153 replies to this topic

[Dr. Noah]

Well, that could be a reason, yeah.

Why wouldn't they use the song? They don't want opinions on that -- just everything else? Does that make sense?

Oh, I forgot, your theory is the studio planted someone there to say the song sucks.

Yeah..GOOD PLAN!

[CM007]

Actually 2 of my friends were at previous screentests

And my mum is Pierce Brosnan.

Tell your Mum I said Hi.....

Well, that could be a reason, yeah.

Why wouldn't they use the song? They don't want opinions on that -- just everything else? Does that make sense?

Oh, I forgot, your theory is the studio planted someone there to say the song sucks.

Yeah..GOOD PLAN!

Why would EON give a flyin F about what people think of the theme song unless it was a demo of the song that they played....If it isn

[richyawyingtmv]

[quote name='CM007' post='604152' date='10 September 2006 - 16:56']
Why would EON give a flyin F about what people think of the theme song unless it was a demo of the song that they played....If it isn

[CM007]

[quote name='richyawyingtmv' post='604157' date='10 September 2006 - 15:59']
[quote name='CM007' post='604152' date='10 September 2006 - 16:56']
Why would EON give a flyin F about what people think of the theme song unless it was a demo of the song that they played....If it isn

[richyawyingtmv]

[quote name='CM007' post='604169' date='10 September 2006 - 17:09']
Neither do you but How

Edited by richyawyingtmv, 10 September 2006 - 04:11 PM.

[Dr. Noah]

[quote name='richyawyingtmv' post='604157' date='10 September 2006 - 15:59']
[quote name='CM007' post='604152' date='10 September 2006 - 16:56']
Why would EON give a flyin F about what people think of the theme song unless it was a demo of the song that they played....If it isn

Edited by Dr. Noah, 10 September 2006 - 04:21 PM.

[stamper]

A 007 test screening is a screening where you have to make two nasty remarks to 1/ Michael Wilson & 2/Barbara Broccoli about the movie to earn your 00 and their respect. The second remark is easier to make than the first, or so I heard...

[Santa]

My feet, BTW, are my best feature, and I keep them very clean.

[Diabolik]

One thing not mentioned in Napoleon Solo's review was the MAIN TITLE SEQUENCE. I wonder if they had the final version or just some temporary "slugs."

I am interested because I'm curious to see how well this one worked (the last couple have left me cold) - AND -

to see WHO GETS FINAL WRITING CREDIT. Paul Haggis?

[Harmsway]

Well, just because the test screening happened and the guy went to it, it doesn't mean that he isn't a plant. Doesn't mean he is, either, of course. And he may be a plant who genuinely liked the film anyway. Anyhow, I guess we'll never know. Even if he is a plant, I have no trouble believing that CASINO ROYALE is good.

He's no plant. They even put him in the lefthand column for that reason - he's a regular AICN reviewer. I've read reviews from him before. So sorry, no plant. And if you disagree, that's fine (I don't know why I can't find previews reviews from him, but I know I have read them many, many, many times).

3) The review is far too detailed for anyone to have just popped out of screening to have written. Try it yourself some time. Do you think you could write that many words, with that kind of detail, about any film you'd just seen?

Yes, no problem. So could many people, and especially if they're film geeks who've been following the production of a movie anyway. Besides, I'm sure CR is fairly easy to follow and has plenty of memorable moments. It's not like he suddenly found himself confronted with the new Peter Greenaway he hadn't heard a thing about. I disagree with you on this point, Martin.

Precisely. I could write a review even *more* detailed based on films I'd just seen. That's hardly a valid criticism.

[bernsmartin007]

I have written 3000 word essays on foreign films that I have only seen once for my degree.

(often you only manage to see the screening and there are no copies left in the library to take out).

I would say his review was pretty sketchy and amateurishly written. Fitting for someone at AICN though. lol

Edited by bernsmartin007, 10 September 2006 - 04:59 PM.

[Santa]

I don't know if he's a plant or not, and I don't care all that much. There will be plenty of other reviews soon enough, but Harmsway knows what he's on about (most of the time), so I'll trust him on this one.

[kneelbeforezod]

Theres no real way of knowing for certain if its a plant or not, but I trust aicn's ability to filter out the plants, and the fact that Harmsway has read many of this guy's reviews is promising.

But how very predictable that members here who are pretty negative about the film overall immediately assume that it is a plant.

[bernsmartin007]

At the end of the day I don't really care what it is. He says the film is very good overall and the song is bad. I will watch the film myself on Nov 17th (and probably a second time another day) and make my own judgements, as other people should.

[Fro]

Delete

Edited by Fro, 10 September 2006 - 07:39 PM.

[bernsmartin007]

In order to make a theme which can be easily incorporated into the score surely it must have a memorable tune.

[Fro]

After reading the review again, the gripes about the title song has to be just a matter of personal taste. I highly doubt Cornell (who's a great artist and on a creative high right now) and Arnold (who's done a very good Bond theme "Surrender", and a decent one in "The World is Not Enough") would produce something flat out bad and boring, and that Sony/EON would rubberstamp it blindly. The song was in the can when it was announced as the theme, so someone liked it.

I also doubt the title sequence is done, nor sizeable amounts of the score. That'll certainly effect the memorability of the theme.

And "Harrowdown Hill" would be complete crap as a Bond theme, even though I do think Radiohead could nail a Bond theme.

[Simon]

Splendid first review.

Full of promise.

As for a plant, there are times when I don't have the energy to dissect everything that flows through the rumour mill.

[blueman]

Great reaction from a movie website, get that word of mouth going...

[CM007]

[quote name='Dr. Noah' post='604178' date='10 September 2006 - 16:19']
[quote name='richyawyingtmv' post='604157' date='10 September 2006 - 15:59']
[quote name='CM007' post='604152' date='10 September 2006 - 16:56']
Why would EON give a flyin F about what people think of the theme song unless it was a demo of the song that they played....If it isn

[Simon]

I've been to test screenings when in Reading - the Showcase Cinema just handed out tickets for the film on the understanding you would complete lengthy questionnaires post film.

Admittedly for films less anticipated than Bond, but all the powers that be were in attendance.

[Dr. Noah]

[quote name='CM007' post='604582' date='10 September 2006 - 22:41']
Yes I do know what a test screening is....but how did his girlfriend end up at the screening....and by the way for test screenings Film studios send invites to people namely people

Edited by Dr. Noah, 10 September 2006 - 10:58 PM.

[richyawyingtmv]

Adding to this, the fact that CM007 was indeed ousted from the MI6 forums for trolling/insulting and lieing.

I have my serious doubts about this story of his 'friends' seeing a test screening.

[Dr. Noah]

I love this "plant" stuff. Does anybody here understand what a "plant" is supposed to do? If a "plant" was to e-mail AICN and give a positive review for the benefit of Sony or MGM or Eon or whoever, he would NOT say the theme song that they just paid a lot of money for and made special announcements in the trade papers was BAD. He would NOT say that the feet of the lead actress are horrible -- REPEATEDLY. He would NOT say that it should've been done by Quentin Tarantino, who bagged on the above parties saying they stole his idea to do CR.

It is absolutely hilarious to me that people would think that!

"It was Barbara Broccoli on the grassy knoll!"

A great review actually UPSETS you people. Have you ever wondered why you post here if you aren't interested in the movie?

I think most of the review is good news for people who were looking forward to seeing Craig in the role, but the end paragraph pretty much sums it up for those of us who didn't want Craig.

???

This...

"To conclude how bad this film is... there is one scene when James Bond is absolutely pissed off at a loss of cash, and the bartender asks him of his drink; "Shaken or Stirred sir?, and 007 replies "Do I look like I care"
The audience erupted with applause, and so did I."

Or this...

"I'm gonna be there opening night folks, and so will you,"

[Dr. Noah]

Adding to this, the fact that CM007 was indeed ousted from the MI6 forums for trolling/insulting and lieing.

I have my serious doubts about this story of his 'friends' seeing a test screening.

CM007 was "ousted" from the MI6 forums because Luds has gone insane with power over there; trying to turn the boards into a Craig-friendly orgy. That's why. Luds is to the MI6 forums what the Nazis were to Germany in 1939.

Yeah, thank God we have this forum, where you can compare people to Nazis in peace.

[JCRendle]

Adding to this, the fact that CM007 was indeed ousted from the MI6 forums for trolling/insulting and lieing.

I have my serious doubts about this story of his 'friends' seeing a test screening.

CM007 was "ousted" from the MI6 forums because Luds has gone insane with power over there; trying to turn the boards into a Craig-friendly orgy. That's why. Luds is to the MI6 forums what the Nazis were to Germany in 1939.

Weren't you ousted by Luds? He does give chances, and I have seen him ban some pro-craig trolls.

[Dr. Noah]

Weren't you ousted by Luds? He does give chances, and I have seen him ban some pro-craig trolls.

Yeah! He banned me!

Fine with me -- it's his forum. I just post here instead.

[Harmsway]

Well, Napoleon Solo has added more commentary over at the Superherohype boards, discussing both on the torture sequence and the title sequence. Here are his comments (warning, poor spelling follows):

1. That torture scene is off the hook. Even if you've read the book, it is going to shock you how far they go, because this is a film for kids right? Awwwwwwwwww ! It's not disturbing for children because my friend brought along his 12 year old daughter (well 12 next week) but you can REALLY feel it guys. And since Austin Powers exposed the stupidity of elaborate traps which Bond will ALWAYS escape, you have automatic apprehensions at the beginning (just like ANY montage sequence after watching Team America), but as soon as Le Chiffre says he hates over elaborate torture sequences it's a sign to say that we're being taken elsewhere. That is THE most gruesome of the tortures in ANY Bond flick and Daniel Craig was OFF THE HOOK. I swear to you his reactions were so intense, and his responses? Oh man. That is why I keep mentioning Tarantino, because that scene is on some serious ' what you're used to' . All this and I'm still not saying he is a perfect Bond, but I am saying he is ing awesome and he brings HIS OWN X factor the franchise (which I never really knew he had before this flick). And you are absolutely prepared to follow him until he acquires his Bond-ness. Because you want more at the films close. You want another one. Wait and see. BTW I am not even a Layer Cake fan. I never saw what the fuss was about. But Casino Royale? I'll start the friggin' fuss!!!

2. The opening sequence, you can tell had to be finished/rendered or whatever but it is brilliant. It's all to do with cards, and there is a red diamond that the whole sequence follows. Imagine the back of a playing card, with the woven like pattern, it's all that kinda stuff. It has girl sillouhette's and all the usual Bond stuff. You are gonna dig it... BUT the song is trash. It is straight up rubbish. Not disgusting, but a Bond song has to have a certain grandeur and pazazz to it. This tries hard but doesn't hit the mark at all. I think it's too late to change so i didn't mention it until i was asked by Barbara Broccoli, and I told them that it aint a memorable joint at all. It's not as bad as Madonna's, but bad enough that no one at my table liked it... AND I LOVE A GOOD BOND THEME, including Sheryl Crow's joint.

Bond songs are a weird thing. They are so synonymous with the flick that everyone discusses them before the film is released. When last have you heard people talk about a films opening title song after the flicks over? Never. You just go home and hump your girl... or your hand. Bond films are the only flicks to have that importance in an opening song. That's why you HAVE to get them right. I will forgive Die Another Day, because as bad as the song was, it wasn't as bad as the movie. No way! And on paper I would've thought Madonna would deliver. She gave a great song to the Bond spoof (Beautiful Stranger) and a bad one to the real mckoy. I'll slap the Guy Ritchie outta her for that sonic abuse.

[Andrew]

So what happened to the title sequence involving Bond's background? I was really looking forward to that. I hope they didn't whimp out on us...

[Harmsway]

So what happened to the title sequence involving Bond's background? I was really looking forward to that. I hope they didn't whimp out on us...

It seems they did. The big sign was a while ago when a CASINO ROYALE call sheet described a moment from the title sequence as a bullet passing through a deck of cards and blood spilling out. It seems the "Bond dossier" concept was dropped in favor of something more openly traditional.

Casino imagery should be cool, though, even if it's just a tad expected.