Nov 9 2012

Skyfall

Considered a bit of a relic by MI6 standards, James Bond (Daniel Craig) and Head of Secret Intelligence M (Judi Dench) appear to be in their twilight hour. But, when a criminal mastermind threatens to release a stolen document that contains the names and locations of all embedded agents around the world, our hero’s have a task best suited for their unique but perhaps dated skill set. But when this mastermind turns out to be a demented former MI6 agent named Silva (Javier Bardem) things turn particularly personal. To save the day will require a return to where it all began for Bond, Skyfall, but is it too late? Celebrating 50 years of James Bond, the screenplay here is simple enough in its setup, but still manages to pack enough of a wallop to feed spy fans, new and old alike. All the while, the film doles out just the right amount dry British humor to add the always appreciated Bond wry wit. Calling attention to the years of Bond evolution a few well placed nods to earlier iterations provide for a few smiles as well. Acting from the ensemble is on par with what we’ve come to expect from the group with special recognition going to Bardem. Showing yet another face of evil, Bardem seems to effortlessly climb into character effectively creeping out even the strongest of hearts. Totally worth your time and attention and the price of admission, Skyfall is rated PG-13.


Nov 9 2012

Lincoln

A giant slice of American history is dished up as Abraham Lincoln (Daniel Day-Lewis), the nation’s 16th president, is challenged with several battles. While the civil war rages on, Lincoln is also met with resistance inside his own cabinet regarding the Emancipation Proclimation; meanwhile, challenges on the home front have their own strains on his relationship with wife Mary (Sally Field) and his children. Leading up to his fateful night at Ford’s theatre and slightly beyond Director Steven Spielberg works cinema magic to re-create/re-tell history in a polished but accurate and very digestible manner. In many regards there are the typical Spielbergian tools employed which include impressive cinematography, acute art direction, a John Williams score and an overall big budget feel– all well and good. However, victim of his own storytelling style, Spielberg’s use of children to cover and tell a story ends up shorting the audience on what is expected and anticipated to be a huge moment– Lincoln’s assassination. Naturally, language and dialogue have been modified to semi-modern english to make things easier to follow, if you’re looking for grammar and language as it was in 1860 you’ll have to fish on. But these are small quibbles truly, especially considering the Oscar nodding performance from Day-Lewis, and the rest of the star studded cast’s delivery. This is an epic work, worthy of your attention. Lincoln is rated PG-13.