I was lucky enough also to be at the BFI screening on Wednesday as well and I loved the film... mostly! First of all the great - it is almost wall to wall action, with early scenes indicating Bond has apparently been taking free running lessons. Bond certainly bleeds but he is almost unstoppable. There is humour (mostly originating from Judi Dench - 'M' clearly means Mother here. She virtually visits more locations than Bond. The action sequences easily surpass those in 'Casino Royale', both in scope and realism. There are gadgets this time, MI6 has clearly not been too badly hit by the credit crunch. The cinematography is great and Olga and Gemma acquit themselves extremely well (though not enough screen time for Agent Fields!) If Pierce Brosnan made Bond believable as a killer, Craig's Bond is so much nastier, so much more of a streetfighter that I felt myself wincing as he killed several times.
The bad? Well, some of it is in the direction and editing. Marc Foster has got in close, perhaps way too close to the action, so that it becomes a little difficult to watch. The intercutting with people uninvolved in the plot (or the film!) gets a little annoying. Yes Bond is in real locations, you don't have to keep telling us! And the constant shift of camera angles and jump cuts is also off putting. Then there's the plot. There is one, but if the film makers want us to know that water companies are evil, I've got some news for them - I get the water bills - I know they are already. Oh and the gun barrel sequence is dumped in at the end. And we know James Bond will return - I'd just like to know what the next one's called (bit of a pipedream that one).
On the whole greatly impressed - Bond is back, fully formed. He's been through the wobbly emotional stage, he's got the whole human terminator revenge thing out of his system and now he can get back to the good old routine.
Thanks to the BFI for the chance to see this (and for the gifts of chocolate and water!)
Another review (spoilers)
Started by
kronsteens shin
, Oct 30 2008 01:24 AM
16 replies to this topic
#2
Sir James Moloney
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Posted 30 October 2008 - 01:31 AM
Another good one it seems 
"On the whole greatly impressed - Bond is back, fully formed"
A couple of questions Kronsteens shin:
1 - Favourite scene
2 - Did you like the Titles?
3 - How was the freefall sequence?
Thanks for the review
"On the whole greatly impressed - Bond is back, fully formed"
A couple of questions Kronsteens shin:
1 - Favourite scene
2 - Did you like the Titles?
3 - How was the freefall sequence?
Thanks for the review
Edited by Sir James Moloney, 30 October 2008 - 01:31 AM.
#3
kronsteens shin
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Posted 30 October 2008 - 01:47 AM
Ha - nearly got to bed. But I'd rather talk!
1 - Favourite scene
Probably the boat duel - spectacular and a water effect in a James Bond film that didn't need crappy CGI (DAD anyone!) Also the chase through Siena - wow!
2 - Did you like the Titles?
They were okay - I preferred Casino's, but they were visually distracting enough to take my mind off the theme (not my cup of tea, but others will disagree). Think deserts, with Bond walking through them and odd little flourishes that conjured up YOLT...
3 - How was the freefall sequence?
Mmm... tricky. Very clever, clearly Dan and Olga were falling. Its just that it seemed to be a tiny part of what had been quite a protracted attack scene. Well shot and worth doing, but there must have been some good matte work - they were in a metal tube simulating that freefall and that reall didn't show!
My great pleasure to have posted (it's been a while!) I'm just so sorry that America has to wait - that seems crazy. One nice touch was that the Royal British Legion (Poppy Day collectors over here) were selling (suggested donation) copies of the premiere programme at our cinema. Expect a deluge to appear on ebay...
I'm signing off now as it's 2am and I should think about getting some sleep. But I'll check in again if there's anything else anyone wants to know. I don't want to spoil the enjoyment of the film, but happy to help...
1 - Favourite scene
Probably the boat duel - spectacular and a water effect in a James Bond film that didn't need crappy CGI (DAD anyone!) Also the chase through Siena - wow!
2 - Did you like the Titles?
They were okay - I preferred Casino's, but they were visually distracting enough to take my mind off the theme (not my cup of tea, but others will disagree). Think deserts, with Bond walking through them and odd little flourishes that conjured up YOLT...
3 - How was the freefall sequence?
Mmm... tricky. Very clever, clearly Dan and Olga were falling. Its just that it seemed to be a tiny part of what had been quite a protracted attack scene. Well shot and worth doing, but there must have been some good matte work - they were in a metal tube simulating that freefall and that reall didn't show!
My great pleasure to have posted (it's been a while!) I'm just so sorry that America has to wait - that seems crazy. One nice touch was that the Royal British Legion (Poppy Day collectors over here) were selling (suggested donation) copies of the premiere programme at our cinema. Expect a deluge to appear on ebay...
I'm signing off now as it's 2am and I should think about getting some sleep. But I'll check in again if there's anything else anyone wants to know. I don't want to spoil the enjoyment of the film, but happy to help...
#4
Sir James Moloney
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Posted 30 October 2008 - 01:49 AM
Thanks Kronsteens shin!
#5
HildebrandRarity
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Posted 30 October 2008 - 02:09 AM
Have a good nap, kronsteen's shin...
#6
Royal Dalton
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Posted 30 October 2008 - 02:17 AM
Thanks for posting your review, Kronsteens Shin.
#7
Kristin29
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Posted 30 October 2008 - 02:19 AM
heyy how was the gun barrel scene like how did it play out and was the gun barrel good?
#8
ACE
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Posted 30 October 2008 - 05:08 AM
Thanks for the review, Kronsteens Shin.
Love the positivity - you are not alone.
Love the positivity - you are not alone.
#9
Elvenstar
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Posted 30 October 2008 - 08:33 AM
Thanks for the review!
1 Q
How was the Palio scene?
Im anticipating it very much so please dont tell a lot just what was your opinion? Was it memorable enough?
1 Q
How was the Palio scene?
Im anticipating it very much so please dont tell a lot just what was your opinion? Was it memorable enough?
#10
Ellis Quarterman
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Posted 30 October 2008 - 08:40 AM
verry Promise-ing review there
Any thoughts on the Gunbarrel?
Any thoughts on the Gunbarrel?
#11
kronsteens shin
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Posted 30 October 2008 - 09:17 AM
Hi, back again after a nap!
Okay, regarding the gun barrel, I am embarassed to say that I wasn't giving the film my full attention. The showing started about twenty-five minutes late and as I had a bit of a journey to get home, I had stood up and was getting my coat on. I certainly wasn't expecting it. What I saw looked pretty traditional, but I guess others will tell you more...
The Palio sequence was one of my favourites, a good mix of tunnels, rooftops (fantastic, very often Craig and no hint of a wire!) and crowd scenes. The only thing that let that down slightly was the end of the scene (ironically one of the most exciting clips in the trailer). It went on just too long. And there is this curious cutting to people absolutely not involved in the film, enjoying the race. I just wanted the camera to stay on the principles. For some reason that reminded me of 'OHMSS'.
It's a few hours later, I still loved the film. It's very much the sequel to 'CR'. Two new niggles - Felix is underused and my partner pointed out that she was concerned about what the two Princes would have made of a film that opened with cars racing through tunnels.
And Michael G Wilson's cameo was SO easy to spot!
Okay, regarding the gun barrel, I am embarassed to say that I wasn't giving the film my full attention. The showing started about twenty-five minutes late and as I had a bit of a journey to get home, I had stood up and was getting my coat on. I certainly wasn't expecting it. What I saw looked pretty traditional, but I guess others will tell you more...
The Palio sequence was one of my favourites, a good mix of tunnels, rooftops (fantastic, very often Craig and no hint of a wire!) and crowd scenes. The only thing that let that down slightly was the end of the scene (ironically one of the most exciting clips in the trailer). It went on just too long. And there is this curious cutting to people absolutely not involved in the film, enjoying the race. I just wanted the camera to stay on the principles. For some reason that reminded me of 'OHMSS'.
It's a few hours later, I still loved the film. It's very much the sequel to 'CR'. Two new niggles - Felix is underused and my partner pointed out that she was concerned about what the two Princes would have made of a film that opened with cars racing through tunnels.
And Michael G Wilson's cameo was SO easy to spot!
#12
Loomis
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Posted 30 October 2008 - 10:06 AM
Then there's the plot. There is one, but if the film makers want us to know that water companies are evil, I've got some news for them - I get the water bills - I know they are already.
LOL!
#13
The Dove
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Posted 30 October 2008 - 03:30 PM
Ahh so it sounds like people are enjoying the film ... so that puts my mind at ease. I have just a few questions that maybe you could answer for me kronsteens shin:
1. Does M now refer to Bond as "007" ? or does anyone from MI6 do that? Thats one think that I did miss in Casino Royale, even thought one of the MI6 staff does refer to Bond as 007 when his emergency signal is activated.
2. I know that the "Bond, James Bond" line was cut out..But how does Bond introduce himself in the film? Does he have any cool alises like Arlington Beech in CR?
3. Is Michael G. Wilson's cameo a speaking part?
4. Was there a different version of Another Way To Die that was used for the film's titles? I actually love the song myself, but was just curious if they used an alternative version like You Know My Name was for Casino Royale?
Thanks!
... so that puts my mind at ease. I have just a few questions that maybe you could answer for me kronsteens shin:1. Does M now refer to Bond as "007" ? or does anyone from MI6 do that? Thats one think that I did miss in Casino Royale, even thought one of the MI6 staff does refer to Bond as 007 when his emergency signal is activated.
2. I know that the "Bond, James Bond" line was cut out..But how does Bond introduce himself in the film? Does he have any cool alises like Arlington Beech in CR?
3. Is Michael G. Wilson's cameo a speaking part?
4. Was there a different version of Another Way To Die that was used for the film's titles? I actually love the song myself, but was just curious if they used an alternative version like You Know My Name was for Casino Royale?
Thanks!
#14
Zorin Industries
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Posted 30 October 2008 - 03:32 PM
Ahh so it sounds like people are enjoying the film
1. Does M now refer to Bond as "007" ? or does anyone from MI6 do that? Thats one think that I did miss in Casino Royale, even thought one of the MI6 staff does refer to Bond as 007 when his emergency signal is activated.
2. I know that the "Bond, James Bond" line was cut out..But how does Bond introduce himself in the film? Does he have any cool alises like Arlington Beech in CR?
3. Is Michael G. Wilson's cameo a speaking part?
4. Was there a different version of Another Way To Die that was used for the film's titles? I actually love the song myself, but was just curious if they used an alternative version like You Know My Name was for Casino Royale?
Thanks!
1) Yes.
2) Wait and see
3) Wait and see (I love the shower scene though he shares with Bond - should I have put a SPOILER ALERT in there?
4) Yes.
#15
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Posted 30 October 2008 - 03:42 PM
Ahh thanks so much, Zorin!! Gah if only we didn't have another two weeks to go here in the US.. 
I'm looking forward to it!
I'm looking forward to it!
#17
kronsteens shin
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Posted 30 October 2008 - 06:23 PM
Zorin got it so right, I'm almost loathe to come back again... but I will anyway!
1. Does M now refer to Bond as "007" ? or does anyone from MI6 do that? Thats one think that I did miss in Casino Royale, even thought one of the MI6 staff does refer to Bond as 007 when his emergency signal is activated.
Yes I believe that he is referred to as 007. Off to see it again tomorrow so will check up on that one.
2. I know that the "Bond, James Bond" line was cut out..But how does Bond introduce himself in the film? Does he have any cool alises like Arlington Beech in CR?
The only cover name is on a business card given to Camille. The surname's Sterling (!) and the business is Exports... Universal Exports!
3. Is Michael G. Wilson's cameo a speaking part?
Nope. At least not in the finished film.
4. Was there a different version of Another Way To Die that was used for the film's titles? I actually love the song myself, but was just curious if they used an alternative version like You Know My Name was for Casino Royale?
Seems a longer version than the released duet, another small loop perhaps. Not a huge difference, no remixes, just a little longer.
All the best,
1. Does M now refer to Bond as "007" ? or does anyone from MI6 do that? Thats one think that I did miss in Casino Royale, even thought one of the MI6 staff does refer to Bond as 007 when his emergency signal is activated.
Yes I believe that he is referred to as 007. Off to see it again tomorrow so will check up on that one.
2. I know that the "Bond, James Bond" line was cut out..But how does Bond introduce himself in the film? Does he have any cool alises like Arlington Beech in CR?
The only cover name is on a business card given to Camille. The surname's Sterling (!) and the business is Exports... Universal Exports!
3. Is Michael G. Wilson's cameo a speaking part?
Nope. At least not in the finished film.
4. Was there a different version of Another Way To Die that was used for the film's titles? I actually love the song myself, but was just curious if they used an alternative version like You Know My Name was for Casino Royale?
Seems a longer version than the released duet, another small loop perhaps. Not a huge difference, no remixes, just a little longer.
All the best,