Well, maybe not quite. But Skyfall, the 23rd 007 movie in 50 years, is, according to our critic Philip Martin, “way up there on the list, a taut and nearly completely serious spy thriller that wisely plays on the expectations and good will of Bond devotees while remaining more connected to real-world threats than the more outlandish (and typically lousier) entries in the canon. ”
In other words, it’s a really fine example of escapist moviemaking with acting and production values that would do justice to any end-of-the-year, award-seeking prestige drama. The only thing about it that’s over the top are the thrilling action scenes. Whee.
Also this week, Martin talks to Paramount Pictures archives head Andrea Kalas about the brand-new Sunset Blvd. restoration (and subsequent Blu-ray release) and Slate magazine’s Isaac Chotiner — who’s read every James Bond book, seen every movie, and contemplated all with great seriousness and charm — surveys the best, worst, and most seductive aspects of the Bond franchise, both in print and on film.
Meanwhile, there are reviews of Easy Money — which may be better known by its original Swedish title Snabba Cash — and the Nicolas Cage thriller Stolen online at www.blooddirtangels.com.
Read Friday's MovieStyle section of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full reviews.