Film Review: Skyfall

So, this is pretty much the film of the year, there is a lot of hype, and I do not think it disappoints and I am not a really a Bond fan. The film follows 007's usual antics of charming the socks off any woman and shooting some nasties but I found the storyline gripping and was actually attracted to Daniel Craig.

Why is this film so different to the other Bonds? I would say this is almost Bond 'stripped back', there isn't lots of gadgets, there isn't Hallie Berry walking out in a bikini but there is drama and a true story. i don't want to give too much away, but there is also a brilliant twist at the end. I have read that Daniel Craig didn't really want to continue with the franchise, I don't think you can blame him after the first two he made, but this has pulled it back and I hope he sees that too. Not that he has much of a choice, he is locked into his contract for another two films anyway.

There is one small thing that has already been widely criticised and that is the product placement, the famed Heineken scene is quite funny, I bet they are loving all of the media attention too, bad publicity is good publicity and all that. But, that would be my only criticism. The best film I have seen all year!

Film Review: Taken 2

Taken 2 is the sequel to the box office hit, Taken. This film follows the Albanians attempt at revenge for Brian's (Liam Neeson) killings in the first film, but this time Brian has a bit of help from his daughter Kim (Maggie Grace). I won't be giving too much away when I say that the plot isn't too different from the Taken, hence the title, I can't make up my mind as to whether this is a good thing or not.

Pro's: another great performance from Neeson, some good action scenes, great setting in Instanbul.

Con's: some unexplained bits, Neeson never seems to re-load his gun, it gets a bit corny with Neeson playing the overprotective Dad and Famke Janssen who plays Lenore (Kim's mum and Neeson's love interest) puts in some pretty shoddy acting, although her hair does look fantastic even after she's been roughed up a bit.

Overall, this is a 6/10 for me, well worth watching if you enjoyed the first one.