Skyfall, the next James Bond 007 Film

[Agent ONE]

Man those EW lists are complete crap. Lotta Lenya's Rosa Kleb as one of the best Bond Girls??? Really??? ...

Best, as in character, not hottest... That would be a different list.

Kleb was awesome

Edited November 20, 2012 by Agent ONE

[wm cheng]

Best, as in character, not hottest... That would be a different list.

YES! there should be a hottest list...

[areaseven]

YES! there should be a hottest list...

We could probably drink over that all night, so here are my votes:

1. Eva Green as Vesper Lynd (Casino Royale)

2. Ursula Andress as Honey Ryder (Dr. No)

3. Bérénice Lim Marlohe as Séverine (Skyfall)

4. Barbara Bach as Maj. Anya Amasova/Agent XXX (The Spy who Loved Me)

5. Diana Rigg as Countess Teresa "Tracy" Di Vicenzo (On Her Majesty's Secret Service)

6. Carole Bouquet as Melina Havelock (For Your Eyes Only)

7. Daniela Bianchi as Tatiana Romanova (From Russia with Love)

8. Famke Janssen as Xenia Onatopp (GoldenEye)

9. Gemma Arterton as Strawberry Fields (Quantum of Solace)

10. Claudine Auger as Dominique "Domino" Derval (Thunderball)

[Fly4victory]

Why does everyone hate You Only Live Twice? I loved that, ......

Ok, I'm off my rant box now... calm down...

Get back on your rant box, You left out the custom Toyota 2000gt.

[Mr March]

I could do a top four; Goldfinger, Goldeneye, Casino Royale and Skyfall. I find most of the series difficult to enjoy.

[Major Focker]

finally someone mentions Claudine Auger. i'd squeeze Carey Lowell (after the haircut) in there, but might be tough to choose who to bump off; maybe Carole or Gemma

[The Shade]

Going to see it tonight with my brother. <hums James Bond Theme>

[Agent ONE]

My top 4:

1 On Her Majesty's Secret Service

2 Casino Royale

3 From Russia with Love

4 Skyfall

Uh, no. Die Another Day is the worst piece of crap Bond film I've ever suffered through. Cheesy as it may be Moonraker is easily better.

...

It's become popular to like On Her Majesty's Secret Service now. One of those stupid Hipster ideals I believe.

Moonraker was horrible, but you are right, for some reason not quite as bad as Die another Day.

OHMS has become popular lately because before it was seen as the movie that "connery was not in, and should have been."

Now that Connery is sharing the throne of the best Bond of all time, people are looking at the film dispassionately and they realize that its really one of the best ones.

[renegadeleader1]

My top 4:

1 On Her Majesty's Secret Service

2 Casino Royale

3 From Russia with Love

4 Skyfall

Moonraker was horrible, but you are right, for some reason not quite as bad as Die another Day.

OHMS has become popular lately because before it was seen as the movie that "connery was not in, and should have been."

Now that Connery is sharing the throne of the best Bond of all time, people are looking at the film dispassionately and they realize that its really one of the best ones.

I'm sorry but I have to disagree. What a movie "could" have been does not make what we actually got good.

[areaseven]

So says the guy who claimed there was an Aston Martin DB7 in Skyfall a couple of pages ago...

[Agent ONE]

I'm sorry but I have to disagree. What a movie "could" have been does not make what we actually got good.

OHMSS was epic man, leave your judgements behind, and just watch it as an espionage film.

To me its the #1 bond film, and not like a close #1, I think its light years better than the rest.

I'd like to add that I have always felt this way (which defeats your "this is some trend/conspiracy that people are all of a sudden liking this film.")

I posted this same opinion on MW in the first bond thread, what was that, like 10 years ago?

[The Shade]

Saw Skyfall last night. To all those of you waiting to see it, this easily ranks as one of the better Bonds of the past 30-35 years. While I was not as thrilled by it as I was by Casino Royale, I still was more than satisfied with it.

[areaseven]

Someone's obviously had too much time playing with video editing software.

[Agent ONE]

Loved the Goldeneye game music.

[derex3592]

Saw Skyfall last night. To all those of you waiting to see it, this easily ranks as one of the better Bonds of the past 30-35 years. While I was not as thrilled by it as I was by Casino Royale, I still was more than satisfied with it.

I agree with this statement 100%, Saw it yesterday and it is a good film. Javier Bar-whatever is a totally creepy bad guy! A little over the top action at the beginning, but after that it slows down and from there till the end I really enjoyed it. Sam Mendes did a good job in the director's chair. ohh....and the old Aston Martin bit was pure badassness!

and as for my vote for hottest bond girl....Eva Green allll the way in Casino Royal, followed by Famke Jamesson and the other hot chick in Goldeneye!

I could do a top four; Goldfinger, Goldeneye, Casino Royale and Skyfall. I find most of the series difficult to enjoy.

100% agree with this list as well. Casino Royale, Goldeneye, Skyfall and Goldfinger are my favorites -- in that order.

Edited November 22, 2012 by derex3592

[Mr March]

100% agree with this list as well. Casino Royale, Goldeneye, Skyfall and Goldfinger are my favorites -- in that order.

I went to see Skyfall a second time last night (sadly the IMAX was sold out this time, so we had to do a regular showing) and they had a celebrity facts show running about Sean Bean. They played some clips from Goldeneye and I was remembering how much I enjoyed his performance in that film as 006 Agent Alec Trevelyan. I've got to rewatch Goldeneye now

[myk]

Saw Skyfall last night. To all those of you waiting to see it, this easily ranks as one of the better Bonds of the past 30-35 years. While I was not as thrilled by it as I was by Casino Royale, I still was more than satisfied with it.

I feel the same way about Skyfall and 'Casino. Maybe I need to see Skyfall again, but I might say I was underwhelmed by the whole thing.

A major issue I had with the movie was Bond and M dealing with the issue of their "age" and whether they still had any life left in their positions. I realize that in any story the characters need to be broken down and then built up again but here, the two of them were made to seem old and decrepit. To me, these characters didn't have the strength and the vigor that they did in 'Casino; maybe that was the whole point of Skyfall, but it didn't impress me and the characters seemed weak.

Other than that I agree with idea of 'Casino and 'Golden being the better regarded Bond movies. I've never seen Goldfinger or the Majesty's Service (or whatever it's called) as I'm definitely not a fan of old-school Bond, but I'll definitely take a look...

[IIymij]

I saw skyfall the other day and to be in all honesty I wasn't too impressed.

it seemed to lack 3 key elements to a good bond film. The girl was good looking but she didnt seem like she had a vital roll and there wasn't much character development for her, thus when she died I just shrugged it off. Gadgets? two gadgets and the gun had barely any screen time / usefulness. Car? JB always had a styling car, yet this one they budgeted it out and used an old one. Don't get me wrong I do like cameos of old stuff but this one seemed to play a big roll. At the end of the movie I felt lime I was watching home alone part 5, when hes older. Just my opinion, I know you guys did enjoy the film. Maybe my expectations were a bit high.

However I did like a couple of scenes like when he jumps down into the train cart like a boss! Not to mention the assassination scene, very artsy and loved the use of lightening there.

[Agent ONE]

Addressing some above spoiler comments: the gadgets are the weakest part of the franchise. A silly novelty for children, but we are nostalgic about them. I think they could go away permanently and we'd have a stronger franchise.

[Roy Focker]

For those that didn't like it. Yes it didn't feel like a Bond Movie. It felt more like a James Bond book. The books were more low key compared to the movies.

[Mr March]

I'd actually agree that Skyfall does lack many key elements of the Bond franchise. In fact, Daniel Craig's interpretation of the character is distinguished more by what is NOT Bond rather than what's been established IS Bond in the films prior to his appearance. I understand that some may dislike the characterization and lament deviation that is too far from the norm. In my opinion, these changes have only benefitted the franchise, particularly with Skyfall. The newer films offer much more than just action, humor and sex. The writing is much better, the characters are more complex and the acting is more accomplished. Even the filmmaking seems much more artful, particularly in Skyfall which must be the most visually impressive Bond film ever made. Bond films now seem to embrace more key elements of just good filmmaking and I find myself much more invested in them as enduring stories I'll revisit.

I will say that female roles in Bond films - while much improved - still don't inspire much appreciation. At best, women in the new Bond films have competent roles with some meaty characterizations and sharp dialog. At worst, many of the modern female Bond roles still echo or flat out inhabit the terribly misogynist templates for which the franchise is now infamous. Of course, flat/offensive female characters is sadly a much wider practice not exclusive to just Bond. But the female stereotypes seems to stick out more in the Bond franchise than most films, likely because the Bond legacy is much more high profile than other old films we've long stopped watching. Perhaps female characters in the 007 films will never totally change until they recast Bond as a woman

Edited November 24, 2012 by Mr March

[Roy Focker]

I love the classic Bond girl stereotypes.

The novels were male fantasty of a manly hero that saves a helpless damsel in distress Some of the females were more capable than others but in the end James Bond still had to be the man.

One of the worst things they do in the movies is introduce a Bond Girl who is his equal. Those characters always come out as forced and crappy.

[Black Valkyrie]

Who needs gadgets. Look at OHMSS, awsome movie with barely any gadgets, just a suitcase.

[Agent ONE]

...

One of the worst things they do in the movies is introduce a Bond Girl who is his equal. Those characters always come out as forced and crappy.

... Jinx/Halley Berry's character.

[Agent ONE]

Who needs gadgets. Look at OHMSS, awsome movie with barely any gadgets, just a suitcase.

Exactly. OHMSS was the last time they tried to get back to the books, and it was epic. The Daniel Craig model is right there.

My prediction is the next 007 film will be a remake/tribute to the Dr.No/Blofeld type villain, then the next one after that will be a remake of OHMSS, where Daniel Craig's 007 character will get married.

[dizman]

Finally saw the movie, I enjoyed it but it did drag in some places (making this the first Bond movie that needs more action possibly). Casino Royale is still Craigs best in my opinion. My favorite 4 Bond films at the moment are The Spy Who Loved Me, From Russia With Love, Goldeneye and Casino Royale.

[PetarB]

From Russia with Love had my favourite bond girl: Daniela Bianchi

Classy, beautiful, and exotic.

As for Skyfall - 'A waste of good scotch...' - possibly the coldest thing 007 has ever said.

Edited November 24, 2012 by PetarB

[Duke Togo]

Ok, so, my top 5 Bond filmes as of this very moment?

1. Goldfinger

2. Casino Royal

3. From Russia with Love

4. Skyfall

5. On Her Majesty's Secret Service

[anime52k8]

Is it top 5 time?

personally:

1. Skyfall

2. Casino Royal

3. Goldfinger

4. From Russia with Love

5. The Living Daylights (what can I say, I like Timothy Dalton )

[Duke Togo]

Is it top 5 time?

personally:

1. Skyfall

2. Casino Royal

3. Goldfinger

4. From Russia with Love

5. The Living Daylights (what can I say, I like Timothy Dalton ^_^/> )

The Dalton movies are highly underrated.

[sketchley]

As it's hard to come up with a top 5 (though the #1 would probably go to one of the ones directed by Martin Campbell or Irvin Kershner), I'm going to post my bottom 3:

3. Die Another Day (the only Bond movie I've felt has overstayed its welcome by the time the closing act starts)

2. Quantum of Solace (too much to mention. In short: Bond is fantasy. This one came up lacking.)

1. For Your Eyes Only (surprisingly, it's not because it's a bad film per se. It's just a completely forgettable one. Too much been there, done that, for one film?)

[renegadeleader1]

OHMSS was epic man, leave your judgements behind, and just watch it as an espionage film.

To me its the #1 bond film, and not like a close #1, I think its light years better than the rest.

I'd like to add that I have always felt this way (which defeats your "this is some trend/conspiracy that people are all of a sudden liking this film.")

I posted this same opinion on MW in the first bond thread, what was that, like 10 years ago?

To be fare I've my opposite opinion just about as long as you have had yours. I'm sorry, but even as a stand alone espionage film its bad. The plot of the main bad guy sterilizing the world food supply so he can blackmail the government into letting him retire as nobility is dumb. The main actor is uncharasmatic, wooden, and rather sleazy. The female lead is the only one taking the film seriously. Telly savalas? As european nobility? God no! The subplot of the Mob father essentially selling off his daughter because she is a psychob**** is dumb. The main romance is ugly and forced. All the action scenes use speed up film making it look like stop motion. The fight in the cable car shaft is horrible with the main actor and stuntman visibly mouth to each other what type of punch they are going to throw. The doctors office scene ends stupidly where he goes through the effort of making it look like he wasn't there then takes a playboy mag with him pausing several times to view the centerfold. Is this a parody now? There's is no way I can take the ending seriously with the main baddie while doing 80mph on a bobsled gets his neck snapped in strong tree branches and is left hanging there only to pull off a drive by a short time later.

[Major Focker]

The Dalton movies are highly underrated.

couldn't agree more

[Agent ONE]

To be fare I've my opposite opinion just about as long as you have had yours. I'm sorry, but even as a stand alone espionage film its bad. The plot of the main bad guy sterilizing the world food supply so he can blackmail the government into letting him retire as nobility is dumb. The main actor is uncharasmatic, wooden, and rather sleazy. The female lead is the only one taking the film seriously. Telly savalas? As european nobility? God no! The subplot of the Mob father essentially selling off his daughter because she is a psychob**** is dumb. The main romance is ugly and forced. All the action scenes use speed up film making it look like stop motion. The fight in the cable car shaft is horrible with the main actor and stuntman visibly mouth to each other what type of punch they are going to throw. The doctors office scene ends stupidly where he goes through the effort of making it look like he wasn't there then takes a playboy mag with him pausing several times to view the centerfold. Is this a parody now? There's is no way I can take the ending seriously with the main baddie while doing 80mph on a bobsled gets his neck snapped in strong tree branches and is left hanging there only to pull off a drive by a short time later.

Wow, a well thought out analysis. I thought Telly was a perfect mad man, who would hold the world at ransom for something ridiculous as totally reasonable. He was the Jack Nicholson of the past... Watch him in the Dirty Dozen, totally insane. Titles of nobility don't mean anything anymore, but back in the 60's they still did. Probably more so for a pretentious maniac.

The mobster's daughter plot was one of total chauvinistic reality. The idea that his pain in the ass daughter, needs a man to smack her around (metaphorically) and make her behave is just the way some girls work. I have certainly heard of fathers telling guys that their daughter needs an authoritative man. I saw this deal with the girl to be totally realistic.

The fight scenes being sped up... Yeah that sucks, but back then I think they thought it would end up looking more intense. Other movies of the time did this... I remember for sure they did it in Thunderball also. I don't think people knew about filmspeed back then, they just thought it was an intense fight.

The playboy scene, and the seduction of the girls drives at what a basic "sleazy" as you put it, guy 007 was in the books. He bangs lots of girls... Thats the character. The idea that he bangs girls to save his country was trying to steer the franchise in some moral direction which has been a mistake made many times. I love how in OHMSS he is screwing girls that have no relationship to the plot whatsoever. I would.

[PetarB]

Top 5

1) You Only Live Twice

2) Casino Royale (the Daniel Craig one!)

3) From Russia with Love

4) GoldenEye

5) Skyfall

I also REALLY like the first part of Die Another Day - right up to the part where he finally is traded in a prisoner swap from the North Korean goons. I thought it was a very strong opener for Bond. However, as soon as he makes contact again with M... the movie quickly becomes one of the worst Bond movies. Absolutely horrible.

Edited November 25, 2012 by PetarB