The 23rd Bond film from Eon Productions starts well with an expected action-packed pre title sequence. And the title song by Adele is one of the best in the franchise, up there with Diamonds are Forever and Live and Let Die. There are many fantastic scenes and Daniel Craig is once more a commanding presence. Sadly, plot conveniences in the script, over-stylised cinematography and attempted alignment with predetermined character arcs become overpowering. On more than one occasion, Bond has the opportunity to act but instead he waits until it's too late. These are plot conveniences so that additional scenes can take place. They destroy audience trust in the protagonist. And it's not just Bond but the new Q who makes decisions that undermine character believability. In fact the whole set-up for the finale is a series of plot conveniences. M, played by Judi Dench, is once more made to fiddle with contraptions like a field agent. The actress herself admitting this is not believable. Javier Bardem (villain) and Berenice Marlohe (Bond girl) were brilliant in their roles but under-utilised as a result of the script. This film, it seems, is not so much about telling a story well but setting up for a new direction for the films. What was rebooted so well with Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace takes a heavy Skyfall. A decent action film but it can't be taken seriously.
Reviews
3 Reviews
The Cost
(2022)
Would you commit?
8 July 2023
The Cost is an Australian thriller drama I heard of for the first time before it's screening at the Vision Splendid Film Festival (June, 2023). It was a major drawcard for me as I'm a lover of crime fiction. I only watched the beginning of the trailer to avoid spoilers.
The film held me from beginning to end. I was invested in the characters' decisions from the moment the gag was pulled! It was a visceral experience that drew exclaims from the audience. There was also a red herring timely placed that will leave many to wonder what could have been. Nail biting climax to a sustained tension drama with outstanding actors-it's a film that can be discussed at length and that's a good thing.
The film held me from beginning to end. I was invested in the characters' decisions from the moment the gag was pulled! It was a visceral experience that drew exclaims from the audience. There was also a red herring timely placed that will leave many to wonder what could have been. Nail biting climax to a sustained tension drama with outstanding actors-it's a film that can be discussed at length and that's a good thing.
Here Be Dragons
(2022)
Eye for an eye would leave the world blind
28 June 2023
A war crimes investigator for the UN takes on a special case that sees him return to Serbia. This taut mystery thriller is a debut feature for Australian director Alastair Newton Brown. I went into the film unawares of his credits and was blown away. Nathan Sapsford was brilliant in the lead role of David Locke. The whole cast was exceptional. Every character left an impression and added to the authenticity of the film. The cinematography was another standout. Character exchanges and their interaction with the Serbian setting was immersive. There were only a few moments at the end of the film when I had to suspend my disbelief briefly. I highly recommend this film to anyone who likes mystery or thriller films, especially ones with historical basis. I had the pleasure of watching this on the big screen at the Vision Splendid Film Festival. Looking forward to seeing more from this director and all the cast and crew involved. Brilliant.
Tell Your Friends