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Reviews
Prometheus (2012)
If Only the Picture Lived Up To the Previews
I wanted to like this picture so much. I saw it in 3D at the theater trying to keep in mind that it was its own story and not really a prequel to the Alien series. It is beautiful to look at. The cast is first rate. I purchased a copy and watched it twice, just for the pure joy of taking in the look of the picture and I feel it was time well spent. That said, Prometheus was a disappointment. It lacked the subtlety that made the original movie so suspenseful and ultimately terrifying. It lacked the heart and soul and pure honesty of the second picture (Aliens), my favorite in the series. The previews prepared us for a fascinating story that never materialized. There must be hours of scenes that were shot and never used. Perhaps we will get a better idea of the hard work that apparently was invested in the picture in another installment or a fresh cut of the picture that will no doubt run for two more hours. I will happily sit through such a version if it ever comes forth.
Skyfall (2012)
Not Just a Bond Flick, But Grand Scale Storytelling
"Skyfall" is loaded with jaw-dropping awesome stunts and special effects, one of the most beautiful and tragic Bond girls ever--the stunning Bérénice Marlohe, and a brilliant theme song from the fabulously talented Adele and producer Paul Epworth lushly orchestrated by J.A.C. Redford. There is sizzling homo erotic tension between Daniel Craig's perfect Bond and Javier Bardem's Silva, a villain the likes of which have never been seen in this franchise. Dame Judi Dench's marvelous "M" is set up for retirement from the onset of the film. Dench, who has portrayed M for seven Bond films--a record- -is given the screen time she deserves to honor her character. While Craig's "Casino Royale" remains my favorite with its bloody and raw portrayal of the spy business and most tender Bond romance since "On Her Magesty's Secret Service," "Skyfall" is full and satisfying and among the best films of its kind released this season.