
Since I saw the latest James Bond film 'Skyfall' I have been trying to figure out what my feelings are towards the film. After a hot shower a few hours ago I now realize how I feel... confused.
But before I get to that lets talk Bond 23. 'Skyfall' is the 3rd film since the relaunch of the franchise back in 2006 starring Daniel Craig. As he has in the past films, Craig proves he is James Bond. In 'Skyfall' we are brought a vulnerable hero; broken and looking for redemption. As the latest Bond bad guy, Javier Bardem (Raoul Silva) is creepy and gets under your skin like no other Bond villain has before.
The plot is a simple one that sends us globetrotting in classic Bond style; China, London, Scotland and Turkey. Following an assignment that goes wrong, Bond is presumed dead and goes into an alcohol feuled retirement, until coming back to help 'M' (Judi Dench).
Now this is where I get a little confused. The film starts out very modern, building on the feel and look of 'Casino Royale' and 'Quantum Of Solace' but all of a sudden steps back in time. The last hour or so of the film flowed like 'From Russia With Love'. An incredible movie, but since the relaunch I have enjoyed the new feel. It seems to me that director Sam Mendes got lost filming and was never quite sure of what he was trying to acomplish. This is not saying it's a bad film (reviews and ticket sales prove that), i just feel that instead of two different movies we could have had just one.
Another part that should have got me excited was the return of 'Q' (Ben Whishaw), 'M' (Ralph Fiennes) and Moneypenny (Naomie Harris). All three did an incredible job, but are we reliving the past or moving into the future.
I know it seems like i'm just ripping the movie apart, but as a 38 year Bond fan I was just hoping for more than two good movies in one... I wanted one massive Bond film to celebrate the 50th birthday of 007.
Matman Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Komodo Dragons!