Skyfall (2012)

Director: Sam Mendes

Rated: PG-13

Length: 143 min.

 

In everything you would expect from a Bond film, director Sam Mendes adds a highly entertaining, but somewhat predictable chapter to the 007 legacy. From high intensity fight sequences to multiple love affairs with extremely attractive women; this film has all the pieces needed to create another Bond classic.  With amazing scenery that ranges from the towering skyscrapers of Shanghai to the immensely desolate foothills of Scotland; the variety in cinematography makes this a fun-filled adventure for all to enjoy. Although there may never be another Bond like the archetypal Sean Connery, Daniel Craig is a close second with his classy style and cool demeanor that he portrays with onscreen perfection. Javier Bardem (Silva) was a fantastic choice for the villain in this film, but that is to be expected from an actor of his caliber, who has proven himself to be amongst the elite with performances in such films as No Country for Old Men and Biutiful. However, with yet another unsurprising and outlandish plot, this film fails to reach the level of astonishment that I had expected from such a critically acclaimed motion picture. I hope the next Bond film will live up to its expectations. For the best films are those of which stimulate the mind, wouldn't you agree? Skyfall.

 

Flight (2012)

Director: Robert Zemeckis
Rated: R
Length: 138 min.
 

Have you ever wondered what it'd be like to be in a plane crash? How safe would you feel if your pilot was drunk? In Director Robert Zemeckis' film Flight, Whip Whittaker (Denzel Washington) plays the role of a drug/alcohol addicted pilot who can't seem to overcome the temptation of being intoxicated. In a very intense crash sequence in which the sense of panic and desperation can be felt immensely by the viewer, Whip is forced to make a crash landing in an abandoned field in order to save the lives of the 102 passengers on board. And even though he lands successfully and saves the lives of 96 on board, six lives were still lost. Due to his alcoholism, Whip was highly intoxicated when performing his duties, leaving a strong sense of negligence in the minds of families who'd lost loved ones. Was the crash attributed to his drinking problem? I leave that up to you to decide. With a star studded cast that includes the likes of Denver native Don Cheadle (Hugh Lang), the very talented Bruce Greenwood (Charlie Anderson), along with the hysterical antics of John Goodman (Harling Mays); this film soared. The hippie drug dealer that Goodman portrays provides a perfect sense of comic relief to a film that covers much more serious real life issues ranging from drug/alcohol abuse to moral ethics. Zemeckis, who also directed one of my all-time favorites in Forrest Gump, does another fantastic job with his choice of soundtrack; especially with the film's theme song played repeatedly throughout; the Rolling Stones' famous track, 'Gimme Shelter.' All in all, this film delivers a powerful message in how honesty conquers all. It may have been a little strung out at times, but in the end it left me with a sense of satisfaction by viewing the magnificent performance put on by the ever-so versitile Denzel Washington, in yet another transformative role.