Film Review: Spectre (12A) (U.K./U.S.A. 2015) (Director: Sam Mendes), VUE (OMNI), Screen Four, Edinburgh, Tuesday 27.10.2015, 18:30

This is obviously the latest of the 'James Bond' films. It is by the same director who had helmed 'Skyfall' (2012) and I would say that it is of equal quality. Having said this, I do feel 'Spectre' to be better paced and more playful than the previous effort. I would say that this film, in terms of it's acting and storytelling, has subtleties that feel uncommon when considering the 'Bond' cannon.  

I was going to this with the sense of this being potentially the last Bond for me. This is due to finding the character of Bond a tad rapey and the films generally far too male. I was then very pleased to find that the female lead character of Madeleine Swan, performed by Lea Seydoux, is the most equal to Bond of any of the female characters from the 23 films. The film is also, in my mind, the least misogynistic of all 'Bond' films.

The story is a good yarn and there are no parts that sagged or were uncomfortable. I found this to be genuinely mostly harmless fluff. There are a couple of scenes which cause me to question the wisdom of a 12A certificate. I think it should have been at least a 12, as though couple of scenes are not for the eyes of young children. 

The film also ends in a way unlike any other 'Bond' film. I agree with what Simon Mayo said on Radio 5 Live, that with how the ending is, that it makes sense for Daniel Craig to now step aside. The film also nicely brings all of the previous Daniel Craig 'Bond' films into the same greater narrative, which was a nice touch, considering that 'Skyfall' had previously always been talked of as being a stand-alone story.

As I said before in regard to 'The Raid 2' (2014), I think action films are a curious thing in that you cannot really consider them alongside other genres of film. Though within the field of action films this is another top-notch effort and a perfectly enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours (and a bit). 

Rating: 10/10.      

Film Review: Skyfall (12A), (U.K./U.S.A. 2012) (Director: Sam Mendes), Saturday 27.10.2012 15:00, The Cameo, Screen One, Edinburgh

Lets not beat about the bush, in my view this is the finest Bond film there has been, and it has set a bench mark for future Bond films. It also confirms for me, that Daniel Craig is the best Bond to date. I've heard various people say that your favorite is usually he first one you knew when you were young. I disagree, though then the first I was introduced to was Roger Moore. I have time for many aspects of Sean Connery's portrayal, less so Roger Moore, I find both to be too sexual. Pierce Brosnan I feel to have done nothing with the character that is praiseworthy and was also partial to low level smut of a similar vain to Moore, though not as pronounced.My preferred performances in the role, aside from Daniel are from Timothy Dalton and George Lazenby.

Within the genre of action, this could be seen as a classic, not just in Bond terms. There are good performances from across the cast, and Javier Bardem does make a very good and righteous baddie. There is good depth in terms of plot and performances. It felt quite untypical Bond in some respects, which may be what made it feel to be so good.

There is again as in the other Craig Bond films a reassuring lack of reliance upon gadgets, culminating in the build up to the final battle, Bond prepares as though he were a member of the A-Team. Again, as in the other Craig films, he does not fall into bed with a lady at the end, another aspect I like about Daniel's bond films, sex is not treated as a reward for a successful mission. There are nods to the past; references to exploding pens, the car from Goldfinger and Bond stepping on the backs of Komodo Dragons in a similar vain to how Moore did with Crocodiles. Despite this it never felt nostalgic, always remaining rooted in the present.

The film is based on the threat posed by cyber terrorism, how cyber technology can keep us exposed, and therefore how by disconnecting from cyber technology, can help keep us safe. Relaying upon our wits and knowledge is always the more secure way to live.

The cinematography is beautiful, particularly in Scotland. The title sequence was very good (again an aspect I have been impressed with in all of Daniel's films) and even the theme song is fine (I'm not generally into Adele, and although I won't be purchasing the song, it is going some for me to admit liking one of her songs).

The running time is just shy of 2 & 1/2 Hours, and the plot requires attention. I don't think it is really one for the young kiddies, although it is a 12A some parents may wish to try it. It shows London effectively under terror attack, this is portrayed in a potentially real world way which may make it more distressing for the very young, in a way that the fantastical world of the batman films (also 12As) is less likely to. For those who can keep attention for over two hours, I think this is a very enjoyable film of an, in terms of Bond, exceptionally high standard.

Rating: 10/10. (Never expected to say that of a Bond film.)
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2012: Ten Flawless Films To Date In Order Of Release:
Magic Trip (Documentary)
Once Upon A Time In Anatolia (Turkish) 
Goodbye First Love (French)
The Dark Knight Rises
Searching For Sugar Man (Documentary) 
Anna Karenina
About Elly (Iran) 
Tabu (Portuguese)
Frankenweenie
Skyfall