Skyfall

Directed by: Sam Mendes

Starring: Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Javier Bardem, Ralph Finnes & Naomie Harris

Released:

Runtime: 143 minutes

Rating: 4/5

It’s been one of the most anticipated films of 2012, the 23^rd film in the popular James Bond franchise and it’s the one that almost didn’t happen; of course I’m talking about Skyfall. In which Bond’s seemingly unquestionable loyalty is put to the test as M’s past is apparently coming back to haunt her. MI6 comes under a devastating attack literally driving it underground. Now 007 must track down and eliminate the threat as the cost of failing to do so is more personal than he thinks.

Now I’m not a massive fan of the Bond franchise, I’ve seen the four Brosnan films, the now three by Craig and at least one from each of the other actors to play the iconic role, except for one-Bond wonder George Lazenby. So after the disappointing Quantum of Solace I had my hopes pretty high for Skyfall and were heightened even more when I heard that Oscar winner Sam Mendes was attached to direct the film who is of course known for directing American Beauty and who is yet make a film I don’t like.

Skyfall was fantastic! Obviously I can’t say what a lot of people have already said, that it’s the best Bond ever but I can say it’s the best so far out the three starring Daniel Craig.

The plot plays out like a very strong and well scripted drama. There’s actual substance to the story which becomes quite meaningful and we get a really close and detailed look into Bond’s very private past which is fascinating and quite bleak as you would expect.

It’s less action orientated as the previous two films which isn’t a bad thing at all. The action sequences that we do get are very impressive to say the least. During the opening scene a friend of mine leant over and said that it reminded him of the Uncharted video games on PS3, which I think is saying a lot. The action is positioned well throughout the film and isn’t just there for the sake of it.  And as always they showcase the many diverse locations in the film brilliantly. The scenes that take place in Shanghai looked absolutely dazzling; which brings me to the beautiful cinematography, a key part of filmmaking that I’ve always admired. It captures the essence and scope of each location as well as the tone of the overall story. The film’s climax is best described as hauntingly beautiful, fire and the darkness of night never looked so good on film.

The performances were all great as you would expect from a cast of this calibre. Daniel Craig is perfect, very suave as always but this time we see a more vulnerable side to him. The character of Bond isn’t portrayed as invincible or without flaws. Judi Dench is back as M playing a much larger and more significant role this time; she’s almost like the unofficial ‘Bond girl in this case. Our villain is played flawlessly by Javier Bardem. A very intimidating, seduction, intelligent and a clearly unhinged man; also with a horrifying facial disfigurement which is hidden for the most part. Other supporting cast members include Naomie Harris as another MI6 field agent who I really liked; she had good chemistry with Bond. And also Ralph Fiennes fines as a Security Committee Chairman who is a tricky fellow to figure out at first.

Skyfall was well worth the four year wait. It’s an exciting well craft action/drama that has an in depth story with very human characters. And it still manages to retain that classic Bond feeling and style. It’s definitely set a very high standard for the next instalment.      

End of Watch

Directed by: David Ayer

Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Pena, Anna Kendrick & Natalie Martinez

Released: 2012

Runtime: 108 minutes

Rating: 3.5/5

Two young Los Angeles Police Officers Brian Taylor (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Mike Zavale (Michael Pena) routinely patrol the notoriously violent streets of South Central L.A.; where after confiscating an amount of money and some extravagant weaponry from a Mexican drug cartel it becomes apparent that the two officers are now marked for death.

This film’s director and screen writer David Ayer has also written screen plays for Training Day, S.W.A.T. and Dark Blue. I think it’s clear he has a fascination with the LADP. His knowledge of it certainly shows in the films.

Now as to my thoughts of the film, I want to open by saying that the shaky cam technique used is was too extreme. I know it adds a sense of realism but it gets very distracting, however it does back off throughout the second half of the film and settles on a more conventional style of filming. But apart from that End of Watch is a thrilling, intense and a very engaging cop movie.

These two cops would have to be the unluckiest in the world because everything happens to them such as high speed chases, deadly shoot outs, the discovery of a horrifying mass grave and finding a fellow officer stabbed in the face. Not to mention the gang of criminals they’re up against who have less dimension than a piece of paper and some of most unimaginative dialog in the entire film. But they’re perfectly suitable villains.   

Gyllenhaal and Pena have great on screen chemistry. Their dialog is great; it’s vulgar, witty, personal and often very funny. Not only are they partners but they’re also best friends. And their wives played by Anna Kendrick and Natalie Martinez provide grounding force in their life.

I got more than I was expecting from End of Watch, it’s not just a straight action movie, but an up close and personal glimpse into the very hazardous world of two LAPD cops who you can’t help become very attached to. I managed to enjoy the movie a lot in spite of the over use of the shaky cam style, it has a lot of the grit and excitement that we got in Training Day. It’s definitely work seeing.