Tag: Skyfall

Geekscape Movie Review: 1917

by MCDave

Family stories have a way of resonating with us. They act as vessels into another world that we’re able to know and experience through the scope of our ancestors. And their impact can be profound, just ask Academy Award Winning filmmaker Sam Mendes (American Beauty and Skyfall) whose latest work is inspired from the World War I tales told to him by his late grandfather when he was just a boy. Those stories have stuck with Mendes for decades and, by using his unique visual mastery, have thrust the war epic 1917 into the heart of the Best Picture race.

When Lance Corporal Blake (Game of Throne’s Dean-Charles Chapman) and Lance Corporal Schofield (Captain Fantastic’s George MacKay) are summoned by a superior officer in the midst of the First World War, they could never have imagined the assignment placed in their hands. General Erinmore (Colin Firth) informs the men that an attack is planned for dusk, but they have just received word that it’s a trap by the Germans and more than 1,600 men are preparing to be slaughtered, one of which is Blake’s older brother. In a race against time that requires the soldiers to journey deep into enemy territory along the most direct route to their fellow officers, Blake and Schofield encounter the crushing brutalities of war at every turn, with hopes of surviving this dangerous mission and delivering the General’s orders by sunrise.

Sam Mendes’ 1917 is a completely immersive experience that takes audiences to the front lines of battle and into the trenches of one the most gruesome wars in the history of the world. Filmed in such a way that it appears as one single shot where the camera never leaves these two men, Mendes has most certainly cemented himself and his film in the Best Director and Best Picture races. 1917 oozes with technical mastery and checks nearly all the boxes for Oscar voters. And while I too loved the riveting perspective of the film, I was far less impressed by Mendes’ script. The story becomes hamstrung by the decision of this stylistic approach which disallows an expansive use of subplots and secondary characters. Forcing us to travel beside these men essentially makes the majority of the story simply about their experiences. This can be mesmerizing at times and certainly helps with the film’s pacing, but it also leaves more to be desired in terms of developed and arcing story. I wonder if 1917 would have been better served by including a handful of massively long takes to generate a similar feel but still made traditional cuts to help broaden the story and characters. Either way, we can’t refute the overall impact and technical greatness behind another superb effort from an often-overlooked filmmaker.

GRADE: 4/5

Daniel Craig Quits James Bond. Who Should Play Him Now?

by The_acz

Some disappointing news for James Bond fans today.

Looks like Daniel Craig, who’s the current Bond, has decided to call it quits with the beloved super spy. According to The Daily Mail, Craig turned down about an 100 million dollar offer to continue to play Bond for at least 2 more movies, but alas, it seems like he has other plans. It seems as though he’s also walking out not on the best terms with the company as he was quoted last year saying that he’d rather slash his wrists than do another Bond movie. This now begs another question. Who should be Craig’s replacement? While it’s too early to name names, a lot of people seem to think that Tom Hiddleston would be a good replacement. What do you think? Do you want Hiddleston to play Bond, or do you have other ideas for people who can take the mantle? Comment below and let us know!

 

 

Vin Diesel Is ‘Kojak’, ‘Skyfall’ Writers to Script!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Kojak is headed the silver screen!

After a popular 1970’s television series, a failed 2005 reimagining, and plenty of TV movies in between, the iconic police officer is again coming back to life thanks to Universal. The already bald Vin Diesel will portray Lt. Theo Kojak, who was originally played by Telly Savalas, and later by Ving Rhames.

The film will be scripted by Skyfall scribes Neal Purvis and Robert Wade, who also wrote the previous four Bond films. They also wrote Skyfall’s third act… so there’s that too.

I’ve never seen Kojak, but I could imagine that fans would be pretty excited about this! What do you think? Does Diesel look the part?

Source: Deadline

Still Swooning Over Skyfall? Relive The Opening Sequence!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Unsurprisingly, an absolute TON of people have been heading out to theatres to check out Bond’s latest, Skyfall. The film is being quite well received (it currently holds an 81 on Metacritic), and our very own Scott Alminiana even went as far as calling Skyfall one of 2012’s best movies (though you may not hear that from the rest of the team).

Whether you loved it, liked it, or thought it was just alright, you have to admit that the opening sequence and Adele’s haunting theme were absolutely wonderful. MGM has been nice enough to release this sequence online so you can experience it again and again!

Check it out below, and let us know what you thought of the movie! Also, if you’re a Bond fan you’ll definitely want to check out Scott’s retrospective on the series!

 

Geekscape Movie Reviews: ‘Skyfall’

by Scott Alminiana

The 23rd James Bond film, Skyfall, is finally here and it is fantastic. It’s been four very long years since fans last saw 007 in Quantum of Solace and his return is ever so sweet. Daniel Craig once again returns as Bond and this time the film opens as he’s on the hunt for a hard drive that contains the identities of NATO agents undercover in terrorist organizations across the globe. His hunt leads to an awesome chase sequence that culminates with a fight atop a speeding train. The hard drive falls into the possession of the mysterious Silva, played terrifically by Javier Bardem, whose past links to that of M, once again played by the great Dame Judi Dench. Saying more about the plot would only ruin the fun of watching it unfold on-screen, so you’ll just have to go and see it for yourself.

Sam Mendes, the Oscar-winning director of American Beauty, directs Skyfall and does a great job. He manages to balance the film’s great action set-pieces with some great character moments. The film continues the approach that was first started in the franchise reboot, Casino Royale, and continued in 2008’s Quantum of Solace, which was to make the character more based in reality, a la the Christopher Nolan Dark Knight Trilogy. With the previous films setting the new direction for the franchise, Skyfall drives it further home. Mendes takes obvious influence from The Dark Knight, infusing darker elements of that superhero movie into the spy genre. I’ve been saying for years that Bond is my favorite superhero and now I’m sure others will agree with that statement. Producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli made a terrific choice with hiring Mendes, just as they made the equally terrific choice when they cast Daniel Craig as Bond.

I can’t say enough about how great Craig is as Bond. He long ago made all the naysayers eat their words and quickly established himself as one of the best Bonds ever. With his third outing in the role, he might just have proven himself to be the best Bond of all time. He brings great depth to the role and makes the character a real person as well as a dashing, globe-trotting, panty dropping secret agent. Dame Judi Dench, back again for her (00)7th time as M plays a very large role in the film’s plot and her scenes with Craig are true high-points in the film.

Fans will also be glad to see the return of Q, Bond’s quartermaster, who’s played here by Ben Whishaw. This new Q is younger than Bond, a first for the series, and that sets a new dynamic between the two. Prior to this, Bond has always been the younger between the two, acting as a sort of thorn in Q’s side. Now Q is made to be the younger slightly snobby tech wizard as opposed to the old cranky gadget man. Whishaw is a welcome addition to the franchise and will clearly be around for the foreseeable future. The cast is rounded out with Ralph Fiennes as a government liaison named Mallory, Naomie Harris as MI6 field agent Eve, and Albert Finney as Kincade, a man with a link to Bond’s past. To tell you any more about their characters would spoil the plot, so I shall remain mum on their roles.

The cast really gets a chance to sink their teeth into a terrific script from John Logan and long-time Bond scribes Neal Purvis and Robert Wade. Skyfall will easily go down in history as one of the absolute best in the EON Productions series. It is not only, in my humble opinion, THE best action film of the year, but dare I say, maybe even the best film of the year? Yeah, I’m not the only one saying this. It’s really that good.

Do yourselves a favor and see this one, whether you’re a Bond fan or not. Skyfall is worth it and gets a 4.5/5

Fans who see ‘Skyfall’ in IMAX will get this awesome poster. I’ll be framing mine for sure.

Two New TV Spots Released For ‘Skyfall’

by Shawn Madden

The twenty-third James Bond film, Sam Mendes’ Skyfall,  is already on it’s way to crossing $100 million across seas. As we get closer to the US release date for the film, two new television spots have been released. Not that it matters though. We’re all going to see this one.

The film, from Albert R. Broccoli’s Eon Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, and Sony Pictures Entertainment, is directed by Academy Award® winner Sam Mendes and stars Daniel Craig, who returns for his third film as James Bond 007. The screenplay is written by Neal Purvis & Robert Wade and John Logan.

In SKYFALL, Bond’s loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.

Skyfall is already out in the UK and will hit theaters in the US November 9th.

Christopher Nolan Is On The Bond Producers Radar

by Shawn Madden

Christopher Nolan has said before that he was interested in directing a James Bond film during some point in his career. Well, not it turns out the people behind Bond are interested in Nolan as well. Skyfall director Sam Mendes has gone to stated that he was influenced by Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight when making the recent film. So, if they are pleased with the film…why not go after the influence? The producers of the Bond films stated:

“We would of course be interested to have a discussion with him. We would like to do the same type of movie. It would be a dream to be with Nolan. But we always have an open mind when it comes to directors.”

Just this past summer Nolan stated that he’s very serious about the prospect of directing a Bond film, however the timing behind it would have to be right. Would you guys be interested in seeing a Nolan helmed Bond flick? I don’t even know why I asked that because of course you guys would.

Source: Digital Spy

Watch A New ‘Skyfall’ Trailer Featuring Adele’s Theme Song

by Shawn Madden

With it’s release date fast approaching, Sony has released a short new trailer for Skyfall featuring Adele’s theme song, which is sure to go down as a classic Bond theme. It doesn’t feature much new footage but it is a pretty damn cool short trailer for the 23rd Bond flick.

Skyfall reports for duty November 9th in US, and on October 26th in the UK and Ireland.

Source: IGN

Adele’s ‘Skyfall’ Now Available For Your Listening Pleasure!

by Derek Kraneveldt

After a false start from a french radio station, MGM has decided to release the full musical theme for the upcoming Skyfall. The track was originally set to premiere later tonight.

As expected, Adele pretty much knocks the track out of the park. It’s great (though even if it wasn’t, her voice is so fantastic that you’d likely forget that fact).

Take a listen below, and if you like it, Skyfall is of course available for purchase on iTunes.

Skyfall, James Bond’s 23rd adventure is set to hit theatres on November 9th.

Let us know your thoughts on the theme below! How does it compare to previous title tracks?

‘Skyfall’ To Be Released In IMAX One Day Earlier

by Shawn Madden

Unsure if you’ll be able to wait until that first Friday in November for your 007 fill? Well, earlier today the official 007 Twitter announced that the US IMAX release will be on November 8th, Yes, one day earlier than the general release for the flick. Will you dish out the extra few backs and report to duty before everyone else?

But in the meantime check out a new banner for the film featuring Ben Whishaw as Q.

Daniel Craig is back as James Bond 007 in Skyfall, the 23rd adventure in the longest-running film franchise of all time.  In Skyfall, Bond’s loyalty to M (Judi Dench) is tested as her past comes back to haunt her.  As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.  The film also stars Berenice Marlohe, Judi Dench, Naomie Harris, Ben Whishaw, Helen McCroy, Albert Finney, and Ralph Fiennes.

Benedict Cumberbatch Already Set To Play The Next Bond Villain?

by Shawn Madden

Skyfall isn’t even in theaters yet but there’s word that Bond’s next adversary is already lined up. Following the news that that actor Daniel Craig has signed on to star as 007 in two more James Bond films, Express UK’s Day & Night are reporting that Craig will be joined by Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock), and saying the actor has already landed the role of the main antagonist in the twenty fourth Bond film.

“Benedict is considered perfect Bond villain material.Work on the next film will begin next year and the plan is for Benedict to be on board. He grew up watching Bond, so it would be a childhood ambition fulfilled. Playing a Bond villain is one of the plum roles in film history and he’d jump at the chance.”

The actor stated a few months back that he would jump at the chance of playing James Bond, and while he won’t be playing Bond maybe he definitely jumped at the idea of being in a Bond film? No official confirmation has been issued by the studio yet. So, what do you guys think about this one? I already know one Geekscape writer that probably fell out of their chair in excitement.

Adele To Perform Theme Song To ‘Skyfall;’ Plus New Posters And Character Banners Released

by Scott Alminiana

It’s been rumoured for awhile now that the theme song to the latest James Bond film, Skyfall would be sung by Grammy winner Adele. Well, it’s now official…Adele will indeed be singing, and most likely writing the theme song for the film.

The song will most likely be titled “Skyfall,” unlike the previous two films which had different titled theme songs and film titles. Casino Royale‘s theme song was “You Know My Name” sung by Chris Cornell and Quantom of Solace‘s was “Another Way to Die” sung by Jack White & Alica Keys.

This isn’t the only 007 news today, a new poster and two character banners have also been released. You can check them out below.

Daniel Craig is back as Ian Fleming’s James Bond 007 in Skyfall, the 23rd adventure in the longest-running film franchise of all time. In Skyfall, Bond’s loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.

The film is being directed by Sam Mendes and co-stars Javier Bardem, Judi Dench, Berenice Marlohe, Naomie Harris, Ben Whishaw, and Ralph Fiennes. Skyfall lands on November 9th.

Source: Collider

Check Out The New TV Spot For ‘Skyfall’!

by Scott Alminiana

Escorting the Queen to the opening ceremonies wasn’t the only appearance James Bond made tonight. A new TV spot for the latest 007 movie Skyfall premiered during the Olympic Ceremonies and boy is it amazing. I’ve already watched it about 5 times. I’m a die-hard James Bond fan and am eagerly counting the days until the new movie opens on November 9th.

Skyfall returns Daniel Craig to the role of Bond and also stars Javier Bardem, Naomie Harris, Berenice Marlohe, Ralph Fiennes, Albert Finney and Judi Dench. Sam Mendes is directing film.

The First Official “Skyfall” Teaser Trailer Has Been Released!

by Jonathan

Last week we got the teaser poster for this November’s next James Bond installment “Skyfall” and now we have the full teaser trailer for you associate yourselves with? What do YOU think of when you hear the name “James Bond”? Cars? Guns? Martinis? Hot women?

Peep this teaser and maybe a few more words will jump into your mind…

Sam Mendes directs this next installment, which hits theaters Oct. 26th 2012. On top of Daniel Craig returning as bond and Judi Dench still playing M, Javier Bardem, Naomie Harris, Ralph Fiennes and Albert Finney have been added to the cast.

Classic Bond! The First Poster for Skyfall Revealed!

by Jonathan

With the first trailer coming up this Monday, the first teaser poster for Skyfall has been released by the official James Bond Blog. Sam Mendes directs this next installment, which hits theaters Oct. 26th 2012.

On top of Daniel Craig returning as bond and Judi Dench still playing M, Javier Bardem, Naomie Harris, Ralph Fiennes and Albert Finney have been added to the cast.

Production Video And New Images Released For The New James Bond Film ‘Skyfall’!

by Scott Alminiana

Bond is back! Skyfall, the newest Bond flick which opens November 9th, has this geek in a frenzy! I’m a hardcore 007 fan and I have been eagerly waiting for this . Last week the producers released some fancy new pics from ‘Skyfall’ and today a production video showed up over at Deadline, which shows some of the locations where filming is currently underway.

Skyfall once again features Daniel Craig as 007 and costars Judi Dench, Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes and Naomie Harris. Sam Mendes is directing with a script from John Logan. As usual, the plot is being kept under wraps but a brief plot synopsis was released:  “In Skyfall, Bond’s loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her.  As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.”

What do you think, my fellow geeks? Are you looking forward to this as much as I am? I know I’ll be there opening night looking sharp in my suit with a martini (shakin’ not stirred, of course) in hand.