The premiere of the new James Bond Skyfall hosted by the British High Commission took place this past week and, although I was unable to attend and also meet the ‘Bond Girl’ Bérénice Marlohe (who was brought to SA by main sponsor Heineken), I did get the opportunity to catch the film after. Without giving any spoilers away, I have to say that this was one of the best I’ve seen in a while. James Bond is an institution that, over the last decade or so, has worked hard to find itself amidst the many iconic ‘action heroes’ that have cropped up.
With this one, I am glad to hear that Daniel Craig has signed up for another film or two; he gives James Bond a certain human-ness that hasn’t always been there. Judi Dench, Ralph Fiennes and especially Javier Bardem all do what they are good at, which is act their behinds off. It is definitely a must watch.
Outside of everything else, from the cars, fight scenes, explosions and the great dialogue laced with Brit humour, were the suits James Bond wore. I love me a good suit and these looked like they’d been made on Daniel Craig. True perfection, as one would expect from Tom Ford.
And, the official theme song for Skyfall, sung by Adele, is the perfect Bond theme, a worthy successor to tracks like You Only Live Twice – Nancy Sinatra, Diamonds Are Forever – Shirley Bassey, For Your Eyes Only – Sheena Easton, Live And Let Die – Paul McCartney & Wings, and Licence to Kill – Gladys Knight, amongst others.
[youtube]http://youtu.be/StJLvbPIvTw[/youtube]
As part of the international push around the film, Heineken continues to drive the Crack The Case campaign with various activations starting with one they had at Melrose Arch weekend before last and last weekend at Twenty Four Central. People were challenged to find their way through a laser maze where, when once they were able to crack the case, they were given a key that led them to a prize. Prizes include movie tickets, cameras and tablets. The next interactive installation is at Rhapsody’s Menlyn in Pretoria this coming weekend.
And up for grabs overall is still that R1 million worth Bond Experience in London prize.