What are the expectations when you walk into a James Bond movie? Action, action, action? With so many 007 movies in the bank, and a steady flow of action movies over the years, people are increasingly looking for that something extra from a Bond movie. With the previous movie Quantum of Solace being a disappointment, I stepped into the movie hall with slightly confused expectations, yet hopeful that the film would be a good watch.
Skyfall starts of pretty well, the initial action sequences with the bike chase on roof tops and the moving train sequence being top notch. But surprisingly, purely from an action perspective, the movie goes downhill from there. That one exceptional sequence that blows your mind away doesn't arrive and leaves you more than a tad disappointed. What rescues the movie though - ironically - are the portions in between the action, filled as they are with emotion, philosophy, choices and betrayal.
The defining moment of the movie, for me, was the court scene when 'M' reads out lines from the poem Ulysses by Alfred Lord Tennyson:
Though much is taken, much abides; and though
We are not now that strength which in the 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.
(read full poem: http://www.love-poems.me.uk/tennyson_ulysses.htm)
It's the essence of what Skyfall is trying to say: that M and Bond are still forces to reckon with, that time may have dimmed their ability to an extent, but that it hasn't dimmed their spirit and will. It's a toast to those people who still want to fight one more battle, taste one more victory.
Overall, in spite of the dearth of extraordinary action, the movie hold it's own, nudged along by a tight script, brilliant performances and a certain depth. Even in an action movie, sometimes it's those scenes in between that can make or break the movie. Thankfully, Skyfall scores in those portions. But the finale, though well executed, falls a wee bit short in terms of impact, mainly because the action is not something that you haven't seen before. It also seemed more than a little bollywood-ish.
Daniel Craig is extremely good and likeable. He has only got better from Casino Royale to Skyfall. Judy Bench as M does enough justice to her role. Ben Wishaw as the tech wizard enacts his part exceedingly well and adds a comic touch to the movie. Bérénice Marlohe, who is good in a short role, makes her mark in the conversation scene with Bond. But it's Javier Bardem as Silva who walks away with all the accolades, the standout sequence being his first scene with Bond, where he is brilliant.
Bottom line: The movie falls slightly short of expectations and if all you are looking for is great action, Skyfall will probably not quench your thirst. Yet it's worth more than a watch simply because of the underlying emotional quotient and the fabulous performances.
Rating: 3 / 5
Skyfall starts of pretty well, the initial action sequences with the bike chase on roof tops and the moving train sequence being top notch. But surprisingly, purely from an action perspective, the movie goes downhill from there. That one exceptional sequence that blows your mind away doesn't arrive and leaves you more than a tad disappointed. What rescues the movie though - ironically - are the portions in between the action, filled as they are with emotion, philosophy, choices and betrayal.
The defining moment of the movie, for me, was the court scene when 'M' reads out lines from the poem Ulysses by Alfred Lord Tennyson:
Though much is taken, much abides; and though
We are not now that strength which in the 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.
(read full poem: http://www.love-poems.me.uk/tennyson_ulysses.htm)
It's the essence of what Skyfall is trying to say: that M and Bond are still forces to reckon with, that time may have dimmed their ability to an extent, but that it hasn't dimmed their spirit and will. It's a toast to those people who still want to fight one more battle, taste one more victory.
Overall, in spite of the dearth of extraordinary action, the movie hold it's own, nudged along by a tight script, brilliant performances and a certain depth. Even in an action movie, sometimes it's those scenes in between that can make or break the movie. Thankfully, Skyfall scores in those portions. But the finale, though well executed, falls a wee bit short in terms of impact, mainly because the action is not something that you haven't seen before. It also seemed more than a little bollywood-ish.
Daniel Craig is extremely good and likeable. He has only got better from Casino Royale to Skyfall. Judy Bench as M does enough justice to her role. Ben Wishaw as the tech wizard enacts his part exceedingly well and adds a comic touch to the movie. Bérénice Marlohe, who is good in a short role, makes her mark in the conversation scene with Bond. But it's Javier Bardem as Silva who walks away with all the accolades, the standout sequence being his first scene with Bond, where he is brilliant.
Bottom line: The movie falls slightly short of expectations and if all you are looking for is great action, Skyfall will probably not quench your thirst. Yet it's worth more than a watch simply because of the underlying emotional quotient and the fabulous performances.
Rating: 3 / 5
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