I have lived through my teenage life watching Pierce Brosnan being the Bond, James Bond hence he is my all time favorite. But the change of the baton to Daniel Craig was very impressive (Casino Royale). Quantum of Solace followed in a couple of years and I liked it too. And now Skyfall.
Something tells me that by the tone of this review you would have already guessed that am not impressed with Skyfall, and am very disappointed in saying so. How can anyone criticize a bond movie? These movies are a legend in itself! But guess there are a basic assumptions with which movie goers buy those tickets. And ‘only few action sequences’ are not among them. This brings me to a conclusion that since Daniel Craig became Bond, the movies have gone slow and lengthy with lesser action sequences and more of sentiments have been portrayed! Not impressing me. Skyfall also celebrates 50 years of Bond movies (and how) which started with ‘Dr. No’ in 1962!
Skyfall, as all Bond movies, starts with an awesome chase sequence (in Istanbul) and is gripping. Down the movie there are only a few more action scenes but very short ones. James Bond Cars are so integral part in all movies but here that part has also disappointed viewers, big time. (Since I was also watching a BBC program, Top Gear, on ‘Bond Cars in the last 50 years’ a day before, my expectations were running high).
With a run time of 2 hours and 20 minutes, you will feel it’s stretched. Plus, the ‘building you up to a dramatic action scene’ tests your patience twice. This starts building up your expectations and then fizzles out because obviously by then you have built a high expectation.
Another failure from the Bond Girl angle, not seen such a short stint for a Bong Girl (Bérénice Marlohe), I would have loved to see more of her instead of a guest appearance. Having said all this, Skyfall is a good movie, Bond story per se. At its heart, Skyfall belongs to ‘M’, go watch it and you will know.
Skyfall has become a mega hit in the UK as this movie is purely based there, has the most important scenes shot in the most of the prominent locations in England itself. The Bond song by ‘Adele’ (this singing sensation won a record 6 Grammy Awards in 1 night!) is an awesome song. I heard it in repeat mode the day it was released, do give it a hear (click here).
I go with 3/5 for Skyfall (an ideal Bond movie should not get any lesser than 4.5/5). As the movie ends, it does promise to get back to awesome action in the next one, am happy to see that. Only wish they shell out a Bond Movie every year!
nice review..