Monday 12 November 2012

Movie Review: Skyfall

Face it altogether at: Skyfall


Released: November 9, 2012
Director: Sam Mendez
Writers: Neal Purvis, Robert Wade, John Logan, Ian Fleming
Rating: PG-13
Starring: 
Daniel Craig as James Bond
Judi Dench as M
Javier Bardem as Silva
Ralph Fiennes as Gareth Mallory
Naomie Harris as Eve
Berenice Marlohe as Severine
Ben Whishaw as Q

Synopsis: 
For MI6 agent 007, it just seems like another day at the office until a judgement call is made that sends Bond dropping out of the sky. Resurrected  from the dead, Bond is tested to his limits - physically, mentally and especially his loyalty to M as someone from M's past comes back to wreak havoc in a very personal way. 

Review:

     First things first, I really didn't like the first two Daniel Craig as James Bond movies. They were entertaining in an action sequence, mystery spy intrigue way but it was dark and missing the suave Bond banter and seduction. But this movie COMPLETELY CHANGED IT ALL for me. I LOVED IT. 

     It snares your attention immediately with none other than an extremely well executed (and one of the better chase scenes that I've seen in a long time) and then it brings us to the Bond opening, with the gorgeously melodic Adele crooning 'Skyfall' - it was a perfect start so far! 

     It seems like some very important information has been, 'misplaced' and M is in hot political water as agents start dropping left and right. But it takes a big bang to bring Bond back from his booze fueled mini-retirement. What I loved seeing in Skyfall was a human side to Bond. I was so used to seeing this constantly confident and always in control Bond that always comes out of any situation unscathed - it was refreshing to see a tremor, and exhaustion. It completely shook me and it made the movie so much more intense - I was gasping and clutching my seat because there was this very real possibility that he might not make it. It created a deeper Bond character - he's only human, but it's what he does to overcome it that makes him the superior spy. 

     M and Bond have always had a complex relationship, but one that has stood the test of time. Skyfall gave us a behind the scenes look at a very intimate part of this relationship, and I loved that we got peek into the clouded backstory of Bond. This whole movie was like one giant ode to the series (it is the 50th anniversary!). They snuck in so many references, and snide remarks - it was definitely the highlight of the movie watching the characters banter. 

     Speaking of banter, the dialogue has loosened up considerably. There's a great flow and interaction between Bond and the characters. Even characters that appear briefly were written in such a way that they emblazoned a lasting impression. Especially with the Bond girls, sexy and deadly they could each hold their own with Bond. 

     The plot is crafted to the tiniest detail and keeps you on your toes as Bond jet sets around the world. There's moments where you'll be laughing, crying and gasping in shock and awe. Two and a half hours flew by and while I predicted part way through how the ending would go - it definitely ends with a guns blazing bang and not a whimper. It's set up for a continuation, and I'm not sure that any successors can live up to this one, but I'll be more than willing to give it a try. 

Overall: 5/5 STEAMING HOT Cups of Tea!
GO GO SEE IT NOW! Go find out what deep dark secrets M and Bond are hiding. Find out what Skyfall is! (You know you want to, it's so worth it!) See how this historic slice of the series ends - and how the next will start...

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