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‘Skyfall’ – When James Bond takes center stage in story and in theme

Skyfall Directed by Sam Mendes Written by John Logan, Neal Purvis and Robert Wade U.K./U.S.A., 2012 *Those sensitive to spoilers should be wary with the following article. Certain key story elements are revealed. Time and time again the legendary James Bond film franchise has learned to adapt and survive. Survival of the fittest, if you …

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‘The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’ hired too many cooks

There are hints of understated charm and elegance sprinkled throughout The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Moments when two people, battered and bruised by life, share some genuine insight about the human condition. Unfortunately, those moments are lost amid a frenzy of unnecessary storylines and cartoonish complications. It’s a treat to see these veteran actors playing off each other, but you’re better off staying at a different hotel.

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Office Space: the evolution of M’s office throughout the 007 film franchise

From the very outset of the James Bond film franchise, it was abundantly clear that one of the films’ selling points was the promise that the protagonist, British secret agent James Bond 007, would travel the many foreign, exotic, romantic and dangerous locales around the globe. From the more familiar yet legendary European cities, such …

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BAFTAs 2013: Who is going to win? – part 2

Now that we are nearing the big awards of the season, it is time to revisit the nominations and predictions for the 2013 BAFTAs.  Part 2 will cover the following categories: (see part one here) Best Film Best British Film Leading Actor Leading Actress Best Supporting Actor Best Supporting Actress Best Director The EE BAFTA …

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Why I Love ‘Quantum of Solace’

Quantum of Solace Written by Paul Haggis, Neal Purvis and Robert Wade Directed by Marc Forster UK, 2008 On the Mousterpiece Cinema podcast, Josh and I frequently joke about our “Island Films” by which we don’t mean the films that we would hypothetically take to a desert island, but the films that we are alone on an island in …

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Bar Michelle Williams, ‘My Week with Marilyn’ is full of the one-note

My Week with Marilyn Written by Adrian Hodges Directed by Simon Curtis UK/USA, 2011 My Week with Marilyn’s key strength, and obvious biggest point of interest for most viewers, is Michelle Williams’ turn as Monroe. Williams excels at portraying various facets of Monroe’s star image omnipresent in pop culture, but the quality of the performance …

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