Skyfall: Stirred not shaken

People took to criticising the movie on social media, but only a few had any esteemed critics review to back them up.

Shehan Rayer November 29, 2012
There is a debate that rages unknown to most who consider themselves the most ardent of Bond fans. Shaken not stirred is a catch phrase that has latched itself firmly into the legacy of 007’s exploits, whoever may try to fill out the magic tuxedo.

It is said that when the drink is shaken the ice cubes chip, hence leading to a more diluted result whereas when stirred with a special spoon the essence of the drink remains intact.

He may have taken his vodka martini shaken, but Daniel Craig’s portrayal of Britain’s greatest export since Sherlock Holmes has certainly stirred the plot. There are many people/fans that have chosen to voice their disapproval of Sam Mendes’s take of Bond over social media sites such as Twitter or Facebook. However, few of them have an esteemed critics review to back them up, seeing as how every major publication and renowned cynic, I’m sorry I meant to say critic, have been simply falling over themselves trying to find words never heard before in exclaiming their delight.

Let’s get to the crux of it.

Gone are the theatrical gadgets of Bonds gone by. 007 is now guided by a cold, cruel, sometimes even brash desire to exercise his license to kill and he doesn’t need a flamethrower that sprouts out of his belt buckle to do it.

Bond girls worthy of featuring on the “Girls Gone Wild” catalogue have been replaced with gorgeous yet sophisticated female leads that have more of a purpose than simply bedding the world’s greatest secret agent. FYI- worry not he still sleeps with them, but you will have to pick up a copy of the actual DVD to catch those scenes. Less an international man of mystery more human and susceptible to pain and hurt

Javier Bardem’s performance is quite possibly parallel if not equal to what Heath Ledger left behind as his legacy in Christopher Nolan’s Batman series. The greatest Bond villain to date.  There can be no argument or debate, even an existential one on this fact. A riveting performance that not only saw Bond challenged like never before, but had at one point the audience visibly squirming in their seats.

Sam Mendes. Take a bow. Not only has he successfully brought forth a character perilously close to extinction back from the brink but transformed a persona over a quarter of a decade old and made him relevant again. Daniel Craig may you star in more than the next two bond flicks that you’ve signed on for.

And for all you detractors out there, you have one of two choices; embrace reality or, and this is a valid and legit secondary option I present to you, stay off watching Bond for the next five years and console yourself with a Vodka Martini, shaken not stirred…

Read more by Shehan here, or follow him on Twitter @ShehanRayer
WRITTEN BY:
Shehan Rayer Former writing enthusiast turned journalist turned Radio Jockey; still a writing enthusiast and a Radio Jockey. He tweets @ShehanRayer (https://twitter.com/ShehanRayer)
The views expressed by the writer and the reader comments do not necassarily reflect the views and policies of the Express Tribune.

COMMENTS (11)

Nabil | 11 years ago | Reply "However, few of them have an esteemed critics review to back them up". because our own opinions aren't good enough without endorsement from "esteemed critics"? This isn't a scientific debate where you need facts to back you up, you're free to form your own opinion. Writers should pay more attention to how their articles address those who may hold a different opinion.
Fatima Tariq | 11 years ago | Reply Stopped watching Bond movies a long time ago...But after reading this, I have to watch skyfall!!
VIEW MORE COMMENTS
Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ