One Minute Movie Review: Skyfall

Ever since the iconic Sean Connery retired his exploding pen and was replaced by the likes of Roger Moore and Pierce Brosnan, I have not been the biggest fan of the ultimate super spy whether he was portrayed as a tongue and cheek womanizer or ultra sophisticated action hero.   So, in all fairness and disclosure, I have to admit, I have not watched many Bond films since then but was intrigued by this outing thanks to a well produced and stylish trailer.   Sam Mendes, Oscar Winning director of American Beauty, attempts to create a nostalgic feel in his adaptation, mixing in some modern reboots of 007 staples.  Unfortunately they get lost among a lackluster script, mundane action sequences and an outright boring cast.  Daniel Craig delivers an absolutely stoic and unengaging performance.  I don't know if this is an established facet in all of his portrayals, but based on this flick, he has to be the most mechanical of the litany of actors who have taken up this mantle.   In fact,  the entire cast seems so one dimensional that it makes the story feel long and cumbersome rather than interesting and entertaining.  That aside, the plot is just plain convoluted and strange, with a significant plot hole that dismantles the entire premise.   Unlike Bond films, of the past where the villains are so over the top that you can't help be fascinated, this version's baddie borders on just downright goofiness, a caricature that resembles something between Buffalo Bill from Silence of the Lambs and John Malkovich.  So in the end and despite the slick trailer, this film ends up as yet another disappointing cinematic example of style over substance.  1 out of 5 Kernels:  this movie was dryer than one of James’ signature Martinis.