Paul_Scott
Senior HTF Member
- Joined
- Jul 19, 2002
- Messages
- 6,545
Hmmm.
This film , ultimately , really did surprise me. I knew the franchise was getting a kick in the pants, but I wasn't expecting that the end product would be that radically different. Make no mistake, this is not your fathers 21st You Only Live Twice remake. This isn't even License To Kill (one of the few in the series I actually love).
Almost everything about this one turns the franchise on its head, and I just don't think thats a bad thing. By finally breaking away from the need to remake the more iconic entries in the series, and dispensing with trying to find another substitute for Sean Connery, this series finally gets its soul back and comes across as worthy of being mentioned in the same breath with those 40 year old trendsetters.
Hard to think of a way of reviewing this without bringing up spoilers (I never read the book).
I'll just say that I greatly enjoyed it- I'm honestly exicted to see where this stuff is going now- and Eva Green's Vesper is my absolute all time favorite Bond girl. I can't think of any other that comes close. the chemistry between the two is excellant, and the relationship between them is ultimately more satisfying and bombastic than any of the action sequences, which are actually well done. The comparisions to Bourne are not without merit- and fans of the series that were worried, may not be placated by this one after all. The focus is definitely on the human side of the equation, and I think thats a refreshing change (for this series). I also finally like Dame Dench in the role of M. With Craig, the character works and I would look forward to seeing the relationship develop over subsequent films.
Also props to the score. the iconic theme only shows up once that I'm aware of, but the rest of the score is a welcome return to more old school, and less electronica.
A solid B+ for now ( but I expect this one to get even better upon future viewings)
This film , ultimately , really did surprise me. I knew the franchise was getting a kick in the pants, but I wasn't expecting that the end product would be that radically different. Make no mistake, this is not your fathers 21st You Only Live Twice remake. This isn't even License To Kill (one of the few in the series I actually love).
Almost everything about this one turns the franchise on its head, and I just don't think thats a bad thing. By finally breaking away from the need to remake the more iconic entries in the series, and dispensing with trying to find another substitute for Sean Connery, this series finally gets its soul back and comes across as worthy of being mentioned in the same breath with those 40 year old trendsetters.
Hard to think of a way of reviewing this without bringing up spoilers (I never read the book).
I'll just say that I greatly enjoyed it- I'm honestly exicted to see where this stuff is going now- and Eva Green's Vesper is my absolute all time favorite Bond girl. I can't think of any other that comes close. the chemistry between the two is excellant, and the relationship between them is ultimately more satisfying and bombastic than any of the action sequences, which are actually well done. The comparisions to Bourne are not without merit- and fans of the series that were worried, may not be placated by this one after all. The focus is definitely on the human side of the equation, and I think thats a refreshing change (for this series). I also finally like Dame Dench in the role of M. With Craig, the character works and I would look forward to seeing the relationship develop over subsequent films.
Also props to the score. the iconic theme only shows up once that I'm aware of, but the rest of the score is a welcome return to more old school, and less electronica.
A solid B+ for now ( but I expect this one to get even better upon future viewings)