Post by Stockslivevan on Nov 18, 2008 20:10:55 GMT -5
This is certainly a film that divides Bond fans and before seeing it I was worried I wouldn't enjoy it as well. Now after seeing it, I just don't get the hate. I don't think this is the best thing since sliced bread and it's not going to be entering my beloved Top 5 anytime soon, but overall I found it to be a solid flick. My feelings for QOS are no different than LTK. Like that film, it could have been improved here and there, better executions were needed, but overall I enjoyed it. That's how I genuinely feel. I can understand why some do not like the more darker direction, that's cool. The Bond films have never been all the same. One would not have expected Moonraker to be considered a sequel to Dr. No, or The Living Daylights as the direct film after A View to a Kill. As Moore's Bond says "we all get our jollies one way or another".
So yeah, a solid Bond flick, if unspectacular. I see an interesting parallel with the Dalton and Craig films. Their first is standard Bond flicks, with a little twists to them while their second films break off from formula while seeming less elegant than their direct predecessor and of course they both split fans up. After LTK being such a dark entry, EON went for a lighter approach while nothing drastic to remain consistent (I'm sure those who read the first draft of GE know what I'm talking about). It looks like it will happen to Craig's third film and at the same time I accept that and feel this is the nesessary to take. Bringing back the lighter touches, possibly Moneypenny/Boothroyd getting introductions and such. QOS ends the two-parter that started with CR with Bond learning his mistakes (reckless kills), coming to terms with inner demons (Vesper's betrayal) and moves on, with the necklace in the snow making it more obvious. So I look forward to where they go with Bond 23 now that they've finished this arc.
Favorite Bits: I thought the PTS was fantastic. Having a shotflying over a lake while intercutting with parts of the Astin Martin speeding and goons loading weapons and an impressive build up by David Arnold, and when the camera finally reaches the road ahead the music stops and we hear the roaring of the Astin Martin's engine. As Koskov said "SUPERB, MR. BOND, SUPERB!". Another favorite bit is the entire Opera sequence. Very well edited accompanied by the best track David Arnold ever composed in his Bond history. Bond does spy work, listens in on a secret meeting until he's heard enough then interrupts their meeting (GF reference) so he could see the ones that foolishly try to escape and take photos of them. Pure Bond, probably my favorite scene of the Craig era.
Least Favorites: I could have done without the boat chase. It doesn't work for me. I think that's it. Not too many negatives in this flick for me, it's just not as good as the films I place above it.
Still, I like it a lot. I'll be seeing this again since my mother couldn't show up for the opening wekeend and has been looking forward to it, so I'll note other things I might have missed out on and such when I see it again later. This is all still new in my system so consider this my initial thoughts as opposed to final thoughts.
So yeah, a solid Bond flick, if unspectacular. I see an interesting parallel with the Dalton and Craig films. Their first is standard Bond flicks, with a little twists to them while their second films break off from formula while seeming less elegant than their direct predecessor and of course they both split fans up. After LTK being such a dark entry, EON went for a lighter approach while nothing drastic to remain consistent (I'm sure those who read the first draft of GE know what I'm talking about). It looks like it will happen to Craig's third film and at the same time I accept that and feel this is the nesessary to take. Bringing back the lighter touches, possibly Moneypenny/Boothroyd getting introductions and such. QOS ends the two-parter that started with CR with Bond learning his mistakes (reckless kills), coming to terms with inner demons (Vesper's betrayal) and moves on, with the necklace in the snow making it more obvious. So I look forward to where they go with Bond 23 now that they've finished this arc.
Favorite Bits: I thought the PTS was fantastic. Having a shotflying over a lake while intercutting with parts of the Astin Martin speeding and goons loading weapons and an impressive build up by David Arnold, and when the camera finally reaches the road ahead the music stops and we hear the roaring of the Astin Martin's engine. As Koskov said "SUPERB, MR. BOND, SUPERB!". Another favorite bit is the entire Opera sequence. Very well edited accompanied by the best track David Arnold ever composed in his Bond history. Bond does spy work, listens in on a secret meeting until he's heard enough then interrupts their meeting (GF reference) so he could see the ones that foolishly try to escape and take photos of them. Pure Bond, probably my favorite scene of the Craig era.
Least Favorites: I could have done without the boat chase. It doesn't work for me. I think that's it. Not too many negatives in this flick for me, it's just not as good as the films I place above it.
Still, I like it a lot. I'll be seeing this again since my mother couldn't show up for the opening wekeend and has been looking forward to it, so I'll note other things I might have missed out on and such when I see it again later. This is all still new in my system so consider this my initial thoughts as opposed to final thoughts.
