Iffy for 13+
Bond returns for more racy, action-packed thrills.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Skyfall is a thrilling, entertaining, and -- as you'd expect -- frequently violent entry in the beloved James Bond franchise. While not as gritty/dark as star Daniel Craig's last two go-rounds (Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace), Skyfall has all of the ingredients that longtime Bond fans have come to count on: sex scenes that are suggestive but not explicit, frequent sexual repartee, guns, fights, big explosions, car chases, some cringe-inducing injuries and deaths, and constant peril. There's also some drinking and swearing (one "f--k," plus "s--t" and more) and some almost flirtatious-feeling scenes between Bond and the main villain. And, of course, the requisite product placement for everything from Aston Martin cars to Tom Ford clothes.
- Families can talk about what makes James Bond "cool." Is it his skills? His attitude? Do you consider him a role model? What makes him so appealing (and enduring) in general?
- Is the Bond franchise still relevant for today's sensibilities? Does Skyfall advance it or keep it in the past?
- Does Skyfall use drinking and smoking to support or take away from the Bond franchise's appeal?
The good stuff
-
Messages: While espionage and conflict/violence are glamorized throughout the Bond series, in this installment, loyalty, tradition, and the notion that "right trumps might" prevail.
-
Role models: James Bond often relies on violence to accomplish his goals, is frequently driven by revenge, has his share of vices, and has been known to choose iffy ways of resolving problems, but he's devoted to his employer, MI6, and to keeping the world's safety in balance. His mentor, M, may seem prickly, but she respects him highly. The villain is incredibly malicious and seeks to hurt for sport and vengeance.
What to watch for
-
Violence: Though not as dark/gritty/bloody as Quantum of Solace, in true Bond fashion, there's nonstop action mayhem, with a strangling, gunfire, point-blank shootings, an execution, huge explosions, hand-to-hand combat, stabbings, car/train crashes, the works. A character removes shrapnel from himself with a knife. Characters die from falls, being eaten by hungry animals (not shown explicitly), gunshots, and more.
-
Sex: Lots of sexual innuendo and sex scenes in the shadows -- literally, with couples in darkness in scenes that show Bond's bare chest and/or a woman's naked back. Kissing. Some scenes between bond and the villain feel flirtatious as well.
-
Language: Infrequent swearing includes one "f--k," plus a few uses of "s--t," "damn," "c--k," "hell," "bitch," "for Christ's sakes," "bastard," "buggered," and "bloody."
-
Consumerism: Brands seen early and often include Rolex, Aston Martin, Audi, Sony Vaio, Range Rover, VW, Heineken, Tom Ford, etc.
-
Drinking, drugs and smoking: A martini, shaken (not stirred), makes an appearance. Bond also drinks other alcohol frequently in some parts of the movie, sometimes with the apparent purpose of getting drunk. Social drinking at parties and restaurants. A woman smokes a cigarette.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Bond Reinvented by Darkola
The negative: There are a few scenes in this movie that we've seen before in movies, for example, fight scene in a train going into tunnels, motorcycle chase on rooftop, been there, done that. There was also one scene in particular, a train crash in tunnel that looked real cheesy. I also didnt care for the main bad guy, could have found someone better.
The Plus: Everything else, with the little bit of negative I wrote above, this was really a great movie, one of my favorite Bond movies. I think what made this movie better in my opinion is the fact that they didnt get carried away with far fetch gadgets and chase scenes, they took it back a notch to old school, where you can believe it more. I also like the way they introduce us to a whole new reboot of the Bond characters, which I wont reveal as I dont want to give away to much of the movie itself. Daniel Craig did a great job as Bond, and the story itself was good. I would give this 3 1/2 stars out of 4 myself, enjoy :)
2
Tired boring loud repetitive by ajfincke
I found the movie uninspiring. I did however agree with the plot line that Judi Dench and Daniel Craig should be put out to pasture! And why is he being sent out with a little gun and a car from the 70's to battle superior odds? Why was he shot in the opening sequence with a high power rifle and then unexplainably turns up alive on some island and ready to to back to work? I wish he had stayed on that island! I found the Javier Bardem bad guy mainly just creepy rather than truly evil or threatening. Anyway I walked out before the ending which I understand was poor so I'm glad I did. Nothing new in this edition and way too much that is old old old.
3
SKYFALL by Tufrmone
Skyfall has been totally overhyped. When a movie is restructured back to a more realistic and believable character, the plot and the stunts needs to be believable. This isn't. From the beginning when Bond is shot on the top of a moving train, falls into water from at least a hundred feet unconscious, and lives, the movie requires suspension of disbelief after suspension of disbelief.
The Villain walks around in a phony blonde wig and assuming you can accept his sole goal is to murder M, you have to accept that all of the many many henchmen that support him are willing to sacrifice their lives for nothing but the goal of killing her as well. That doesn't work for me. It also doesn't work that the best way to protect the old woman who is running the most sophisticated spy network in the World next to the CIA is to go to the most isolated place in the United Kingdom with nothing but some dynamite, gasoline, a shotgun and Bond. It just doesn't work.
Tufr
5
Not Your Typical... by jbinminot
Bond movie. This one is more of a character study than even Casino Royale. The acting was outstanding especially by Javiar Bardem and Judi Dench. I think it's one of the best movies of the year. However if you are looking for wall-to-wall action you are going to be sorely disappointed.
5
Everything To Expect In Bond...Very Entertaining. by Alon Patterson
What's to say about a decades old franchise like Bond? It has become a brand with EXTREME quality control and as such, NEVER diverts from either its formula or its product quality in order to ensure longevity in profits to its investors. In a word, Bond is manufactured entertainment at its finest and as such, this installment is top quality as well. Perhaps the Bond films are a bit formulaic but through the many prequels leading to this one, they've maintained both modern appeal and audience loyalty by delivering what people go to movies for. Throughout two hours plus, when one sees a Bond film, we are transported through vicarious experience into a visual world so distracting as to have us nearly forget our present worldly lives and to become engaged in other mindful thoughts as elicited in plot by the visual and auditory actions of those moments. In essence we are thoroughly entertained. That's the value of this movie and its ticket. See it. You won't be disappointed in this escape.
1
Ludicrous at best lacking creativity by a3arar
007 dropped to equate any action movie, in fact it won't pass others. Chinese action is more entertaining. Those guys lost it all on all frontiers except for Daniel Craig. No gadgets, no cars, so so bond women, and the script... I will give them credit for some train action in the beginning, yet that was dropped by his fall. That was the first disappointment. Then it is downhill from there.
The best 007 is Casino Royal. No comparison.
1
The worst 007 ever by guer_v
Not only was this the worst in my memory, but also least James Bond -like of them all.
Why do we like James Bond? He kicks ass, beds women, has cool toys, all the while avoids sleeping, eating, visiting only places with generous vistas. In this movie, only vistas are present.
The movie tries to be serious and - how to put it - working an age perspective - we get old and should consider retirement? I am not sure. On being serious - a parliamentary investigative committee asking whether do we even need human spies, and the answer by M - "do you feel safe"?!!! All he while trying to make right major f..up by her department. More multiple continuous failures throughout the movie - hacked network, lost/escaped list of covert operatives, shooting 007 and letting bad guy go, young smug Q plugging bad guy's laptop into internal network, being surprised at being infected, and that's AFTER the network was hacked in the first place!
Women? What women?!
Infuriating.
4
I enjoyed SkyFall very much! by NancyFleur
It was very exciting, one of those movies where you can just sit back and be entertained. I like Daniel Craig very much. The scenery was great.
5
Skyfall by JimLockard
This film has most of what you would expect of a Bond film in terms of action, gadgets, women, exotic locations, etc. It also has a deeper, more personal plot than any other Bond film that I have seen. Also, there are a number of references to classic films and to some of the earlier Bond concepts that are fun, but do not detract from the storyline. I totally enjoyed the film.
4
Skyfall by mprodor
Skyfall is a good solid action flick, which I would give 3.5 out of 5 bottle of Stone IPA (sorry, my review, so my rating criteria). The story flowed along very well, with good action / chase / fight scenes, but I felt like I was watching Independence Day when the Q made his blunder. Really, the writers cannot come up with a better angle than that?
Also, still not sold on the "new bond" character. Hey I am an old guy and loved the Bonds who were suave, smart and physical. Daniel's character seems to have trouble staying ahead of the villains, following M blindly through most of the movies. Argh! I miss the bond who would only lose in cards when he wanted to.