Bond 23 - "Skyfall" *spoilers from post 595*

TheInquisitor

I saw this last night. The 3 others that went with me all thoroughly enjoyed it. I on the other hand thought it wasn't great. Not once during the movie did I feel like I was on the "edge of my seat"

When the tube came through the roof

it just seemed pointless. This is the first Bond movie that I haven't enjoyed and was left disappointed with. I thought they could have done so much more with

the big empty island they had taken over

. 4/10

senordingdong

Grimebox wrote: »

I don't see what the Bourne series has to do with any of this.

Yeah, especially since Bond tried the gritty approach with Timothy Dalton long before Bourne was around. The public just wasn't ready for it then.

K.Flyer

Grimebox wrote: »

I don't see what the Bourne series has to do with any of this.

Read my post again and point out to me where I said that Bourne had anything to do with this ???
All I said was that I am a Bourne fan (with the exception of Legacy) and was not a Bond fan until I watched Casino Royale.

Albedo0.39

I really thought it was a great film. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Probably give it 8.5 \ 10.
Didn't feel the time going at all.

efb

Enjoyed it, not a Bond fan, V sharp, a bit mad men-esque

cloud493

Do they show your woman getting shot? The woman who Bond sleeps with on the boat I mean. She's still standing when MI6 turns up isn't she?

Albedo0.39

TheInquisitor wrote: »

I saw this last night. The 3 others that went with me all thoroughly enjoyed it. I on the other hand thought it wasn't great. Not once during the movie did I feel like I was on the "edge of my seat"

When the tube came through the roof

it just seemed pointless. [/SPOILER]. 4/10

That was pointless and there were a number of suspend your concept of reality/ plausibility scenes like that throughout- I still thought it was entertaining though.

Slydice

Saw the film this evening. Really liked it. Felt like a proper Bond film.

Katunga

saw it on Friday At 15:00 was shocked that the screen was almost empty only 10-15 people at a screen that would hold about 150 people.
Was a great film I thought but Casino Royale was better in my opinion. ts a bit strange how they Have Restarted Bond on a different track since Casino Royale.
The end was a bit of a shock in Skyfall.

Slutmonkey57b

I must be a weirdo.

I thought it was a great Bond film, and a great film. I enjoyed watching it. But I hate it. Loathe it. As many others have pointed out up above, going back to the old formula is a disaster area. As a Classic Bond film, this is right up there. As a post-Casino Royale Bond film, it's utter ****ing dreck.

What I don't understand is why they decided to do this at all. They had a great setup going, a great, re-energised franchise, and now what? The CR/QoS storyline is just dead, not even referenced, might as well not have happened. All they've done is remake Goldeneye. What was the point of "going back to the start" in CR if that is going to be absolutely ditched and replaced with a new start? Instead of a "newly minted" agent, Bond in Skyfall is a grizzled old veteran who worked with M 15 or 20 years ago.... it's nonsense.

Brosnan must be sick as a dog. I thought he was probably the best Bond, who was given some of the worst scripts. Now they're going to do the same to Craig.

niallon

Albedo0.39 wrote: »

That was pointless and there were a number of suspend your concept of reality/ plausibility scenes like that throughout- I still thought it was entertaining though.

Anyone else also think it was really convenient that

The train was empty?

Just seemed handy, big action scene, this'll explain away the repercussions. Like The Dark Knight Returns, this is a film that is starting to get lower and lower in my opinion as I revisit it. Ya know peeps its completely possible that Jedi isn't the only 3rd in a series that's "ok but really could've been better as well as being worse"

I really think the glowing reviews for this are coming from people who only expected the worst and are relieved this wasn't a total turd.

Wils110

It was mentioned in the film that their was an organisation involved........it was a great movie they went back to the roots they tried to tell a story in CR and QOS an people hated it...for 20 movies there was no story it was a film to enjoy that's what this is

PerrinV2

cloud493 wrote: »

Do they show your woman getting shot? The woman who Bond sleeps with on the boat I mean. She's still standing when MI6 turns up isn't she?

She was tied to the rock I think

acquiescefc

Saw this in IMAX in Ipswich on Friday night. Amazing experience. Have some small issues but can't take away from a fantastic film. Didn't feel like a bond movie, just lots of good ideas from great films and fantastic acting from ppl I didn't consider as great actors.
Please don't rush the next one if its not gonna be as good as this.

Oh and +1 for IMAX....wow

Oafley Jones

Grimebox wrote: »

I don't see what the Bourne series has to do with any of this. I'm going to have to watch Casino Royale again because I don't think Skyfall is even close to its standard. Maybe I'm wrong and CR is rubbish too

The Greengrass movies were undoubtedly a large influence on CR direction. Felt an awful lot of TDK in this one. Still not entirely sure what I make of it. Never fond of fan service i.e. the DB5, or the winking to the audience. The initial chase felt like Pierce era stuff. I did love how old fashioned the ending briefing scene was.

grames_bond

Well after starting this thread 2 years ago I finally got to see it......and I loved it!! (I know - look at my user name, I am admittedly biased)

I just thought it felt like a proper bond movie, updated! Craig was brilliant as was the supporting cast! Bardem was creepy as f*ck and as mentioned I like how it was just a vendetta rather than a massive huge plot to take over the world! Really enjoyed it, did not see the time pass and will see it again!

eyescreamcone

How did Bond survive the fall early on???

Where did he get the money to buy the Heineken??
How did he fly back to London??
Didn't M have an apartment in Casino Royale??
After taking the old Aston out of the lock up why did he just drive off without locking the door??

Suspend reality for a while
It's Bond after all

Loved it 9.5 - I'd have loved some gadgets!

Jimdagym

eyescreamcone wrote: »

How did Bond survive the fall early on???

He's Bond!

eyescreamcone wrote: »

Where did he get the money to buy the Heineken??

He's Bond!

eyescreamcone wrote: »

How did he fly back to London??

He's Bond!

eyescreamcone wrote: »

Didn't M have an apartment in Casino Royale??

He's Bond!

eyescreamcone wrote: »

After taking the old Aston out of the lock up why did he just drive off without locking the door??

He's James freaking Bond!

Smartly Dressed

eyescreamcone wrote: »

How did Bond survive the fall early on???

Where did he get the money to buy the Heineken??
How did he fly back to London??
Didn't M have an apartment in Casino Royale??
After taking the old Aston out of the lock up why did he just drive off without locking the door??

Suspend reality for a while
It's Bond after all

Loved it 9.5 - I'd have loved some gadgets!

He stole the money. How do you know he flew back? Maybe she has multiple residences for safety or convenience. Do you want to sit there and watch a guy close a shed for the sake of realism?

SimonTemplar

Long time Bond fan. I've seen Skyfall twice and my comments are:

MAJOR SPOILERS BELOW

- Overall, I was satisfied when the movie ended and it is a considerable improvment over QOS. It doesn't reach the heights of the better Connery movies, TLD or GoldenEye.

- The three leads were excellent in their roles. It was nice that Dench had such a juicy role for her last appearence in the series. She really displayed what a talented actor she is and her contribution to the series cannot be overstated and her presence will be missed. Having said that, I think Fiennes makes a fine replacement as M. I'm looking forward to seeing how his relationship with Bond developes. I also liked how Mallory was initially introduced as a possible adversery, but was gradually shown to be sympathetic towards M and MI6.

- I was surprised that Q was given such a big supporting role as opposed to the traditional single q-branch scene. However, I had no problem with Ben Whitshaw. I thought he did a fine job conveying Q's rather unique personality, albeit one that does differ from Desmond's interpretation. I liked the "bring the equipment back in one piece" line though.

- Silva is probably the most memorable villian since the 60s. A Bond movie can often suffer due to a weak villian (QOS for example), but the opposite is the case with Silva. I've read a few reviews comparing Silva to The Joker from TDK. Silva will never be as iconic as The Joker, but Bond's first meeting with him certainly had elements of the Batman/Joker relationship, together with Silva's rather unusual vocal delivery.

- I read a previous poster here didn't like that Bond went to Scotland because he would be more comfortable away from the technology. That wasn't my reading of his motivation. On two occasions, MI6's computer system has been hacked by Silva to devestating effect. I believe Bond brought M to Scotland not because he felt more confortable in a traditional environment, but because it elimated Silva technological advantage.

- I liked the inclusion of the DB5, and its reveal got a great reaction from the two audiences I saw it with. It was a great thrill to hear the Bond theme on guitar as the DB5 drives away. I also liked the ejector seat banter between M and Bond.

- The direction was outstanding, as one would expect from Mendes. So too was the photography - the entire third act in Scotland looked beautiful, and the silluette fight was probably the artistic highpoint of the whole series. Although, I would have liked for it to have lasted just a little longer.

- M's death was the most powerful emotional scene in the whole series. Her last line "I got one thing right" had me choking up. Whether or not this type of emotion is appropriate for a Bond movie or if it should just be pure escapism is another debate.

- I absolutely loved the return to the traditional Moneypenny/M office layout complete with M's padded door. I really hope they keep this office for future movies. Dench's M never had a consistent office. I believe the last time we saw Bond in the traditional office was TLD. I hope this continues. BTW, I also liked the painting of the MI6 building on the wall behind Fiennes. Keep an eye out for it if you missed it the first time.

- Daniel Klienman really outdid himself with the titles. They are stunning, especially with the imagery of the Skyfall grounds (the house, the deer, the graves). BTW...there is a shot in the titles of a spy projected onto a brick wall. I swear it is the spitting image of Timothy Dalton. If you see the movie again, keep an eye out for it. It appears just after Bond shoots the four shadows on the ground. THe 50 years of Bond logo at the start of the end credits was also a nice touch.

- Adele's song is the best in a long long time. The lyrics and her voice fit the movie very well. The chorus is outstanding and I love the rising notes of the "stand tall" line and the cameo of the Bond theme in song. I would be happy for her to return like Bassey. Sadly, David Arnold was missed, and Newman couldn't fill his shoes especially during the later action scenes. Hopefully Arnold will return for Bond 24.

- I too had a problem with another "Bond reborn" story. We've had similar reborn themes in DAD and CR. I think it would have been better if Bond returned to MI6 as a fully physically and mentally capable agent and dispense with the "physical wreck" subplot. Afterall, this is a Bond movie and as a die hard Bond fan, I don't want him to be a physical wreck who can't hit a target. It was superfluous to the main plot of Silva's revenge. Bond could have been at 100% and the movie's plot wouldn't have suffered at all. Also, the whole "Bond is getting too old for field work" subplot came out of nowhere and doesn't sit well with the series.

- I liked the tube sequence, but doesn't quite live up to the excellent Miami Airport scenes from CR.

- The movie could have done with a few more Bondian moments. The best example is his reaction to the destruction of the DB5. We see the car being destroyed and cut to a shot of Bond looking pissed off accompanied by a powerful performance of his theme. But what does he do: he lights a stick of dynamite on top of a few gas cylinders! Any grunt can do that. Such a personal attack on the iconic Bond car should have been met with a better Bond-esque payoff than simply lighting some dynamite. I appreciate the producers are striving for reality, but they need to understand they are making a JAMES BOND movie, not a Bourne or Nolan Batman movie. Clearly, I don't want the return of double-taking pigeons or iceberg surfing that plagued previous movies but the suspension of disbelieve is allowed in a Bond movie. The train scene in the pre-credits is what I'm talking about. Sadly, the rest of the movie didn't deliver these Bondian moments, despite some otherwise excellent spy/action setpieces.

- Likewise, I would have liked to have seen some more gadgets. Obviously, I don't want to go back to the invisible car, but just include a simple watch gadget for example. Again, make it distinctive 007 instead of just a typical spy thriller. I hope Q's comment about Q-branch not making exploding pens anymore is not an indication that the future movies will have little or no gadgets.

- In conclusion, a strong entry into the series but not in the top 5. However, I do hope the producers make Bond 24 more of a Bond film and less of a Bourne-esque spy thriller. If they don't, they may gain a younger fan base at the expense of alienating their long time loyal fans. Previous entries in the series have proven it is possible to do a fairly realistic spy thriller while retaining the Bond experience. Despite these shortcomings, as a long time Bond fan it is very gratifing to see that Skyfall currently has a rating of 94% on RottenTomatoes and 8.5 on imdb togther with massive public interest in the series (both screenings I went to got a round of applause at the end). It is an outstanding movie, but falls just a little short of being an outstanding BOND movie.

krudler

^ great post, forgot to mention the title sequence myself, its excellent, one of the best in years the whole

Bond escaping death and the Skyfall imagery was really nicely done

cloud493

PerrinV2 wrote: »

She was tied to the rock I think

Oh yeah.

Brilliant film, easily the best Daniel Craig. Gonna see it again next week.

Mister Jingles

Went to see this film yesterday I really enjoyed it.

Not as good a Casino Royal but its not far behind, certainly in the top 5 though.

Did notice that this one was lacking in action scenes compared to most of the other installments but this is in no way a put off for me.

I've read here of some people complaining about going back to the old ways but at the end of the day it is a BOND film, something which has been going the past 50 years can't just be changed like that straight way and tbh I still felt the whole Casino Royal revamp feeling throughout.

As with anything the first is usually always the best, in this case I'm talking about Sean Connery. So leaving him aside the more I see of Daniel Craig the more I think of him as been one of the best Bonds alongside Dalton. Far better then Moore and Brosnan in many ways.

People will always find little gripes with any film so I'm not really going to bother outlining these.

Adele's Skyfall song is one of the best I've heard in a long time, classy while modern at the same time. No Brosnan film had as good of song, not even Bono and The Edge's Goldeneye.

The ending of this film was one of the biggest surprises I've seen in any of the moves since On Her Majesty Secret Service where Bond's wife is killed by Blofeld. When we see that M is injured in the Scottish shootout you think to yourself that she will be grand but seeing her die in Bond arms left me very shocked to see one of the most memorable characters of the past 17 years go in such away. Saying that Ralph Finnes will make a fantastic replacement.

Overall 8.5/10 from me.

rednik

Absolutely brilliant film, whether it is the best Bond is debatable. If this is the direction they are taking Bond I like it.

Grimebox

Slutmonkey57b wrote: »

I must be a weirdo.

I thought it was a great Bond film, and a great film. I enjoyed watching it. But I hate it. Loathe it. As many others have pointed out up above, going back to the old formula is a disaster area. As a Classic Bond film, this is right up there. As a post-Casino Royale Bond film, it's utter ****ing dreck.

What I don't understand is why they decided to do this at all. They had a great setup going, a great, re-energised franchise, and now what? The CR/QoS storyline is just dead, not even referenced, might as well not have happened. All they've done is remake Goldeneye. What was the point of "going back to the start" in CR if that is going to be absolutely ditched and replaced with a new start? Instead of a "newly minted" agent, Bond in Skyfall is a grizzled old veteran who worked with M 15 or 20 years ago.... it's nonsense.

Brosnan must be sick as a dog. I thought he was probably the best Bond, who was given some of the worst scripts. Now they're going to do the same to Craig.

Nail on the head. I wanted another Casino Royale and not the old school Bond formula. I would argue most "Classic Bond" film's are tripe. I'm so disappointed they threw what they had built with CR.

Chavways

Just back from the cinema there. One of the worst Bonds ever in my opinion. It seemed very dull. Just seemed to lack that certain something. There wasn't enough gadgets and explosions like Bonds of old.

I can understand they're trying to point it in a new direction but it was pretty poor. The cinematography was excellent but in my opinion the plot and ending were weak. I wouldn't be in a hurry to see the next one.

grenache

All i can is.....I hope the film is better than the song.

Poor stuff from Adele.

niallon

grenache wrote: »

All i can is.....I hope the film is better than the song.

Poor stuff from Adele.

The song is one of the best things in the film.....have a fun evening!

OU812

Thought it was fantastic. Great plot, great bad guy, stand alone or part of a franchise, it just worked. We'll be back to the quantum in the next one to wrap it up & following that more standalone movies.

I loved that it was so dark, just a few little pun to demonstrate Bond's detachment. ("Waste of good whiskey" & "Who says its my first time"), second one there I thought was brilliant, really emphasised his dedication.

Gonna plan to watch the other two again & then catch this once more before the end of the run

mike65

The first weekend numbers are in $77 million in 25 territories (several of them quite small)
the US doesn't see it for another 11 days.

http://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=3555&p=.htm

OU812

Oh oh...

Two movie story arc planned...

http://www.movies.ie/movie%20news/John_Logan_to_Pen_Next_Two_Bond_Adventures

Same writer as skyfall, but two movie arc? They don't work the best.

syklops

During the word association scene what was the relevance of the psychologist saying "Skyfall" and Bond replying "done".

edit: I lol'ed at that bit when

Shrink: M
Bond: Bitch

krudler

Chavways wrote: »

Just back from the cinema there. One of the worst Bonds ever in my opinion. It seemed very dull. Just seemed to lack that certain something. There wasn't enough gadgets and explosions like Bonds of old.

I can understand they're trying to point it in a new direction but it was pretty poor. The cinematography was excellent but in my opinion the plot and ending were weak. I wouldn't be in a hurry to see the next one.

Had you not seen either Casino Royale or Quantum of Solace? they have even less gadgets and explosions (Skyfall has both). If anything this is the most Bond-esque of the Craig films. lets run down the list:

Big pre-credits sequence.
Classic Bond theme song.

Fight in a pit with dangerous animals, henchman dispatched by same

Bond pulling more than one woman.

Villain with facial disfigurement and quirky personality, also has private island and small army.

Gadgets=

palm print operated gun, car with machine guns in it

.

back to the classic M office, complete with Moneypenny and hatstand/padded door

The Bond staples are all in there, so people are either complaining its not enough like the classic Bonds, or is gone back to being too like the classic Bonds, the producers must be tearing their hair out, can't keep people happy.

krudler

syklops wrote: »

During the word association scene what was the relevance of the psychologist saying "Skyfall" and Bond replying "done".

Done with the interview

syklops

krudler wrote: »

Done with the interview

Aha. Because he says done and walks away.

Ok thanks.

krudler

syklops wrote: »

Aha. Because he says done and walks away.

Ok thanks.

I thought Skyfall was something else from the trailer, like a

codeword for a mission or some sort of espionage thing or something, I like how its Bond's childhood home name. Its a much more personal Bond, especially the climax, its nothing to do with saving the world or anything large scale, its simple revenge and Bond trying to protect one person. it goes all Home Alone but with exploding lighbulbs full of nails and shotgun shells under floorboards

:pac:

Grimebox

syklops wrote: »

Aha. Because he says done and walks away.

Ok thanks.

The trailer shows this part in a very misleading way I thought. It seemed like Skyfall was a code word for some kind of mission and he says "done" implying the mission is as good as done, instead he's just crying over his childhood. Did he honestly not expect for this to be mentioned in a psychological evaluation?

krudler

^ spoilers!

syklops

krudler wrote: »

I thought Skyfall was something else from the trailer, like a

codeword for a mission or some sort of espionage thing or something, I like how its Bond's childhood home name. Its a much more personal Bond, especially the climax, its nothing to do with saving the world or anything large scale, its simple revenge and Bond trying to protect one person. it goes all Home Alone but with exploding lighbulbs full of nails and shotgun shells under floorboards

:pac:

Saw it last night so I know. It was brilliant and as you say much more personal.

krudler

syklops wrote: »

Saw it last night so I know. It was brilliant and as you say much more personal.

I loved the sequence where

Bardem is casually stolling around the house lobbing grenades in the window, he doesn't care how he kills M, just as long as he does. The bit where he takes his fake teeth and jaw apparatus out and his eye and cheeks sink in was creepy too. He reminded me of Buffalo Bill from Silence of the Lambs at times.

smcgiff

Thought it was a bit meh,

Biggest revelation was that Bond is Scottish borne and possibly Catholic with bi-sexual tendencies. I hated the scene where the villain blew a hole in the subway to allow the train to fall in. How was that contrived/planned? It was too silly and a jump the shark moment. I also thought I saw Dalton's silhouette in the credits - did we miss anymore. Finally, was this the first Bond where he failed his primary mission. He took M to Scotland to protect her, and failed.

An okay movie, just didn't live up to the hype.

syklops

krudler wrote: »

I loved the sequence where

Bardem is casually stolling around the house lobbing grenades in the window, he doesn't care how he kills M, just as long as he does. The bit where he takes his fake teeth and jaw apparatus out and his eye and cheeks sink in was creepy too. He reminded me of Buffalo Bill from Silence of the Lambs at times.

Loved the fake teeth removal bit too. I know there are lots of comparisons with the Dark Knight, but his character was also of the "Some people just want to watch the world burn" type. Some very careful planning, but also obviously bat sh1t crazy.

King Of Wishful Thinking

Started quite well, but then got kinda boring and predictable.

Poorly edited I felt also.

krudler

syklops wrote: »

Loved the fake teeth removal bit too. I know there are lots of comparisons with the Dark Knight, but his character was also of the "Some people just want to watch the world burn" type. Some very careful planning, but also obviously bat sh1t crazy.

yeah there are some Joker comparisons, especially in the shot in the trailers where he's silohoutted against the flames, long jacket, raggedy hair..

I liked the sequence where

he bursts into the room where M is being questioned on her losing the list, and after missing her just starts spraying the place with bullets, plan didnt work, fcuk it, improvise and kill everyone kinda thing.

Can see the nitpicking start already on other forums, like

how Bond got back to the UK after his supposed death, ehh, cos he's ****ing James Bond, one of the worlds best secret agents can't get back into his home country without some big explanation behind it? pfff

krudler

King Of Wishful Thinking wrote: »

Started quite well, but then got kinda boring and predictable.

Poorly edited I felt also.

I thought the opposite tbh, it started predictable and then got more different as it went on, I was sure

Silva's private island would be where the climax would be, not that Bond and M would be holed up in one location under siege, its probably the least predictable Bond in that sense, no big bomb to be defused, no wars or countries or satellites or some other mcguffin at stake, its simple revenge, and its personal. I loved how it was set on UK soil as well, Bond on his home turf is something you don't see enough in these movies.

I can't wait to watch this again, the visuals alone are worth seeing it fore, the silhoutte fight in Shanghai is beautiful, pity it wasn't a bit longer, the Shanghai officials should be grateful for this movie making the city look ****ing amazing.

DM_7

I really enjoyed this Bond movie.

It was a good mix of classic bond and modern movie making.

Daniel Craig and the current Bond as written is the most believable super spy in all the Bond Movies. Previous bonds were perfectly acceptable when the movies were made but other movies stepped up the requirements of a super spy an I think they have updated the character perfectly.

A really good villain this time. Previous two movies MI6 are after the group funding terrorism all over the world but we don't have specific bad guy to focus on. This time we get a classic bond villain so that was a big plus.

Bringing back some of the classic Bond stuff (missing from previous two movies) was also a big plus for me.

Overall time flew and that has to be a good thing.

johnny_ultimate

Actually more optimistic when I hear that it's more old school Bond. Have never been a fan of the series (especially during its more... fantastical entries *coughdieanotherdaycough*), but thought the last two films were Bourne-lite and more than a little overrated (well, Quantum wasn't particularly rated by anyone). Looking forward to seeing this during the week.

mike65

James Bond night on BBC2, Top Gear (well Hammond) special at 9 then James Bond: A Bafta Tribute from 2002 repeated as all lead actors of the 007 series talk about being Bond. 11.20-12.45am

krudler

johnny_ultimate wrote: »

Actually more optimistic when I hear that it's more old school Bond. Have never been a fan of the series (especially during its more... fantastical entries *coughdieanotherdaycough*), but thought the last two films were Bourne-lite and more than a little overrated (well, Quantum wasn't particularly rated by anyone). Looking forward to seeing this during the week.

Its the best of both worlds tbh, a departure from the supervillain with volcano hideouts that began with Casino Royale but still has enough Bond moments to be a Bond film, like the cufflink fixing shot in the trailer, but has a lot more weight to certain moments than people may be expecting, especially in the third act. Its not perfect, but the more I think about it the more I liked it, its also probably the best looking Bond film ever. the cinematography is fantastic throughout.

Grimebox

johnny_ultimate wrote: »

Actually more optimistic when I hear that it's more old school Bond. Have never been a fan of the series (especially during its more... fantastical entries *coughdieanotherdaycough*), but thought the last two films were Bourne-lite and more than a little overrated (well, Quantum wasn't particularly rated by anyone). Looking forward to seeing this during the week.

This film has gone in the opposite direction of "Bourne-lite" and is a return to the more fantastical Bond films