'Skyfall' & 'Wreck-It Ralph' Reviews

Skyfall is the latest installment in the Bond series. This is my most recent viewing which I regret going in with expectations. I went into the film only having the title of Ebert's review "Best Bond film in years" which constricted my viewing pleasure. The film continues with the trend it has taken since instating Daniel Craig as Bond. It's darker, there's more action, and there is very little evidence of the 'suave' James Bond of old. This film feels more like a British Bourne movie rather than a Bond film.

That being said the movie is enjoyable. Daniel Craig's performance finally hits home as Bond because he is aging and has lost a step. He is an outdated asset in a technologically advanced world. Bond is vulnerable, he is psychologically damaged, and lacks the constant pose present in previous films. Javier Bardem puts in a great performance as a quirky, somewhat flamboyant mastermind. All the scenes with him are totally gripping.

The ending sequence of the film is by far it's most engaging. It's beautifully shot, well acted, has exciting action, and provides some history on Bond's background heretofore unexplored. The movie clocks in at around 2 and a half hours which is way too long. Because of this it drags at parts which the ending makes up for. A good film not a great film. Probably the best Bond movie since Goldeneye but in between then and now it doesn't have much competition. 

See It.

Wreck-It Ralph is a feel-good kids film. It provides exactly what you would expect from the trailers and a Disney film. Children and parents will enjoy it because it's simple, fun, and funny with a good lesson. Twenty and thirty somethings might enjoy it for the plethora of video game references. Because it is a PG film it doesn't go any deeper than "lonely guy goes on adventure, finds friendship". While the graphics are 3D the story stays strictly in one dimension.

Rent It.