40 replies to this topic

[DamnCoffee]

Believe me. I love most of the Bond films, and I thought Skyfall was tremendous. I'm just thinking about things logically. Could we end up having another Quantum of Solace? The reason Skyfall was so good was because of all the planning, the same with Casino Royale and GoldenEye. Brosnan and Craig's first outings are considered, among some, the best films of the series. Skyfall has topped both of them for me.

Although, we have to think about things logically. GoldenEye, Casino and Skyfall had a good few more years worth of planning. If we look at some of the other Bond films. (Tomorrow Never Dies, The World Is Not Enough, Die Another Day and Quantum of Solace) they're rather average or in some cases, awful, in most peoples eyes. Compared to GoldenEye, Casino and Skyfall. If Bond 24 is released in 2014, do you think it will fall into the same trap? If EON are going back to the 2 year cycle again, I hope they pull something great out of the hat.

Discuss.

[ggl]

Remember FRWL? Although it can help, quality is not a question of time.

[Single-O-Seven]

Remember FRWL? Although it can help, quality is not a question of time.

But remember, the production time back then was far shorter than now. That includes development of the script, which was adapted from an already developed story in the form of the novel.

This makes me wonder if adaptations of the better continuation novels would allow for a consistent string of films with decent stories on a two year cycle, as the story and script development time could be significantly reduced.

[coco1997]

I think it's almost certain it won't be as good. I haven't seen SKYFALL yet, but my expectations are so high, the reviews are so positive, and the hype surrounding the film--coinciding with the fiftieth anniversary of the franchise--can't possibly be replicated for BOND 24.

And thinking realistically, when was the last time we had back-to-back great Bond films? You might have to look as far back as the early '60s to find your answer.

[Peckinpah1976]

I'm hoping it's better as I was slightly under-whelmed by Skyfall - it's good but nothing more IMO and it's not even as if I'd been over-psyched, as I'd stayed deliberately spoiler-free and wasn't aware of it's critical reception.

[Iceskater101]

I think this Bond film already has a lot of potential though, I really hope it doesn't suck because if they are planning a two part script..

[Harmsway]

Craig debunked the two-part rumor. (Good thing, too, since two-part films rarely work.)

[thecasinoroyale]

I don't think it will be the same as 'Skyfall', which is good as this is another bar raised since 'Casino Royale' and if they try TOO hard, they will fail.

We just want a decent film, decent characters and a great narrative arc - it doesn't need to match 'Skyfall' in terms of emotional depth, run-time etc - just a cracking Bond adventure please EON!

[x007AceOfSpades]

I'm only 2 days away from seeing it, but No, I don't think so. I think it will be great. Besides, I think it's way too early to ask this question. Bond 24 will either: Suck, be great, Epic, and so-so.

[QuantumOfRoyale]

I think EON now realizes two things after QoS:

1. Fans' expectations are higher now than ever.

2. James Bond fans are always willing to forgive if something better is promised for the future.

3. The James Bond franchise, after 50 years of being one of the most beloved movie franchises of all time, can afford some pretty damn A-list talent.

Skyfall seems to be them learning from those lessons. Do the same with Bond 24, and there shouldn't be a problem.

[tdalton]

It's really just going to depend on who they have working on the film. It'll largely depend on what Logan delivers in terms of the script. Assuming that aspect of the film is solid, then it'll fall on the director. If they go back to the types of directors that they used to hire for these films before they got the likes of Forster and Mendes involved, then it probably won't be as good. If they bring back Mendes or get somebody of that type of quality to helm Bond 24, then there's certainly a good chance that the film can be of the same high quality that we've seen from Craig's first two films and what it appears they achieved with Skyfall.

[SecretAgentFan]

It's really just going to depend on who they have working on the film. It'll largely depend on what Logan delivers in terms of the script. Assuming that aspect of the film is solid, then it'll fall on the director. If they go back to the types of directors that they used to hire for these films before they got the likes of Forster and Mendes involved, then it probably won't be as good. If they bring back Mendes or get somebody of that type of quality to helm Bond 24, then there's certainly a good chance that the film can be of the same high quality that we've seen from Craig's first two films and what it appears they achieved with Skyfall.

Perfectly put.

And with Logan already hard at work, time will be sufficient.

QOS, while a film I love, was a problematic production because the script was only written a few months before the writers´ strike (the original P & W draft was thrown out by Forster, see THE JAMES BOND ARCHIVES, and would have been completely different).

[007jamesbond]

It's really just going to depend on who they have working on the film. It'll largely depend on what Logan delivers in terms of the script. Assuming that aspect of the film is solid, then it'll fall on the director. If they go back to the types of directors that they used to hire for these films before they got the likes of Forster and Mendes involved, then it probably won't be as good. If they bring back Mendes or get somebody of that type of quality to helm Bond 24, then there's certainly a good chance that the film can be of the same high quality that we've seen from Craig's first two films and what it appears they achieved with Skyfall.

Perfectly put.

And with Logan already hard at work, time will be sufficient.

QOS, while a film I love, was a problematic production because the script was only written a few months before the writers´ strike (the original P & W draft was thrown out by Forster, see THE JAMES BOND ARCHIVES, and would have been completely different).

Agree, I think that if Logan is already working on the script at least a first draft right now better now than later if something like a strike happens again

Anyway do you know what the original script was going to be like from P and W according to THE JAMES BOND ARCHIVES?

[SecretAgentFan]

It's really just going to depend on who they have working on the film. It'll largely depend on what Logan delivers in terms of the script. Assuming that aspect of the film is solid, then it'll fall on the director. If they go back to the types of directors that they used to hire for these films before they got the likes of Forster and Mendes involved, then it probably won't be as good. If they bring back Mendes or get somebody of that type of quality to helm Bond 24, then there's certainly a good chance that the film can be of the same high quality that we've seen from Craig's first two films and what it appears they achieved with Skyfall.

Perfectly put.

And with Logan already hard at work, time will be sufficient.

QOS, while a film I love, was a problematic production because the script was only written a few months before the writers´ strike (the original P & W draft was thrown out by Forster, see THE JAMES BOND ARCHIVES, and would have been completely different).

Agree, I think that if Logan is already working on the script at least a first draft right now better now than later if something like a strike happens again

Anyway do you know what the original script was going to be like from P and W according to THE JAMES BOND ARCHIVES?

Yes! According to that, only the beginning mid-chase, the interrogation and the Sienna foot chase were kept by Haggis.

[Peckinpah1976]

We just want a decent film, decent characters and a great narrative arc - it doesn't need to match 'Skyfall' in terms of emotional depth, run-time etc - just a cracking Bond adventure please EON!

You clearly saw a different film to me as all I got was an already non-existent story stretched to snapping point and then held together with some pretty pictures - two or three key scenes in QOS had more emotional impact on me than anything here.

[thecasinoroyale]

Sorry Peckinpah, I saw 'Skyfall'. What did you see, 'Taken 2'?

The emotion in 'Skyfall' wasn't laid on in heaps, and if anything the emotion lends to character building and their relationships, not just the ending of the film with Bond and M. It's the emotion shown by all characters in all their situations that I was hooked on, even with Silva's emotion in the holding cell.

The characters were far more rounded than 'Quantum Of Solace', and I cared a lot more for M and Tanner than I did in 'QOS', not saying that is a bad Bond film as it's not - I just hope for more of the same detail and attention used in 'Skyfall' for future Bond films rather than the rush job that happened with 'Quantum Of Solace'.

[Pussfeller]

Considering that a story idea already exists, and a script is already being written, it's safe to assume that B24 will enjoy a much firmer foundation than QOS. SF's high production values will increase the pressure on the producers to maintain quality, which can only be a good thing. B24 will surely be a very different film, thematically and tonally. It's likely to be a more traditional Bond narrative, with fewer complications on the MI6 end.

But I'm sure Craig will insist on some sort of emotional hook for Bond. He's made it clear that he has no interest in playing a stock character, and Bond's character issues seem to exist as much to keep him interested in the role as to appeal to audiences. So I don't foresee an anticlimactic lapse into formula along the lines of TND.

In short, I don't really know what to expect, but I'm not worrying. Until I see some evidence of complacency, I'm going to be optimistic and assume that one excellent film will beget another.

[SecretAgentFan]

I could imagine Craig-Bond still taking a very personal pleasure in bringing down more of QUANTUM. And if they indeed bring back Blofeld, Craig-Bond will have lots of emotional hooks to sink into.

[YOLT]

You shold have said "for me." Bond 24 will be different and I hope in a positive way. The producers are also in this thought. You can see it from Skyfall from begining to the end. The 007 we all now is BACK. No more or little personnal issues. More mission oriented movies.

I didnt found Skyfall bad, or awful. It was fine. But could had been better with a better end or third act. The third act was nothing Bond. Home alone was better.

We will see more mission oriented movies and less personnal stuff and I am exited about that. Nothing to worry.

[thecasinoroyale]

Mission orientated movies I will gladly welcome back. We have a new M ready to forge new relationships with Bond, as they seem to get on well when 'Skyfall' ended, so no more complications and trust issues inside MI6 I hope with a good, decent cast whose characters are now solid with eachother. Tanner, M, Q, Moneypenny and Bond. Full house - let's go!!

As the folder was 'Top Secret' for 007, this echoes the missions yet to come that they will be far more simplier in terms of goodvs bad startto end plots. Can't wait!

[Nick Bone]

I have no worries concerning Bond 24. Skyfall has set the bar for production values now and I belive the next installments will follow that route.

Is Bond 24 going to be different? Maybe. But don´t wait any dramatic movements. These are the kind of Bond movies they want to do rigth now and the characters are well updated. This is the Bond world right now and I´m personally very happy about it.

Maybe the next films will be mission oriented but there will always be that emotional playground in some way. That is the sole base of Daniel Craig´s portration of JB. Bond is very much of a human nowadays. He knows the business is dirty and he´s the only man to play the game by the dirty rulebook.

And what´s wrong with Skyfall´s 3rd act? I liked it because it was different and emotionally strong and it was based on Britain. I´m not into these Home Alone comparisons at all.

[thecasinoroyale]

The fact that it was only 2 elements that Bond used to create booby traps (the shotgun floorboard and nail/screw lights) that could be linked to setting traps like 'Home Alone' and various other films, let's not forget, there's not really anything else in it so people can't honestly say that's a big thing for them, can they?

Bond is simply using his brains and his environment to take out the enemy, which is brilliant.

[SecretAgentFan]

Yep.

[Aisforauric]

Quite simply it will come down to the who/what/when/where/how. It's almost folklore that an 'average' Bond almost always follows 'an exceptional one' so history is there to be learned from. My personal prediction is that DC and EON are going to have a massive falling out, as DC has, in my personal opinion, looked bored and disinterested in every single aspect of the run-up to Skyfall. Contract, or no contract, I think there's a recasting going to happen.....and that will have an effect on Bond 24.

[AgenttiNollaNollaSeitsemän]

There's nothing wrong with Skyfalls 3rd act.

Maybe the next films will be mission oriented but there will always be that emotional playground in some way. That is the sole base of Daniel Craig´s portration of JB. Bond is very much of a human nowadays. He knows the business is dirty and he´s the only man to play the game by the dirty rulebook.

Perhaps certain brother from Langley will have disagreements (with someone that eats him)... Sure, it has already been done but perhaps something else than sharks...

Edited by AgenttiNollaNollaSeitsemän, 08 November 2012 - 09:02 PM.

[Loomis]

I don't consider SKYFALL to be the greatest thing since sliced bread, so I don't see why BOND 24 can't take it down.

[plankattack]

Quite simply it will come down to the who/what/when/where/how. It's almost folklore that an 'average' Bond almost always follows 'an exceptional one' so history is there to be learned from.

Exactly. Since the 70s, EON have struggled to put out back-to-back films (on a two-year cycle) that earned critical acclaim and big box office numbers at the same time. (let me be clear - I'm not talking about what excites us as fans). And in this day and age, it's a rare franchise indeed that turns out episodes on a two-year rotation.

While it sounds like Logan is already beginning work on a treatment, we have no way of knowing what stage it's at - is it a 500 word precis, a 30 page outline, or 200 pages? Is Logan working with a director? One would need to get involved soon, as shooting would be beginning in only 14 months in order to meet an Oct-Nov 2014 release, and I have no doubt a director who wanted to have some influence in shaping what is ultimately his vision, would prefer to be getting in at an early stage. Is anyone out scouting locations. Has anyone been reaching out to potential cast members? They've got schedules too. Who's to say the Idris Elba stories are in fact cover for him being approached to be the villain? It's a thought, and if it were true then it's the kind of news that would reassure me that EON are far down the pre-production road.

The audience expect more than 30 years ago, when if we're really honest with ourselves, each entry was pretty much a version of the films around it. Gunbarrel, stunt, song, introduce villains, little stunt, more plot, longer stunt/chase, plot, big finish, kiss the girl, credits. Production line film-making. (read Jim's OO7th Minute about FYEO for some excellent perspective on 70s-80s EON).

QoS is often said to have been effected by the writer's strike, but remember too, EON didn't get Forster on-board till late in the game (remember the long flirtation with Roger Michel?), and so that didn't help either.

And TND was plagued by a string of writers, re-writes, and a director and crew working from a script that was either unset or unfinished when shooting began. Spottiswode has said that it was probably one of the worst professional experiences of his career - like TND or not, there was no-one squeaking on about it being Oscar-worthy, that's for sure.

My point? Well, there's no way to guess if B24 will be "better" than B23, but the odds are that working to a 2014 deadline isn't going to help. If EON really are looking to make critically acclaimed pictures (since '95, the films are almost guaranteed moneymakers - despite its reviews, QoS's grosses were still huge, as were DAD's), then it might be best to take a breath and count to, oooh, a million.

Me? I'm more than happy to wait three years at least. Every time EON have had a lay-off, the next film has always profited from the extended production timetable.

[seawolfnyy]

I don't understand the dislike for the final act. That was my favorite part of the whole film. Bond had to use his wits to beat an enemy that had planned for everything except for Bond's instincts. I thought the film got better when it shifted back to England.

[The Shark]

I didnt found Skyfall bad, or awful. It was fine. But could had been better with a better end or third act. The third act was nothing Bond. Home alone was better.

Go watch STRAW DOGS. The Peckinpah one.

[SecretAgentFan]

Quite simply it will come down to the who/what/when/where/how. It's almost folklore that an 'average' Bond almost always follows 'an exceptional one' so history is there to be learned from. My personal prediction is that DC and EON are going to have a massive falling out, as DC has, in my personal opinion, looked bored and disinterested in every single aspect of the run-up to Skyfall. Contract, or no contract, I think there's a recasting going to happen.....and that will have an effect on Bond 24.

Um... folklore that an "average" Bond almost always follows an "exceptional" one?

I did not get that memo. Are you confused with the folklore surrounding the even-numbered "Star Trek" movies?

And "Craig looked bored and disinterested in every single aspect of the run-up to Skyfall"?

In which aspect? That statement is so beyond any reason, Sir, really!