I had the hardest time trying to get either of my boys to check this one out with me. Thought for sure since it was an action flick that at least one of them would be down for it. Neither were. James Bond just doesn't have the same allure for either age group like he did back in the day. I know when I was both a preteen and a teenager that I used to look forward to Bond flicks. Primarily because of the gadgets and the action. That
doesn't seem to be the case any longer. And now I see why.
"Skyfall" is the the latest installment in the 007 franchise. The 23rd to be exact. The third one to feature Daniel Craig in the James Bond role. This time around, Bond's loyalty to MI6 director M (Judi Dench) is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. One-time MI6 agent Silva (Javier Bardem) resurfaces seeking revenge on M for her past transgressions against him.
They took quite a different approach to start this one off than any Bond film I remember in the past. They actually made him appear less invincible. The opening action sequence finds him more than just wounded. He's actually shot and presumed dead. A clever turn of events since it enables him to take a break of sorts while he contemplates if he wants to continue the spy career or live a much quieter life. It was interesting to see Bond be that reflective.
I really hoped they would have done more with Bardem. He created one of the best villains in cinema history in "No Country for Old Men". I realize they couldn't recreate the same guy since that wouldn't be too original. They could have at least tried to get the same essence. I wasn't feeling the same type of intimidation factor in the Silva character. Maybe it was the blonde hair which didn't look right at ALL.
What was most disappointing was the lack of gadgets. It seems like they have departed from that concept altogether since Craig took over. That was always the coolest part about the Bond films. Especially when he would have those meetings with Q to see what new gadgets they've come up with and how to use them. Now we get none of that. Without it, it's really just another action film.
The other thing that was missing was the whole love interest angle. The Bond girl. Maybe they considered co-MI6 agent Eve (Naomie Harris) to be the Bond girl in this one? Only there was never any romance between the two of them. It was more like they had a brother and sister type of relationship. So yet another Bond trademark they strayed away from in "Skyfall". Which would explain why overall I just really wasn't feeling this one.
I heard there were rumors that Idris Elba would be taking over the Bond role. Don't know how that's possible when Craig is already signed on for the next two Bond films. At this rate, I don't care who does it as long as they get back to the formula that makes the Bond movies Bond movies. Although "Skyfall" wasn't near as disappointing as "Quantam Solace", it also wasn't anywhere close to the near perfect ratings that I've been seeing it getting elsewhere on the web.
My rating: B -
