Monday, November 20, 2006

Bond, James Bond

Candace says ~

My DH and I went to see the new Bond movie Friday night. It’s the first one in a long time that I’ve paid money to see in a theater (mostly I wait until they hit Blockbuster) but the reviews said it was different, so…

I really like this Bond. He’s not just a good-looking, double-entendre quipping, licensed-to-kill robot. Yes, he’s good looking. Man, is he good looking! That body! Yowza!! And those blue, blue, incredibly blue eyes! (I tried to post pictures but it isn't working so you'll just have to take my word for it. Or go see the movie for yourself.) And, yes, he kills (a lot). But—

He’s intense, physical, and heart-rendingly vulnerable, all at the same time. We see what it cost him to be so good at what he does. So, while there were a lot of impossible physical stunts and he gets the living sh*t beat out of him any number of times and still pops right back up (just like Superman, albeit a gorgeously battered Superman) for more, he is, when it comes down to it, emotionally defenseless. When he falls, he falls hard. “All that’s left of me is yours,” he says, “Is it enough?”

Another good thing; it was not so gimmicky as Bond movies have become lately. No pens that turn into automatic weapons or rocket launchers coming out of the exhaust pipe on the car. None of those heavy-handed double-entendres. And, yes, there were some holes in the plot (mostly in the explanation of the Bond girl's motivation) but only the kind I thought about after the movie was over, not during it, so they didn’t interfere with my enjoyment. And—did I mention?—his eyes are incredibly blue?

In short, I think this Bond is a perfect romantic hero. An unpolished Alpha male. Intensely masculine. Physically and mentally tough. Brutal, when necessary, but capable of tenderness. And starving for love. What do y’all think?

6 comments:

Debra Dixon said...

Wow, Candace! You've convinced me to go see this Bond. I was going to pass, but not now.

Maybe I'll try and catch it this week while I'm in Charleston for Turkey Day with my niece.

Helen Brenna said...

Does that picture work, Candace?

I just went to the movie this past weekend too, and I LOVED Daniel Craig as James Bond. I thought he was perfect, despite being blond! Craig is gritty and funny. If you haven't seen him in the movie Layer Cake, he was awesome.

I wasn't too crazy about the movie Casino Royale itself, unfortunately. While they did a great job in setting up Bond's motivations, etc... (this is supposed to be his first ever assignment) I thought the plot was convoluted. Too many bad guys and confusing. But then I critique everything!

Helen Brenna said...

Candace, I just right click on stuff and save to my pictures. When the pics are copyrighted that won't work, which is the case with a lot of "star" photos.

Boy, blogger's a pain today!

Unknown said...

Oh, yeah. Great movie and great new Bond. Very much in keeping with Ian Fleming's terse, brutal, resourceful hero. But Craig also has those huge blue eyes that betray his tortured soul.

It also helps that he is so buff and toned. . . the way he walks sets the ambient temperature rising. I have to say, I was a little disappointed in the girl. . . she didn't charm me, but I guess I could buy that she did charm James.

I saw it Friday afternoon--couldn't wait-- and thought it was the best Bond I'd seen in years and years!

I'm with you, Candace. A hero not for the faint of heart. And jolly well about time.

sigh.

:) Betina

Unknown said...

Also saw "Happy Feet" this weekend. VERY GOOD movie. The animation is unparalleled and the story itself is lovely and original.

Take the kiddies and old ladies! Great music and adorable, remarkably-rendered and adorable penguins that will have you thinking hard about the way we treat the environment.

Robin Williams should be officially designated a "living national treasure."

:) Betina

Helen Brenna said...

Ditto, Betina, on the Robin Williams being a national treasure. He is so unique.