The new James Bond film has room for some finer editing, but returns to more humorous roots after the sombre tone of Skyfall.
The opening sequence shot in Mexico was far too long and not all that relevant to the story, but it looked colourful and got in some huge explosions – the two main criteria for an opening of a Bond film. The plot wasn’t nearly as strong as Skyfall – but it was far better than Quantum of Solace.
Daniel Craig felt like he was really saying goodbye to the role and his performance was strong. Christoph Waltz played the film’s villain and was very underused – though he did give an outstanding performance. This film’s “Bond Girls” were underused and it almost felt like they wrote them in because they needed Bond Girls.
Ralph Fiennes will never really be able to replace Judy Dench as “M,” but his performance was strong. Andrew Scott who played “C” had abominable diction and clarity of speech, many actors could have easily played this role far better.
Overall the action sequences were bigger, bolder and brighter, the story was ludicrous and James Bond had more costume changes than Cher – this is definitely Bond returning to ‘60s his roots and it makes it enjoyable, but less critically strong.
3.5 Stars
Review by Benjamin Maio Mackay
Screening courtesy of Palace Nova Cinemas
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