Bond, James Bond: The Movies

[Deleted]

Just saw it and I think it I will have to see it again pretty long movie.

[huntergrayson]

While I think it's good for the franchise to switch things up frequently, if they kept this crew for the remainder of Craig's stint, I would be very happy indeed. Especially Deakins! My word, was this a beautifully-lensed/shot film.

This was the perfect blend of melding emotional weight to pure pop entertainment.

[Carolinian]

I agree, HG. I especially liked the backlit fist fight in the Shanghai skyscraper. Mesmerizing. All JB films are a bit of a travelogue and this one was no exception. I thought Mendes did a good job of incorporating the place into the plot, if that make sense.

[huntergrayson]

It does -- 'Bond as travelogue' was a HUGE aspect of the Bond class I took (esp. when you consider how the early films coincide with the dawn of the Space Race & commercial flight and therefore travel becoming available for the masses for the first time). I think Mendes & Deakins shot it so you definitely got to drink in the sense of place here, whether it was a beach, Shanghai skyscrapers or England.

[technicolor]

Loved it. What I really appreciate about the Craig movies, especially about this one, and what also cracks me up about them is: Before he was cast as Bond there was all this talk that the franchise is a dinosaur because it's all about the sexism, brutality and violence, British imperialism and all kinds of other morally sketchy things.

And the Craig films just say: "Yes, he's an amoral thug hired by a shady government to advance their questionable policies by violent and deathly actions. Deal with it." Looking back on it, it's probably the only way the franchise could have survived. Really quite brilliant.

This one in particular basically questioned the very foundation of it all: MI6. I thought Silva had quite a case against M, and even though he and his methods were evil, his charges against her weren't really countered by the end of the movie IMO. And that seemed a deliberate choice. New M with his background fighting against the IRA (another hint of Britain's history of colonialism). Everyone's dismissive attitude about agents getting hurt, tortured or killed in action. Bond shrugging off Severine's death.

I mean, they're all sympathetic enough. But you have Q who can do who knows what surveillance and hackery on practically anybody in secrecy for any reason. The careerists new M and Eve who'll do their best to garner secrets and power for who knows what reasons. And then they'll send out Bond to do their dirty work. And it's clear that Bond doesn't want to be a careerist because he is also in it for the violence, mayhem and, yes, killing people. Is all that justified "for the greater good"? I thought the movie deliberately put a question mark on that. It was outstanding and surprising and props to cast and crew for pulling that off.

[Sunnyhorse]

Awe. Some. Fantastic film.

[Mutagen]

Javier Bardem was so great. He went right up to the line of parodying a Bond villain while managing to be genuinely magnetic and intense. The parallels between him and Bond as <<orphan spies>> were handled excellently. Not necessarily the most profound statement in the world, but quite credible without being too heavy handed.

Not to sound gushy, but I really think this is one of the strongest movies in the Bond franchise. I think it tops Casino Royale for me.

[Sunnyhorse]

I agree, Mutagen -- Craig's Casino Royale had become my favorite, but I think I like this one even better. Gorgeous cinematography, great script and acting, and, as someone pointed out, fantastic tailoring!

[Deleted]

I will third that. We just got back and man, did this movie kick ass. Casino Royale was my favorite before Skyfall, but this is definitely my new favorite Bond. Brilliantly done and absolute perfection for the franchise's 50th anniversary.

[bklynred]

This was great. I've liked all Craig's Bond movies, but this was really lush. And the reveals/spoilers were great. I'm glad they're not afraid to mix it up. I've read Craig is getting a little tired (literally) of the franchise--he's hit 40 and can't get into shape the way he used to. So I'm hoping they can crank out at least two more with him as Bond...he's my favorite newbie, and he's edging close to Sean Connery for all-time Bond.

And I love Naomie Harris. I want all her dresses (I'd also like her body, since I'm asking). The only thing missing here was Jeffrey (the US spy for spies).