandalous things you see are in the trailer so Alisa and I were very relieved by that. Fear not!
ReplyDelete