219 replies to this topic

[triviachamp]

Well it looks like Brokeback Mountain is the big Oscar horse now.

Perhaps they should have cast Heath Ledger! And Jake Gyllenhaal as Felix!

[triviachamp]

I've got good information that Ebert loves this movie. It's his #3 film of the year.

1. Crash
2. Syriana
3. Munich
4. Junebug
5. Brokeback Mountain
6. Me and You and Everyone We Know
7. Nine Lives
8. King Kong
9. Yes
10. Millions

Edited by triviachamp, 14 December 2005 - 12:55 AM.

[Righty007]

I will be seeing Munich at 4:25 PM today.

[Qwerty]

Perhaps they should have cast Heath Ledger! And Jake Gyllenhaal as Felix!

Gah. Keep them both away from this series.

[spynovelfan]

He says Spielberg's films are "powerful in a hollow way." By that way of thinking, he must also lump Schindler's List, one of the top films of the 1990s, in that way also.

'Powerful in a hollow way' isn't such an outrageous description of SCHINDLER'S LIST, though.

[deth]

so, any opinions on Craig's performance here? I've heard that it could very well foreshadow his depiction of Bond...


true?

[K1Bond007]

so, any opinions on Craig's performance here? I've heard that it could very well foreshadow his depiction of Bond...


true?

A review I just saw said the same thing:

Craig, while not having a big Oscar-type scene, is a force just through his presence. His body motions alone depict the confidence that will make him shine as the next James Bond.
http://www.efilmcrit...66&reviewer=198

[deth]

"oh very good"

Edited by deth, 23 December 2005 - 10:51 PM.

[jackmanfan3]

I am definitely interested in seeing Munich to see Daniel Craig in action once again. He, like Eric Bana, will be playing an assassin so this role may give the public more of a chance to see Daniel Craig with a gun and acting stealth. I enjoyed Layer Cake and he seemed to have the swagger of James Bond and he did have that cavalier sense of attitude about him.

[Righty007]

I just got back from seeing Munich. It's a good film but not exactly my cup of tea. I imagined it differently. Daniel Craig gives another great performance and his most Bond-like performance to date. Michael Lonsdale (Hugo Drax, Moonraker) also makes an appearance.

[Qwerty]

I just got back from seeing Munich. It's a good film but not exactly my cup of tea. I imagined it differently.

I'm curious. How so, Chris?

[Righty007]

I just got back from seeing Munich. It's a good film but not exactly my cup of tea. I imagined it differently.

I'm curious. How so, Chris?

The trailer for Munich made me think the film would have more action.

[Double-Oh Agent]

I saw Munich earlier today and while it is a well-crafted movie and I liked it, I think it could have been better. There's a little too much brooding and questioning of motives for me, but that's today's Hollywood for you.

As for the performances, Daniel Craig is very good. Unfortunately, he doesn't have a lot to do. He is the cool one of the Israeli assassins--never more so than in a Greek safehouse. His natural charm and charisma comes through in the role--I only wish he'd had more to do. He's probably the most likeable of the bunch and I'm not just saying that because he's the new Bond. And boy, does he have a great voice--one that will suit him very well and help him in his portrayal of Bond, in my opinion.

Eric Bana is good as the leader of the team. (Ironically, he was just ahead of Craig for my pick as 007 #6.) He lends a lot of emotional weight to the story and I wouldn't be surprised if he gets an Oscar nomination for best actor.

Michael Lonsdale is funny and effective in his role. It is nice to see him again in a film--the last time for me being Ronin.

If Munich were to get a supporting actor nomination for an Oscar, I'm afraid it likely wouldn't be for Craig despite his good performance. It's more likely to go to Geoffrey Rush or Ciaran Hinds who either get more screen time or give bigger speeches.

Nevertheless, I think Munich provides Craig with a good introduction to cinema-goers leading up to his turn as James Bond 007 in Casino Royale.

[Emma]

so, any opinions on Craig's performance here? I've heard that it could very well foreshadow his depiction of Bond...


true?

I would have to say 'yes'. The character he plays is more of a rough un-refined 'brute'. Very reminiscent of the role he played in Power of One. He's a real 'balls-to-the-walls' type character (think of a cooler version of Clint Eastwood). If he plays Bond that way, he will surely differentiate himself from Brosnan. And will probably score points with male viewers but not with female ones. I found it rather ironic how he was playing an Israeli assasin. But had a thick Afrikaaner accent.


By the way for those of you who want to see the film solely because of Craig. Don't. He's not in it that much. And the movie while not bad is really slow. I would give it a 6.5/10.

[Flash1087]

so, any opinions on Craig's performance here? I've heard that it could very well foreshadow his depiction of Bond...


true?

I would have to say 'yes'. The character he plays is more of a rough un-refined 'brute'. Very reminiscent of the role he played in Power of One. He's a real 'balls-to-the-walls' type character (think of a cooler version of Clint Eastwood). If he plays Bond that way, he will surely differentiate himself from Brosnan. And will probably score points with male viewers but not with female ones. I found it rather ironic how he was playing an Israeli assasin. But had a thick Afrikaaner accent.


By the way for those of you who want to see the film solely because of Craig. Don't. He's not in it that much. And the movie while not bad is really slow. I would give it a 6.5/10.

I read his character is supposed to be from South Africa, if not a flat-out Afrikaaner. That should explain it.

[Loomis]

so, any opinions on Craig's performance here? I've heard that it could very well foreshadow his depiction of Bond...


true?

I would have to say 'yes'. The character he plays is more of a rough un-refined 'brute'. Very reminiscent of the role he played in Power of One. He's a real 'balls-to-the-walls' type character (think of a cooler version of Clint Eastwood). If he plays Bond that way, he will surely differentiate himself from Brosnan. And will probably score points with male viewers but not with female ones. I found it rather ironic how he was playing an Israeli assasin. But had a thick Afrikaaner accent.

I've read his character described as a South African, and, elsewhere, as an Englishman. Obviously, not all Israeli citizens speak English with "Israeli" accents.

Clearly, Craig will be what you might call a "blokes' Bond".

[Emma]

When I mentioned above that it was strange to hear Craig as an Israeli sound like an Afrikaaner. It's because I tend to associates Afrikaaners as Neo-Nazi white surprecist type people. And white supremacists are virulent anti-semites.

Clearly, Craig will be what you might call a "blokes' Bond".

A great way for EON to get out of the unpopular reaction to the choosing of Craig.

Would be for them to go in a completely different direction. Forget the past movies. Just let Craig be 'an attack' dog for the British goverment. No winning and dinning or seducing women or gambling. Just straight out action. Much like Jason Statham in the Transporter movies. That would appeal to young men and boys (whom they ostensibly want to target).

Of all the assasins in 'Munich' his character was the least insecure and had the least regrets or quibbles about what he did. He did his job and that was the end of it. He'd blow the targets brains out and try not to get any on his shoes.

They should also fire Martin Campbell as director and bring in John Woo or Ringo Lam. And change the release date to early May 2007.

Edited by Emma, 26 December 2005 - 05:55 PM.

[Four Aces]

...When I mentioned above that it was strange to hear Craig as an Israeli sound like an Afrikaaner. It's because I tend to associates Afrikaaners as Neo-Nazi white surprecist type people. And white supremacists are virulent anti-semites...

Check your history sweetheart . Israel was always an ally of the Republic of South Africa.

4A

[Loomis]

[quote name='Emma' date='26 December 2005 - 17:49']When I mentioned above that it was strange to hear Craig as an Israeli sound like an Afrikaaner. It's because I tend to associates Afrikaaners as Neo-Nazi white surprecist type people. And white supremacists are virulent anti-semites.

[/quote]

Hmmm.... well, I'm hardly an expert on this, but I believe South Africa has a long-established Jewish community, and I imagine they'd have the same accents as yer LETHAL WEAPON 2-type South Africans.

[quote name='Emma' date='26 December 2005 - 17:49']Just let Craig be 'an attack' dog for the British goverment.

[/quote]

Sounds good.

[quote name='Emma' date='26 December 2005 - 17:49']Just straight out action. Much like Jason Statham in the Transporter moviesThat would appeal to young men and boys (whom they ostensibly want to target).

[/quote]

I'm feeling nauseous now.

[quote name='Emma' date='26 December 2005 - 17:49']Off all the assasins in 'Munich' his character was the least insecure and had the least regrets or quibbles about what he did. He did his job and that was the end of it. He'd blow the targets brains out and try not to get any on his shoes.

[/quote]

Cool! "Fleming's Bond"!

I've had enough of Bond having regrets and quibbles. He's been way too angst-ridden over the past few movies. Still, it looks as though CASINO ROYALE will feature lots more of the doom and gloom and introspection.

[quote name='Emma' date='26 December 2005 - 17:49']They should also fire Martin Campbell as

[Harmsway]

Would be for them to go in a completely different direction. Forget the past movies. Just let Craig be 'an attack' dog for the British goverment. No winning and dinning or seducing women or gambling. Just straight out action. Much like Jason Statham in the Transporter movies. That would appeal to young men and boys (whom they ostensibly want to target).

Hell no. That's awful. "Straight out action" is not what I'd want, by any means. And IMO, the Transporter flicks were horrendous. I want a relatively adult CASINO ROYALE.

Thank god the seducing and gambling is never leaving (especially in CASINO ROYALE). It's one thing to get rid of smoking, which is a relatively minor characteristic, but to say that the seduction and gambling shouldn't be part of Bond? That's downright blasphemous to the character.

[deth]

the transporter films were fun stupid popcorn garbage. Fun to watch on a Saturday night. They are however, and should always be, VERY VERY different than Bond.

(even though the transporter character is kind of Bondian in his coolness)

[Emma]

[quote name='Loomis' date='26 December 2005 - 18:11'][quote name='Emma' date='26 December 2005 - 17:49']When I mentioned above that it was strange to hear Craig as an Israeli sound like an Afrikaaner. It's because I tend to associates Afrikaaners as Neo-Nazi white surprecist type people. And white supremacists are virulent anti-semites.

[/quote]

Hmmm.... well, I'm hardly an expert on this, but I believe South Africa has a long-established Jewish community, and I imagine they'd have the same accents as yer LETHAL WEAPON 2-type South Africans.

[quote name='Emma' date='26 December 2005 - 17:49']Just let Craig be 'an attack' dog for the British goverment.

[/quote]

Sounds good.

[quote name='Emma' date='26 December 2005 - 17:49']Just straight out action. Much like Jason Statham in the Transporter moviesThat would appeal to young men and boys (whom they ostensibly want to target).

[/quote]

I'm feeling nauseous now.

[quote name='Emma' date='26 December 2005 - 17:49']Off all the assasins in 'Munich' his character was the least insecure and had the least regrets or quibbles about what he did. He did his job and that was the end of it. He'd blow the targets brains out and try not to get any on his shoes.

[/quote]

Cool! "Fleming's Bond"!

I've had enough of Bond having regrets and quibbles. He's been way too angst-ridden over the past few movies. Still, it looks as though CASINO ROYALE will feature lots more of the doom and gloom and introspection.

[quote name='Emma' date='26 December 2005 - 17:49']They should also fire Martin Campbell as

[Harmsway]

And while I freely admit that I was very disapointed with Craig as a choice for Bond. After watching him in Munich I think there's some potential. While  he was  not a complete sadist. It was clear he was a stone cold killer. Who believed in 'doing his job' and not shedding a tear. This seems the type of characterization (if I am reading this correctly) would suit many of the Craig as Bond enthusiasts and the young males whom EON is hopping to recruit to the franchise.

And let's face Craig will never be another Connery or Brosnan. It would be best to forge his own path. And I think this would be it.

Well, Craig will certainly be very unlike Brosnan, but it's likely he'll have a lot in common with Connery. Brosnan had very little in common with Connery's portrayal, and came across as more of an algamation of Dalton and Moore. But with Craig, I think we might see a return to a little bit of that Connery machismo and coldness (Connery was distinctly unapologetic).

On a side note, what I would do for a moment of harshness with a baddie henchwoman (ala Bond slamming the girl into the thug's blow in GOLDFINGER, or strangling Marie with her bikini top in DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER, or nearly breaking Andrea's arm in THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN). That's likely not going to happen again, though...

I'll be interested to see how much humor Craig's Bond has. I have no doubt he'll have more humor than Dalton's, but other than that, I'm not sure. Supposedly they've tried to beef up the wit in CASINO ROYALE (as opposed to the juvenile dirty jokes that peppered DAD), so we'll see.

You can scoff at the Transporter reference. But the reason the second Transporter movie was made was due to the sales of the first Transporter DVD. I am certainly not advocating a light weight plot like the Transporter films. By all means make it complex But add the hardcore action.

If you strip away the gambling and seduction as you suggest, it's no longer James Bond. That's not a valid reinterpretation. With Craig, I think the best way to go is make a suspenseful, stylish thriller.

The problem plaguing the last few Bond entries is too much action with not enough stress on suspense, intrigue, style, and all that. We want to move away from just action after action to something more distinctly Bondian in nature.

But I do want action, and what there is to be, I want to be very intense, very gritty. A lot of fistfights (like the Bond vs. 006 battle in GOLDENEYE), and intense chases, and some cool shoot-outs. I'm glad CASINO ROYALE reportedly only has one explosion, and I hope that means the action will be more innovative than it has been recently.

Personally I don't like Martin Campell. The man sounds more like talk and seems to fancy himself as an 'artist'. I would rather a director who is better with action.

I don't think he's in any way an "artist". He's primarily an action director, not much more. He's serviceable. The only two directors in Bond I've ever particularly liked were Terence Young and Lewis Gilbert (the men who knew how to do Bond right, IMO).

But a Bond director doesn't have that much to do with the action , and editor than anything else. He's definitely a concept person and has say in the stunts and things like that, but isn't really have a whole lot to do that is hands-on with those sequences.

[Loomis]

And while I freely admit that I was very disapointed with Craig as a choice for Bond. After watching him in Munich I think there's some potential. While  he was  not a complete sadist. It was clear he was a stone cold killer. Who believed in 'doing his job' and not shedding a tear. This seems the type of characterization (if I am reading this correctly) would suit many of the Craig as Bond enthusiasts and the young males whom EON is hopping to recruit to the franchise.

And let's face Craig will never be another Connery or Brosnan. It would be best to forge his own path. And I think this would be it. 

Yes, I think the "stone cold killer" path would be the one to take with Craig. Just as Brosnan tried too hard to be like Connery while he was naturally much more like Moore, I'd hate to see Craig forced into "fun-for-all-the-family" Bond instead of being allowed to play to his "gritty" strengths. And, yes, he should definitely put his own spin on the role - otherwise, why hire the bugger? That an actor of Craig's stature (and say what you will about his suitability for Bond, you can't say he was exactly a bargain basement choice - even without Bond, he'd be one of the most in-demand actors in the world) said yes to 007 gives me hope that he'll be allowed to do something fresh with the part.

But, still, my fear is that Craig may be wasted - in other words, that, having hired a "cool" leading man, Eon will give us the same old stuff they've been giving us since GOLDENEYE (and the last four Bond flicks are very samey, IMO).

And I don't care much for Campbell either. But the ray of hope is the script - if it's as good as "they" say, Campbell and co. will really have to go out of their way to mess the film up. Let Craig play to his strengths and find his own groove, and give him a decent screenplay, and CASINO ROYALE will be terrific. OTOH, if Craig is given nothing but tired puns and a machine gun to blow away lots of people with, and told to be "audience-friendly", and if the script is the usual P&W rubbish....

[Harmsway]

Yes, I think the "stone cold killer" path would be the one to take with Craig. Just as Brosnan tried too hard to be like Connery while he was naturally much more like Moore, I'd hate to see Craig forced into "fun-for-all-the-family" Bond instead of being allowed to play to his "gritty" strengths. And, yes, he should definitely put his own spin on the role - otherwise, why hire the bugger? That an actor of Craig's stature (and say what you will about his suitability for Bond, you can't say he was exactly a bargain basement choice - even without Bond, he'd be one of the most in-demand actors in the world) said yes to 007 gives me hope that he'll be allowed to do something fresh with the part.

But, still, my fear is that Craig may be wasted - in other words, that, having hired a "cool" leading man, Eon will give us the same old stuff they've been giving us since GOLDENEYE (and the last four Bond flicks are very samey, IMO).

And I don't care much for Campbell either. But the ray of hope is the script - if it's as good as "they" say, Campbell and co. will really have to go out of their way to mess the film up. Let Craig play to his strengths and find his own groove, and give him a decent screenplay, and CASINO ROYALE will be terrific. OTOH, if Craig is given nothing but tired puns and a machine gun to blow away lots of people with, and told to be "audience-friendly", and if the script is the usual P&W rubbish....

Agreed with all that.

[Prav_007]

I've got good information that Ebert loves this movie. It's his #3 film of the year.

1. Crash
2. Syriana
3. Munich
4. Junebug
5. Brokeback Mountain
6. Me and You and Everyone We Know
7. Nine Lives
8. King Kong
9. Yes
10. Millions

Syriana is quite high up their.......now I know why, Ebert.

[deth]

Syriana was good.... but I don't know about it being #2....... that's a bit high

[deth]

just got back from seeing Munich..... I thought the film was relatively well done... Craig's performance was good... but his character was very bland, so he didn't have much to work with.

[Loomis]

Harry Knowles raves about MUNICH, and praises Craig....

http://www.aintitcoo...ay.cgi?id=22088

....but adds: "I hate to see him prematurely dooming his career by taking on Bond."

[Tarl_Cabot]

Harry Knowles raves about MUNICH, and praises Craig....

http://www.aintitcoo...ay.cgi?id=22088

....but adds: "I hate to see him prematurely dooming his career by taking on Bond."

"God, if MISSION IMPOSSIBLE or JAMES BOND operated on this level of cinema