No Time to Die

Tags

007, 2020’s, Ana de Armas, Ben Whishaw, Billy Magnussen, Cary Joji Fukunaga, Christoph Waltz, Dali Benssalah, Daniel Craig, James Bond, Jeffrey Wright, Lashana Lynch, Léa Seydoux, Naomie Harris, No Time to Die, Ralph Fiennes, Rami Malek, Spy

James Bond finally returns to our screens after many setbacks and pushbacks on release date owing to the pandemic. In No Time to Die, we say goodbye to Daniel Craig as 007 and he signs off with a fantastic, bold and unexpectedly emotional movie.

James Bond(Daniel Craig) has left MI6 and is travelling with his lover Madeleine Swann ( Léa Seydoux )in Matera . Yet his past as a spy comes back again as he is ambushed and attacked by Spectre goons. It becomes apparent that Madeleine is hiding something that could be deadly and Bond feels betrayed by her secrecy, making him part ways with her as he suspects her of leading Spectre to him . Five years later, Bond is in Jamaica attempting retirement when old friend and C.I.A Felix Leiter(Jeffrey Wright) turns up wanting help. It appears Valdo Obruchev( David Dencik) , a scientist working on something very important and deadly has been kidnapped from a covert MI6 base. Bond is reluctant to get involved but does so anyway out of a sense of loyalty to Felix who has helped him out many a time. Along the way Bond encounters the confident agent Nomi( Lashana Lynch)who has taken up his mantle of 007 in his absence. It appears both the C.I.A and MI6 want something from the mysterious Orbruchev and both are working seemingly against each other to get it. The thing in question turns out to be a biological weapon that was secretly being developed off books with clandestine input from MI6. Eventually, following leads in Jamaica and Cuba, Bond returns to MI6 as the case leads back to Blofeld( Christoph Waltz)who he captured in Spectre . The project Obruchev was working on was powerful if harnessed by could prove deadly on a global scale. Aided by a regretful M(Ralph Fiennes), who was the one who started the questionable biological weapon project , computer/tech wizard Q(Ben Whishaw) and the ever loyal Moneypenny (Naomie Harris) Bond attempts to figure out what is happening . But it appears the real enemy actually has a bone to pick with Blofeld . This enemy by the name of Safin (Rami Malek) has his own agenda for kidnapping the scientist, who himself is rather shady in the long run .Things turn extremely personal when Bond once more encounters Madeleine, who has some link to the evil Safin and definite secrets that are waiting to be revealed with far reaching consequences . The stakes are truly raised higher as Bond hunts down this sharp enemy intent on a warped idea of world domination and destruction

Cary Joji Fukunaga provides us with a Bond movie with a difference, while retaining in his artistic vision, the things we all love about this iconic franchise . No Time to Die is extremely stylish and props must go to the gorgeous cinematography that’s by turns beautifully bright or moodily dark in accordance with the shifting settings and unravelling of story . Fukunaga’s direction is also on point in this regard and how it backs up the story of twists and turns with a human heart at its core. He’s a fantastic choice of director and his self-assured stamp is all over No Time to Die. As a huge Bond fan, I appreciate various nods to previous adventures and also how daring and how it’s one of the more emotional of the films, akin to On Her Majesty’s Secret Service and Casino Royale in that regard. This is a film that might polarise fans as it does some things in a manner not expected in a Bond film and boy is there a lot to unpack throughout. But in a way I think that adds more to the film and makes it stand out quite boldly. Time will tell what the fandom truly makes of No Time to Die, but my thoughts are that it’s a strong movie indeed . And as I’m a kind reviewer, I will not delve into major spoilers here and I’ll let movie goers go in with nothing to ruin the film. No Time to Die is also a rather haunting film with many a creepy moment . But then it also has dashes of humour and thrills you always need in a Bond flick  . It has all the ingredients you’d want from a Bond film and tinged then with moments of unexpected horror and tension, such as a spooky opening of Madeleine’s past, grisly death via biological warfare and a nail biting scene in the misty woods of Norway . And the action is still at a high level of enjoyment with the intense ambush scene involving leaping motorbikes and a well armoured car in Matera and Bond and Felix attempting to escape a sinking boat being standouts. Sometimes the exposition gets a bit full on in some stretches and lags a bit, but for a film that runs nearly three hours, it goes by relatively quickly and smoothly . A strongly stirring, thrilling and emotive score by the reliable Hans Zimmer further adds to the excellence of this film as it charts the action of the piece while keeping something personal too. We are also treated to a moody and unusually title sequence that takes us on a journey through the history of the series and features prescient imagery of time, DNA and destruction. It’s all done in artistic fashion and set to the brooding title song by the talented Billie Eilish .

In his last outing as James Bond , Daniel Craig gives a truly complete performance that has many layers. He’s still got the magnetic aggression and killer instinct that we know, but he is also extremely good at the one liners and the beating heart of emotions at the centre of Bond. He’s really owned this part and his last performance doesn’t disappoint as it’s full of feeling and delivered with commitment. Léa Seydoux provides enigmatic presence and tangible sadness as Bond’s love interest, who has her hands tied in a way that throws everything into a tailspin. Her reserved manner and chemistry with Craig are fine assets to No Time to Die and form the main backbone of it. Rami Malek, though I don’t know if I’d rank him as the best Bond villain ever, still has his moments and he does nail the creepy and insidious nature of Safin. He at least has a slithering presence about him which is saying something whenever he appears. Swagger and confidence in action and ability come in the form of Lashana Lynch as the new 00 agent on the block. Whip smart, sassy and always wanting to succeed, Lynch is a fine addition to the film and her witty banter plus prowess in combat are very much on show. The regulars of MI6 in Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris and Ben Whishaw are all stalwart and contribute well to the proceedings. Ralph Fiennes in particular stands out as M who is coming to rue his actions.

Making the most of small screen time but lighting it up with cheeky humour and coltish physicality is the stunning Ana de Armas . Portraying a fledgling agent who is eager to please and both funny and lethal in equal measure, she’s a delightful addition to the film and has a ball with her standout sequence in Cuba . It’s also good to see Jeffrey Wright again as who boasts a contribution of humour and realisation that bounces well of Daniel Craig. We’ve not seen them on screen together since  Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace , but the relationship established there is present once more here. David Dencik and Billy Magnussen make for a slimy duo of turncoat agent with a cheesy smile and slippery scientist  who provide a collective thorn in Bond’s side. Christoph Waltz is also used well in a brief reprisal of Blofeld; his alert eyes and calm yet eerie demeanour wonderfully used to chilling effect. And on henchman duty we have the intense Dali Benssalah, complete with a newly fitted scanning eye who isn’t afraid of a vicious dust up with Bond.

A Bond film where there is a lot to unpack and with a feeling of something different, bold and creative , No Time to Dis makes sure that Daniel Craig signs off in style as 007. I shall miss him as everyone’s favourite super spy but I’m happy that No Time to Die provides him with a fantastically eventful and daring final outing.

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End

Tags

2000's, Adventure, Bill Nighy, Chow Yun-Fat, Disney, Fantasy, Geoffrey Rush, Gore Verbinski, Jack Davenport, Johnny Depp, Jonathan Pryce, Keira Knightley, Keith Richards, Kevin McNally, Lee Arenberg, Mackenzie Crook, Naomie Harris, Orlando Bloom, Pirates of the Caribbean, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, Stellan Skarsgård, Tom Hollander

The concluding part to the original trilogy of fantasy/adventure films( though two other sequels would inevitably follow), Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End is rousing but at times a very mixed bag. It’s very fun and has sublime action, it just gets a tad sidetracked with wrapping up many plot points. Still, it boasts quite an entertaining spectacle from Disney and I love it for that and how epic it feels.

The very existence of pirates is under attack from the evil and power mad Lord Cutler Beckett( Tom Hollander) . He has begun executing anyone associated with piracy, in the hope it’ll bring out the prominent members of pirate world out into full view for him. As his power grows, mainly due to him having control over the fearsome Davy Jones( Bill Nighy) after coming into possession of his cut out heart, pirates must form unlikely alliances to survive. In Singapore, Elizabeth Swann(Keira Knightley), the resurrected Barbossa(Geoffrey Rush) , Will Turner(Orlando Bloom), Tia Dalma(Naomie Harris) and others loyal to Jack Sparrow(Johnny Depp), arrive to meet with the famed yet shifty pirate lord named Sao Feng (Chow Yun-Fat). He possesses a navigational chart to the Locker, but being a crafty pirate he isn’t just going to give it over that easily. After their meeting is ambushed by The East India Trading Company and Navy, Sao Feng sends his crew along with the rescue group for Jack as he is prone to going with whoever benefits him and going whichever way the wind blows. The group need Jack in order to have someone who is part of the Pirate Brethren and can make a decision regarding the next course of action against Beckett and the fleet he owns. Each has a motive for wanting Jack’s return, particularly Elizabeth who feels guilty for her part in his imprisonment and Will who has plans that are personal to him . Will saw Elizabeth kissing Jack before his demise and didn’t understand that is was her distracting him. This is put a wedge between the lovebirds that both hope to overcome. Along the way, backstabbing occurs as loyalties shift and people attempt to survive the oncoming fight for their very lives. Journeying from Singapore to literally off the edge of the world, the real tag crew finally find Jack in Davy Jones Locker.  After much tribulation in an attempt to return to the normal world , now with a reluctant Jack, things seem to be on an even keel . But it’s not going to be plain sailing for them all, far from it. Elizabeth discovers her father Governor Swann( Jonathan Pryce) was murdered by and this ignites more action inside of her, we witness how she’s more than happy to go against the grain now and take charge in fierce fashion when it gets personal. Will wants to rescue his cursed father Bootstrap Bill(Stellan Skarsgård) from damned life on the Flying Dutchman . The only catch is that he must stab the heart but then become the captain of the vessel. This would mean he would be parted from his beloved Elizabeth and only every ten years for one day would he be allowed to see her is still mourning the goddess Calypso, who he loved and when she didn’t return to him, he became the monster he is at present . We learn that Calypso was bound to human form and that form is the ever enigmatic Tia Dalma , who has an axe to grind with the Brethren . Will has to align himself with the slimy Beckett to enable some of his plan to work while Elizabeth ends up with more responsibility than ever. Upon reaching where they need to be , opinions are raised about the future. It’s up to the to fight back against its enemies and though many present have differing motives and ideals, uneasy but needed unions are made as the time for fighting grows closer. Soon battle lines are drawn and it’s a battle that no one is going to forget.

Gore Verbinski still knows how to create a swashbuckler and succeeds in the stakes of action, adventure and fantasy. He has the right gusto to keep things spinning, even if the multitude of plot points is a chore. From doing my research, I saw that At World’s End was filmed back to back with its predecessor and you get the feeling more effort was lavished on Dead Man’s Chest than here . Which isn’t to say that the film is bad, it just can lack focus with all the varying strands it has to contend with and exposition runs heavily throughout. In the last two movies, I have mentioned the run times being a bit long. But here it really does feel overlong and sometimes needs an injection of something to get it going. It’s not hard to feel a bit confused with all the subterfuge at play and the plot points that need tying up getting drawn out. These areas tie the movie up in knots that derail some of the good that it has to offer. Mercifully, when the action and spectacle hit in At World’s Enf, they knock it out of the park in powerful fashion. The last hour or so is an onslaught of breathless action between ships in a stormy sea as the final battle takes place in grandiose style, following a rallying speech from the now fully fledged pirate Elizabeth . Water soaks, sails break and swords clash as the fight for freedom. And it’s pretty spectacularly mounted and executing from near every angle. It’s what the audience has been waiting for and it doesn’t disappoint. Earlier standout moments include the rousing rendition of a call to arms from those about to be put to death, the trippy purgatory of Davy Jones Locker , the rag tag crew slipping a boat over to escape the land of the dead and an extended battle in Singapore on wooden bridges over waterways. And that’s not forgetting the visual front of sweeping camerawork that captures many a cinematic moment, like the as two faction walk towards the other with equal intensity in their eyes that feels like a tribute to an old Western in the best possible way. The sets are gorgeously rendered and we have Hans Zimmer on music duties once more; crafting a suitably epic score that continues to build as the action explodes.

Johnny Depp headlines this end to the original trilogy with usual blend of outrageous comedy styling and moments of occasional seriousness. Jack is wily and up to his usual tricks but we see that he can loyal in his own roundabout way. Knockabout humour and action go hand in hand for Depp in his finely energetic performance that once more makes it mark as memorable. Orlando Bloom has come a longboard way  from the start and it’s great to see him play the ruthless and cunning yet still charming Will. Gone are the overly saintly antics of the first chapters of the character, and we have Bloom playing Will as someone who engages in piracy with efficiency and verve but still has shreds of integrity and selflessness to him. Keira Knightley impresses once more as Elizabeth becomes a fully fledged pirate once she realises that she has nothing left to lose following the murder of her father . She’s vengeful, spirited and knows how to cut anyone down with either words or sword. Knightley is a winner once more in how she’s portrayed Elizabeth throughout the trilogy; her emergence from well brought up lady to skilled, respected pirate is one hell of a journey thanks to the delightful young actress. And who else could look so fetching in pirate garb and command such deep respect from those around her like Knightley? Say what you will about some of the plotting in the trilogy, but the development of Will and Elizabeth has been a shining factor and hugely positive in the course of the three movies. Geoffrey Rush is back and as wickedly entertaining as ever, playing Barbossa with a glint in his eyes and spitting out amusing one liners whenever the occasion calls for it. Stellan Skarsgård, who I’ve aways found to be a really underrated actor, wrings out the sadness from his part of doomed father and damned man. There’s something in his eyes that just really evokes a feeling of pity. Nighy makes for both a terrifying prospect and a tormented man, ably supporting Naomie Harris as the enigmatic long lost love. Once we become privy to the knowledge of the history between these two, their story takes on more pathos that is thankfully a good plot thread that interests. Tom Hollander continues to grease it up as the skippering Beckett, a little man with big ideas who is quite the loathsome cockroach that many characters wish to kill. A wasted opportunity comes in the form of Chow Yun-Fat. He’s a commanding actor and has an elegance to him, but its not put to good enough use here which is most unfortunate. More successful is the stalwart Kevin McNally as the noble friend to all and the one who is the most approachable amid all the larger than life characters. They aren’t the favourite characters of everyone, Pintel and Ragetti(Lee Arenberg and Mackenzie Crook) that is, and but their buffoonery and blunders of quite entertaining when I see them. Some of it wears thin but they are clearly having a blast. Jack Davenport appears again as the Commodore who switches loyalties, and he successfully plays someone who grows a spine a little too late. Jonathan Pryce is sadly sidelined for his part, though the unexpected death of his character certainly sets in motion something within Elizabeth. Watch out for the much publicised cameo by Keith Richards as Jack’s pirate father( with added tongue in cheek humour as Depp based the part he plays on Richards himself)

So if it goes on too long and feels just a bit too convoluted, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End can at least be praised for its acting, action and pure sense of escapism. After all, it’s a fun filled time for most of it that can prove worthy of your patience and viewership. And it caps off the trilogy in style so I can’t begrudge it that.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest

Tags

2000's, Adventure, Bill Nighy, Disney, Fantasy, Gore Verbinski, Jack Davenport, Johnny Depp, Jonathan Pryce, Keira Knightley, Kevin McNally, Lee Arenberg, Mackenzie Crook, Naomie Harris, Orlando Bloom, Pirates of the Caribbean, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, Stellan Skarsgård, Tom Hollander

The sequel to the highly successful first film, Pirates of the Caribbean ups the ante and continues on a darker but still entertaining path. My heart may belong to The Curse of the Black Pearl because of nostalgia, but this Disney swashbuckler is definitely a very close second with glorious set pieces and pure escapism galore.

Jack Sparrow(Johnny Depp) is on the run from the Navy after his escape in the last movie. But the Navy is the least of his worries when he is given an ominous piece of news by Bootstrap Bill(Stellan Skarsgård), who is Will Turner’s damned father. Jack owes a debt to the infamous Davy Jones(Bill Nighy); the chilling captain of the Flying Dutchman who has a lot of mystical forces on his side. If he doesn’t pay his debt and become a member of the doomed crew, he’ll be dragged to Davy Jones Locker by the beast known as the Kraken. Meanwhile, lovebirds Elizabeth Swann and Will Turner are set to marry buy on the blessed day, their nuptials are interrupted by the East India Trading Company and they are arrested for helping Jack escape. A warrant is also issued for Commodore Norrington( Jack Davenport), though he is now far from the Navy and a very different person now. The East India Trading Company is headed by the arrogant and conniving Lord Cutler Beckett(Tom Hollander) . This contemptible  weasel tries to strike a deal with Will. If Will can retrieve the magic compass that Jack owns that points to what the use desires, Beckett will pardon him and Elizabeth. The compass would lead to the whereabouts of the Dead Man’s Chest; the heart of Davy Jones that if anyone owns can rule the sea and make others fall under command. Along the way, Will meets his father and after bonding attempts to save him from eternal damnation. Elizabeth is freed by her father(Jonathan Pryce) and she begins to join the hunt for the Dead Man’s Chest after striking something of a bargain with for information on the whereabouts of her man and what he’s seeking. This is also so she can be reunited with her beloved Will and insure his safety. But this time, something begins to creep up on Elizabeth. A frisson with Jack leads to complex emotions becoming known, which troubles Elizabeth. In between loyalties shifting, an islands of cannibals that captures the main crew at one point, an encounter with swamp dwelling clairvoyant Tia Dalma(Naomie Harris)and meeting with the fearsome Jones, it’s going to be anything but plain sailing for the characters. Soon everyone has their sights on the Dead Man’s Chest for their own personal reasons. Just who will emerge with it?

Gore Verbinski is directing again with great flair for skullduggery and action of the highest order . He isn’t afraid to raise the seriousness as well, while still retaining some of the knockabout charm the audience knows and loves. Dead Man’s Chest feels darker than it’s predecessor The stakes are higher here and it shows in feelings of being epic. There’s quite a bit of brutality and darkness in this film(particularly some of the opening shots of prisoners and their fates), but nothing too grisly as it knows just went to push things and when to leave it up to the viewer’s imagination. As I’ve mentioned, is my favourite of the series, yet Dead Man’s Chest is a very enjoyable sequel with plenty to thrill an audience and that’s why I do hold it in high regard. The length of the film is a smidgeon too long but the sheer amount of action and adventure more than makes up for the long running time. The action set pieces come thick and fast, especially in the last half of Dead Man’s Chest. Of particular note is the extended fight for the eponymous chest as all manner of people get their hands on it and lose it in elaborate fashion, Combining humour with breathless action when we see Jack, Will and on a severed wheel from water mill duelling for their lives as it careens through jungle , it’s one hell of a ride on my book. The visuals are of high quality too, crafting many a fine moment of magic. Particularly deserving of the praise is the computer generated design of Davy Jones, who is an amalgamation of sea creatures, most notably having a squid face of innumerable tentacles. The effects make him come to life in very creepy fashion and seem so real, as if he could leap out of the screen in full villainous form. Hans Zimmer takes over score duties and builds on the already impressive atmosphere and then sum. His score thunders along with an epic sweep that pulls you in and is more than a match for the stunning visuals on show.

A game cast is on hand to flesh out this fantasy adventure. Johnny Depp is at head of it as the one and only Jack Sparrow. Depp embodies the sneaky and shifting loyalties of someone used to playing the game. Sparrow is a flawed character as he’s more than happy to sell his friends down the river with a cheeky grin on his face, but Depp evinces the hidden decency that catches up with him. Only Depp can play Jack Sparrow this way and make it truly work, which is one of the highest compliments I can give him. Orlando Bloom is definitely stepping it up as Will, finally throwing off the shackles of being a holier than thou hero. He’s definitely still got some honour, but it’s fun to see him embrace pirate instinct and action, feeling more dynamic than ever before. Keira Knightley excels once more as the ever evolving Elizabeth, who really shows off her flinty and cunning side on this adventure. Knightley, clearly relishing the chance to partake in more action,  possesses the right balance of determination and confusion when her romantic inclinations begin to go in a way she never imagined. The whole triangle is played out excellently as both have things Elizabeth wants, adding further fuel to the fire in the process. A combination of great animation effects and a fine actor in the form of Bill Nighy craft a ruthless character in Davey Jones. Created via motion capture and then with the computer generated design overplayed onto the face of Nighy, Jones is a chilling villain with Bill Nighy lending a great deal of presence and impact to it. The effects are very convincing and worthy of praise but it’s the inhabiting of the part that makes it so impressive on the part of Bill Nighy. His distinctive eyes are noticeable through the CGI and the voice he adopts has a real spine-tingling quality; while a certain pathos and glimmers of someone who isn’t all that bad emerges from this. We are also introduced to the mysterious voodoo priestess Tia Dalma, who provides much in the way of intrigue surrounding her knowledge of Davy Jones. Naomie Harris plays the part with an enigmatic grace and knowing playfulness that is most intriguing as the part is a peach. Jack Davenport reappears as the now dissolute and fallen from grace Commodore, who ruined his image and promise by chasing Sparrow. Stellan Skarsgård makes for a welcome addition to the party as the tragic Bootstrap Bill. Hidden behind layers of crustacean make up, his melancholy delivery is surprisingly touching in the long run. Villainy of the human kind is found within Tom Hollander and his portrayal of a ruthless chairman for the East India Trading Company. Constantly belittling others and acting superior, you really start to despise the character. Which in my book shows how good an actor Hollander is to elicit such strong feelings. Lee Arenberg and Mackenzie Crook provide more knockabout humour as the idiotic pirate duo never far from a scrape, while the stalwart abilities of Kevin McNally are on show as the ever faithful Gibbs. Jonathan Pryce, though only in a supporting part, works his talents to make sure that his character isn’t merely throwaway.  

With plenty of action, darkness and an upping of stakes, Dead Man’s Chest makes for a compelling sequel of fantasy and adventure on the high seas.

28 Days Later

Tags

2000's, 28 Days Later, Brendan Gleeson, Christopher Eccleston, Cillian Murphy, Danny Boyle, Horror, Megan Burns, Naomie Harris, Noah Huntley

Film Title

28 Days Later

Director

Danny Boyle

Starring

• Cillian Murphy as Jim
• Naomie Harris as Selena
• Brendan Gleeson as Frank
• Christopher Eccleston as Major Henry West
• Megan Burns as Hannah
• Noah Huntley as Mark

Danny Boyle’s intensely mounted and terrifying horror 28 Days Later successfully delivers shocks, scares and relatable characters trying to survive in a world of post-apocalyptic wreckage. Sharply scripted and genuinely frightening, it is zombie horror at its finest.

In the beginning, a group of animal activists break into a secret research facility where chimpanzees are being held and experimented on. Despite the warnings of a scientist who catches them that the primates are infected with a highly contagious and violent virus, the trio opens the cages and are subsequently and brutally attacked. 28 days later in a London hospital, a bicycle courier by the name of Jim wakes from a coma. Dazed, he wanders out into the streets where he is greeted by a grim silence and everywhere deserted. Just as he is making a connection of what happened, he is attacked by a ravenous hoard of zombies. Thankfully, he is saved by Selena and Mark, who take him to refuge. The unflinching and very tough Selena explains that while Jim was in a coma, the highly contagious rage virus spread like wildfire among the population, resulting in death and collapse of society. The infected can spread the virus through blood and biting Jim is warned. Moving from place to place with the two survivors, Jim sees how dangerous the situation is when Mark is infected and Selena kills him. They are joined later by optimistic cab driver Frank and his young but very mature daughter Hannah. Continually moving and dodging attacks from the infected, through a radio broadcast, the quartet hears of alleged safety provided by an army camp. But with the virus quickly spreading and supplies dwindling, can the group survive when they come to see that this supposed safety they have been promised could be just as dangerous as the hoards of ravenous zombies on their tail?

Danny Boyle delivers kinetic direction that puts the audience right in the middle of the savagery and battle for survival. Yet what really impressed me about his directing was the way that he kept the pace going but didn’t ignore the character development. Boyle uses these flourishes to punctuate 28 Days Later with moments of tenderness between the core characters, before unleashing the hellish threat of infection and violence upon them. The tight script also gives the characters real emotion that makes us want them to survive the horrific ordeal. The roving camerawork highlights the race for survival and how these characters are on the move constantly. A grimy visual style creates a darkly authentic portrait of society gone to ruin, in an almost allegorical way. Haunting images abound but nothing beats the eerie silence and genuine sense of discomfort emitted from the scenes of Jim walking around an abandoned London seeing that the world he once knew has been altered. There is something so chilling about those scenes that I can’t put my finger on. And 28 Days Later deserves credit for the redesign of the usual sloping zombies in the horror genre. Here they are fast-moving and very frightening things and seeing them will stay in your head for a long time. A dark score of ambience and ever-growing intensity keeps the pace of the film ticking over and induces goosebumps in the process. I think it’s fair to say that 28 Days Later is not just another zombie movie, it has more to it than that and it rises above many other films in the genre.

Cillian Murphy wonderfully portrays the disoriented and shocked nature of Jim, who awakens to find his world upside down and very dangerous. Murphy makes the character sympathetic as well as capable of surviving these dire circumstances he has been thrust into. Making a very strong impact is Naomie Harris in her performance as Selena. A battle hardened fighter who doesn’t beat around the bush and won’t back down, Harris excellently gives voice to a character that has resided herself to the fact that she must do whatever she can to go on living and how weakness is not an option. Lighting up the supporting cast is Brendan Gleeson displaying gruff charm and affable kindness as Frank, who manages to find something to smile about most of the time despite the situation he is in. A slimy turn from Christopher Eccleston as a corrupt major who poses another dangerous threat to the group brings another face of shock to the piece. The only real acting casualties in this film are a bland Megan Burns and an underused Noah Huntley. Other than that, the cast is strong and very reliable.

Intense, deeply unsettling and brutally compelling, 28 Days Later is one effective slice of terror.

Spectre

Tags

007, 2010's, Andrew Scott, Ben Whishaw, Christoph Waltz, Daniel Craig, Dave Bautista, James Bond, Jesper Christensen, Léa Seydoux, Monica Bellucci, Naomie Harris, Ralph Fiennes, Sam Mendes, Spectre, Spy

Film Title

Spectre

Director

Sam Mendes

Starring

• Daniel Craig as James Bond
• Christoph Waltz as Franz Oberhauser
• Léa Seydoux as Madeleine Swann
• Ben Whishaw as Q
• Naomie Harris as Miss Moneypenny
• Dave Bautista as Mr. Hinx
• Monica Bellucci as Lucia Sciarra
• Ralph Fiennes as M
• Andrew Scott as Max Denbigh
• Jesper Christensen as Mr. White

It was going to be a hard act to follow the phenomenal success and acclaim that Skyfall experienced, but I’m happy to report that Spectre, the 24th Bond movie is excellently done and hugely entertaining on almost every level. Bringing back some of the classic formula that makes the series so enjoyable in the first place, Spectre scores high points.

We begin in Mexico during the Day of the Dead, where Bond is on an unofficial mission as ordered by the former M before her death. He is tracking an international criminal named Marco Sciarra who is planning to blow up a prominent stadium. Before he can do this Bond intervenes in typically bombastic fashion and gives chase to the mafia boss, ending up with the two of them battling it out in a helicopter slowly spinning out of control. Bond overpowers him and manages to claim his ring, which bears a curious octopus symbol. Meanwhile, back in London, the current M is under pressure when Bond returns because his actions play into the hands of ambitious Security Chief Max Denbigh. The cocky upstart has plans to rid MI6 of the 00 section, seeing it as old and outdated. Though disciplined by M to stay and not doing anything rash, Bond, enlisting the covert services of loyal Moneypenny and gadget man Q, travels to Rome to uncover more about the syndicate the Sciarra was part of. Through contact with the forbidden Lucia, who is the widow of Sciarra, he finds the meeting place. It transpires that the organisation is the nefarious SPECTRE, who are behind worldwide acts of chaos and evil. Most alarming of all is the fact that the head of it is someone from Bond’s past known as Franz Oberhauser. Travelling to Austria, where he encounters former enemy Mr White, who is dying and in his last moments gives Bond precious information, Bond is set for a globetrotting adventure that also takes him to Tangier. He is further aided by Mr White’s intelligent daughter Dr Madeleine Swann, as he unearths the full nature of the crime group and confronts his own past in a mission that gets personal and very dangerous.

Sam Mendes successfully returns to the director seat again and works marvels with Spectre. Sprinkling proceedings with humour, action and dangerous elegance, he captures the world of Bond with excitement and panache. I enjoyed seeing Mendes tipping his hat to some of the older movies in the series, specifically From Russia with Love and On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. Style oozes from the frames of this movie and special mention must go to the dazzling opening sequence. The sweeping nature of the tracking shot that begins the film is stunning and it burns itself deep into the mind for its skill, as well as the rest of the action-packed sequence that begins things with one hell of a bang. And I must give credit to the lovely cinematography that gives each new location on Bond’s journey a sense of dangerous atmosphere and international intrigue. Whether it be the burned oranges of shadowy Rome to the exotic golden sheen of Morocco, Spectre never fails to engage on a visual level. For all the visual grandeur, at least Spectre has a good script and story to go along with too. I liked the reintroduction of humour again and the way it was balanced with suspense. There really are some cracking one liners in here that will raise a chuckle or so within the audience, but there is still a grittiness within that is typical of Craig’s tenure as 007. Spectre feels very much like a Bond movie of old in style and content, though mixed with up to date agendas and technology. Thomas Newman provides a stirring and sweeping score that acts as a an excellent accompaniment to the adventure on screen and is not afraid to break out the outrageous bombast of old. Though the Sam Smith song for the movie has caused an ambivalent response, the orchestra heavy ‘Writing’s On the Wall’ fits stunningly into an unusual title sequence of octopus tentacles crawling over lovely ladies, fiery elementals caressing Bond and flickers of the past in shattered glass.

In his fourth outing as 007, Daniel Craig is excellent and really looks comfortable with the part. He still brings a level of seriousness to the screen, but it’s fun to see him be quick-witted and ruthless with style. In other words, Craig brings a new lease of life to Bond by combining both of these qualities and emerging successful. Largely seen in the shadows for the first half but once unveiled a slimy presence, a superb Christoph Waltz imbues the villain Oberhauser with a sinister charm and quiet sense of being the one pulling a whole lot of strings. Portraying the primary Bond girl Madeleine Swann, Léa Seydoux is sultry, intuitive and well-rounded as we witness her being able to handle dangerous situations and be able to analyse Bond. There is something very layered about the character and through the talents of Seydoux, they shine through. Ben Whishaw is a hoot as Q, given more material and working wonders with some splendidly written scenes with Bond as he risks his job to help him on his mission. Naomie Harris shines as Moneypenny, who also risks her job to help Bond and has a natural sense of humour about her. The hulking and silent credentials of Dave Bautista make for a suitably menacing henchman who tangles with Bond on more than one occasion. In a small but well-played part, the lovely Monica Bellucci plays a mob widow with a sense of melancholy and sexiness to her, who gives Bond some very important information regarding the eponymous group. Ralph Fiennes is great as M, who is not backing down from battling the forces that want to take away what he has worked for all this time. As the slick and brash Denbigh who has big plans and is thoroughly smug and condescending, Andrew Scott does a good job at making him really unlikable. And making a pivotal cameo is Jesper Christensen as former enemy Mr White who while dying after betraying SPECTRE, confides in Bond.

A well-shot, stylish and exciting Bond adventure, Spectre provides thrills and action that will leave you astonished and engrossed. I think it’s fair to say Spectre is a more than worthy follow-up to the amazing Skyfall.

 

Skyfall

Tags

007, 2010's, 50th Anniversary, Action, Adele, Adventure, Albert Finney, Ben Whishaw, Berenice Marlohe, Daniel Craig, James Bond, Javier Bardem, Judi Dench, Naomie Harris, Ola Rapace, Ralph Fiennes, Roger Deakins, Sam Mendes, Skyfall, Spy

Film Title

Skyfall

Director

Sam Mendes

Cast

• Daniel Craig as James Bond
• Javier Bardem as Raoul Silva
• Judi Dench as M
• Ralph Fiennes as Gareth Mallory
• Naomie Harris as Eve
• Berenice Marlohe as Severine
• Ben Whishaw as Q
• Ola Rapace as Patrice
• Albert Finney as Kincade

Skyfall is the 23rd entry into the James Bond series and this year celebrates the 50 years 007 has been on our screens. As many of my followers will know I’m a huge fan of the James Bond series, but I promise I’ll try to make this review as objective as possible. But even if you are not a fan, you can’t ignore the staggering success that the series has attained over it’s 50 year run. Over these years the films have showcased many exciting missions, amazingly beautiful women and maniacal villains, many of which have become a part of popular culture. If there was any doubt that the series couldn’t recover after the underwhelming Quantum Of Solace, then look no further than Skyfall that makes a spectacular return to form on the 50th Anniversary. Anyway, back to my review of the film.

The film starts with Bond and a sexy field agent named Eve, pursuing a mercenary in Istanbul who has a device that contains the identity of NATO agents. Right from the start, the atmosphere is thrilling and gripping, as the chase moves from cars to foot and eventually the top of a train. It is the perfect way to start the film. On the command of M, Eve armed with a sniper shoots intending to hit the target who is grappling with Bond. Instead she hits 007, who in turn falls into the river and is presumed dead. The scene is rounded of as Bond falls into an atmospheric title sequence accompanied by the sound of Adele’s title song, which harks back to the early Bond songs.

As a result of her judgment and command, M is pressured to resign by Government chairman Mallory. Then, MI6 is hacked and a bomb is set off at the headquarters, killing many of the workers. Meanwhile, Bond is “enjoying death” in some corner of the globe, a shadow of his old self. When he hears of the attack, he returns to duty to uncover the source of terror on M. It appears that M made an enemy of a former agent, Raoul Silva, who in turn wants personal and sadistic revenge on his former boss. What ensures is a thrilling, action packed and character driven film that firmly establishes Bond as a force that is here to stay.

What is great upon viewing the film is its neat balance of action and character development. Sam Mendes, best known for directing American Beauty, makes an assured entry into the Bond canon. All of the leading players involved in the film deserve some credit. Daniel Craig’s third movie features a great performance that shows both the vulnerable and tough sides to James Bond.As the flamboyant, sadistic and utterly menacing Silva, Javier Bardem is outstanding in a role that fits him like a glove. In my book, he is sure to go down as a memorable adversary for Bond. Judi Dench gives a commanding performance as M, as she is pivotal to the story and Dench rises to the challenge of having a larger role with ease. We finally get an insight into this commanding woman, both as a person and as the boss. No Bond film would be complete without the women. Naomie Harris provides a sexy presence as a field agent who playfully spars with Bond. Die hard fans should watch for a neat twist involving her character. The other girl, Berenice Marlohe has the smaller role but is equally as sexy and adds mystery to her character of Severine. My only quibble with her character is that it would have been better if her role had been expanded a little more. Sterling support is provided by Ralph Fiennes and Ben Whishaw, who makes an amusing and geeky young Q for this generation of fans. Albert Finney also appears as someone from Bond’s past and steals the scenes that he has.

The cinematography by Roger Deakins is exemplary in the way it captures the mood of the film and accentuates emotions with his use of colour. The locations and set pieces used are also amazing to the eye, such as the scene of Bond grappling with an enemy against a back drop of electric blue jellyfish and an exotic casino equipped with deadly Komodo dragons.

All that I have left to say is this, Skyfall is an exciting, gripping and action packed film with all the right ingredients and references to the early Bond movies. Even if you are not a fan of the series, see it as soon as you can as you won’t regret it.