barrada

Went to see this after looking forward to it for a long time. Unfortunately the producers have forgotten what makes a good Bond film. Hard to believe that the so called "guardians of the franchise" Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson allowed this to be filmed - the Tolkien family would never have allowed such rubbish to be made using their beloved characters. The plot is lame, the villain is lame, the acting by some of the main players dull and, if you've seen the trailers, you've already seen all the best stunts. There's a running joke that the Star Wars stormtroopers are the worst shots in the business. Well move over TK421, now we have henchmen who are the worst shots and the worst drivers. Disappointing. There is a seriously stupid plot point when the villain kidnaps a child and then anticlimacticly, just let's her walk off. What was that about? It seemed like the writers just didn't know how to deliver the story. The only interesting dynamic is Paloma played by Ana de Armas who is wasted as she only has 5 minutes screen time, a bit like the Aston Martin Valhalla and Vantage which, disappointingly, are on screen for seconds. In keeping with the rest of the film, the theme song by Billy Eilish is dull and, appropriately enough, joins Garbage in the list of top 3 worst Bond themes. I am a Bond fan and re-watch the best ones to enjoy the great moments like the fight with Robert Shaw on the train, the parachute jump from The Spy who Loved me, the boat chase and the crocodile jump from Live and Let die, the bunjee jump from Goldeneye, the "No Mr Bond I expect you to die" scene from Goldfinger (to name a few) and the gadgets that enable escape from all adversity. All great scenes that thrill again and again but there's not a single moment in this film that would make me want to watch it a second time. I suspect Miss Waller Bridge has never seen a Bond film as this one totally lost its way although she can't be blamed for everything that is wrong with it. The well documented low points in the series are the invisible car from Die another Day and the whole of Quantum of Solace but this confused rubbish sinks the franchise even lower than both of those. Hopefully if they get a new Bond it might kick start some interest but as Moneypenny , Q and M have now lost their way too, with M an alcoholic idiot, Q running the operation and Moneypenny turning in possibly the worst performance of them all, they need to cast new people and re-write those roles as well. And the "female 007"? Her name is Nomi. In a Mike Myers spy spoof she'd be called Nogood. The only thing I wanted to do after seeing this, apart from throw up, was watch a good Bond, like Doctor No, Live and Let Die, OHMSS or From Russia with Love. If you are one of the millions who, like me, rushed to see this on the promise of something good then it's too late but if you haven't, my advice is save your money or, if you really must see it, wait until you can buy the blu ray in a car boot sale for £2. I don't think you'll have long to wait once people get past the hype and this falls off a cliff. It won't be mine though because, even though I own the rest, I won't be adding this one to my collection. One thing I can't stand is people who go on to disrespect the thing that has made them millions. Craig said in an interview after he made Spectre that he would rather "break this glass and slash my wrists" than make another Bond. After watching this misguided drivel with a totally pointless ending, it's such a pity for us all that he didn't keep his word. Good bye Mr Craig. Casino Royale was great. This was not.

If you go to see this or watch it on Disney+ or Blu Ray don't expect to see a continuation of the Clayton Moore years and you will enjoy it much more. It's too bad the movie received such bad press when it released as it's actually quite brilliant. First class performances from all. I don't agree that stereo types need to be played by a real life stereo type. I think it's better to have a first class actor in any role and Johnny Depp turns in a really first class performance as Tonto. My only criticism is the manner in which the story is told, with the little boy meeting old Tonto in a side show which I think detracts from the story momentum but it isn't enough for me not to give a well deserved 5 stars. This movie is up there with the greatest westerns like The Magnificent Seven and The Outlaw Josie Wales. Watch it. I think if you ignore the bad reviews and give it a chance you'll love it.

For completeness you have to watch it but the problem is Lucas never managed to capture the magic of A New Hope or The Empire Strikes Back with any of the sequels/prequels and The Last Jedi lost its way completely. The dialogue is cringe and Jake Lloyd was too young and annoying for such an important part and fails miserably. Neeson and McGregor do their best with a poor script. The only highlight is the magnificent Light Sabre battle at the end with Ray Park who was terrific as Darth Maul. They'd have been better killing off Jake Lloyd!!