Nov 11: Skyfall

"Bond's loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost."

Directed by: Sam Mendes, Rated: PG-13, 143 minutes

James Bond is not only an icon of cinema, but a symbol of masculinity, badass everything, and more suave than ten Old Spice commercials. Six men have portrayed Bond on the big screen over his 50 year history, and we've seen dozens of memorable villains and even sexier Bond girls. In 2006, Daniel Craig, a man many doubted capable, took on the role of James Bond in Casino Royale. Not only was Craig looked at as a rather unorthodox Bond (blonde and blue eyed) but he was a grittier, darker, more vulnerable man than previous incarnations. Casino Royale took the franchise into an entirely different direction and proved to be not only an excellent Bond flick, but an even better stand alone movie. Then came Quantum of Solace. The filmmakers hoped to continue the same story from Casino Royale with Quantum, but were unable to put it all together. The film suffered from a weak script and was a bit more dumbed down than the smarter Casino Royale. Quantum was quickly forgotten and MGM, the studio behind Bond, ran into a ton of financial problems and put the Bond franchise in jeopardy. Four years later, in the 50th anniversary year of Bond, Skyfall is released. And good God is it in incredible.

Before we go any further, I must also mention that Adele's sultry voice and Bond's extreme badassness make sweet sweet love in Skyfall's theme song. 

When the evil Silva (Javier Bardem) hacks into MI6, compromising the entire security of both England and the secret agents in the field, M (Judi Dench) is put front and center as Silva's prime target. Bond, who was believed to be killed in action during a mission, "returns from the dead" to help his dear M, and uncovers more secrets than he could ever imagine. Skyfall manages to tell a very well-crafted story that's much smarter and packed with emotion than most Blockbusters. It elevates itself above the generic action flick and just as Casino Royale did, it is able to be just as strong as a stand alone film as it is a Bond movie. Craig continues to deliver an exceptional performance as Bond and shows his vulnerabilities even further. After his "resurrection", he's a broken man, mentally and physically. He can barely hold a gun and his aim is terrible, yet he returns to action to help M. Of course, Bond is never alone in his missions, and he's aided by Bond girls, Eve (Naomi Harris) and Severine (Berenice Marlohe), and MI6 employees, Gareth Mallory (Ralph Fiennes) and gadget king, Q (Ben Whishaw).

"What did you expect, an exploding pen?"- Q is a modern man of today. 

Skyfall is a powerful entry in the Bond franchise. It goes into territory previous Bond movies never even thought about treading into and blows you away. We see all sorts of new places and have plenty of reveals along the way. And while Skyfall feels grand and epic on a scale only fit for Bond, it tells a very simple story with so much more depth and emotion than what we have come to expect. The biggest focus throughout the movie is the relationship between Bond and M, and the history behind 007 himself. Much credit needs to be given to both Daniel Craig and Judi Dench for their performances. They work so well together and the dynamic between the two is that of respect, fun, and family. Even as often as the two bicker about one another, they both would go to the very end for each other. But, you cannot have a memorable Bond movie without a great villain and Javier Bardem creates a character immediately iconic in Silva. He's a twisted, yet genius, man that is driven by revenge. He's not out to take over the world as much as he's out to inflict as much pain on one particular individual, and he'll go whatever length to make that happen. He dances the fine line between maniac and genius and proves to be just as humorous as he is sinister. With bleached blonde hair and a rather eccentric personality, Silva can sit side by side with the great villains of Bond's past.

A complicated man, with more than enough to bring you nightmares. 

Seeing as this is 007's 23rd film in his 50 year history, there's a lot of ground that you would think would have to be covered. While Casino Royale jump-started Bond into a new timeline with Craig, there have always been slight nods to the past films. With Skyfall, this is no exception and if anything, the movie runs with these homages to the past in glorious fashion. For any seasoned Bond fan, there's plenty to be enjoyed and even more to look for, but even those of us who are just the occasional 007 lover or even first timers, there are still many things you would understand, as Bond has penetrated our culture through more than just film. Without giving much away, I can tell you that Skyfall is the perfect anniversary film for Bond and manages to create new memories and iconic characters, while still calling back to the past without taking too much away. Everything is done in respect or in little mentions and I can only assume would lead to more things being "caught" with additional viewings.

Well look at that little guy in the background!

Skyfall is an exceptional film that crosses into all sorts of territory. It's a film for movie-lovers, as well as Bond-fanatics, and is much more than an over-the-top action movie. Craig's hero is a man we can relate to, much more than previous incarnations, and in the gritty realism he suffers for, we're just as worried about his safety as we would any other man. He reminds us time and again that he's far from immortal, and severely flawed, but when the pain hits home, he's a man to be reckoned with. Director Sam Mendes captures this realism with beauty and blends it into the gorgeous backdrops and scenery. Skyfall is a must see for any fan of incredible storytelling and in your face action. Even at 142 minutes, it never falters or feels that long, and each moment we, as the audience, spend with Bond, the more we understand his troubled life and strong resolve. The entirety of what plays out is both entertaining and heart-breaking and manages to create an entirely new story about a fifty year old icon we have come to love and understand for so long. So lift up your martinis to James Bond and hope that the next fifty years are just as exciting as the last. He's here to stay and Craig will continue to do 007 justice. 

The Good:

terrific visuals that accompany a very somber, yet thrilling story

The Better:

more than enough references to Bond's past, from particular gadgets or cars, to even iconic lines

The Best:

performances from the entire cast, with Craig, Dench, and Bardem carrying the film into greatness

Overall: 9.5/10

Discussion Question:

Craig is signed on for two more Bond movies, but who do you think could take on the role once he's done? And where would the franchise head?

Trailer:

Oct 26: Casino Royale- Review #300

"In his first mission, James Bond must stop Le Chiffre, a banker to the world's terrorist organizations, from winning a high-stakes poker tournament at Casino Royale in Montenegro."

Directed by: Martin Campbell, Rated: PG-13, 144 minutes

As a quick preface to this review I want to state that this is not only my 300th review of the year, but also my 400th post. Thank you to all of my readers as I couldn't have gotten this far without you!

Casino Royale reintroduces us to James Bond, the martini-loving, woman-seducing, badass secret agent. And it does it in such glorious fashion, combining everything we love about the character and adding a tad bit of Bourne, a wee bit of Indiana Jones, and enough originality to make the 50 year old icon feel fresh. It's far from your formulaic Bond flick and manages to not only keep you guessing, but even fearing for the life of a man you know cannot die. It's suspenseful, it's action-packed, it's funny, it's sexy, and most importantly, is a film that Bond deserves. Oh, it's worth mentioning that Casino Royale also boasts not one, but two incredible openings. Yeah, it's that good. 

Sorry, THREE incredible openings if you count the amazing opening credits. 

Newly promoted to a double-0 agent at MI:6, a secret British intelligence agency that rivals the CIA, James Bond (Daniel Craig) is thrown head first into an elaborate mission where both his skills and strengths will be tested. Now, Bond isn't quite as sophisticated and suave as we've seen in the past. He's very rough around the edges, reckless at times, and quick to shoot. He's impulsive with all of his decisions, from what to do or whom to pursue (with both bad guys and women). Under the (sometimes) supervision of M (Judi Dench) Bond is sent to Montenegro to prevent the evil "banker to the terrorists", Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen) from winning a high stakes poker game in which he can recoup his losses and pay back his own boss after a failed terrorist attack. To enter the game, a beautiful treasury secretary, Vesper Lynd (Eva Green) gives Bond $10 million and flirts with him just enough to gain his attention. Under pressure from seemingly every angle, Bond must defeat Le Chiffre in poker, prevent him from paying his own employer as well as taking down his syndicate. 

While Le Chiffre is far from the most memorable of villains, Mikkelsen makes him very hard to forget. 

Casino Royale is a modern Bond movie for a modern audience. Daniel Craig is terrific as Bond and he's far from what we have come to expect in the role (I mean, he's got blonde hair and blue eyes!). Craig manages to make the iconic character his own, however, and turns in a much more vulnerable performance than the past actors who have played 007. He's much more human and relatable, even if he can jump from buildings and take out baddies left and right. This Bond actually bleeds, gets tortured, and at the heart of the story, actually truly falls in love. He's a man driven by emotion, not by a title or a gun, and in doing so he not only makes mistakes but suffers as well. We're well past the days of perfect heroes who never get shot and get the girl in the end, and Casino Royale focuses on that aspect brilliantly. 

Vesper is a very smart woman and much more of a challenge for Bond than previous love interests. 

Now, Casino Royale isn't all about the emotion. Director Martin Campbell crafts incredible action sequences deserving of this bigger, better, and more gritty Bond. From the opening black and white sequence that introduces us to 007, to the following chase sequence that sees Bond chasing a man who jumps and climbs over every obstacle like a crazy monkey, Campbell blends suspense with shock and awe. It's a terrific combination that gives nods to previous Bond films while recreating the hero like we have never seen before. Along with the great visuals, David Arnold gives us a musical score that highlights the somber moments beautifully and accentuates the dramatic tension of the action just as well. The iconic, nay, legendary Bond theme finds its way into the movie, but does it as more of a nod to the past as it is used more of a stepping stone into Casino Royale as opposed to a continued motif. The same can be said of the trademark lines of Bond, as the movie brushes off the martini quote and completely destroys his signature Aston Martin. Again, these nods reminds us we're in 007's universe but also tells the audience that this is indeed, a different kind of Bond. 

Bleeding and dirty, this is not what you expect James Bond to look like. 

As different as Casino Royale is from its predecessors, it still is a true Bond movie at heart. With incredible action sequences, beautiful women left and right, and a hero who knows what needs to get done no matter what the cost is, the film reintroduces the Ian Fleming legend with both dramatic and suspenseful justice. Daniel Craig completely takes over the role and does whatever he pleases with it, running off carelessly after a bad guy and actually falling in love with a woman. Casino Royale by itself is an exceptional film and adding the Bond label to it only makes it greater. It's a blockbuster with not only a smart script, but a flawed hero. Much recognition needs to be given to both the filmmakers and the cast, especially Craig who defied all expectations placed upon him and can easily be called one of (if not the best) actors to play James Bond. Whenever the film dives deep into a full out action flick or even a suspenseful poker movie, we're reminded that it is indeed a James Bond movie. The film ends with the iconic line, "The name's Bond. James Bond", only cementing the fact that he has indeed returned.

The Good:

great action sequences that contrast very well with the more emotional moments that bring Bond down to a more realistic, on-earth level

The Better:

even better performances from the supporting cast, from the villain to the girl, and Judi Dench, Jeffrey Wright, and Giancarlo Giannini

The Best:

Daniel Craig as a new breed of Bond that's both vulnerable and badass, with an added touch of his charisma, charm, and complexity

9.3/10

Discussion Question:

Where does Daniel Craig rank among the actors who have played Bond and what do you think he does better then the rest?

Trailer:

Oct 18: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

"British retirees travel to India to take up residence in what they believe is a newly restored hotel. Less luxurious than its advertisements, the Marigold Hotel nevertheless slowly begins to charm in unexpected ways."

Directed by: John Madden, Rated: PG-13, 124 minutes

When I first saw a trailer for The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, I assumed it would be a safe movie you can watch with your grandparents, have a few laughs, and easily waste a couple of hours with a nice little movie. After seeing the movie, all of these thoughts have been changed, and the movie turns out to be something remarkable, spiritual, and much more profound than anything I expected. I have to give myself a little slap on the wrist for thinking so lightly of this movie, as in complete honesty, it's easily one of the best movies of 2012. Oh, and it has an incredible cast. 

British and over 60? Welcome aboard!

The film follows a bunch of retired people that are all looking for a way out of their regular lives. Evelyn (Judi Dench) is trying to cope with the loss of her husband and wants to travel the world, something she never had the opportunity to do so. Graham (Tom Wilkinson) has a past he's trying to reconnect with and hopes to visit some people he grew up with. Douglas (Bill Nighy) and Jean (Penelope Wilton) are a newly retired couple that aren't happy with their home and want something more full of life and energy. Muriel (Maggie Smith) is a racist old woman who needs a hip replaced and the only place to do the surgery sooner than later is out of the country, much to her dissatisfaction. Madge (Celia Imrie) and Norman (Ronald Pickup) are two old-timers that are very young in the mind and are rather promiscuous. All of these older people come together in a hotel in India, run by Sonny (Dev Patel), a young man trying to turn the rather lackluster hotel into something much more grand. As all of these men and women begin to understand the complexities of India and its people, they all go through their own changes, mostly for the best. 

Oh, Wilkinson! You crazy!*

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is very unexpected and quite the treat. It's a lovely little film that shows the struggles of those thought to be past their prime and the youth and life they discover in one of the most beautiful countries in the world. The film is sweet, never forced, and genuinely funny. I rarely laugh at loud at movies (it takes a lot to impress me) and I let out plenty of chuckles throughout the film, either be it at hearing something I'd never expect one of these actors to say, or the sheer brilliance of the script. All of the cast are exceptional and even the young Dev Patel handles his own incredibly well. His character is very much a throwback to the classic optimistic and overwhelmed characters you'd see in something from the 50s or 60s and yet he manages to maintain a sincerity to the rather cartoon character he plays. The movie also features plenty of scenes that pull at your heart strings and leave you "with something in your eye". The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is a movie that wraps you in with the cast and humor and leaves you happier and more satisfied than you could imagine (in a non-dirty way). 

Although, she'll have you either way. 

I would highly recommend The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. As I mentioned, it's easily one of the best movies of the year and deserves to be talked about come the end of the year. After watching The Darjeeling Limited in 2007, I was immediately fascinated with India and have always wanted to travel there. With this film, that craving reemerges and director John Madden does a fabulous job at capturing the culture, the people, and even the modernizing of one of the most interesting countries in the world. I really love this movie and hope that you'll look past the rather generic, yet simple trailers and give The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel a shot. You won't be disappointed. 

The Good:

a great little look at India, from its people to its culture and even the food

The Better:

having a terrific cast come together for a film that's not only fun, but means a lot more than you'd think

The Best:

an ending that's sweet enough to be happy with and not feel like it's what you'd expect, even though you have a rough idea of where it's heading

Overall: 8.5/10

Trailer:

*I whole-heartily love this man.