Tag Archives: james bond

Skyfall {Film Review}

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*WARNING! MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS!*

 

After the underwhelming reaction to Quantum of Solace in 2008, critics and audiences were worried for the James Bond series. It left us feeling cold and empty, much like the character of James Bond that was portrayed on-screen. So there was a lot of work needed to bring the franchise back on its own feet and convince audiences there’s enough room for Bond to keep going! With Sam Mendes hired as the director of the 23rd Bond film, people started raising their eyebrows and their curiosity peaked as more talent were hired to the project.

Now celebrating 50 years of Bond (longest running movie series in history), the main questions on our minds were; does this Bond film deliver a respectful tribute to the series (more so than Die Another Day celebrating 40th anniversary in 2002) and do the filmmakers make up for their mistakes from Quantum and bring back the Bond we’ve been waiting for? The answer to both of those questions is a solid YES! Bond IS back!

The film ignores the events that have happened in the previous two films and goes straight to a different film altogether. The story starts with Bond (Daniel Craig) in Istanbul on the hunt for a missing hard-drive that contains names of every agent in terrorist organisations around the world and is accompanied by Eve (Naomie Harris). Meanwhile, M (Judi Dench) overhears their progress but the mission goes horribly wrong as Eve accidentally shoots Bond as ordered by M and the assassin escapes with the hard-drive. Months later, M and MI6 get attacked from a mysterious terrorist that seems to have a grudge against her. Bond eventually returns to England and is recruited back on the field. He then follows a trail that leads him to Shanghai and to an anonymous island where he meets Silva (Javier Bardem).

The film has all the trademarks of what you expect from a James Bond film; the one liners, the beautiful Bond girls, the stunning locations and the egomaniac villain. Unlike the typical plot where the villain holds the world to ransom or plans to start a World War; Silva has a personal vendetta up his sleeve and makes his character more threatening (even his presence is felt before he shows up). Through-out the film, Bond is treated like an old relic in a 21st Century world. It’s a daring but interesting question Sam Mendes not just puts to the character of Bond but even asks the question as mentioned earlier; is Bond still relevant in today’s generation? To which M delivers a speech in a meeting that time is inevitable but the soul still goes strong. Basically referring to the franchise and something I admire that a blockbuster even asks that question.

Daniel Craig excels as Bond, delivering the witty wisecracks like he’s able to do it blindfolded. He has definitely moved on from being cold and calculative to a Bond that is likeable but still retaining the efficiency as a double-0 agent. Judi Dench really delivers a great performance as M, even bringing more meat to the character than she ever has been since her debut in GoldenEye. She feels the weight as her time is nearly up but also feeling responsible for her recent actions. Her scenes with Daniel Craig are one of the highlights, as they interact with each other as they’re mother and son they both never had. Both Naomie Harris and Bérénice Marlohe really do check the list on being a Bond girl; they are both absolutely stunning! Harris makes Eve a convincing character, showing being a field agent isn’t all that glamourised and there are consequences to her actions. Though the weakest part of the film are the Bond girls, they don’t have enough screen-time to feel beneficial or make an impact to the story (especially with Marlohe’s Sévérine). Ben Whishaw as ‘Q’ made an impressive performance, making his take on the character his own but still retaining what we love about ‘Q’ (requesting Bond return a gadget in pristine order). His first scene with Bond establishes the type of relationship they will have; a banter between the old and the new but no matter on their differences, they still go hand-in-hand. Though Javier Bardem as Silva steals the spot-light and delivers one of the most memorable Bond villains in the series’ history. He brings the same intensity as he performed the character of Anton Chigurh in No Country for Old Men but also making Silva very flamboyant which makes it very fun to watch and can tell Bardem is having a blast playing the role.

The film looks absolutely breathtaking and no surprise it is shot by Roger Deakins (previous credits include True Grit (2010), The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford and The Shawshank Redemption). One of the many things that have been improved from Quantum is; the action sequences are wide and stationary so we can tell what is going on (further proving that you don’t need to make it hand-held and have kinetic editing to make your action scenes to be intense). One particular scene that made my mouth drop was when Bond follows the assassin he encountered earlier in Shanghai, leads up to a skyscraper and the entire floor is only lit from neon lights from opposite buildings. It really shows Deakins’ talent and I applaud Mendes on applying this amount of artistic license in a Bond film (and has my vote for Best Cinematography during the awards season). Thomas Newman replaces regular Bond composer David Arnold and delivers a classic Bond score but also feels very modern (using synthesizers when Bond arrives in Shanghai).

Overall; Sam Mendes delivers a Bond film we’ve been waiting for and actually feels like what a Bond film should! The entire cast and crew should be applauded to their work, bringing the top of their game and truly showing respect to the series. My personal favourite blockbuster of 2012 and one of the best Bond films ever made. Highly Recommended!

5 out of 5

SKYFALL… SALES RISE

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– The 007 effect sees sales of Bond fragrance on the rise–

Superdrug is benefitting from the ‘Bond effect’ as the 007 James Bond fragrance is flying off the shelves since the launch of Skyfall.

 

Sales show that not only do men want to be James Bond they also want to smell like him.  Since the latest Bond film Skyfall launched the retailer has seen sales of the 007 fragrance rise by 32 per cent (compared to the week before the film launch).

 

The retailer is ensuring more stock is rushed to stores to ensure that Bond fans who can’t afford the other 007 essentials, such as an Aston Martin or Tom Ford suit, can get their secret agent fix for just 18.99.

 

Sara Wolverson, Superdrug Director of Beauty said: “We know our customers love to emulate the style of their favourite celebrities but who knew the dapper action hero that is James Bond would have such a great effect on our sales.

 

“It’s not just this fragrance which is seeing the Bond effect, sales of male grooming products are also on the rise as men hope to look as smooth as Daniel Craig.

 

“But we are aware that the sales may be down to women snapping up the fragrance in the hope that a quick spritz may turn him indoors into their very own Bond.”

 

Exclusive ‘Skyfall’ Trailer – Starring Wayne Rooney as James Bond

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HuffPost Comedy presents an alternative take on James Bond with Wayne Rooney as 007. Written by leading comedy writer David Schneider as part of his Topical LOL series commissioned by HuffPost Comedy UK.

Skyfall Review – Bond Falls Back to Earth in this Massively Over Hyped Disappointment

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Skyfall was the most disappointing film I’ve seen for a long time. And it was made worse because this film has been hyped to the rafters by marketers and reviewers alike.

MI6 is in a crisis. A crucial disk containing the identities of all NATOs undercover agents has been stolen and know one knows why. It’s Bond’s job to get it back.

The biggest problem I have with this film is the terrible plot. It lacks any semblance of realism and meanders horribly all over the place. Nothing makes sense.

Bond completely lacks the sharp cool edge he had in Casino Royale and takes on an almost comic role. He lacks any sense of style and its not helped that Craig has unfortunately aged badly in the past six years.

The bond villain, Silva played by Javier Bardem, was utterly ridiculous and unbelievable, his character and his motives made almost no sense. Some of the acting was poor. Bond girl Severine (Berenice Marlohe), overacts one scene with the most bizarre facial expressions, spouting the cringe worthy line, ‘You’ve never known fear like this, not like him’.

The movie is partly saved by the strong performance of Judi Dench (M) who shines at times. She has some great dialogue with Bond. However I felt her character felt too vulnerable, although others may like this.

Product placements appear throughout the film. It gets particularly bad at one point in the first chase scene. The camera focuses on a CAT digger, cuts to Bonds OMEGA watch, cuts to a Landrover, cuts to CAT digger destroying Volkswagen ‘New Beetle’ cars. All whilst Bonds female colleague says, ‘He’s past the New Beetles’ or something to that effect. I don’t usually mind product placement but this was just ridiculous and there are many many examples throughout the film.

Without wanting to give too much  away, the film does improve slightly in the final few scenes. The idea behind the end point is a good one on the 50th anniversary. Unfortunately the way Bond gets there makes no sense and it feels horribly forced.

This is a massive step back from the gritty realism of the brilliant ‘Casino Royale’. People who say this is the best Bond ever should have their head examined. It is at best marginally better than the disastrous ‘Quantum of Solace’. Give it a miss.

3/10

 

 

 

New Bond: Skyfall Picture

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Honda Announced as the Choice of 007 for Skyfall

Honda (UK) is delighted to announce its partnership with the upcoming James Bond film, Skyfall, and today unveiled the actual Honda machines used in the film, at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu.

Honda’s CRF250R motorcycle proved to be the machine of choice by the 007 film’s action vehicles and stunt crew teams. These motorbikes were modified for the opening sequence of the 23rd James Bond film which was shot in Istanbul and Adana, Turkey earlier this year.

Twenty CRF250R machines were provided in total, to be adapted and ‘dressed’ appropriately into two native style motorbikes. One is a Turkish police bike that henchman, Patrice (Ola Rapace), seizes after a policeman crashes, the other is a Turkish merchant’s bike that James Bond (Daniel Craig) uses to pursue Patrice through the streets. Both bikes feature extensive modifications courtesy of Chris Corbould’s award-winning Special Effects team.

Two CRF450R motorbikes were further chosen for use as HD camera filming machines, as only a motorbike could easily enable the camera crew to keep up with the chase scene and follow the various stunts.

Stunt Co-ordinator for Skyfall, Gary Powell, commented, “We needed a highly versatile and quality off-road motorbike that could be easily modified, without compromising performance or safety, for the opening sequence of Skyfall. Honda’s CRFs are probably the best off-roaders out there so it’s great that we’ve been able to partner with Honda as the bikes, whilst heavily modified, were superb to work with.”

Honda (UK) Corporate Communications Manager, Fiona Cole, said, “We’re delighted to be a partner for Skyfall and are very much looking forward to seeing our Honda CRFs in action in the film and rolling out some great associated activities we’ve got planned from October when the film is released. We like to try and do things differently at Honda, including finding innovative, yet relevant ways to showcase our diverse products, whilst also really engaging with our customers. It’s great to not only have Honda machines chosen as the choice of Bond, but also to be working with such a longstanding film franchise.”

The Skyfall ‘Police’ and ‘Street Merchant’s’ bikes, alongside the unmodified and original Honda CRF250R, were unveiled today at the famous National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, which is currently hosting the BOND IN MOTION exhibition until 31 December 2012. The exhibition, the largest of its kind, celebrates 50 years of the James Bond films and showcases 50 of the best-loved and most iconic Bond vehicles.

To mark the occasion, Honda (UK) is offering twenty pairs of tickets to the BOND IN MOTION exhibition at Beaulieu, to lucky winners who enter Honda’s exclusive competition on its Twitter feed (@Honda_UK) before midnight on Sunday 22 July. Further activities surrounding Honda (UK)’s association with Skyfall will be announced over the coming months on www.honda.co.uk, Facebook/HondaCarsUK and Twitter @Honda_UK.

To see the versatile Honda CRF250Rs in action on screen and to enjoy the latest Bond adventure, head to see Skyfall in cinemas from 26 October.

And They’re Off! The Olympics 2012 Starts

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Starting from today, London is the most exciting place in the world. The Olympics has started and Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle’s opening ceremony is underway.

Evoking Britain’s green and pleasant land, choirs sang the national anthems of each country in the United Kingdom with their respective flowers which were: Danny Boy, Flower of Scotland, Bread of Heaven and England’s rose, Scotland’s thistle, Wales’ daffodil and Northern Ireland’s flax. There was even 70 sheep, 12 horses, 10 chickens and nine geese.

Then the set was stage as a volunteer cast of two and a half thousand people acted out the Industrial revolution. The cast are dressed like peasants and rich men from another era gave the audience a history lesson to the rousing beat of the drums. The theme of the opening ceremony is the Isles of Wonder, inspired by William Shakespeare’s play The Tempest. Mark Rylance had to drop out of the main part performing a monologue from The Tempest as his step-daughter died. Our heart goes out to him.

Direct descendants from the suffragette movement also took to the stage. Then there was a moment of silence for all of those who have sacrificed their life for their country. The epic opening ceremony cost £27 million

Then there was a splash of colour for the 60’s. 60,000 people inside the stadium watched the spectacle and another 4 billion watched on TV.

Molten Olympic rings were forged by craftsmen and then rose from the ground, creating an amazing spectacle. An emotional moment. The Olympic rings represent the five continents.

Then Daniel Craig as James Bond went to Buckingham Palace to get the Queen (yes, that one) with the corgis snapping at his heels. A helicopter ride later across London’s landmarks lead to The Queen and James Bond parachuting from a helicopter.

The Union Jack was then carried in by servicemen from the RAF, Army and the Navy.

Then the NHS and achievements of children’s books were represented while Mike Oldfields played ‘Tubular Bells’. This included Peter Pan and JK Rowling was there. NHS was then displayed in lights. Kids jumped on beds while nurses danced. Then children’s nightmares were represented by Lord Voldemort, Cruella De Vil and child snatcher from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Then a few Mary Poppins were dancing on stage and the nightmares were chased away. 10,000 people have taken part in the Opening Ceremony in total. The audience roared as the homage to the NHS ended. All of the nurses and doctors were real NHS workers! They all rehearsed for 350 hours.

Then Rowan Atkinson (as Mr Bean) played along while the National Symphony Orchestra during Chariots of Fire. Then scene from the film were played with Mr Bean cut into them. Very funny.

Then a typical British household was represented along with British TV shows and music from the past. Gregory’s Girl, Charlie Chaplin, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, The Who and David Bowie were all represented. Every audience member was taken through their childhood.

The Sex Pistols, texting, Soul II Soul and The Eurythmics played as the dancers rocked out and an actor and actress texted each other and then kissed. Famous kisses were then played in the background. Including that of Kate Middleton and Prince William. The journey of music and dance was told from the 60’s to the present day. Danny Boyle even got Trainspotting, the film that made him famous, in.

Then East London’s Dizze Rascal took to the stage. Dizzie was a good choice and then Amy Winehouse played. A homage to the singer who died last year.

The inventor of the internet Sir Tim Berners-Lee appeared and was paid homage to as everyone cheered. David Beckham, East London boy, brought the torch to the Olympic Stadium.

There was a minute silence for those who have passed away and then Emile Sande then sang Abide By Me. The dancers were amazing and there were some brilliant Tai Chi moves.

Then the athletes arrived. The athletes from each country arrived at the stadium carrying their flag as their country was called out.

The opening ceremony was full of British in-jokes and fantastic performances. Frost Magazine are proud to be British and will constantly be blogging about the Olympics. Let us know your opinions and thoughts.

Daniel Craig is very 'happy' following marriage

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Daniel Craig is “very happy” after getting married.

The actor’s friend Jason Isaacs believes the 43-year-old star – who tied the knot with actress Rachel Weisz in a surprise low-key ceremony last month – is the perfect choice to play James Bond because he “exudes sex”, though his personal life is now much tamer than that of the iconic British spy.

Asked if he would like to be James Bond, Jason said: “No, Dan is Bond – Daniel is one of the sexiest men!

“The thing about Dan is women all obviously want to sleep with him and men all think he’s having more relationships with women than they are – and they’re right! But not anymore, thank God, because he’s married and very happy but he just exudes sex. He’s the perfect Bond.”

Jason portrays Death Eater Lucius Malfoy in the ‘Harry Potter’ movie franchise and admits he is “heartbroken” to see the series come to an end with the release of ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2’.

Speaking on UK TV show ‘Daybreak’, he said: “I haven’t had enough, I would do it forever. I’m completely heartbroken by it being over, I can’t pretend.

“The good thing is they kept the quality of them … but this is one story essentially that we managed to tell over a decade, and there’s not a weak bit in it which is fantastic.”

Daniel Craig Dresses Up As a Women To Promote Equality

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It sees 007 star Daniel Craig undergo a dramatic makeover as he puts himself, quite literally, in a woman’s shoes. Directed by acclaimed ‘Nowhere Boy’ director/conceptual artist Sam Taylor-Wood, scripted by Jane Goldman (‘Kick Ass’) and featuring the voice of Dame Judi Dench reprising her role as ‘M’, the film will be screened in cinemas and streamed online in a bid to highlight the levels of inequality that persist between men and women in the UK and worldwide. It is the first film featuring Bond to be directed by a woman.

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