He didn’t cry in the very beginning, no. But you probably would.
The much awaited Skyfall, the twenty-third spy film in the James Bond series by Ian Fleming will keep you awake and keep you awake from start to finish. And just to let you know, someone really important dies. (There, I said it)
The movie features Daniel Craig’s third performance as James Bond, and Javier Bardem as Raoul Silva, the film’s villain. The film was directed by Sam Mendes and basically, in Skyfall, Bond investigates an attack on MI6 where it transpires that there is an attack on M by former MI6 operative, Raoul Silva. We see the return of two recurring characters after an absence of two films: Q, played by Ben Whishaw, and Miss Moneypenny, played by Naomie Harris.
For those of you who will like to know the movie was shot in the United Kingdom, China and Turkey. The film’s release coincided with the 50th anniversary of the James Bond series, which began with Dr. No in 1962.
Frankly, the opening scene of the movie sets the pace for the rest of it to follow. On the roof tops of the grand bazaar in Turkey, a nervy motorbike chase which evolved from a Land Rover versus Audi chase will get your blood ruining. You may have realized my emphasis on the brands. It’s on purpose. Get used to it now before you see the movie because there will be many more times when it is thrown at you in the movie. Apart from that, the voice of Adele plus the unbelievable stunts should get you in the mood for a good movie.
Its impressive how all through the movie, Director Mendes shows us a fallible Bond; a human being who has his failings (yes that includes women), has his good and bad days, and has the tendency to try some absolutely ridiculous things.
One thing about the movie you realize though, the dialogue is delicious (most often anyway). You follow the conversation and are carried along on an over 2-hour journey full of suspense, intrigue and dripping action. The wit is sprinkled all over a movie that is best served hot. The poem by Lord Alfred Tennyson, recited by M in the movie will give you a sense of what I am talking about:
“We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven; that which we are, we are;
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.”
One thing you should however look out for is the flirting. The suggestive language, the glances, the touches, the shaving (yes shaving), even the moments when death seems so close, you get those subtle hints of a passion boiling down under. What else would you expect when the new Q looks like he could be Bond second born, he even gets Bond to remark “it’s a brave new world.”
The choice of villain was most appropriate. He enters the movie telling a story of rats and a barrel and ends up hitting on Bond. He is sweet and ruthless. He is just classic villain, plain and simple. I think he could have worked harder at being evil and tormenting Bond’s life, but then I am not a director right?
For the old school boys and girls, watch out for the classic Aston Martin that has come to be associated with the Bond brand for ever so long. Never matter what happens to it in the end, just feel good that at every turn in the movie, you will get a feel of the age old classic.
However you choose to enjoy the movie, find it. Go in there expecting. You will not be disappointed. I wasn’t!