Director: Sam Mendes.
Starring: Daniel Craig, Christoph Waltz, Ralph Fiennes, Ben Whishaw, Naomie Harris, Léa Seydoux, Monica Bellucci, Dave Bautista.
DC’s fourth outing as the famous Bond, James Bond. The opening sequence is amazing! For those that might not notice but what feels like a good 5mins looks one whole take and if you think about that, that alone is very impressive! It probably isn’t 5mins, maybe not even 3, but what goes on in that opening sequence is a lot. But then I find out it’s actually very clever editing. Still impressed.
The film as a whole is… Good. Not great and don’t think it’s as good as Casino Royale, but much better than Solace. I still think this is due to my “new introduction” in movies. You know who’s who, you know what to expect losing that wow factor the first film of a series delivered.
Daniel Craig tailor fits Bond, Tom Ford style as expected. Suave, confident replacing cockiness still bearing that death wish and personal vendetta, somewhat proudly on this occasion. But there’s no more mystery behind the man, you know what he’s about, he’s like a terminator with a British accent, sense of style and humour but with a damaged soul and difficult history. He just doesn’t stop. I actually really like the new Q played by Ben Whishaw and Fiennes M is also fitting in nicely. But is Bond going to keep Léa Seydoux’s Madeleine? I doubt it very much so not to break the Bond girl tradition.
The trailer does more to create conspiracy than the actual film does, and when you figure it out, which isn’t difficult, it lacks the impact and leaves you accepting more. Even Christoph Waltz’s character, who shall remain nameless just doesn’t deliver. Disappointingly. Benicio Del Toro’s Sicario would have been a better villain.
There’s hints and scenes dropped in that feel unnecessary or pointless. And though the action is good, there just isn’t enough. Dave Bautista is superb, emanating extreme strength, power and lack of words. He’s the new Jaws, beating the British out of Bond.
It’s very well shot, and I would watch it again, just for the opening scene. Though not keen on Sam Smith’s edition of a Bond Theme. Sorry Sam but I don’t think you deserved the Oscar. Maybe it’ll grow on me like Chris Cornell’s did. Is this is the last one for Craig? Part of me would be pleased. As much as I love him as this Bond, I would prefer he ends it on a high, it’s good. Let’s not ruin it now like Bond does to Aston Martins. but I hear he’s signed up for Bond 25. PLEASE NOLAN! Have a go with Craig! Actually feel a Daniel Craig/Bond marathon coming on.
Running Time: 8
The Cast: 8
Performance: 8
Direction: 7
Story: 7
Script: 6
Creativity: 7
Soundtrack: 5
Job Description: 9
The Extra Bonus Point: 5 for the opening scene.
70% 7/10
