I still have some reservation on Daniel Craig as James Bond. Somehow I do not buy the "battered personality" that he portrayed. However, I do agree that he brings some reality to Bond's legacy. Casino Royale attempted to show Bond as a human rather than a super spy. I did not quite enjoy that, though I love what Dark Knight trilogy did to Batman.
Therefore, I had more reservation on entering the cinema for
Skyfall. I think by now, most people would have read the introduction to the movie. This time is not about some evil villain taking over the world nor causing havoc in between nations. Something regarding loyalty to M. (*SPOILER AHEAD*). A rogue agent came back for revenge since he was betrayed by M when he went overzealous in his mission. Totally business and executive decision. Bond, as expected stood by M, helped her defeat and kill Silva. (*SUPER SPOILER AHEAD). M dying in the end was a rather poignant but nice touch. See, no evil scientist on some new killer satellite.
Was it that good? Well, yes and no. The movie open nicely. Sort of homage to the series. You know, the montage of scenes from the whole movies. Silhouette of the girls. A haunting song by Adele. Perfect opening. Chase scene as opening. Superb. Nice action there. The first half was really good. Works well like a good spy movie. Chasing down some clue which lead to more clue. Throw in some nice Bond girls there and by the time censor finish with it, Bond girls would be just left with few minutes of screen time. Finally appearance of the psychotic villain. Acting was rather nice, with a dose of humour and drama when needed. Not too cheesy. Daniel Craig, I was happy to say, is rather suave as Bond this round. Javier Bardem, as Silva the villain, is nicely psychotic, though not as memorable as Joker. Judi Dench as M is, well, Judi Dench, so do not expect anything less from her. The way how things go Silva way is really genius in a spy film.
However, once Bond escape with M, things go rather generic there. From a Bond movie, it felt more like a Die Hard or Harrison Ford's action movie. Hero in disadvantage situation. Villain with a group of minions which get picked off slowly by the hero. Hero vs villain one on one.....
Hold on to your hate mails first. Despite what I said, most people enjoy the show, so much so that there will be people who crown Skyfall as the best Bond movie ever. To me, it is a good Bond movie. But the best? Not quite yet. Hey, I am entitled to my own opinion right!
ratings: 3 poink! (wife insisted that a different opinion: she gave a 4 poink!)
comments: not bad. just that I did not enjoy the second half.
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