Skyfall AJB reviews - SPOILERS!

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  • Moore ThanMoore Than EnglandPosts: 3,173MI6 Agent
    Bit naughty. But someone has posted the Skyfall title sequence on a very well known and popular website. It looks the most impressive title sequence of the Craig era, and by some distance. I am sure it will look considerably more impressive when I see it on the big screen for the first time tomorrow.
    Moore Not Less 4371 posts (2002 - 2007) Moore Than (2012 - 2016)
  • FitzochrisFitzochris Posts: 242MI6 Agent
    scottmu65 wrote:
    Skyfall is becoming my favourite Bond film, Ill be seeing it again next saturday so i'll decide then! They really need to make something special to top it, although i've just read this about future Bond films and will use spoiler tags just in case:

    http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/movies/news/a433746/skyfall-writer-to-script-next-two-single-story-james-bond-movies.html

    Screenwriter John Logan is revealed to have already begun working on the scripts for Bond 24 AND Bond 25 after pitching a two-film story arc to Babs and Michael during shooting for Skyfall, much in the same vein as CR and QoS. I am apprehensive about this, one one hand look at the mess QoS was, on the other they could shoot them back to back and release within a year of each other leaving only a short gap. Anyway it's a little off topic and im sure will be discussed in the future, just wanted to share.

    Anyway, Skyfall 10/10. Cried 3 times during the movie (once out of sadness which I did not expect as before I seen the movie I would of welcomed this scenario), something a Bond movie has NEVER made me do.

    EDIT: Dont know why the spoiler tag is showing the link...

    Oh Lordy - another excuse to play about with the gunbarrel sequence :D
  • BIG TAMBIG TAM Wrexham, North Wales, UK.Posts: 773MI6 Agent
    edited October 2012
    Saw SKYFALL on Saturday. I loved every minute of it. Perhaps after a third or fourth viewing there may be some things that might niggle but first time off I was swept along quite happily.

    If it hadn't been for three silly, giggly girls sat to my left it would have been a truly brilliant cinema experience.

    No gunbarrel at the start? It didn't bother me & the opening shot was what I'd predicted from the trailer. From then on it rattled long at a fine old pace with good use of narrative gears & a thankful lack of clunky expository dialogue that's blighted a lot of the Bond scripts. Good cast too, faultlessly acted, particularly Craig & Bardem. Lots of pleasingly subtle references to past Bonds & even nods to non-Bonds; from BLADE RUNNER to APOCALYPSE NOW via THE FRENCH CONNECTION. For a real film buff, what's not to like?

    Also liked the stripped-bare quality of the last act. Again, more non-Bond references, specifically STRAW DOGS. There's something about Daniel Craig's 007 blasting away with a shotgun that's oddly satisfying. Memories of Dalton's hardman Bond.

    And then there's the coda with Ralph Fiennes coming into his own as the new M. Wonderful. If Bond 24 had been up & ready to roll I'd have happily sat glued to my seat for the next instalment.

    Something that's been noted by more than one press reviewer is that although we're given virtually every classic Bond element, it's served up in a way as to give the impression it's being seen for the first time. No mean feat after 22 films.

    So on to Bonds 24 & 25, courtesy of John Logan. Dare we hope to expect the return of SPECTRE & Blofeld? Who knows, but whatever happens I'll continue to be rivetted to my seat.

    I just hope those three girls aren't sat next to me again!

    Forgot to give a rating: 006/007

    I give a 006 because Severine's connection to everything was a bit unclear (perhaps the giggling to my left caused me to miss dialogue) & Dan does have a tendency to mumble his lines at times.
  • ant007ukant007uk Great BritainPosts: 67MI6 Agent
    BIG TAM wrote:
    Saw SKYFALL on Saturday. I loved every minute of it. Perhaps after a third or fourth viewing there may be some things that might niggle but first time off I was swept along quite happily.

    If it hadn't been for three silly, giggly girls sat to my left it would have been a truly brilliant cinema experience.

    No gunbarrel at the start? It didn't bother me & the opening shot was what I'd predicted from the trailer. From then on it rattled long at a fine old pace with good use of narrative gears & a thankful lack of clunky expository dialogue that's blighted a lot of the Bond scripts. Good cast too, faultlessly acted, particularly Craig & Bardem. Lots of pleasingly subtle references to past Bonds & even nods to non-Bonds; from BLADE RUNNER to APOCALYPSE NOW via THE FRENCH CONNECTION. For a real film buff, what's not to like?

    Also liked the stripped-bare quality of the last act. Again, more non-Bond references, specifically STRAW DOGS. There's something about Daniel Craig's 007 blasting away with a shotgun that's oddly satisfying. Memories of Dalton's hardman Bond.

    And then there's the coda with Ralph Fiennes coming into his own as the new M. Wonderful. If Bond 24 had been up & ready to roll I'd have happily sat glued to my seat for the next instalment.

    Something that's been noted by more than one press reviewer is that although we're given virtually every classic Bond element, it's served up in a way as to give the impression it's being seen for the first time. No mean feat after 22 films.

    So on to Bonds 24 & 25, courtesy of John Logan. Dare we hope to expect the return of SPECTRE & Blofeld? Who knows, but whatever happens I'll continue to be rivetted to my seat.

    I just hope those three girls aren't sat next to me again!

    If it's true that John Logan is on board for Bond 24 and 25, I just hope that contrary to what I'm reading in the press and online we don't get a 2 part story, I simply couldn't stomach that. Anyone else??
  • JimatayJimatay Posts: 126MI6 Agent
    I really hope it's not a two part story. They've done the bond reborn story and link film that sets everything up to where it first started.

    I really hope they do a normal mission bond next film.
  • ThunderpussyThunderpussy Behind you !Posts: 63,792MI6 Agent
    I'd of hoped they'd of learned something from the CR/QOS saga. :#
    I'd much rather go back to stand alone movies, I don't mind some
    connection with them but not a " story arch "
    "I've been informed that there ARE a couple of QAnon supporters who are fairly regular posters in AJB."
  • Gadget MeisterGadget Meister Bicester, OxonPosts: 1,972MI6 Agent
    Seen it twice now, IMAX next.

    Still very impressed, maybe because I've seen OHMSS so many times now, although moved at the end, Tracy's death doesn't have the same impact that M's Death had in Skyfall, I was completely shocked (Stayed away from any spoilers) and a little emotional. Now having fitted Adele's lyrics to the movie they have much more meaning and could be classed as a spoiler in their own right. I am firmly of the opinion that it's time for a nod from AMPAS in this special year, I could think of no finer tribute than a Best Supporting Actress nomination for Dame judi, the icing would be for her to win it. Bond has been ignored by AMPAS for the last 31 years (Maybe rightly so) but this movie definitely deserves a nomination at least. Javier Bardem could also get a Best Supporting Actor nomination. I am enjoying DC as James Bond but I don't think he's quite there yet for Best Actor, maybe in four years time when he retires the role.
  • zaphodzaphod Posts: 1,183MI6 Agent
    I'd of hoped they'd of learned something from the CR/QOS saga. :#
    I'd much rather go back to stand alone movies, I don't mind some
    connection with them but not a " story arch "

    Agreed. Great as Skyfall is I really want to get back to stand alone stories not connected to the past or personal life of any of the central characters. Now we have a padded leather door, a hat rack, and a male M we can get back to business.
  • A7ceA7ce Birmingham, EnglandPosts: 655MI6 Agent
    I liked it when JB winked at Mallory
  • Sir MilesSir Miles The Wrong Side Of The WardrobePosts: 26,417Chief of Staff
    I'd of hoped they'd of learned something from the CR/QOS saga. :#

    They have....how to make LOADS of money ;) :))
    I'd much rather go back to stand alone movies, I don't mind some
    connection with them but not a " story arch "

    I'm more than happy for what Mr Logan has in mind -{
    YNWA 97
  • ThunderpussyThunderpussy Behind you !Posts: 63,792MI6 Agent
    You're looking forward to Logan's run, then. :D
    "I've been informed that there ARE a couple of QAnon supporters who are fairly regular posters in AJB."
  • Sir MilesSir Miles The Wrong Side Of The WardrobePosts: 26,417Chief of Staff
    You're looking forward to Logan's run, then. :D

    Indeed :))

    But I'm just looking forward to 'better-scripted' stories too...and not 4 years apart ;) :D
    YNWA 97
  • Hugo DraxHugo Drax Leeds, United Kingdom.Posts: 210MI6 Agent
    I went back for a second viewing, and while I still think it's a great film and Craig's finest effort to date, there are some points I want to make about ways in which it could have been improved.

    On the plus side, the deep character development is really something to be applauded. Bardem and Dame Judi really steal the show in this one and it does leave Bond a bit sidelined at times. The simplicity of the plot proves to be a strength and allows the characters and acting to stand out. Adele's Bond theme is brilliant and this is a much wittier film that the previous two starring Daniel Craig. I very much enjoyed the British locations and the chase through the Tube was great. I remember saying to a friend in London last year that they should film a Bond chase on the Underground, as it is a marvelous feat of British engineering. This also has to be the best title sequence of the Daniel Craig films, an homage to the days of Maurice Binder.

    However, there are some things I noticed second time of viewing. M's death is really quite ludicrous. In the pyrotechnics, she somehow picks up what seems to be a flesh wound, which suddenly becomes deadly when Bond arrives at the chapel. In a film in which Bond is shot and falls from a train into a waterfall, only to live to tell the tale, the manner in which M dies in implausible. It would have been better for M to be shot by a dying Silva in the chapel, just as Bond thinks he has saved her.

    This leads me onto the next point. For what must be the first time, James Bond failed in his mission. This film was all about protecting M from Silva, and he failed. At the end, I was left asking myself 'What was it all for? What did Bond actually achieve?' The Bond girls hardly feature in the film at all and are subordinate to the plot, rather than being central to it. As I said before, I like the implied sexual encounters, but the only strong female lead is Dame Judi Dench.

    And as I have said before, the gunbarrel at the end does not work for me at all. I completely accept that Bond has to change moving forward, but I can't see any artistic reason why opening with the traditional gunbarrel would be to the detriment of the film. The pre-titles was very well done, but what made it different from Bourne or any other action film? As some others have also said, the musical score won't be one that is remembered (with the exception of the title song).

    All in all, a very enjoyable film, Daniel Craig's best one to date.
  • delon64delon64 RiyadhPosts: 176MI6 Agent
    did it not jar with anyone that tanner is swilling a heineken after the inquiry attack whilst at work in mi6 headquarters?...seemed odd...as did the lingering omega watch closeup in the pre credits chase
  • Ens007Ens007 EnglandPosts: 863MI6 Agent
    delon64 wrote:
    did it not jar with anyone that tanner is swilling a heineken after the inquiry attack whilst at work in mi6 headquarters?...seemed odd...as did the lingering omega watch closeup in the pre credits chase

    It was noticeable (especially the watch), but in reality it helped finance / facilitate the film actually happening, so it's no biggie for me really. In this day & age it's a necessary evil.
  • scottmu65scottmu65 Carlisle, Cumbria, UKPosts: 402MI6 Agent
    In response to my earlier post...

    Apologies for straying off-topic again, just wanted to clear that up.
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  • Miguel OliveiraMiguel Oliveira Posts: 1MI6 Agent
    Hi there

    I have watched Skyfall on the weekend and after QoS that I didn't enjoy it at all, I was expecting a Bond movie like Casino Royale, not in the style but in terms of story and feeling, the cast, the director, the writers are great so I was really anxious about it.

    And it didn't let me down! Yes it's different of Casino Royale, but it's a good way to restart with the series!

    Javier Bardem is a hell of a vilan, funny, dangerous, with the right feeling, just like Scaramanga in my opinion...

    Ralph Fiennes is obvious the next M, his name is Mallory :P (and goes back with the old M stuff, posture, sense of humour,etc)

    Miss MoneyPenny has return from the graves :P YEAHHH

    The movie is fresh in terms of Bond feeling but that on the major part of the film, but in the end we can sense a way of the old stuff, new M (just like the old one, Miss MoneyPenny, the office, the door office, etc etc)

    It isn't a Casino Royale, that it's on my top 3 Bond movies ever, but Skyfall has made it, and much better that QoS and I think the next Bond has everything to be a great one!
  • Shady TreeShady Tree London, UKPosts: 2,965MI6 Agent
    edited November 2012
    >
    Critics and material I don't need. I haven't changed my act in 53 years.
  • JarvioJarvio EnglandPosts: 4,234MI6 Agent
    edited October 2012
    scottmu65 wrote:
    In response to my earlier post...

    Apologies for straying off-topic again, just wanted to clear that up.

    Thank god. I'm very glad to hear that!
    1 - LALD, 2 - AVTAK, 3 - LTK, 4 - OP, 5 - NTTD, 6 - FYEO, 7 - SF, 8 - DN, 9 - DAF, 10 - TSWLM, 11 - OHMSS, 12 - TMWTGG, 13 - GE, 14 - MR, 15 - TLD, 16 - YOLT, 17 - GF, 18 - DAD, 19 - TWINE, 20 - SP, 21 - TND, 22 - FRWL, 23 - TB, 24 - CR, 25 - QOS

    1 - Moore, 2 - Dalton, 3 - Craig, 4 - Connery, 5 - Brosnan, 6 - Lazenby
  • Bond_James_BondBond_James_Bond +++ Classified +++Posts: 569MI6 Agent
    Simply amazed at how good it was. Mendes has done an incredible job with this film.

    Everything that a true Bond fan would want the film to be was there.

    What was most apparent and something we haven't seen for a long time was the humour - this film almost didn't take itself seriously but at the same time it did.

    One tiny little scene keeps repeating itself in my mind: When M says to Bond, "Orphans are always the best recruits" there is a little smile on Bond's face and I swear you can read his mind thinking back to the train scene in CR with Vesper telling him exactly the same thing. Did anyone else get this???

    Truly an awesome Bond film and one I believe will stand alone.
    The name's Bond_James_Bond
  • welshboy78welshboy78 Posts: 10,292MI6 Agent
    edited November 2012
    Enjoyed it and off to another viewing!!

    Only thing I did not enjoy was (minor negatives)

    1) Sat by idiots in the cinema (whats new there!)
    2) suspect CGI in the Casino and Silva removing his teeth
    3) last minute of film just didnt feel right with the Moneypenny announcement, it felt forced to me. and maybe could have been done better.
    4) Same with announcement of the new "M", it was obvious Mallory was "M" and the way Bond had to slip in his name (M) felt forced in. Would have preferred if left out and he simply called him M in the next outing. I mean we knew it and was not required!!
    5) Severine - I gather she survived (distracted by idiots) or was she shot? Anyhow not sure but she seemed to simply dissapear without some kind of proper ending. Would have preferred this was tidied up in some fashion e.g bumped off or you see Bond meeting up with her at the end in typical Bond style. EDIT. I believe she did get shot however it was not clear to me if survived. Hopefully my second viewing wont have idiots in the cinema!
    6) loved they put the Bond theme into the movie however sometimes did not fit the soundtrack surrounding it (David Arnold style music would have fit better)

    Things I really really liked:

    1) Shanghai scene with the Assasination - very cool!
    2) DB5 gadget tease with M however to be suprised when he does in fact use the built in guns later.
    3) Skyfall lodge scene felt like it might have a cheesey outcome but it came out great!! Though M seemed involved too much when should have been in hiding from the start!
    4) returning to fitness / training. Lots of us always wished for this and we got it!!
    5) Enjoyed Severines scenes, wish she had stuck about more!!! I actually thought her acting was superb, considering she was playing the disposable Bond girl I was suprised and missed her later on!

    PS - not sure if I was distracted and missed it but I dont recall seeing Bond running through London training in tracksuit as we saw in trailer???

    EDIT: The PTS was very good but I felt like I had already seen it hence was not jaw dropping - this was my fault due to the fact the entire sequence when pieced together had been show in various clips. Damn I wish I had a total blackout until seeing the movie but its difficilt in this day and age!!
    Instagram - bondclothes007
  • Bond_James_BondBond_James_Bond +++ Classified +++Posts: 569MI6 Agent
    edited November 2012
    Severine was shot dead mate.

    "Waste of a bloody good" actress.

    Wasn't expecting that though, which made it even better.
    The name's Bond_James_Bond
  • welshboy78welshboy78 Posts: 10,292MI6 Agent
    Severine was shot dead mate.

    "Waste of a bloody good" actress.

    Wasn't expecting that though, which made it even better.

    Yeah far too early in the film!!!

    Off to see IMAX version tomorrow so hopefully no chavs in the theatre!! :D
    Instagram - bondclothes007
  • ThunderpussyThunderpussy Behind you !Posts: 63,792MI6 Agent
    I heard on the radio that since the release of Skyfall sales of cut throat razors
    have increased by over 400% :007)
    I can remember my Dad saying he tried one Years ago, Used it Once........
    ...... Then quickly put it back in its Box as an Ornament. :))
    "I've been informed that there ARE a couple of QAnon supporters who are fairly regular posters in AJB."
  • delon64delon64 RiyadhPosts: 176MI6 Agent
    silly affectation...even flemings bond used a modern gillette
  • Bond_James_BondBond_James_Bond +++ Classified +++Posts: 569MI6 Agent
    Where's the damn "Like" Button.
    The name's Bond_James_Bond
  • JBT0077JBT0077 GermanyPosts: 236MI6 Agent
    I'm back now from watching skyfall, like the film, but it was not the masterpiece of all time.
    In my opinion it's much better than qos, but don't beat cr.
    I like the end with the new old office and the new nerdy q.
    But the story was not that great, to me.
  • Christmas TounesChristmas Tounes GloucestershirePosts: 164MI6 Agent
    Mostly negative responses to the Daily Mail review..
    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/reviews/article-2223303/Skyfall-review-Deserves-bag-stars-director-writers-host-Academy-Awards.html

    ''saw skyfall yesterday and found it just average and no way matching the hype.The story was all over the place. The villain was a cross between jimmy saville and Hannibal lector while albert finny just turned up as a giant human garden gnome.The only actor who came across with some substance was ralph fiennes apart from that it was just average acting and a film just too long and sometimes boring with a weak story where the james bond girls were just like extras in the background for a few mins.The fllm had more elements of Bourne than Bond overall..The music was awful with no identity of its own to give the feel the james bond films use to have up to the living daylights..''
    1. Goldeneye 2. OHMSS 3. Goldfinger 4. TND 5. Octopussy 6. FYEO
    7. LALD 8. TWINE 9. Skyfall 10. AVTAK 11. CR 12. TLD 13. YOLT
    14. TMWTGG 15. Moonraker 16. TSWLM 17. Thunderball 18. FRWL
    19. Dr. No 20. DAF 21. LTK 22. DAD 23. QoS 24. Spectre 25. NTTD
  • JimatayJimatay Posts: 126MI6 Agent
    Meh it's the daily mail. (****)
  • Moore ThanMoore Than EnglandPosts: 3,173MI6 Agent

    Skyfall has been overhyped by the media. I think the main reason it is getting such media praise is that it is seen as a brave departure with a strong dose of characterisation. Personally, I don't think it wholly succeeds. A number of quite valid comparisons have been made with Bourne, The Dark Knight and Straw Dogs that do detract from the film slightly. I have one or two other issues, such as not showing or explaining how Bond manages to survive after being shot by Eve. Despite these things, it is still a very good and entertaining film.

    As for the Oscars. I can see nominations for Roger Deakins (Cinematography) and Adele for her title song. Javier Bardem is less likely, some powerful scenes but not enough screen time.
    Moore Not Less 4371 posts (2002 - 2007) Moore Than (2012 - 2016)
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