by Moon-Crane » Fri Nov 02, 2012 9:15 pm
Skyfall - 8.5/10
* Contain spoilers *
Difficult to know where to start summing up this movie after first viewing. It's a pretty damn good film and I definitely enjoyed it. But, I don't quite see it at the levels critics are currently lauding it. There's something missing that i can't currently put my finger on. So here's some initial musings.
First of all i have to commend the production crew who have worked overtime to create a beautifully shot adventure in some truly stunning locations, complimented by wonderful set designs. The story was a fairly straight forward revenge flick and the well-publicised budget troubles probably helped to give a fairly stripped back, almost minimalist style to the majority of events.
I did initially find it a little jarring to have the Daniel Craig 'reboot' jump from the new, young, wet-behind-the-ears, Bond of Casino Royale/Quantum Of Solace to become this aged, jaded, figurative fossil of British Intelligence in Skyfall. It worked for me, and i didn't mind the change. I liked the young Q.
Certainly not your high-octane Bond pacing from Sam Mendes, but it worked well for the most part, and i did like the portrayal of Bond in this story. Craig had some decent diaogue and was rewarded with a few slight one-liners that i like my Bonds to quip. Not sure if it was simply down to his directing style, but i didn't feel he ever allowed that spike in the adrenalin/tension at any point. Can't think back to a particular moment (the great opening chase and train fight notwithstanding) where i felt the 'danger' for Bond. Minor quibble though, as the actual action, even when in a short burst, was caged within wonderful settings. The Shanghai technicolour neon skyscraper, for example, looks stunning. The pre-credit chase and fight was a spectacular, action-packed, sequence. Those stuntmen earned their corn.
Magnificent to see Javier Bardem played the sort of campish crazy ass villain that i like, and he enjoyed some memorable bad-guy moments, but all the actors played their part.
I think the story slightly ran out of steam in the final part, as the villain's complex plans diluted into your basic all guns blazing attack. Some have criticised the fairly small scale finale set piece, but i felt the whole battle at Skyfall worked.
Quite a cheesey introduction to the new Moneypenny but a fitting ending for Dench as M, and a pleasing welcome to Fiennes as the new boss.
Overall, i'd currently place it slightly behind Casino Royale in the Craig outings. That may change with further viewings. A worthy outing and i have to reiterate how great the cinematography is. Got to be some techncical awards coming their way.
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