Skyfall (2012): Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Judy Dench

Skyfall is a fast pace retro James Bond cinema feat which poignantly celebrates the James Bond 50th year film franchise.   The movie is slick, darker than others with throwback gadgets and an older and craggy looking Bond.  For that matter, the tuxes, snow scenes or water antics with gorgeous women, martini's, casino's and colorful venues are sadly limited in this film.   However, this is precisely on point, since the film focuses on Bond's, Daniel Craig, death and subsequently resurrection to save boss M, Judy Dench, from the terrorists. Perhaps the idea was too kill off the debonair, delightfully suited and sexy Bond and revive the franchise with the "real" James Bond from the books who apparently is a tough and a harden killer spy.  Or so I have been told by an avid Bond fan.

Fresh faces add variety to the film.   Ralph Fiennes, Gareth Mollory, is a fussy man in charge of MI6 and wants M to retire due to her ripe old age. The youthful new Q, Ben Whishaw, is clever and quick witted to equal Bond's curiosity with handy gadgets and intelligent repertoire.  Naomi Harris, Eve, is a willowy and stunning beauty with a silky British voice who is Bond's right hand while chasing the villain.  Berenice Marlohe, Severine, is drop dead gorgeous, mesmerizing and the connection to the Bond's evil nemesis.   Just who is the villain in Skyfall?   The mastermind is Javier Bardem, Silva, a diabolical terrorist, once a MI6 agent, now turned, who is hilarious though eerily freaky with blond hair.  Brilliant performance.  

All and all, Skyfall, is GREAT fun, a renewal towards a more serious Bond rivaling Sean Connery.  This James Bond is similar to Jason Bourne or perhaps the upcoming action hero Jack Reacher.  Even though the Bond resurrection is a new phase in the franchise, the lavish sets, showstopping clothes, jewelry along with vivid action packed scenes set in Monaco with a debonair woman chasing Bond is missed.  Bet's are on James Bond novel and earlier film aficionados will enjoy this flick immensely.  Yes, Skyfall is a "martini shaken but not stirred".  Hopefully, the new film franchise is not moving towards, "Give me a beer please with a lime squeeze".

Flight (2012): Denzel Washington; Don Cheadle; John Goodman, Bruce Greenwood, Kelly Reilly

Flight is an action packed thriller focusing on a frightening airline crash and its aftermath.  The film opens with Denzel Washington, Whip Whittaker, an alcohol and cocaine abuser, arriving to pilot the plane on just an "ordinary day".  102 passengers are safely buckled in as the plane soars into a violent storm while traveling from Florida to Georgia.   The turbulence scenes sends chills down the spine as the plane maneuvers through the benevolent lightening, rain and ominous clouds.

Whip, a seasoned airline pilot, miraculously lands the plane after a flight malfunction and is declared a hero, saving almost all aboard.  However, questions arise, which leads to the confrontation of a personal battle as well as solving the mystery of landing. Bruce Greenwood, Charlie Anderson, is Whip's friend and the represents the airline union.  Don Cheadle, Hugh Lang, is brilliant as the tough and gifted lawyer representing Whip.  Kelly Reilly, Nicole, is Whip's love interest with a common bond.  Of course, John Goodman, is downright hilarious as Harling Mays, a drug dripping supplier, creating comic relief to this messy tale.  

Flight is a well told story with believable actors, Washington at his best, that grips the audience from start to finish.  Of course, afterwards the thought of flying will be questioned and of course, the self destructive behavior in the flick definitely leaves one squeamish.  All and all a thought-provoking, fast action and memorable film.  Not for the "fear of flying" crowd!  Nor, will the film EVER be seen on an in-flight airplane!