From Russia with Love is one of the best James Bond films. In fact, it is more than just a great James Bond movie. It is a great spy movie with heroes and villains on both sides that are deceiving one another. When you combine all of this with one of the greatest henchman character portrayals in the history of the franchise, you get one of the most thrilling Bond films ever produced.
From Russia with Love is the second film in the James Bond franchise, and is the story of James Bond getting involved in an assassination plot in order for the British to get their hands on a Soviet LEKTOR encryption device. What makes this film so special is the complexity of the narrative. This is not your typical "Bond saves the world, and gets the girl" Bond film. You have to watch and listen carefully in order to know what is going on. Even when you think you know what is going on and what is going to happen, you actually have no idea. This was also the first Bond film to have the now-traditional opening title sequence. With such a rich narrative and great characters to boot, it is no wonder why From Russia with Love is a favorite among fans.
Sean Connery reprises his role as James Bond. In this film, we start to see certain characteristics that will be become the blueprint for the character. He is suave, he keeps his cool and the one-liners start to become commonplace. One of the other reasons I love this film is that we see Bond form friendships with his associates. Bond and Kerim Bay (Pedro Armendariz) form a mutual respect for one another, and the scenes with Connery and Armendariz are some of the best in the film.
Robert Shaw plays Grant. I absolutely love the fact that Grant does not say a word until the climax of the movie. There is a certain mystery and menace that is added to the character because of this. Shaw is thrilling to watch in the role, uttering his lines with coldness and malevolence. This is a terrifying performance if there ever was one.
Terence Young is the director of From Russia with Love. Most of the film takes place in Istanbul, and the sequences that showcase the city, especially the exterior shots, are remarkably beautiful. Most of the action sequences are at the end of the film and, while not over the top, are well done and serve the story quite well. It goes without saying that the fight scene between Bond and Grant on the train is one of the best ever filmed (although it is confusing which briefcase the tear gas is in). This scene has many cuts, which add tension and excitement, and Grant meets a fitting demise. Young grasps ahold of the essence of Bond with this film, and it is no wonder why his Bond films are some of the best.
From Russia with Love is one of my favorites of the Connery Bond films. It is so much more than your typical action flick. Raw emotion is evident in every scene, and as the film progresses you realize that the stakes have never been higher. If you are a Bond fan that needs to brush up on the history of the franchise, or if its simply been a while since you've seen this film, I highly recommend that you watch it.
Friday, April 28, 2017
Monday, April 24, 2017
Fathers And Sons: Part V
Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back is one of the greatest sequels ever made, but it is also one of the greatest films ever made. This is ironic considering that when the film was originally released, film audiences did not perceive it that way. However, considering the excellent narrative and character development, it has now become a film that belongs on any number of "100 Films To See Before You Die" list.
Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back is the fifth installment of the Star Wars saga, and is the story of Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) being trained as a Jedi Knight by Yoda (Frank Oz) while Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) are on the run from the Galactic Empire. This film is not only a great film, but it is a lesson in great storytelling. There is humor in the movie, but there are no gags. There is a love story, but rather than show makeout scenes and sex, Han and Leias' relationship is flirtatious and implied. I love how their relationship unfolds, too, because for a majority of the film, Han keeps Leia out of danger flying her throughout the galaxy. He does everything he can to keep her safe. They endure endless peril together, and fall in love. In the end, however, even Hans' willingness to take care of Leia is not enough, and the two characters are parted at a time when they need each other the most. Speaking of which, and I cannot emphasize this enough, nothing good happens to the protagonists in this film. At all. Yes, Han and Leia end up together, but only just before Han gets frozen in carbonite and taken to Jabba the Hutt by Boba Fett (Temuera Morrison). This film is quite depressing to experience but,because of the story and the way the relationships evolve between the characters, this film is a cinematic gem.
As masterful as this film is, there are a few story points and plot issues that I must address. Towards the beginning of the movie, Han Solo says that they ran into a bounty hunter on Ord Mantell that changed his mind on whether or not he was going to stay with the Rebellion. When exactly did this happen??? Also, after the evacuation of the rebel base on Hoth, Luke tells R2-D2 (Kenny Baker) that they are going to Dagobah instead of regrouping with Han and Leia. The problem is that he does not tell them. He just leaves without saying goodbye. Dick move, Skywalker. Also, how exactly does Dagobah feel familiar to Luke??? Also, how did Vader know Skywalkers' first name was Luke??? It is not as if he was present at his birth. That is like Lando inexplicably knowing Leia was a princess at the end of the movie. When did he find that out??? When they met, he did not even know her name! Another thing that bothers me about the film has to do with continuity. After, Han Solo hides the Millenium Falcon on the back of a Star Destroyer, Leia shuts down C-3PO (Anthony Daniels) because he will not stop talking. Yet, soon after it is revealed that they are being tracked by Boba Fett, he is inexplicably activated again even though nobody turned him back on. Even extremely good directors make errors.
Even with these problems, Empire is still regarded as the best of the original trilogy. I have always looked at this film as a character-driven drama more than a science-fiction film. The relationships between the characters are developed more, and the stakes are continuously raised throughout the film.
One of the newcomers to the returning cast is Billy Dee Williams as Lando Calrissian. What makes Lando so interesting and fun is the fact that you are not too sure about him when you first meet him. You get the feeling that, because he is friends with Han, he is a good guy, but the way he carries himself makes you feel uneasy. This just makes his betrayal all the more heartbreaking. It also makes his redemption that much more rewarding. When Lando realizes what he has done to his friends and goes back on his deal with Darth Vader, it is a heroic moment that will have you cheering. Williams shines in this role. He brings a beautiful balance of suaveness and swagger to the character. Also, when you are playing a character like this, it helps if you are good looking. Williams has dashing good looks which are only emphasized with that flowing cape of his.
In what is probably the most memorable role of the film, Frank Oz plays Yoda. I love the fact that Yoda is testing Luke during their initial meeting by acting goofy and weird. After which, Yoda concludes, "The boy has no patience" and the true Yoda is revealed. Also, the lessons that Yoda teaches Luke resonate deeply because they are lessons that every person should learn in life. It is also quite emotional to know that Yoda was present at Lukes' birth. Oz gives a powerful performance, and quite honestly has the best dialog in the film. The way Yoda moves and utters his lines are part of what makes you believe in the character. If this character had not worked, the whole film would have fallen apart.
Irvin Kershner is the director of Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back. This film is vast and broad, spanning two or three different worlds, and the sets are magnificent to look at. There are also some breathtaking space battles in the film. These scenes are spectacular to watch, but there is also emotion behind the effects because each battle puts our heroes in danger. There is never action for the sake of action. The cinematography in the Hoth battle is particularly beautiful. I also love what Kershner does with the friendship between Han and Luke in this film. Han Solo is not the warmest of men, but we see through a series of events that Han does care about Luke and vice-versa. These scenes are not overly emotional, but they still carry emotional weight. It would be remiss if I did not mention the climactic lightsaber duel between Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker. I love the fact that the duel takes place in three different "stages" if you will, and that each "stage" is considerably more intense than the previous one. The cinematography in the carbon freezing chamber alone will leave you awestruck. Of course, the reveal of Lukes' true parentage is one of the most bone-chilling moments in all of cinema. This is coupled by one of the best cliffhangers in all of cinema. I remember eight years ago when Irvin Kershner died, and I just happened to be watching Empire when I read the news that day. It broke my heart, and it still does, because he gave us the greatest film in the Star Wars saga.
It took me quite a while to appreciate The Empire Strikes Back as the cinematic landmark it truly is. I have always enjoyed the film, but only in recent years did I become aware of how much of a technical masterpiece it is. If you have not seen Empire by now, please do yourself a favor and stay in this weekend to treat yourself to it. It is an amazing experience.
Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back is the fifth installment of the Star Wars saga, and is the story of Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) being trained as a Jedi Knight by Yoda (Frank Oz) while Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) are on the run from the Galactic Empire. This film is not only a great film, but it is a lesson in great storytelling. There is humor in the movie, but there are no gags. There is a love story, but rather than show makeout scenes and sex, Han and Leias' relationship is flirtatious and implied. I love how their relationship unfolds, too, because for a majority of the film, Han keeps Leia out of danger flying her throughout the galaxy. He does everything he can to keep her safe. They endure endless peril together, and fall in love. In the end, however, even Hans' willingness to take care of Leia is not enough, and the two characters are parted at a time when they need each other the most. Speaking of which, and I cannot emphasize this enough, nothing good happens to the protagonists in this film. At all. Yes, Han and Leia end up together, but only just before Han gets frozen in carbonite and taken to Jabba the Hutt by Boba Fett (Temuera Morrison). This film is quite depressing to experience but,because of the story and the way the relationships evolve between the characters, this film is a cinematic gem.
As masterful as this film is, there are a few story points and plot issues that I must address. Towards the beginning of the movie, Han Solo says that they ran into a bounty hunter on Ord Mantell that changed his mind on whether or not he was going to stay with the Rebellion. When exactly did this happen??? Also, after the evacuation of the rebel base on Hoth, Luke tells R2-D2 (Kenny Baker) that they are going to Dagobah instead of regrouping with Han and Leia. The problem is that he does not tell them. He just leaves without saying goodbye. Dick move, Skywalker. Also, how exactly does Dagobah feel familiar to Luke??? Also, how did Vader know Skywalkers' first name was Luke??? It is not as if he was present at his birth. That is like Lando inexplicably knowing Leia was a princess at the end of the movie. When did he find that out??? When they met, he did not even know her name! Another thing that bothers me about the film has to do with continuity. After, Han Solo hides the Millenium Falcon on the back of a Star Destroyer, Leia shuts down C-3PO (Anthony Daniels) because he will not stop talking. Yet, soon after it is revealed that they are being tracked by Boba Fett, he is inexplicably activated again even though nobody turned him back on. Even extremely good directors make errors.
Even with these problems, Empire is still regarded as the best of the original trilogy. I have always looked at this film as a character-driven drama more than a science-fiction film. The relationships between the characters are developed more, and the stakes are continuously raised throughout the film.
One of the newcomers to the returning cast is Billy Dee Williams as Lando Calrissian. What makes Lando so interesting and fun is the fact that you are not too sure about him when you first meet him. You get the feeling that, because he is friends with Han, he is a good guy, but the way he carries himself makes you feel uneasy. This just makes his betrayal all the more heartbreaking. It also makes his redemption that much more rewarding. When Lando realizes what he has done to his friends and goes back on his deal with Darth Vader, it is a heroic moment that will have you cheering. Williams shines in this role. He brings a beautiful balance of suaveness and swagger to the character. Also, when you are playing a character like this, it helps if you are good looking. Williams has dashing good looks which are only emphasized with that flowing cape of his.
In what is probably the most memorable role of the film, Frank Oz plays Yoda. I love the fact that Yoda is testing Luke during their initial meeting by acting goofy and weird. After which, Yoda concludes, "The boy has no patience" and the true Yoda is revealed. Also, the lessons that Yoda teaches Luke resonate deeply because they are lessons that every person should learn in life. It is also quite emotional to know that Yoda was present at Lukes' birth. Oz gives a powerful performance, and quite honestly has the best dialog in the film. The way Yoda moves and utters his lines are part of what makes you believe in the character. If this character had not worked, the whole film would have fallen apart.
Irvin Kershner is the director of Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back. This film is vast and broad, spanning two or three different worlds, and the sets are magnificent to look at. There are also some breathtaking space battles in the film. These scenes are spectacular to watch, but there is also emotion behind the effects because each battle puts our heroes in danger. There is never action for the sake of action. The cinematography in the Hoth battle is particularly beautiful. I also love what Kershner does with the friendship between Han and Luke in this film. Han Solo is not the warmest of men, but we see through a series of events that Han does care about Luke and vice-versa. These scenes are not overly emotional, but they still carry emotional weight. It would be remiss if I did not mention the climactic lightsaber duel between Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker. I love the fact that the duel takes place in three different "stages" if you will, and that each "stage" is considerably more intense than the previous one. The cinematography in the carbon freezing chamber alone will leave you awestruck. Of course, the reveal of Lukes' true parentage is one of the most bone-chilling moments in all of cinema. This is coupled by one of the best cliffhangers in all of cinema. I remember eight years ago when Irvin Kershner died, and I just happened to be watching Empire when I read the news that day. It broke my heart, and it still does, because he gave us the greatest film in the Star Wars saga.
It took me quite a while to appreciate The Empire Strikes Back as the cinematic landmark it truly is. I have always enjoyed the film, but only in recent years did I become aware of how much of a technical masterpiece it is. If you have not seen Empire by now, please do yourself a favor and stay in this weekend to treat yourself to it. It is an amazing experience.
Wednesday, April 12, 2017
One Film Trilogy To Bind Them: Part III
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies is the culmination of Peter Jacksons' Middle Earth saga. Everything pays off, and is wrapped up in a beautiful way. The amount of respect and care that Jackson has for Tolkiens' world is completely evident in this final chapter of the Hobbit film series.
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies is the final installment of the Hobbit film trilogy, and is the story of Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) and the company of dwarves, and their involvement in a war over the Lonely Mountain. While this film stands perfectly well on its own, it also brings the Middle Earth saga full circle with certain character developments and plot points. I love that we see Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage) fully succumb to the sickness of Erebors' treasure, and that it is only through the help of his friends and Bilbo that he realizes his wrongdoings and is redeemed in the end. I also love the attack on Dol Guldur by the White Council for several reasons. Yes, the physical battle is intense and spectacular, but there are also a couple of key character moments in this scene. We see the dark side of Lady Galadriel (Cate Blanchett) that is completely out of control, and this serves as a prelude to her scene in The Fellowship of the Ring. We can also assume from this scene that the Necromancers' display of power is ultimately what seduces Saruman (Christopher Lee) to the dark side. After all, his last words are, "Leave Sauron to me". It seems only natural that he would follow Sauron to Mordor, and ultimately become his puppet. I also like that we see how Gandalf (Ian McKellen) gets the staff that he uses in The Lord of the Rings films, and that Thorin gives Bilbo his mythril vest. However, for everything that this film does right, it also does several things wrong. There is a sequence in the film where we see Gandalf randomly riding a horse to Erebor. The fact that he is on his way to Erebor does not bother me, but the fact that he is riding a horse does. How in the world did he come to acquire this horse?? This may sound like I am nitpicking, but I would have liked to at least seen him summon the horse by whistling or something. I also would have liked to see the news spread in a more elaborate way about the death of Smaug and the dwarves of Erebor seeking to reclaim it. It just feels like everybody randomly shows up and declares their intentions. Also, during the climactic war, Alfrid (Ryan Gage) is running and hiding, and keeping away from any violence. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, he is seen being catapulted into the mouth of a troll. Granted, this is awesome, but I would have liked to have seen how he wound up in the catapult in the first place. Speaking of the war, it does not feel like there is a clear end to everything. Yes, Azog is killed, but does that automatically mean that the war is over??? It all seems terribly anti-climactic. Despite all the problems with the plot, this final Hobbit film is action-packed and overwhelmingly emotional.
Peter Jackson is the director of The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies. From a storytelling perspective, I love the way Jackson handles the character arc of Thorin Oakenshield. Oakenshield slips far into the dark sickness of the mountain, and his redemption is carefully done and handled with grace. I also like the way Kilis' (Aidan Turner) death is handled. Tauriel (Evangeline Lilly) watches with horror as he killed and, even though no words are spoken, you can see the love they have for each other in their eyes. Naturally, the climactic war sequences are the highlight of the film. The war continuously gets more intense, and each shot is awe-inspiring to behold. The ending of the film is also quite well done, and seeing Bilbo and Gandalf part ways is enough to bring tears to your eyes. This film is a breathtaking finale to the Middle Earth saga, and Jackson has firmly cemented himself as one of the best filmmakers of the modern era.
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies serves as an epic conclusion to the Hobbit film trilogy, and also beautifully leads into the Lord of the Rings films. J.R.R. Tolkien would be truly proud of what Peter Jackson has done. If you enjoyed the first two Hobbit films, you will no doubt enjoy this exciting final chapter.
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies is the final installment of the Hobbit film trilogy, and is the story of Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) and the company of dwarves, and their involvement in a war over the Lonely Mountain. While this film stands perfectly well on its own, it also brings the Middle Earth saga full circle with certain character developments and plot points. I love that we see Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage) fully succumb to the sickness of Erebors' treasure, and that it is only through the help of his friends and Bilbo that he realizes his wrongdoings and is redeemed in the end. I also love the attack on Dol Guldur by the White Council for several reasons. Yes, the physical battle is intense and spectacular, but there are also a couple of key character moments in this scene. We see the dark side of Lady Galadriel (Cate Blanchett) that is completely out of control, and this serves as a prelude to her scene in The Fellowship of the Ring. We can also assume from this scene that the Necromancers' display of power is ultimately what seduces Saruman (Christopher Lee) to the dark side. After all, his last words are, "Leave Sauron to me". It seems only natural that he would follow Sauron to Mordor, and ultimately become his puppet. I also like that we see how Gandalf (Ian McKellen) gets the staff that he uses in The Lord of the Rings films, and that Thorin gives Bilbo his mythril vest. However, for everything that this film does right, it also does several things wrong. There is a sequence in the film where we see Gandalf randomly riding a horse to Erebor. The fact that he is on his way to Erebor does not bother me, but the fact that he is riding a horse does. How in the world did he come to acquire this horse?? This may sound like I am nitpicking, but I would have liked to at least seen him summon the horse by whistling or something. I also would have liked to see the news spread in a more elaborate way about the death of Smaug and the dwarves of Erebor seeking to reclaim it. It just feels like everybody randomly shows up and declares their intentions. Also, during the climactic war, Alfrid (Ryan Gage) is running and hiding, and keeping away from any violence. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, he is seen being catapulted into the mouth of a troll. Granted, this is awesome, but I would have liked to have seen how he wound up in the catapult in the first place. Speaking of the war, it does not feel like there is a clear end to everything. Yes, Azog is killed, but does that automatically mean that the war is over??? It all seems terribly anti-climactic. Despite all the problems with the plot, this final Hobbit film is action-packed and overwhelmingly emotional.
Peter Jackson is the director of The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies. From a storytelling perspective, I love the way Jackson handles the character arc of Thorin Oakenshield. Oakenshield slips far into the dark sickness of the mountain, and his redemption is carefully done and handled with grace. I also like the way Kilis' (Aidan Turner) death is handled. Tauriel (Evangeline Lilly) watches with horror as he killed and, even though no words are spoken, you can see the love they have for each other in their eyes. Naturally, the climactic war sequences are the highlight of the film. The war continuously gets more intense, and each shot is awe-inspiring to behold. The ending of the film is also quite well done, and seeing Bilbo and Gandalf part ways is enough to bring tears to your eyes. This film is a breathtaking finale to the Middle Earth saga, and Jackson has firmly cemented himself as one of the best filmmakers of the modern era.
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies serves as an epic conclusion to the Hobbit film trilogy, and also beautifully leads into the Lord of the Rings films. J.R.R. Tolkien would be truly proud of what Peter Jackson has done. If you enjoyed the first two Hobbit films, you will no doubt enjoy this exciting final chapter.
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