Let me first of all say, that I hate writing reviews. The only reviews I feel compelled to write about are movies that I love and enjoy and believe are worth writing about and with Skyfall, it’s simply going to be hard because I feel like vomiting everything I know about it and all my excitement for it all in this review. I won’t at least I hope I won’t.
So, essentially, I was one of many people who attended the Skyfall premiere last night at the Royal Albert Hall. The second time in my life I’ve attended a movie premiere, the first being for Disney’s Lion King back in the mid 90s or whenever it was.
Anyway, let me say that this was a big deal, a major event and although I got to walk along the red carpet and was mere meteres away from Daniel Craig, I wasn’t too fussed about the individual stars but more the overall atmosphere and experience of being part of Bond history, British history and cinematic history.
Once I walked past the db5 and found my way off the red carpet and into the actual building, I was taken aback by the vastness of the Albert Hall. It was massive and the seats were comfy too. We were entertained by this military orchestral band who played renditions of various Bond themes, which included the likes of the main Bond theme, GF, DAF, Nobody does it better and a few others but the stand out for me was the ridiculously awesome rendition of OHMSS. Amazing!
Anyway, once the stars and Mendes came out to introduce the movie, it was time to spectate on a 2hr20min footage that’s been 4 years in the making.
Let me just say that, I’ve never been to any screening which generated as many cheers and applauds that SF got. The audience cheered no less than about 5 times throughout the movie and the cheers were justified believe me.
The film opens with the typical all too Bondish, dun dun! Musical notes as Craig’s Bond, stealthily moves in the shadows of a hallway, trying to salvage a mission that’s gone wrong. We then have Bond and his field agent colleague, Eve in pursuit of an assassin to retrieve what he stole. The action is fast paced, breath taking and most importantly, watchable. None of that shaky cam/quick cut chop editing nonsense that plagued QoS. The spectacular culmination of this PTS gives the impression that Bond is now sleeping with the fish and what follows is Daniel Kleinman’s amazing title sequence that boasts striking colours of doom and gloom, water graves, girls and guns, all appropriately accompanied by a shortened version of Adele’s haunting SF theme. This is a Bond film.
The story is refreshingly simple but handled in a superiorly engaging way that manages to allow the human brain to not be bored but at the same time not be drowned with action sequences every 2 minutes. The core characters really shine and are amazingly developed, although, I did feel that Berenice Marlohe’s Sevarin was underused and could have done with a bit more screen time but her presence in the movie serves a purpose that is at least adequate enough to not spend time moaning about and still enjoy everything going on around her. Eve played by Naomie Harris imo has great chemistry with Craig and they have this flirtatious, camaraderie going on through out the movie and it’s put to amusing use in Macau.
Dench as M is on blistering top form, why did they wait for 7 movies in order to really perform?? Jeez. Dench earned her pay cheque for this movie. Ralph Fiennes as Mallory was superb and I think it’s best that the less I say about him the better. Bardem as Silva forced his way into the villainous ranks of the likes of, Ledger’s joker, Hannibal Lecter and even Hans Gruber. Bardem was creepy, calculating and I dare say that had it been any other of the previous Bond actors in the role as Bond, Bardem would have outshone them and stolen the limelight and I don’t say that lightly because I’m a Connery fanboy!
As for Craig. Lord have mercy! This guy had his contract renewed for him to do at least another 2 after SF a little while ago and I you’ll see why the producers are anxious to keep him on board. Craig is an acting juggernaut that delivers the performance of his career imo. Craig is human, imperfect, lethal, determined and brings the humour like you’ve never seen before. These aren’t childish or juvenile, cheesy jokes. Craig delivers the humour with brilliant one liners, great banter and body language that never ever outstays its welcome. Make no mistake about it, if you didn’t think Craig was a good Bond, if you though he lacked charm and humour, send me a private message, requesting for some nice tasty crow to eat. Craig delivers a definitive performance.
There are gadgets!
I don’t want to really talk about it because it’s best you watch it but the use of gadgets are very much present but rightfully so, does not overshadow Bond.
I don’t want to risk spoiling things for you all but I’ll say this, SF is an amazing movie, it’s easily movie of the year and beats the likes of TDKR and Avengers and you must go and see it. A fine film that really delivers and brings everything full circle and proves that Bond is not only back but steals the crown away from all the other pretenders to the throne. I hope I’ve said enough and not too much or too little.
If you have any questions, I’ll do my best to answer them.
OKKKK a small comment – I find SF a more spy/agent like movie than a “traditional” Bond movie – do I like YES but it is like Russian caviar and peeking duck…perhaps I just need to watch some more times….
Ah, in my clamour of excitement I didn't notice there were two different threads... My posting in the spoiler thread contains no spoilers, so for those of you not going in there because there might be spoilers, here's my take (just a cut-and-paste)...
Ok, looks like I'm first up. SPOILER FREE.
I'm not going to be long winded, or go into the highs and the...well, highs, of the film, and disect everything. Why? Because it doesn't bloody matter.
6/5 - Exceptional.
Skyfall is where we start.
Yes it's Bond. Classic Bond. But not as we know it. And yet very much as we do know it.
Out with the old, in with the new. Or is that out with the new and in with the old?
Just seen it and it is truly superb. Wherever you are in the spectrum that is the Bondiverse I think you'll love it. It serves up a classic blend with twists all of it's own. The film rocks, not a duff performance, but ultimately it belongs to Bardem, the best villain in years, possibly ever
Went to an IMAX premiere hosted by Aston Martin, going again tomorrow to see a non IMAX version.
Went to see it with a good friends and had a to say it bond at it best from start to end and make you feel as it you read the book and it came to like in front of you -{
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
I'm very jealous of my British friends today. Cheers, ladies and gentlemen! :007)
Check out my Amazon author page!Mark Loeffelholz
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
scaramanga1The English RivieraPosts: 845Chief of Staff
Have to say -it was fantastic. Loved all of it. Bardem amazing. Superbly handled tale with a good script and excellent performances all round. Can't wait to see it again. -{ Oh and my son loved it.
Have to say -it was fantastic. Loved all of it. Bardem amazing. Superbly handled tale with a good script and excellent performances all round. Can't wait to see it again. -{ Oh and my son loved it.
Good to hear that...it will be a week before I get to take Zachary....by that time I will have seen it about 4 or 5 times )
I went to see this film on Wedensday and it was awesome. Went to see it again tonight and it was even better. Going to see it again on Tuesday and I'm counting the minutes already. The best Bond film....EVER.
I've wrote a more detailed review on the Spoiler thread.
This film is definately in my top 5. Every actor superb. Best Craig performance as Bond, Silva was magnificent and Judi Dench's portrayal of M was the best yet.
Best Bond film ever. Left the cinema on a high. Had drinks and dinner with my wife afterwards and we were still talking about it four hours later. She agreed it was the best for her. I personally couldn't fault it. I'm sure many will, but for me there were no flat spots. It just kept giving. The script was great. I swore off all Skyfall threads, and kept to it. I knew nothing about he film, and only knew Javier Bardem was in it last week! That's the way to do it BTW. A complete surprise.
Amazon #1 Bestselling Author. If you enjoy crime, espionage, action and fast-moving thrillers follow this link:
Went to see it again at a open performance for Muggles, not in IMAX last night. Loved it almost as much. Great audience reaction. Spoke with the Manager of the Cinema to gauge audience reaction so far which has been ecstatic. No doubt there will be differences of opinion about certain elements poss too many one-liners ( I kid you not) but that's not a task for now, and can wait until we have all seen it, including our American friends of course. for the time being on 2nd view it stands up as one of the best Bond films so far.
scaramanga1The English RivieraPosts: 845Chief of Staff
Going to see it again on Wednesday. Shame I have to wait so long. Would go again before if I could - in fact I would be watching it now if I had the time.
Went to see it again at a open performance for Muggles, not in IMAX last night. Loved it almost as much. Great audience reaction. Spoke with the Manager of the Cinema to gauge audience reaction so far which has been ecstatic. No doubt there will be differences of opinion about certain elements poss too many one-liners ( I kid you not) but that's not a task for now, and can wait until we have all seen it, including our American friends of course. for the time being on 2nd view it stands up as one of the best Bond films so far.
The screening that I went to last night had a round of applause at the end of the film. Never ever seen that happen before! -{
I'll have an attempt to write a full review in the spoiler thread after I've seen the film again as there is a lot to discuss. But for now...
There is always a different kind of buzz in the cinema when watching a Bond film. You get all types of people turning up of all ages, which I always think is cool. As I walked in the lobby a very excited woman came up to me and asked if I was watching James Bond, then persisted in telling me, herself and everybody else how much she loved Bond films. That was fine, but I was glad when she sat away from me. One thing I can't stand is talking through a film, and as soon as the PTS started the guy behind started to mumble. It got too much and after a polite dig to the knee and a stern "can you stop talking please" he shut up. But I felt like I missed out on the Stunning PTS because of this. Anyway, on to the film itself.
I thought the film was excellent. The script was fresh and I felt like I'm watching a new (and needed) type of Bond. I know some fans still want the gadgets and OTT villains and the lighter approach, but in this day and age it simply will not work. The tone in SKYFALL works. Craig gives a performance of Bond which is straight off the pen of Ian Fleming. He takes us into parts of Bond we've never seen on screen and he does it well. That being said, there is more humour to him than his previous performances, not gags as such, but humorous moments that got a strong reaction from the crowd.
The rest of the cast were also in fine form. Both Bond girls were good, but I'll leave it at that not to spoil anything. I always wanted to see Ralf Fiennes as a Bond villain, but this suited him much better. He is a great presence, and such a wonderful actor who plays of Judy Dench's M wonderfully. Speaking of which, M is much more of an interesting character than before. I always groan when I hear the same old "she has more to do in this film" but this time it worked. Rory Kinnear is the best Tanner we've had and works well as M's number 2. And Q, jury is still out on this one till I see the film again, but I did enjoy the banter between him and Craig. No sod it, he was decent and fresh and more importantly believable.
Javier Bardem was by far the most interesting villain we've had for a number of years. He was saddistic and creepy. My only gripe is you could tell the Joker influence a little too much in places.
The cinematography was fantastic. The Shanghai scenes were stunning and I loved the lighting. Easily the best looking Bond and possibley the best looking film of the year.
Editing was back to normal after the mess that was QOS. The pace of the action was well done and I could clearly tell what was happening on all accounts.
The score was so so. It wasn't bad but was forgettable. There were no themes running throughout and I felt like it was "just there" Some nice use of the Bond cues, but I'd have liked to of heard more.
I think that's it, much fingers ache now anyway. I will point out my negative in the film, at places it could be "The Dark Bond Rises." It was stated that Nolan was a influence on this film and you can clearly tell. It's hard to go into detail without spoilers but certain plot points have obviously been lifted from Batman. However it's without all the preach bullshit, so that's a plus from me.
Overall Skyfall is a great stand alone film as it is a Bond film. The script is fresh, the acting is top notch and plot is one we'll talk about for years to come. Yes at times it's a little close to Nolan's Batman and yes some fans will want the traditional bond, but to also nick (kind of) from Batman, this isn't the Bond film that some will want, it's the Bond film we need. -{
I’ve not seen Skyfall yet, but look forward to it, if all the reviews are accurate. It certainly can’t be as bad as Quantum, which has to be the worst in the serious since Licensed to Kill.
I have heard Adele’s song on YouTube, and thought it dire—almost a parody of a Bond song. And what’s going on with her accent? She sounds like Sinatra—Frank, not Nancy. )
Went to see it again at a open performance for Muggles, not in IMAX last night. Loved it almost as much. Great audience reaction. Spoke with the Manager of the Cinema to gauge audience reaction so far which has been ecstatic. No doubt there will be differences of opinion about certain elements poss too many one-liners ( I kid you not) but that's not a task for now, and can wait until we have all seen it, including our American friends of course. for the time being on 2nd view it stands up as one of the best Bond films so far.
The screening that I went to last night had a round of applause at the end of the film. Never ever seen that happen before! -{
That's weird, because I almost clapped - then heard someone telling their partner they almost did the same. My wife said she felt like it too! I think if someone had the whole cinema would have!
Amazon #1 Bestselling Author. If you enjoy crime, espionage, action and fast-moving thrillers follow this link:
It certainly can’t be as bad as Quantum, which has to be the worst in the serious since Licensed to Kill.
QOS is better than all four Brosnan films.
I'm concerned about the number of reviews that mention Skyfall has very poor CGI. There is no excuse for bad CGI in a major motion picture in 2012.
I have a bad-CGI radar but I do not recall anything in particular that stood out in the way that DAD's bad CGI stood out. I think the miniatures and back/front projection work was very good throughout SF.
Sir MilesThe Wrong Side Of The WardrobePosts: 27,749Chief of Staff
It certainly can’t be as bad as Quantum, which has to be the worst in the serious since Licensed to Kill.
QOS is better than all four Brosnan films.
I'm concerned about the number of reviews that mention Skyfall has very poor CGI. There is no excuse for bad CGI in a major motion picture in 2012.
I have a bad-CGI radar but I do not recall anything in particular that stood out in the way that DAD's bad CGI stood out. I think the miniatures and back/front projection work was very good throughout SF.
The only bit of Bad CGI I could see ( with only one viewing ) was the
Face of Craig in some parts of the Bike chase. An obvious "Paste" of
his over the stuntman's. Just looked odd.
"I've been informed that there ARE a couple of QAnon supporters who are fairly regular posters in AJB."
But sources tell Deadline now that Skyfall opened as Britain’s all-time biggest Friday opening and biggest opening weekend. It smashed previous records set by the two other Daniel Craig as 007 movies. Skyfall‘s UK total is expected to be £20M weekend ($32.2M) compared with the first installment Casino Royale‘s opening weekend of £13.37m ($21.53M) and Quantum Of Solace‘s £15.38m ($24.77M) which broke UK box office records for the biggest opening weekend when it was released in 2008.
Skyfall‘s Friday opening day of £6.2M ($9.99M) also shattered Quantum Of Solace‘s previous recordholder of £4.9M.
Some good news on the Boxoffice for EON. )
and some news that Eon are so pleased with Skyfall that its screenwriter John Logan already is writing the next two installments, Bond 24 and 25.
"I've been informed that there ARE a couple of QAnon supporters who are fairly regular posters in AJB."
I saw Skyfall yesterday and absolutlely enjoyed it! For me the most certainly movie lived up to the hype and I have already signed up to Amazon's email notification for its release on Blu-Ray. A big well done to all involved in making this great movie!
No idea how they will beat it in the next Bond movie but for now I am one very happy Bond fan.
Comments
Let me first of all say, that I hate writing reviews. The only reviews I feel compelled to write about are movies that I love and enjoy and believe are worth writing about and with Skyfall, it’s simply going to be hard because I feel like vomiting everything I know about it and all my excitement for it all in this review. I won’t at least I hope I won’t.
So, essentially, I was one of many people who attended the Skyfall premiere last night at the Royal Albert Hall. The second time in my life I’ve attended a movie premiere, the first being for Disney’s Lion King back in the mid 90s or whenever it was.
Anyway, let me say that this was a big deal, a major event and although I got to walk along the red carpet and was mere meteres away from Daniel Craig, I wasn’t too fussed about the individual stars but more the overall atmosphere and experience of being part of Bond history, British history and cinematic history.
Once I walked past the db5 and found my way off the red carpet and into the actual building, I was taken aback by the vastness of the Albert Hall. It was massive and the seats were comfy too. We were entertained by this military orchestral band who played renditions of various Bond themes, which included the likes of the main Bond theme, GF, DAF, Nobody does it better and a few others but the stand out for me was the ridiculously awesome rendition of OHMSS. Amazing!
Anyway, once the stars and Mendes came out to introduce the movie, it was time to spectate on a 2hr20min footage that’s been 4 years in the making.
Let me just say that, I’ve never been to any screening which generated as many cheers and applauds that SF got. The audience cheered no less than about 5 times throughout the movie and the cheers were justified believe me.
The film opens with the typical all too Bondish, dun dun! Musical notes as Craig’s Bond, stealthily moves in the shadows of a hallway, trying to salvage a mission that’s gone wrong. We then have Bond and his field agent colleague, Eve in pursuit of an assassin to retrieve what he stole. The action is fast paced, breath taking and most importantly, watchable. None of that shaky cam/quick cut chop editing nonsense that plagued QoS. The spectacular culmination of this PTS gives the impression that Bond is now sleeping with the fish and what follows is Daniel Kleinman’s amazing title sequence that boasts striking colours of doom and gloom, water graves, girls and guns, all appropriately accompanied by a shortened version of Adele’s haunting SF theme. This is a Bond film.
The story is refreshingly simple but handled in a superiorly engaging way that manages to allow the human brain to not be bored but at the same time not be drowned with action sequences every 2 minutes. The core characters really shine and are amazingly developed, although, I did feel that Berenice Marlohe’s Sevarin was underused and could have done with a bit more screen time but her presence in the movie serves a purpose that is at least adequate enough to not spend time moaning about and still enjoy everything going on around her. Eve played by Naomie Harris imo has great chemistry with Craig and they have this flirtatious, camaraderie going on through out the movie and it’s put to amusing use in Macau.
Dench as M is on blistering top form, why did they wait for 7 movies in order to really perform?? Jeez. Dench earned her pay cheque for this movie. Ralph Fiennes as Mallory was superb and I think it’s best that the less I say about him the better. Bardem as Silva forced his way into the villainous ranks of the likes of, Ledger’s joker, Hannibal Lecter and even Hans Gruber. Bardem was creepy, calculating and I dare say that had it been any other of the previous Bond actors in the role as Bond, Bardem would have outshone them and stolen the limelight and I don’t say that lightly because I’m a Connery fanboy!
As for Craig. Lord have mercy! This guy had his contract renewed for him to do at least another 2 after SF a little while ago and I you’ll see why the producers are anxious to keep him on board. Craig is an acting juggernaut that delivers the performance of his career imo. Craig is human, imperfect, lethal, determined and brings the humour like you’ve never seen before. These aren’t childish or juvenile, cheesy jokes. Craig delivers the humour with brilliant one liners, great banter and body language that never ever outstays its welcome. Make no mistake about it, if you didn’t think Craig was a good Bond, if you though he lacked charm and humour, send me a private message, requesting for some nice tasty crow to eat. Craig delivers a definitive performance.
There are gadgets!
I don’t want to really talk about it because it’s best you watch it but the use of gadgets are very much present but rightfully so, does not overshadow Bond.
I don’t want to risk spoiling things for you all but I’ll say this, SF is an amazing movie, it’s easily movie of the year and beats the likes of TDKR and Avengers and you must go and see it. A fine film that really delivers and brings everything full circle and proves that Bond is not only back but steals the crown away from all the other pretenders to the throne. I hope I’ve said enough and not too much or too little.
If you have any questions, I’ll do my best to answer them.
rating: 4.5/5
www.007jamesbond.dk
http://thedangermen.com/
Ok, looks like I'm first up. SPOILER FREE.
I'm not going to be long winded, or go into the highs and the...well, highs, of the film, and disect everything. Why? Because it doesn't bloody matter.
6/5 - Exceptional.
Skyfall is where we start.
Yes it's Bond. Classic Bond. But not as we know it. And yet very much as we do know it.
Out with the old, in with the new. Or is that out with the new and in with the old?
This not making any sense? You'll see. :007)
Went to an IMAX premiere hosted by Aston Martin, going again tomorrow to see a non IMAX version.
Just seen first showing, loved it. First half really good. 2nd half atmospheric. Definitely a blu ray job.
A big respect and self restraint acknowledgement for the guys who had seen it and managed not to blurt any spoliers -
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
For me, much better than QOS, not quite up to CR. Superb villain, good ally performances. A very unique Bond film.. Very very unique.
I need to see it again ...
Good to hear that...it will be a week before I get to take Zachary....by that time I will have seen it about 4 or 5 times
This film is definately in my top 5. Every actor superb. Best Craig performance as Bond, Silva was magnificent and Judi Dench's portrayal of M was the best yet.
Can't wait to see it again. -{
http://apbateman.com
The screening that I went to last night had a round of applause at the end of the film. Never ever seen that happen before! -{
There is always a different kind of buzz in the cinema when watching a Bond film. You get all types of people turning up of all ages, which I always think is cool. As I walked in the lobby a very excited woman came up to me and asked if I was watching James Bond, then persisted in telling me, herself and everybody else how much she loved Bond films. That was fine, but I was glad when she sat away from me. One thing I can't stand is talking through a film, and as soon as the PTS started the guy behind started to mumble. It got too much and after a polite dig to the knee and a stern "can you stop talking please" he shut up. But I felt like I missed out on the Stunning PTS because of this. Anyway, on to the film itself.
I thought the film was excellent. The script was fresh and I felt like I'm watching a new (and needed) type of Bond. I know some fans still want the gadgets and OTT villains and the lighter approach, but in this day and age it simply will not work. The tone in SKYFALL works. Craig gives a performance of Bond which is straight off the pen of Ian Fleming. He takes us into parts of Bond we've never seen on screen and he does it well. That being said, there is more humour to him than his previous performances, not gags as such, but humorous moments that got a strong reaction from the crowd.
The rest of the cast were also in fine form. Both Bond girls were good, but I'll leave it at that not to spoil anything. I always wanted to see Ralf Fiennes as a Bond villain, but this suited him much better. He is a great presence, and such a wonderful actor who plays of Judy Dench's M wonderfully. Speaking of which, M is much more of an interesting character than before. I always groan when I hear the same old "she has more to do in this film" but this time it worked. Rory Kinnear is the best Tanner we've had and works well as M's number 2. And Q, jury is still out on this one till I see the film again, but I did enjoy the banter between him and Craig. No sod it, he was decent and fresh and more importantly believable.
Javier Bardem was by far the most interesting villain we've had for a number of years. He was saddistic and creepy. My only gripe is you could tell the Joker influence a little too much in places.
The cinematography was fantastic. The Shanghai scenes were stunning and I loved the lighting. Easily the best looking Bond and possibley the best looking film of the year.
Editing was back to normal after the mess that was QOS. The pace of the action was well done and I could clearly tell what was happening on all accounts.
The score was so so. It wasn't bad but was forgettable. There were no themes running throughout and I felt like it was "just there" Some nice use of the Bond cues, but I'd have liked to of heard more.
I think that's it, much fingers ache now anyway. I will point out my negative in the film, at places it could be "The Dark Bond Rises." It was stated that Nolan was a influence on this film and you can clearly tell. It's hard to go into detail without spoilers but certain plot points have obviously been lifted from Batman. However it's without all the preach bullshit, so that's a plus from me.
Overall Skyfall is a great stand alone film as it is a Bond film. The script is fresh, the acting is top notch and plot is one we'll talk about for years to come. Yes at times it's a little close to Nolan's Batman and yes some fans will want the traditional bond, but to also nick (kind of) from Batman, this isn't the Bond film that some will want, it's the Bond film we need. -{
I have heard Adele’s song on YouTube, and thought it dire—almost a parody of a Bond song. And what’s going on with her accent? She sounds like Sinatra—Frank, not Nancy.
That's weird, because I almost clapped - then heard someone telling their partner they almost did the same. My wife said she felt like it too! I think if someone had the whole cinema would have!
http://apbateman.com
1 - Moore, 2 - Dalton, 3 - Craig, 4 - Connery, 5 - Brosnan, 6 - Lazenby
I'm concerned about the number of reviews that mention Skyfall has very poor CGI. There is no excuse for bad CGI in a major motion picture in 2012.
I have a bad-CGI radar but I do not recall anything in particular that stood out in the way that DAD's bad CGI stood out. I think the miniatures and back/front projection work was very good throughout SF.
Same here.... ?:)
Face of Craig in some parts of the Bike chase. An obvious "Paste" of
his over the stuntman's. Just looked odd.
Some good news on the Boxoffice for EON.
and some news that Eon are so pleased with Skyfall that its screenwriter John Logan already is writing the next two installments, Bond 24 and 25.
No idea how they will beat it in the next Bond movie but for now I am one very happy Bond fan.
NMS
NMS