350 replies to this topic

[Vauxhall]

You're welcome, sorry it's long - I got carried away! Hope you enjoy it tomorrow. Hope? Forget that.... ENJOY it tomorrow, and let us know what you think!

I've just scrapped my review having read yours. SKYFALL might have raised the bar on Bond movies; you've just raised the bar on SKYFALL reviews!

[univex]

You're welcome, sorry it's long - I got carried away! Hope you enjoy it tomorrow. Hope? Forget that.... ENJOY it tomorrow, and let us know what you think!

I've just scrapped my review having read yours. SKYFALL might have raised the bar on Bond movies; you've just raised the bar on SKYFALL reviews!

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo! I´ve been waiting for hours to read it!!!

[Mr Ashdown]

Somewhere along the line, after the Bond team counted up all the mountains of cash they got for "Die Another Day" without being able to look at each other, they realised that they didn't just have to keep making sub-par action movies with a menswear model; they could actually strive to make *really good movies*, just like they had back in the early 60's. And that's what we've got now - genuinely good movies. Better still, they're good Bond movies. And they're good Bond movies because they do all the Bond stuff but they do it in ways that are intelligent, unexpected and often very witty. It's an approach that celebrates Bond as well as pushing the series forward, as if Sir Roger's justly-celebrated and utterly fabulous pre-credits union jack parachute fall had resulted in the character landing with a crushing thump and then having to learn how to steel up and do it again at the denouement: you get the death-defying stunt, the unmistakable elan and very British punch-the-air triumphalism *and* proper character work. They kinda-sorta tried for this stuff with Brosnan, but it was too half-hearted, too rooted in generic storytelling, and the man himself is a bad-acting charisma vacuum and he looks about as tough as my nan and she's been dead longer than I've been alive.

"Skyfall" continues on from "Casino Royale" and "Quantum of Solace" by giving Daniel Craig more layers of Bond to unravel as he punches men to death to protect his surrogate mother. This time round, he presents us with a man-on-the-street Bond who can't even point a gun without his hand trembling before going on a journey to get back into the tux and casino and hunt down a villain who is genuinely unsettling. As with the two previous films the dialogue, cinematography and performances are superb, and yet again there are things genuinely worth thinking about.

These three movies seem to me to be so proud of their Bond heritage that they're delighting in them, using them to strive to be not just great Bond but great movies. "Skyfall" might be the best of them - it's that good.

Edited by Mr Ashdown, 27 October 2012 - 12:02 AM.

[univex]

Good review Mr Ashdown. One minor thing, the colour of your text burns the eyes Best to stick to the default.

[Glockenspiel]

SKYFALL is a very good movie, which erases QUANTUM OF SOLACE and reveal us, at the end, the Bond we all know and love.
That's the reason why the gunbarrel is, in my opinion, at the right place at the end of the film.
But I think CASINO ROYALE remains the best bond ever.
QUANTUM OF SOLACE was too short, SKYFALL is a bit too long, for some reasons I can't explain yet (I've just seen it).

MAJOR SPOILERS FOLLOW :
It's remarkable to notice that all the early spoilers we discussed here were actually true : M's death, Mallory becoming M, Eve Moneypenny...

Edited by Glockenspiel, 27 October 2012 - 12:07 AM.

[Vauxhall]

This is pitched at being a largely non-spoiler account, and I've purposely tried not to be too specific, but obviously slips are made. For starters, this is a (long) précis of some of my major observations on day one. Lots more to come in various threads though, I’m sure, as they occur to me. Apologies for the length - got slightly carried away and lost structure - but I couldn't keep univex waiting any longer for some thoughts!

CASINO ROYALE was not without its fair share of plaudits, but one of the phrases that cropped up time and time again was “A great movie, but not necessarily a great Bond movie”. Such is life. At the time I thought it was both, and my view hasn’t shifted a great deal in the years since. Roll on four years, and I came out of QUANTUM OF SOLACE thinking it was great fun. As a Bond movie featuring Daniel Craig and some great locations, I was perfectly sated. I wanted to see the good in that movie, so I chose to. I still enjoy watching it, but it took the weaknesses longer altogether to sink in.

For me at least, SKYFALL is a great movie, a great Bond movie and one of the most uplifting cinema experiences I’ve had. I’m expecting to attract raised eyebrows in the usual manner of first day overexcitement, but the language I’m using is something that I’ve weighed up carefully in an effort to avoid wanton hyperbole. My anticipation was sky high, as were my expectations, and this clearly energised me, but also something that I realised was likely to skew my initial thoughts.

It probably won’t surprise many regular forum members to know that I’d picked up a great deal of the plot beforehand - by actively hunting down spoilers, chewing them over and spitting them out again having pored over them. I know that’s a game that’s not for everyone, but for me, it’s a key part of the fun I have with Bond movies. For this reason, the major spoilers weren’t necessarily a surprise, but the greatest plaudit I can pay for the talent involved in SKYFALL is that those moments still packed a punch that moved me in a way that I’ve never previously encountered in a Bond movie. The humour is also not to be sniffed at - clever gags, nothing cheesy, nothing stupid – this is a James Bond movie with a brain and a heart, but with the essence of the treats that made us all fans and dragged us to these boards in the first place.

Whilst my first screening in IMAX was purely an exercise in enjoyment, I targeted my second viewing largely at trying to find faults in SKYFALL that would be a game-changer for me. I struggled. Sure, there are questions that can be made about characters’ actions, but these are flawed humans, not superheroes, and the mistakes that are made are shown to have consequences and repercussions. Errors are not simply vehicles of the plot to help the writers back out of a corner, they are integral to the rhythm of the movie.

Talking of rhythm, the first positive attribute that jumped out to me as the credits rolled was pacing. As much I’d like to be, I’m no disciple of the movie business; I know what I like and that’s enough for me. However, I felt that SKYFALL was paced absolutely perfectly. If someone had taken my watch from me, then told me it had lasted 143 minutes, I’d probably have refused to believe them. At no points did I find the film terminally bloated or dragging. The movie’s denouement in Scotland is clearly a very different sort of scenario to what we’ve come to expect in Bond, but no less compelling. The editing together of battle stations being prepared by Bond and co was done in an interesting manner, and was pushed along appropriately by Thomas Newman’s score. Sam Mendes has been on record as saying that he is brutal in the editing room, and he’s not wrong, sacrificing humorous exchanges and stunning shots for the good of the movie. Making a movie seem “lean” at more than 2 hours and 20 minutes is no mean feat, and I think Mendes has just about achieved that; there’s very little fat on the SKYFALL bone.

One of the overriding motifs of the movie is mirrors – both physical and metaphorical. They’re absolutely everywhere, and Roger Deakins obviously loves shooting through them. Off the top of my head, mirrors and reflection feature in scenes in the Turkish beach hut, the MI6 bunker, the Shanghai office, Bond's Macau hotel room, the Chimera and Skyfall. This is clearly not coincidental, and is one immediate theme that springs out and needs further reflection (pun intended). SKYFALL's most obvious yin and yang relationship is Bond and Silva, but Bond's battle with his own inner demons is also another probable undercurrent within this.

Ahead of viewing the film, I knew that SKYFALL had the potential to be a very strong entry to the franchise – the script extracts I’d seen were snappy and encouraging, the plot seemed logical and the actors seemed more than competent. My pre-viewing reservations were limited to certain scenes and sequences. Rather worryingly, for me at least, my major concern was over the pre-title sequence. In print, it sounded a bit like “cars, and then bikes, and then roofs, and then roads, and then a bridge, and then a train, and then tunnels, and then another bridge” – all a bit too much and too ambitious in too short a space of time. Rest assured, when the first bars of Adele’s song dropped in (accompanying a very strong title sequence effort from Daniel Kleinman, by the way), I loosened my grip on my armrests slightly and sighed with relief. The PTS is a bullet – breakneck, thrilling, audacious, deftly edited and rewarding.

For this review, at least, I don’t want to go too much into every character as we’ll all be here all night. The actors all nail their roles - something I can’t remember really ever happening before; there’s usually a weaker member of the pack. This may be in part due to how extraordinarily well-written the characters are. The time and effort put into the script was clearly worth it. With relatively little screen time, Naomie Harris and Berenice Marlohe flesh out characters who easily could have fallen by the way side, condemned to a history of Bond franchise anonymity. Ben Whishaw and Albert Finney arguably get some of the sharpest lines of the movie, and franchise. That’s not to say that their characters are played purely for laughs – these are simply natural elements of humour within the fabric of their roles. Thankfully the excellent Rory Kinnear is given more to do, and hopefully we get to see more of him in future. Ralph Fiennes handles a delicate role with great competence and skill; officious yet likeable. For me, the final MI6 office pay-off had a huge capacity to go drastically wrong, but it was perfect, and I'll admit briefly triggered the emotions. Dame Judi Dench and Daniel Craig operate at the high level we know they can, and turn in their best performances to date. I initially wrote “Javier Bardem steals the show”, but that would do a disservice to the rest of the cast. Bardem is extraordinary though – brooding, menacing, chilling, passionate, tender, brutal – making Silva a man of contrasts, a mirror within a mirror, whose personal journey is one that the audience can feel sympathy towards. Whoever described SKYFALL as a part psychological thriller was spot-on; I feel our amateur psych evaluations of Mr Silva (Tiago Gonzales) will tide us over very nicely until BOND 24 – his relationship with M is fascinating, love and hate reflecting off each other, and jabbing at the senses.

To me, SKYFALL is a triumph of so many parts – actors, producers, director, writers, etc. – but I think that when the history of Bond is written, and it will continue to be, the 23rd Bond movie will carve its unique niche based on the contributions of Roger Deakins and Dennis Gassner. A Bond movie has never been such a pleasure to simply observe and watch. Their work is something of beauty, creativity and elegance. The Shanghai skyscraper fight is an obvious highlight, but there are high points sprinkled throughout. A personal favourite was the moment of Silva’s arrival into the field of battle at Skyfall Lodge – his immediate contribution prompted Deakins to switch his palate from the muted greys and blues of a dusky Scottish evening, to the fiery oranges of impending disaster – another mirror image of sorts. Furthermore, there is a striking cut from a darkened chapel to a bleached bright London winter’s morning skyline – a clean break from what has gone before, and a new day physically and metaphorically, as we and Bond emerge blinking into the sunlight.

A celebration of 50 years. A tremendous movie in its own right. A love letter to Ian Fleming’s creation. A cinematic pleasure. A homecoming for James Bond.

[DanMan]

Thank you for taking the time to write a fantastic review, Vauxhall. I haven't been this excited for a Bond film since I first joined the forums leading up to DAD ten years ago. Can't believe I was twelve years old when that film was released. As I've grown up, so has Bond with me and I feel a sentimental attachment to these films that I never could have understood years ago. I can only imagine what it's like for some of our more seasoned veterans of this forum. With all I've read about Skyfall thus far, I'm sure it'll be an emotional viewing experience. Bond is back and I absolutely can't wait to enjoy this.

[univex]

Vaux, that was absolutely brilliant. I´ve sent you a PM. Brilliant mate, brilliant.

[Vauxhall]

Thank you for taking the time to write a fantastic review, Vauxhall. I haven't been this excited for a Bond film since I first joined the forums leading up to DAD ten years ago. Can't believe I was twelve years old when that film was released. As I've grown up, so has Bond with me and I feel a sentimental attachment to these films that I never could have understood years ago. I can only imagine what it's like for some of our more seasoned veterans of this forum. With all I've read about Skyfall thus far, I'm sure it'll be an emotional viewing experience. Bond is back and I absolutely can't wait to enjoy this.

Thanks to you for reading it and putting up with the rambling! Enjoy it and savour it. It's a good 'un!

Vaux, that was absolutely brilliant. I´ve sent you a PM. Brilliant mate, brilliant.

Received with thanks and replied to, my friend.

Something I missed but doesn't really fit into my review anywhere in particular - the use of "Boom Boom" by The Animals made me smile. Nice touch.

[Jim]

http://debrief.comma...78#entry1229278

POLL ADDED - link above

[DogWalker]

SkyFall Review: Great film - Unfortunately only a Bond film in segments with a third act that has NO place in a Bond film.
I am a traditionalist when it comes to Bond. I want the Bond theme ever present and the fantasy elements firmly in place. SkyFall doesn't always deliver to my tastes. The opening shot is incredibly odd. The Bond nod via the theme is appreciated but for a few seconds it could be an alien movie seeing a extremely thin humanoid appear from white light. Rather misplaced. It certainly does not replace the gunbarrel. This constant fear the producers have for maintaining the traditional elements is rather irritating.

The Villain:
Silva is one of the best Bond villains of all time. However we rarely get to see the wrath and reach of Silva which is disappointing. The concept he took the island for himself through deceit was wonderful. As was his ability to seize what he wanted and his disfigurement from the cyanide. Although the CG looked awful. Bardem immediately lifted the picture as soon as Silva came onto screen.

Judi Dench as M:
She has never been better as "M" and it really increases the sadness that she wont be in another Bond movie. Although as great as she is it doesn't serve the fantasy of Bond all that well to feature the character as prominently. A third act where Bond is in reality with two elderly people and one of whom dies is not escapism. They are wonderful scenes but not for Bond.

Score:
Forgettable. I described myself as a traditionalist and perhaps that isn't fair. There has to be elements that maintain it as a Bond film. Bond films can be quite rare and therefore there is no greater music than the Bond theme to get your heart beating during the film. It is underused. The rest of the score adds extremely little.

Will Bond 24 finally deliver a Bond movie after waiting 10 years so far?
Whilst the end segment with a new Moneypenny and fine new M in Ralph Fiennes gets the blood pumping, Bond has had so many suggested returns to business as usual it may be that we never see this setup in Bond 24. Therefore it really is infuriating that we still cannot get a Bond as usual film.

I will go see it again and SkyFall is a great film - unfortunately it just has Bond moments and a large part including the third act has little business being in a Bond film. The character of Kinkade ( surely created to lure Connery back to the franchise) is superfluous and adds nothing. The death of Silva would have also been better had it taken place in the frozen lake rather than in the chapel.

Whilst the quality has been increased this does not necessarily make for a better Bond film. In addition it risks killing the franchise by adapting and therefore changing the formula to more finite territory.

Die Another Day was not anywhere near the quality of Skyfall. However during Die Another Day it made me feel and want to be James Bond. My heart raced and it was wonderful escapism. SkyFall rarely offers the Bond experience.

[thecasinoroyale]

Great reviews guys - love hearing your views and passion!


.....what do we do now for another 2/3 years?!

[Platapus94]

I couldn't make my mind up about silva being homosexual after his first scene, anybody else or just me? Haha

[Platapus94]

SkyFall Review: Great film - Unfortunately only a Bond film in segments with a third act that has NO place in a Bond film.
I am a traditionalist when it comes to Bond. I want the Bond theme ever present and the fantasy elements firmly in place. SkyFall doesn't always deliver to my tastes. The opening shot is incredibly odd. The Bond nod via the theme is appreciated but for a few seconds it could be an alien movie seeing a extremely thin humanoid appear from white light. Rather misplaced. It certainly does not replace the gunbarrel. This constant fear the producers have for maintaining the traditional elements is rather irritating.

The Villain:
Silva is one of the best Bond villains of all time. However we rarely get to see the wrath and reach of Silva which is disappointing. The concept he took the island for himself through deceit was wonderful. As was his ability to seize what he wanted and his disfigurement from the cyanide. Although the CG looked awful. Bardem immediately lifted the picture as soon as Silva came onto screen.

Judi Dench as M:
She has never been better as "M" and it really increases the sadness that she wont be in another Bond movie. Although as great as she is it doesn't serve the fantasy of Bond all that well to feature the character as prominently. A third act where Bond is in reality with two elderly people and one of whom dies is not escapism. They are wonderful scenes but not for Bond.

Score:
Forgettable. I described myself as a traditionalist and perhaps that isn't fair. There has to be elements that maintain it as a Bond film. Bond films can be quite rare and therefore there is no greater music than the Bond theme to get your heart beating during the film. It is underused. The rest of the score adds extremely little.

Will Bond 24 finally deliver a Bond movie after waiting 10 years so far?
Whilst the end segment with a new Moneypenny and fine new M in Ralph Fiennes gets the blood pumping, Bond has had so many suggested returns to business as usual it may be that we never see this setup in Bond 24. Therefore it really is infuriating that we still cannot get a Bond as usual film.

I will go see it again and SkyFall is a great film - unfortunately it just has Bond moments and a large part including the third act has little business being in a Bond film. The character of Kinkade ( surely created to lure Connery back to the franchise) is superfluous and adds nothing. The death of Silva would have also been better had it taken place in the frozen lake rather than in the chapel.

Whilst the quality has been increased this does not necessarily make for a better Bond film. In addition it risks killing the franchise by adapting and therefore changing the formula to more finite territory.

Die Another Day was not anywhere near the quality of Skyfall. However during Die Another Day it made me feel and want to be James Bond. My heart raced and it was wonderful escapism. SkyFall rarely offers the Bond experience.

I completely agree! 100% I loved the film, it was great but being a huge Bond fan, particularly of the classics, I felt that this wasn't really Bond. The once scene that actually got me excited to be watching a 'Bond' film was when we first see the DB5!

I had heard that this was the bond film for bond fans and, despite this being a really good film, I couldn't disagree more.

[doubler83]

The "Boom Boom" scene made me smile, too. It was just so different and something never seen in a Bond movie before.

[SecretAgentFan]

Well, "London Calling" was used when the bad guy was approaching in DAD...

[Vauxhall]

Well, "London Calling" was used when the bad guy was approaching in DAD...

The difference I'd say with "Boom Boom" is that the villain is playing it himself over the helicopter speakers as they approach, rather than simply being a piece of music within the regular soundtrack. It lends another tiny insight into Silva's nature and flamboyance.

[SecretAgentFan]

SkyFall Review: Great film - Unfortunately only a Bond film in segments with a third act that has NO place in a Bond film.
I am a traditionalist when it comes to Bond. I want the Bond theme ever present and the fantasy elements firmly in place. SkyFall doesn't always deliver to my tastes. The opening shot is incredibly odd. The Bond nod via the theme is appreciated but for a few seconds it could be an alien movie seeing a extremely thin humanoid appear from white light. Rather misplaced. It certainly does not replace the gunbarrel. This constant fear the producers have for maintaining the traditional elements is rather irritating.

The Villain:
Silva is one of the best Bond villains of all time. However we rarely get to see the wrath and reach of Silva which is disappointing. The concept he took the island for himself through deceit was wonderful. As was his ability to seize what he wanted and his disfigurement from the cyanide. Although the CG looked awful. Bardem immediately lifted the picture as soon as Silva came onto screen.

Judi Dench as M:
She has never been better as "M" and it really increases the sadness that she wont be in another Bond movie. Although as great as she is it doesn't serve the fantasy of Bond all that well to feature the character as prominently. A third act where Bond is in reality with two elderly people and one of whom dies is not escapism. They are wonderful scenes but not for Bond.

Score:
Forgettable. I described myself as a traditionalist and perhaps that isn't fair. There has to be elements that maintain it as a Bond film. Bond films can be quite rare and therefore there is no greater music than the Bond theme to get your heart beating during the film. It is underused. The rest of the score adds extremely little.

Will Bond 24 finally deliver a Bond movie after waiting 10 years so far?
Whilst the end segment with a new Moneypenny and fine new M in Ralph Fiennes gets the blood pumping, Bond has had so many suggested returns to business as usual it may be that we never see this setup in Bond 24. Therefore it really is infuriating that we still cannot get a Bond as usual film.

I will go see it again and SkyFall is a great film - unfortunately it just has Bond moments and a large part including the third act has little business being in a Bond film. The character of Kinkade ( surely created to lure Connery back to the franchise) is superfluous and adds nothing. The death of Silva would have also been better had it taken place in the frozen lake rather than in the chapel.

Whilst the quality has been increased this does not necessarily make for a better Bond film. In addition it risks killing the franchise by adapting and therefore changing the formula to more finite territory.

Die Another Day was not anywhere near the quality of Skyfall. However during Die Another Day it made me feel and want to be James Bond. My heart raced and it was wonderful escapism. SkyFall rarely offers the Bond experience.

Sad to read this. And I completely disagree with all the points you make about SKYFALL being "only" a great film but not a great Bond film. IMO the spectacular achievement of SKYFALL lies in using the formula to show how much more life is in it. If the film only had repeated what had come before I would have called it a failure, treading water just to tick of boxes.

That does not mean that I cannot enjoy the earlier ones. In fact, I do love MOONRAKER and DAD. But I would not love future Bond films to just be like previous ones. Simple repetition is not what this franchise needs to stay alive.

Well, "London Calling" was used when the bad guy was approaching in DAD...

The difference I'd say with "Boom Boom" is that the villain is playing it himself over the helicopter speakers as they approach, rather than simply being a piece of music within the regular soundtrack. It lends another tiny insight into Silva's nature and flamboyance.

True!

[Harry Fawkes]

I was simply blown away! I'm not good at reviews so please excuse me. What I will say is this though- SKYFALL is fantastic. I loved it, every single moment. It had depth and all the things a die-hard Bond fan could hope for. Was sorry to see M go, but was also happy to see Ralph Fiennes take over. The end scene was fabulous. His office recalled the days of Bernard Lee's M. Anyway, 10 out of 10 for this one and here's to another 50 years.

Oh, yeah, on another thread I gave 6 out of 10 to the score. Having seen the film I stand corrected - the score now gets 10 out of 10 and by God I rank it as one of the best JB scores I've heard so far. Well done TN.

PS - Did anyone else hold his or her breath at the beginning waiting for the gun-barrel? I did (like a little kid tell truth) and was sightly disappointed that it didn't start with it. Can't understand why they would want to put it at the end. Having said that I was immediately captivated by the opening shot and sharp signature tune that accompanied DC's shadow in the doorway.

Fantastic humour too and simply relished the scene where M complains about the lack of comfort in the Aston Martin and Bond flicks open the gear lever's top-cover revealing the ejector seat button. Simply the best.

One more thing - NOBODY DOES IT BETTER THAN DANIEL CRAIG - For me He is JAMES BOND.

FIVE STARS AND 10 OUT OF 10

[Guy Haines]

SkyFall Review: Great film - Unfortunately only a Bond film in segments with a third act that has NO place in a Bond film. I am a traditionalist when it comes to Bond. I want the Bond theme ever present and the fantasy elements firmly in place. SkyFall doesn't always deliver to my tastes. The opening shot is incredibly odd. The Bond nod via the theme is appreciated but for a few seconds it could be an alien movie seeing a extremely thin humanoid appear from white light. Rather misplaced. It certainly does not replace the gunbarrel. This constant fear the producers have for maintaining the traditional elements is rather irritating. The Villain: Silva is one of the best Bond villains of all time. However we rarely get to see the wrath and reach of Silva which is disappointing. The concept he took the island for himself through deceit was wonderful. As was his ability to seize what he wanted and his disfigurement from the cyanide. Although the CG looked awful. Bardem immediately lifted the picture as soon as Silva came onto screen. Judi Dench as M: She has never been better as "M" and it really increases the sadness that she wont be in another Bond movie. Although as great as she is it doesn't serve the fantasy of Bond all that well to feature the character as prominently. A third act where Bond is in reality with two elderly people and one of whom dies is not escapism. They are wonderful scenes but not for Bond. Score: Forgettable. I described myself as a traditionalist and perhaps that isn't fair. There has to be elements that maintain it as a Bond film. Bond films can be quite rare and therefore there is no greater music than the Bond theme to get your heart beating during the film. It is underused. The rest of the score adds extremely little. Will Bond 24 finally deliver a Bond movie after waiting 10 years so far? Whilst the end segment with a new Moneypenny and fine new M in Ralph Fiennes gets the blood pumping, Bond has had so many suggested returns to business as usual it may be that we never see this setup in Bond 24. Therefore it really is infuriating that we still cannot get a Bond as usual film. I will go see it again and SkyFall is a great film - unfortunately it just has Bond moments and a large part including the third act has little business being in a Bond film. The character of Kinkade ( surely created to lure Connery back to the franchise) is superfluous and adds nothing. The death of Silva would have also been better had it taken place in the frozen lake rather than in the chapel. Whilst the quality has been increased this does not necessarily make for a better Bond film. In addition it risks killing the franchise by adapting and therefore changing the formula to more finite territory. Die Another Day was not anywhere near the quality of Skyfall. However during Die Another Day it made me feel and want to be James Bond. My heart raced and it was wonderful escapism. SkyFall rarely offers the Bond experience.

Sad to read this. And I completely disagree with all the points you make about SKYFALL being "only" a great film but not a great Bond film. IMO the spectacular achievement of SKYFALL lies in using the formula to show how much more life is in it. If the film only had repeated what had come before I would have called it a failure, treading water just to tick of boxes. That does not mean that I cannot enjoy the earlier ones. In fact, I do love MOONRAKER and DAD. But I would not love future Bond films to just be like previous ones. Simple repetition is not what this franchise needs to stay alive.

Well, "London Calling" was used when the bad guy was approaching in DAD...

The difference I'd say with "Boom Boom" is that the villain is playing it himself over the helicopter speakers as they approach, rather than simply being a piece of music within the regular soundtrack. It lends another tiny insight into Silva's nature and flamboyance.

True!

Didn't Silva play another piece of music involving the words "Boom Boom" when he and Bond were in the dead city courtyard, about to engage in target practice?

[Vauxhall]

Well, "London Calling" was used when the bad guy was approaching in DAD...

The difference I'd say with "Boom Boom" is that the villain is playing it himself over the helicopter speakers as they approach, rather than simply being a piece of music within the regular soundtrack. It lends another tiny insight into Silva's nature and flamboyance.

True!

Didn't Silva play another piece of music involving the words "Boom Boom" when he and Bond were in the dead city courtyard, about to engage in target practice?

Great point. "Boum" by Charles Trenet. First time I'd linked the two.

[SecretAgentFan]

Oh, yeah, on another thread I gave 6 out of 10 to the score. Having seen the film I stand corrected - the score now gets 10 out of 10 and by God I rank it as one of the best JB scores I've heard so far. Well done TN.

I can understand that perfectly. One really needs to experience the score without preconceived notions.

Well, "London Calling" was used when the bad guy was approaching in DAD...

The difference I'd say with "Boom Boom" is that the villain is playing it himself over the helicopter speakers as they approach, rather than simply being a piece of music within the regular soundtrack. It lends another tiny insight into Silva's nature and flamboyance.

True!

Didn't Silva play another piece of music involving the words "Boom Boom" when he and Bond were in the dead city courtyard, about to engage in target practice?

Great point. "Boum" by Charles Trenet. First time I'd linked the two.

You´re right! Well, SKYFALL really is rich and layered.

[doubler83]

I actually forgot about London Calling. Just goes to show how much on a non-impact that movie made on me.

[DamnCoffee]

Here we go guys.


SKYFALL (2012)


After the luke warm reception of ‘Quantum of Solace’, and various MGM financial troubles lasting for a few years after the release of the film, there was doubt in some peoples minds whether SKYFALL, or ‘Bond 23’ as it was referred to then, would actually be made. However, 4 years down the line, SKYFALL just proves that James Bond can always make a triumphant return.

After trying to retrieve a stolen hard drive, James Bond (Daniel Craig), is accidentally shot down by field agent Eve Moneypenny (Naomie Harris), and plummets into to the depths of a ravine, presumed dead. A terrorist attack on MI6 rocks the Secret Service and M is brought into questioning by Gareth Mallory (Ralph Fiennes), the Chairman of the Intelligence and Security Committee, who questions her ability to run the Service, after the contents of the hard drive are still in enemy hands. Hearing about the terrorist attack on british soil, James Bond returns to aid M, and track down the villainous Silva (Javier Bardem), who appears to have a blood lust for Bonds beloved boss.

The plot is brilliantly straight forward, and more importantly, takes it’s time. At 2 hours 20 minutes, SKYFALL is one of the longest films in the franchise, and it feels long. That isn’t a complaint either. The problem most people had with Casino Royale was it’s pacing issues in the final act. However, despite minor pacing issues in the first 45 minutes of the film, Skyfall does nothing of the sort. It feels satisfying, which is probably the most important aspect, considering the reception of it’s predecessor.

If you all thought Casino Royale was the most human portrayal of James Bond’s character, think again. Not only does Skyfall go deeper, it also allows us to see Bond’s traumatic childhood. Daniel Craig manages, fantastically, to bring an even more vulnerable side to the character, be it his inability to complete an exercise programme, desperately trying to hang on to the bottom of an elevator, or failing to miss in target practice. This isn’t the James Bond we know, this is James Bond recovering from substance abuse and depression, which isn’t just a way of making him more human, it’s a way of challenging whether James Bond is relevant for todays world.

Sam Mendes (Director of American Beauty and Road To Perdition) is not an action director, which is why Skyfall is such a remarkable achievement. Not only does Mendes bring depth and character, but also manages to show breathtaking action sequences, which is easily some of the best stunt work to date. Mendes also manages to fantastically intercut action and drama, a prime example being Bond running through the streets of London, intercut with M’s reading of a Tennyson poem…
We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven; that which we are, we are;
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.

Another master stroke for this film, was the casting of Oscar Winner, Javier Bardem, who turns in a completely, camp, hilarious, but genuinely chilling performance as Raoul Silva. Who isn’t even a match for Bond, infact, the brilliance of the film totally resides to how far ahead Silva always is. He is completely underestimated, and surprisingly always has the upper hand. “What makes you think this is my first time?” Bond quips, as Silva seductively unbuttons Bonds shirt and stokes his bare chest. Craig and Bardem play at each other with great effect, which makes it difficult to even consider who steals which scene.

It’s Silva’s total calmness that makes him all the more chilling. “You’re hurt? What have they done to you?” he asks, spotting a bloody wound, on a terrified M. “Finish it for both of us.”, as he pulls her in for a tight hug and forces a gun into her hand, in one of the most moving, and tense scenes in the franchises history. With shades of Max Zorin, and Francisco Scaramanga, Silva will go down in history as one of the best Bond villains of all time.

Skyfall also marks the long awaited return of Q, now played by British actor Ben Whisaw. Which shows us that we don’t need gadgets anymore to make Bond contemporary. The entire film is beautifully written, delivering snappy dialogue and totally oozing dry wit and good old british humour, made more hilarious by Craig, as he delivers the humour dead pan.

The whole thing roars along like a speeding bullet, with beautiful cinematography by Roger Deakins. And despite a few fishy moments of CGI (Which doesn't even detract from the overall enjoyment anyway) the film is perfect. One of the most remarkable achievements in the film, consists of the beautiful relationship between Bond and M, in which Judi Dench is finally given the chance to show her remarkable acting ability. At the heart of the story lies a tragic and motherly relationship, which doesn't fail to bring a tear to the eye once everything is brought full circle.

Skyfall is a film that isn’t scared to stray away from the iconic Bond formula. From the opening strains of the Bond theme, as Craig steps into the light in a dimly lit corridor, we can tell that this is not a traditional Bond film. Infact, what Mendes manages to do well, is still incorporate classic elements (The Aston Martin DB5, the James Bond theme, and opening closing gunbarrel sequence), but at the same time, willingly force upon you a fantastic, emotional, gripping, tense and down right hilarious film, that proves that still, after 50 years, nobody does it better than James Bond.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Edited by DamnCoffee, 27 October 2012 - 10:28 PM.

[univex]

Damn good review Harkers. Thanks you very much. Going to see it in a couple of hours, so that got me really pumped.

[thecasinoroyale]

AGHHHH I want to see it again but all sold out here around Basingstoke tonight!

[JCRendle]

May have to wait a couple of days for my review guys. Works getting hectic at the mo, and a couple of other distractions etc. But I must reiterate my view that Skyfall is a brilliant Bond film, which feels both old school Connery Bond mixed with something new and special.

[univex]

I´m back from seeing it.

It´s awful.

Awfully good!!! Which I know it´s a bloody oxyMORON, but I wanted to start my impression fashionably because I think that anyone who has a problem, yes, one single problem, with this BOND film is, I reiterate this, a MORON. And I´ll be sure to be taking names so I´ll skip your dull opinions in the future. What?! It´s true. To those who have complained about the tone, the humour, the special effects, ..., piss off! This IS James Bond. The one from the novels and the one from the better films, which, in all accounts, is no mean feat. This is Bond with a capital B and it just makes me wonder WHY haven´t they taken this approach before?

It made me feel a particularly good kind of sad because the film conveys the notion that Bond has been working as a 00 for quite some time and is weary. So where are the other missions? It´s as if there´s a void between CR and SF and no, QOS didn´t fill it properly.

I LOVED it! Every single bit.

Those last few minutes were precious. I just wish 2014 were here already. Craig is getting a wonderfull arch here: from rookie agent to the master spy we all love.

As a long, long time fan, a Connery fanboy, a OHMSS lover, a Dalton cult fan, I must say, we are very lucky to have such a film in the cannon. This is the real deal folks. This film separates the waters: Bond fans from those who don´t really get the character. I´m sorry, but that´s the truth. If you had an ill conceived notion of Bond, thinking he was just a ruthless killer who goes from A to B and pouts, or if you think Bond is all about the double taking pigeons and tsunami surfing, than this film is not for you, and you shouldn´t even bother to anwser this post in any fashion whatsoever. If you happen to love both the film Bond of the 60s and Fleming´s Bond, then by all means, SF is for you, as it is for me.

I could write a better review than this, but Vauxall said it all in his and so did Harkers and many of the guys who´s opinions I respect.

A message to Daniel Craig, if one can be even more pedantic : Why oh why did it take you 6 years to show us this versatility? It´s even more Bondian than CR! Job well done Sir.

And to the producers: TOOK YOU LONG ENOUGH!!! Now, open up your massive wallets and bring this A team back for Bond 24!

Univex out. I´ll be sure to convey more of my impressions on the specific threads. Cheers.

[TheSilhouette]

I'm quite interested in hearing the opinions of those who stayed completely spoiler free, so I think it would be nice if you could let us know if you have.

[univex]

I'm quite interested in hearing the opinions of those who stayed completely spoiler free, so I think it would be nice if you could let us know if you have.

Yes, me too. I for one, knew pretty much everything, every single spoiler and, you know what? That strange study who advocated spoilers enhanced the viewers experience, was spot on.