since this is the biggest movie of the season I'm starting a new thread apart from the Random Movie News - I watched it Saturday morning my time and had the chance to digest the film a bit.
Director Sam Mendes chose to take a significant turn with this new entry in the Daniel Craig era and make the film more Christopher Nolan-esque, a bit darker with some bits of humor introduced along the way. Divorced entirely from the plot direction in Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace, Skyfall is a story in of itself with no link to the previous two films. Beautifully filmed, well-acted and paying considerable homage to historical Bond films, it is an enjoyable film well worth watching, but not without its flaws that depending on your attitude on how a Bond film should be will dictate your ability to suspend belief at times.
The film begins as all Bond films do, this time with a complex opening sequence set in Istanbul where James Bond is attempting to retrieve a stolen piece of IP material (reminiscent of the first Mission Impossible film). Along with his MI6 partner Eve (Naomi Harris from 28 Days Later and the unfortunate Pirates of the Caribbean sequels) they chase the thief in exotic central Istanbul showcasing the Grand Bizarre, Blue Mosque and the outer Turkish countryside.
The opening song by Adele then plays which is quite impressive in itself.
Bond, injured severely in the chase is curious as to the origin of the thief, wishes to find out more about him and his employer after learning that the stolen IP material could (and has) lead to severe consequences. MI6 and M reluctantly agree to put him back in the field despite the discouragement of an up and coming MI6 bureaucrat (Ralph Fiennes) who believes Bond is too old and injured to keep in a "young person's" game.
Along the way, Bond travels to Shanghai, a casino in Macau (both filmed incredibly) and learns more about the thief, his employer (Javier Bardem - obvious by the credits so I don't consider that a spoiler) and their intentions, as well as meeting another Bond beauty Severine ([payed by Berenice Marlohe). Bond also finds out that M has not been as forthcoming about certain portions of history in the double-o program and her relationship with Bardem's character. In the final act we surmise more about Bond's history, his relationship with M and the ultimate showdown of wits with Bardem.
For a Bond film there are themes, whether it is redemption, loyalty or the overcoming of age obstacles (evidenced that the new Q is far younger than Bond). As mentioned above there are many homages to older films which will make traditional Bond fans happy, yet the production value is of '12 quality.
I give it 3.5 stars out of 4. There are weaknesses, like all Bond films one has to suspend belief at certain points, and the respective Bond girls have very little screen time or influence on most events in the film (my wife brought this point up astutely). Javier Bardem arrived very late in the film and chewed up the scene a bit too much (the theater laughed at certain times, for the wrong reasons) and seemed to channel Tim Curry. Some of the puns work better than others, and for a spoiler-free review I have to admit that MGM practically gave up any "spoilers" with how they credited the film. Still, an enjoyable entry to the Craig regime. I actually preferred it to Casino Royale, but my wife prefers the latter - we both agree it was a positive step up from Quantum.
This was supposed to be spoiler free?
Saw it...thought it was good, overall. One of those movies that seemed too long, but every scene was definitely needed.
Wish bardem Was featured more. Awesome movie though. Lots of action which is what bond movies ought to be
This movie has lots of similarities with The Dark Knight. Especially the villian and his plot.
It was ok. I give it a 7/10. Not as good as Casino Royale. Entertaining, but hokie when the end turns into defending a home against a bunch of bad guys all Home Alone style.