Greg’s Movie Review: Skyfall
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I’m gonna start this off by saying that I really HATED the last two James Bond films, CASINO ROYALE and QUANTUM OF SOLACE. Now before you get pissed at me and decide to jump to another article in disgust, please give me the benefit of the doubt because I guarantee you- you won’t be disappointed by the time you get to the end of my review.
Being something of an elitist geek, I’ll be the first one to tell you that I hate it when a long-standing franchise gets a reboot. It’s basically a way for the studios (among other kinds of media, such as comic book companies) to abandon the hardcore fans in order to draw in a younger, more hip audience so that everyone can get in on the ‘ground floor’. It has been done to varying degrees of success, some including STAR TREK, BATMAN, and most recently, SPIDER-MAN. The reason I have major disdain for reboots is because I think it caters to the legions of brain-dead youngsters who have neither the patience or attention span to look back and build an appreciation for what has come before. As a life-long fan of James Bond, I was pissed off when I found out that he was getting the (re) boot.
To put it mildly, I LOATHED the last two films. They made no sense to me, had none of the essential elements that made up a classic Bond film, and don’t even get me started on Daniel Craig. While I like him as an actor, I never thought he was cut out to be James Bond. To me, it seemed like he was as charismatic as Timothy Dalton on Ritalin. Then there was the fact that they had kept Judi Dench as M, which seemed to be a continuity gaffe. So let me get this straight- Judi replaced the previous ‘M’ in the original film continuity, only to be the first ‘M’ in the rebooted one? I bet even Stephen Hawking is scratching his head over that little tidbit! Nope- The James Bond of the 21st century was not my cup of tea. This was more like a rip-off of THE BOURNE IDENTITY.
All of which brings me to SKYFALL. I’ll admit that I had very low expectations for this new Bond outing. It begins with James up to his armpits in trouble, chasing down another spy, and being assisted by another agent, (a female one) who is not quite up to the job. (Keep this in mind, because it will be important by the time you get to the end of the film.) Anyway, the mission goes to shit, mostly because a former MI-6 agent has it in for M and decides that he wants her dead. Enter Javier Bardem, who plays our villain- VERY effectively, I might add. James, who has decided to take a powder by this point, comes out of retirement to kick some ass and save the day. You can pretty much figure out the rest from there.
Now here’s the payoff: For you hardcore Bond fans- (like me!) I’ll tell you this: YOU WILL LOVE THIS FILM. Everything you have been missing since the reboot comes back. I’m not saying what, who, or when you will see it, but if you look hard enough, you will find it. For the newer Bond fans, you’ll still enjoy it, but you won’t have a clue what I’m talking about. More’s the pity.
Greg’s review: 4 stars out of 5.
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I agree Sean Connery is THE James Bond but I also like Daniel Craig. As to the movie, I just got back from the theater after watching it in iMax. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Pure escapism, great scenics of Shanghai, Macau, and beautiful London, city of my birth. There was no reason to think about anything. My kind of movie 🙂 🙂
I then decided to go see Flight. Another good movie but for a lot of different reasons. I’m hopeful our resident critic, Greg, will go to see it and give us his review. Just between us I think Denzel Washington deserves an academy award for this one…Oops. Sorry Greg …. 🙂 🙂
Greg, I will see it on your recommendation. To date the only Bond films I have considered true Bond films have been the early ones with Sean Connery. My first experiences with James Bond were through Ian Flemming’s books. In my mind the James Bond being described was Connery in his early roles.
Bill, I absolutely agree. Like you, my first exposure was Ian Flemming’s books. Also like you, Sean Connery is THE James Bond. All others have been impostures of varying degrees.
Movie freak here ! I’ll go see it despite what the critics say. We all like to judge for ourselves. Bah, what’s another $20 which includes popcorn and a drink. I think they put something in the popcorn and drinks to brainwash us into thinking that all movies we go see at the theater are great!
Ooh, good points. Maybe there is something in the popcorn? I usually consider it to be part of the movie experience. I didn’t get any for “Skyfall” because I went with Brazilians and we were so late that we didn’t have time for that. In fact, we found our seats about ten seconds before the movie began.
I am happy that movies here are a lot cheaper. It usually costs me about $5 for the movie and about $6 for a small popcorn and a small diet Coke. Skyfall cost me nothing because my friend paid, sort of.
Being a Policia Civil Delegado (sort of like a chief) we got the three of us in for free. It was an early showing, so the theater wasn’t half full. The manger waived all of our admissions. It’s nice to have friends. 😀
Sorry James. I saw the movie and thoroughly enjoyed it, although the added pleasure of viewing it in iMax makes a difference. I look at these movies as sci-fi thrillers and that allows me to get by the fantastic devices, illusions, and etc. In this genre I would have to give it 4 stars as well. Good job Greg!
How was this a sci-fi? There was not a single thing really futuristic in it. Yes, there were illusions and so badly done that they couldn’t even be attempted to be believed.
I can understand not accounting for the presence of the Komodo Dragons. But that was a minor plot device. There were other major holes that there was no attempt to explain. I do appreciate a bit of continuity, even if it does require suspending some disbelief.
I didn’t say I didn’t enjoy the movie, but, as Bond films go, it wasn’t so hot. I’m glad it seems to close out this series and am looking forward to the next generation.
Sorry, Greg. I thought this film was only a prequel to a new Bond. (better than Daniel Craig, I hope)
I understand that, in most films, we must suspend a certain level of disbelief, but this film was absurd. There were so many plot holes and unexplained (maybe inexplicable) incidents that the plot, such as it was, became difficult to follow.
I won’t spoil it by being more specific, but watch for tings that are no only impossible but couldn’t be even remotely believed. Maybe that’s why they didn’t try?
I am looking forward to a new Bond, a new series and maybe Sir Ralph will be the next “M”? This film seemed to hint at that.
Like Greg I hated the last two Bond films and for the same reasons. I swore I would never again waste my time with this franchise, then came Skyfall, which I have yet to see, but expect to today or tomorrow. I hope it lives up to Greg’s high expectations 🙂