Skyfall

wogma rating: Add to 'must watch' list (?) - For Bond and action buffs, it is a theatre watch for sure

quick review:

A more intense Bond film than the usual, Sam Mendes-directed Skyfall thankfully packs in no Mattel-worthy gadgets like the ones of old. Instead, it actually concentrates on themes other than 'cool'. A beautifully shot action film with a little less action than one would have liked, Skyfall is nevertheless great fun.

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Director: Sam Mendes
Running time: 143 minutes
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Easily the most ubiquitous franchise in all of pop culture, a James Bond film is always an event. The franchise tilted ever-so-slightly towards the cerebral with the underwhelming Quantum of Solace. Continuing in that vein but dialing up the entertainment value by more than a notch, Skyfall, directed by the acclaimed Sam Mendes, infuses a sense of grounding and reality into the escapades of The Spy Who We Love.

Skyfall isn't your usual James Bond film. The gadgetry, the Bond girls and the wise-crackery have all been toned down in favour of delivering a more emotional, personal film. This film also gives 007's boss M the longest screentime that she's ever had, which isn't a bad thing. That isn't to say that the film is particularly well-written. While the film is intriguing for the most, the writing in the last hour or so is surprisingly amateurish and tardy. Also, the film seemed to be at least two action-set pieces short. In spite of this, the film still works primarily because of Daniel Craig, director Sam Mendes, a delightfully evil villain in Silva, played by Javier Bardem and, most of all, the work of cinematographer Roger Deakins.

The film dives straight into action, with 007 hot on the heels of a man who has stolen a top-secret 'list', one that is clearly headed into the wrong hands. One thrilling action set-piece later, Bond is presumed dead after M takes a call that leads to him being shot. However, the loss of her best agent turns out to be the least of M's worries, because a new threat is lurking in the shadows.

Dressed in suits that fit him like his second skin, Daniel Craig's posture, his piercing, blue eyes and his rugged salt-and-pepper stubble make him the most intriguing Bond yet. There always seems to be so much unsaid when he is on the screen that it makes you root for the super-spy even more. Director Sam Mendes handles the action scenes well, the climactic sequence in particular. Though the writing is the weakest part of the film, Mendes manages to keep things continuously interesting.

Javier Bardem as Silva is superb. His understated, unapologetic malice works so well because it makes him an unpredictable villain, right till the very end. Few Bond villains have been as intriguing and striking as him. Judi Dench returns as M and does a great job as always. Her no-nonsense, deadpan demeanour are a very integral part of this film, as are those almost deliberate wrinkles that add so much character to her presence.

But Skyfall, in my opinion, belongs to the legendary Roger Deakins. His gorgeous frames and lighting, and his generous use of silhouettes and lens flares make Skyfall the most visually pleasing Bond film in memory. And it helps that few Bonds have ever looked as good in silhouette as Daniel Craig does. As mentioned earlier, the film could have done with a little more action. However, the action scenes that are there in the film, are superbly executed. Action works best when the VFX is camouflaged well, and in this film it almost always is.

For those who are expecting a certain kind of Bond film, the kind where James Bond seems almost like a character out of an espionage-based comic book, Skyfall may be a bit of a letdown. I also got the feeling that a few members of the audience seemed to find the film a little too dialogue-heavy. However, there is much to appreciate in Skyfall, particularly for fans of the character and the genre. Skyfall, most certainly, raises expectations for the next one.

This article is by guest author Pradeep Menon. Pradeep is a filmmaker and a dreamer. He loves books, rain, winters, tea and his parents. Cinema, however, is the only truth he believes in. He breathes and bleeds film, mostly in hues of saffron, white, green and blue. You can watch his short films at www.youtube.com/cyberpradeep.

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3 readers - 1 yays 2 so-so 0 nays

Not Interested in Watching, by casino del sol festa buffet review

Not Interested in Watching, by casino queen rv park east st l illinois

Want to Watch, by Monster Beats : less

Yay! Thumbs Up, by Amal Singh : Skyfall is not only one of the finest Bond movies, it stands alone as a great movie in its own right

So-So, by Aseem Chiplonkar : If you are James Bond fan, then give this a miss!

So-So, by Harpreet Singh : Better enjoyed in a home theater !

This page has additional observations, other than the ones noted in the main review.

Parental Guidance:

  • Violence: Action scenes, gunfights, the usual
  • Language: One expletive used in the film
  • Nudity & Sexual content: Bond's usual 'interactions' with the ladies.
  • Concept: 007 is up against another villain, but this time, the stakes are different...
  • General Look and Feel: A beautifully shot film, often in low-key.

Detailed Ratings (out of 5):

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Skyfall - Cast, crew, links

Director:
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Running time:
143 minutes
Reviewer:
Language:
Country:
UK, USA

Comments (2)

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Harpreet

Agree with your review completely. If I had to rate all three movies since the reboot or Daniel Craig, I'd rate this probably after Casino Royale and Quantam of Solace because they were two films in continuation so more like 1. But I certainly hope the next one takes us deeper. While Skyfall shows light on the emotional ends of its characters more than any other bond movie it certainly lacks a bit in the absolute in your face thrill factor which is some what of an expectation. Casino Royale nailed that bit just well.

@Harpreet: Yes, I agree. I liked that they thought of going into a bit more of Bond this time. I liked Casino Royale, but I still think that Skyfall is the best Bond film in a long, long time. That isn't saying much, since the last two decades have seen very ordinary Bond films.

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