October 26th sees the release of Spectre in cinemas across the UK. In preparation for that momentous occasion, I have been watching ever James Bond film before Spectre’s release. I have also decided to dedicate a month of the blog to … Continue reading Month of Bond: The Launch
The issue with a documentary about a well-known individual or series is that there is sure to be people watching that want to know more about specific aspects that may not be covered or even referenced. This becomes even more of … Continue reading Everything or Nothing: The Untold Story of 007 (2012) Review
This film would be a lot better if it was just called Cowboys. Before the aliens show up to cause all matter of destruction and chaos, the film follows Daniel Craig’s cowboy into a small, typical western town where he confronts a sheriff, tavern owners and most notably of all, Harrison Ford’s cowboy rancher. Daniel Craig plays the “man with no name” style cowboy really well. He has the mood, the hundred yard stare and the swagger required to walk into bars and taverns and exude a confidence and arrogance that makes people think twice about messing with him. The opening act, … Continue reading Cowboys and Aliens (2011) Review
Casino Royale wasn’t a Bond film. I’m talking about the more recent Casino Royale, the fantastic film that introduced us to Daniel Craig’s brilliant version of Bond. The film that managed to pull Bond into the 21st century after the franchise had become a joke and a cliché. That’s why Casino Royale wasn’t a “proper” Bond film. To reinvent Bond for the (I hate to say it) Bourne generation, you had to remove the raised eyebrow, the drink, the gadgets, the same tried and tested formula and even, in the most extreme cut of all, the Bond theme itself. It was a … Continue reading Skyfall (2012) Review
This film would be just as effective with some of the darker, more edgy and mature elements removed. I have never read the books that the trilogy is based on and I’m all for the films being as accurate to the books as possible but during the rape scenes and some of the other, darker elements, I was left thinking that they were put in for shock factor alone. An edge to place this film above others in the mystery genre that this film essentially falls into. I’m sure the argument would be that they are key to fleshing out … Continue reading The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2009) Review
The issue with biopics is that in some cases, they will only appeal to a handful of people. The same can probably be said about all films, but for biopics in particular because it is a rare case that someone will want to know more about the individual’s life being put on film if they haven’t got some idea of who that person is and why they are interesting. I suppose you then have to make the judgement as to whether you are making the film for the general public or just for the fans who you know will flock to … Continue reading Notorious (2009) Review
I watched Sylvia with one question going through my head – Why does Sylvia Plath get a biopic? It was about a month ago that I watched The Iron Lady, a film about the first female Prime Minister and a time in British history when society was in turmoil and a hugely divisive person ruled the country. Though it had its faults, it was for the most part a very good film and I never, not once, wondered why anyone was making a film about Margaret Thatcher. I understood why this woman warranted an hour and half of my life. … Continue reading Sylvia (2003) Review
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