11 replies to this topic

[JimmyBond]

As the title says, for the first time in my 13 years of seeing Bond films in the cinema (starting of course with Brosnan's Goldeneye), I left the theater feeling different. Normally I'll walk out thinking: "Boy what a good Bond film." This time? I came out thinking I had seen an exceptionally well made film...that happend to star a chap named James Bond.

It's been two weeks since this film opened in the UK and it's been 24 hours since it opened state side. There is not a whole lot I can put into a review that will be original, so I thought I'd throw out a few talking points...my opinions on certain sequences or things that are still on my mind:

Opening Car Chase

Can't remember who it was, but someone on here said the opening shot was stunning. They werent kidding! I love how the sweeping shot of the lake is intercut with a close up of Daniel Craig driving the Aston, what a way to start the film! The car chase itself is lean and sets up how the rest of the action will be. And dare I say, I think it's one of my favorite PTS of the series.

Another Way to Die

I've always enjoyed the song so it was a joy to hear it in the context of the title sequence. As I said before the title sequence is very Binderesque...unfortanately it was the Binder of LTK, or AVTAK: got the job done, but didnt really stand out. I'm all for having new people do their thing but I think I'd prefer Klienman back myself.

Location Title Cards

These were a problem for some people? Honestly? I expected something big and obtrusive, something that announced themselves to the audience. Aside from the different fonts they were normal subtitles to me.

Not shot on Pinewood

Ok, I'm sure some of it might have been, but you certainly couldnt tell. Even Casino Royale, which most of you know I loved, felt stagey in certain places. I'm all for tradition and keeping as many returning staff as they can from film to film, but I did not miss Peter Lamont this time out.

The Bond theme wasnt there?!

When I heard certain people complaining about the lack of the Bond theme I expected another minimalist approach like in Casino Royale. That didnt happen at all! It's all over the place, it's just woven into the score like it should be, and not just there to announce: "Hey it's James Bond, he's doing something cool!" Granted I would have liked at least one action scene where we got it full on, but what we got was just fine, never once did I not feel like I was watching a Bond film.

I still have more on my mind, but I don't want this to get too long right now. I remember two years ago I wrote a review and no one read it. For anyone keeping score though, or if you skimmed all that just to see what my ranking is, I give it a 10/10, great Bond film, and just a great film all around.

[sharpshooter]

Splendid summary. Sharp and concise. Glad you enjoyed the film.

[K1Bond007]

Caught! I skimmed then re-read.

I agree. I don't know about 10/10, I'd say a 9, but my judgement can be rather impaired on first theater viewing of a Bond film. I always tend to walk out with a big smile on my face like I just got laid. With the exception of Die Another Day which I felt embarrassed after viewing.

I can't say that I'm a fan of the title track, but I don't really care. I don't really judge a Bond film based on that anyway. It's a bonus if the song is actually good. I thought the credit sequence was pretty cool though, but I do like Kleinman and wish it was him.

I'll say this, I'm worried that with all the critics, the next film won't push anything. It'll go right back to the safety of the formula and that'd be a terrible waste. And the critics will pile on again and talk about how it's all a cliche and typical and how they want something different. I really don't get the reviews for this film. I mean I can understand it not being the greatest and I never expected everyone to like it (hell would freeze over), but not at all what people are saying. Whatever though. I had a good experience. I liked it. It looks profitable. That's all that matters to me.

[JimmyBond]

Caught! I skimmed then re-read.

I agree. I don't know about 10/10, I'd say a 9, but my judgement can be rather impaired on first theater viewing of a Bond film. I always tend to walk out with a big smile on my face like I just got laid. With the exception of Die Another Day which I felt embarrassed after viewing.

I remember walking out of each Brosnan film, and thinking to myself "Best Bond film ever!" They really did make good first impressions, played well to the audience and all that. After a while of course my opinions changed, some for the better (TND), and some for the worse (TWINE). I like that I didnt walk out proclaiming it to be the best of the lot (though I feel it really is) I walked out thinking about what I had seen, it really is a wonderfully deep piece of work.

I'll say this, I'm worried that with all the critics, the next film won't push anything. It'll go right back to the safety of the formula and that'd be a terrible waste. And the critics will pile on again and talk about how it's all a cliche and typical and how they want something different. I really don't get the reviews for this film. I mean I can understand it not being the greatest and I never expected everyone to like it (hell would freeze over), but not at all what people are saying. Whatever though. I had a good experience. I liked it. It looks profitable. That's all that matters to me.

After this film I'd really hate to go back to the old formula, but then again...Dalton only got two films.

[00Twelve]

I'll say this, I'm worried that with all the critics, the next film won't push anything. It'll go right back to the safety of the formula and that'd be a terrible waste.

AMEN. That's my fear as well-- the pendulum will swing the other way, and hard.

Great review, btw, JB!

[Dekard77]

As the title says, for the first time in my 13 years of seeing Bond films in the cinema (starting of course with Brosnan's Goldeneye), I left the theater feeling different. Normally I'll walk out thinking: "Boy what a good Bond film." This time? I came out thinking I had seen an exceptionally well made film...that happend to star a chap named James Bond.

It's been two weeks since this film opened in the UK and it's been 24 hours since it opened state side. There is not a whole lot I can put into a review that will be original, so I thought I'd throw out a few talking points...my opinions on certain sequences or things that are still on my mind:

Opening Car Chase

How true am with you! The film really felt different to me and worked in so many ways that I ever thought. The cast was top notch. I wish they bring back Foster and lose the current screen writers to avoid repetition!


Can't remember who it was, but someone on here said the opening shot was stunning. They werent kidding! I love how the sweeping shot of the lake is intercut with a close up of Daniel Craig driving the Aston, what a way to start the film! The car chase itself is lean and sets up how the rest of the action will be. And dare I say, I think it's one of my favorite PTS of the series.

Another Way to Die

I've always enjoyed the song so it was a joy to hear it in the context of the title sequence. As I said before the title sequence is very Binderesque...unfortanately it was the Binder of LTK, or AVTAK: got the job done, but didnt really stand out. I'm all for having new people do their thing but I think I'd prefer Klienman back myself.

Location Title Cards

These were a problem for some people? Honestly? I expected something big and obtrusive, something that announced themselves to the audience. Aside from the different fonts they were normal subtitles to me.

Not shot on Pinewood

Ok, I'm sure some of it might have been, but you certainly couldnt tell. Even Casino Royale, which most of you know I loved, felt stagey in certain places. I'm all for tradition and keeping as many returning staff as they can from film to film, but I did not miss Peter Lamont this time out.

The Bond theme wasnt there?!

When I heard certain people complaining about the lack of the Bond theme I expected another minimalist approach like in Casino Royale. That didnt happen at all! It's all over the place, it's just woven into the score like it should be, and not just there to announce: "Hey it's James Bond, he's doing something cool!" Granted I would have liked at least one action scene where we got it full on, but what we got was just fine, never once did I not feel like I was watching a Bond film.

I still have more on my mind, but I don't want this to get too long right now. I remember two years ago I wrote a review and no one read it. For anyone keeping score though, or if you skimmed all that just to see what my ranking is, I give it a 10/10, great Bond film, and just a great film all around.

[JimmyBond]

I agree with everything you said there Dekard77

[Bureau Of Weapons]

I'll say this, I'm worried that with all the critics, the next film won't push anything. It'll go right back to the safety of the formula and that'd be a terrible waste. And the critics will pile on again and talk about how it's all a cliche and typical and how they want something different.

Ain't that the truth. Be it Bond 23 or Bond 24 the critics will soon be declaring that the Bond series is tired, unrealistic, anachronistic in the post cold war era etc etc.

I really don't get the reviews for this film. I mean I can understand it not being the greatest and I never expected everyone to like it (hell would freeze over), but not at all what people are saying. Whatever though. I had a good experience. I liked it. It looks profitable. That's all that matters to me.

Me too. I've no issue with those who didn't like it other than sad regret that they haven't had as pleasurable experience as I.

The last time I had as much a sense of satisfaction when watching a Bond film for the first time was with TLD, and before that OHMSS. Perhaps being set low expectations by film critics's comments about all three did me a huge favour!

Edited by Bureau Of Weapons, 15 November 2008 - 01:26 PM.

[JimmyBond]

The last time I had as much a sense of satisfaction when watching a Bond film for the first time was with TLD, and before that OHMSS. Perhaps being set low expectations by film critics's comments about all three did me a huge favour!

I know I said most of this after Casino Royale came out, but now that Craig has two under his belt it's more apparent of the direction their going in. And I love that direction, it finally feels like the Bond films are moving forward, rather than trying to recapture their glory days.

[MkB]

I came out thinking I had seen an exceptionally well made film...that happend to star a chap named James Bond.

Exactly what I told my brother when he asked me how was the film!

[Daddy Bond]

As the title says, for the first time in my 13 years of seeing Bond films in the cinema (starting of course with Brosnan's Goldeneye), I left the theater feeling different. Normally I'll walk out thinking: "Boy what a good Bond film." This time? I came out thinking I had seen an exceptionally well made film...that happend to star a chap named James Bond.

It's been two weeks since this film opened in the UK and it's been 24 hours since it opened state side. There is not a whole lot I can put into a review that will be original, so I thought I'd throw out a few talking points...my opinions on certain sequences or things that are still on my mind:

Opening Car Chase

Can't remember who it was, but someone on here said the opening shot was stunning. They werent kidding! I love how the sweeping shot of the lake is intercut with a close up of Daniel Craig driving the Aston, what a way to start the film! The car chase itself is lean and sets up how the rest of the action will be. And dare I say, I think it's one of my favorite PTS of the series.

Another Way to Die

I've always enjoyed the song so it was a joy to hear it in the context of the title sequence. As I said before the title sequence is very Binderesque...unfortanately it was the Binder of LTK, or AVTAK: got the job done, but didnt really stand out. I'm all for having new people do their thing but I think I'd prefer Klienman back myself.

Location Title Cards

These were a problem for some people? Honestly? I expected something big and obtrusive, something that announced themselves to the audience. Aside from the different fonts they were normal subtitles to me.

Not shot on Pinewood

Ok, I'm sure some of it might have been, but you certainly couldnt tell. Even Casino Royale, which most of you know I loved, felt stagey in certain places. I'm all for tradition and keeping as many returning staff as they can from film to film, but I did not miss Peter Lamont this time out.

The Bond theme wasnt there?!

When I heard certain people complaining about the lack of the Bond theme I expected another minimalist approach like in Casino Royale. That didnt happen at all! It's all over the place, it's just woven into the score like it should be, and not just there to announce: "Hey it's James Bond, he's doing something cool!" Granted I would have liked at least one action scene where we got it full on, but what we got was just fine, never once did I not feel like I was watching a Bond film.

I still have more on my mind, but I don't want this to get too long right now. I remember two years ago I wrote a review and no one read it. For anyone keeping score though, or if you skimmed all that just to see what my ranking is, I give it a 10/10, great Bond film, and just a great film all around.

Did you notice the full Bond theme in the hotel about halfway through the movie? And yes, I agree, I heard a subtle rendition of the Bond theme a number of times. Much better than constantly banging away at the theme (as in Dr. No - one of my favorites by the way).

[JimmyBond]

The Bond theme is there all the time, it's just woven into the rest of the score beautifully.

And yes, I noticed the theme in the Hotel as well, Bond was doing something cool so they played it...and it finally had the desired effect!