Bond Villain Sean Cronin talks exclusively to Flavourmag about his new film ‘GIVE THEM WINGS’

I was offered a chance to interview an actor who is notorious for playing villains and looks like he is about to kill you with one glance you don’t really turn down the opportunity. Actor/Director, Sean Cronin was kind enough to sit down with us and give us the low down on his directing for his new film ‘Give Them Wings’.

FOR FULL INTERVIEW ON FLAVOURMAG CLICK HERE

Skyfall – Film Review

Director: Sam Mendes

Stars: Daniel Craig, Judi Dench and Javier Bardem

Bond is missing, presumed dead when MI6 comes under attack and M’s life is put in danger as her past comes back to haunt her. 007 being ever loyal to his country decide to reappear in order to save his beloved MI6 no matter what the personal cost.

Skyfall comes to us in its 50 year anniversary and is the 23^rd outing for this suave and sophisticated British spy, but does Director Sam Mendes (Revolutionary Road, Jarhead) do justice to the iconic Bond series? That answer would be a resounding YES but does have a slight struggle to get there.  Mendes presents us with a feast of nostalgia, including an outing from the very sexy looking DB5, mixed in with an abundance of modern day technology, as Q is quoted as saying “ we’ve moved on from exploding pens” when handing over a gun programmed only to respond to 007’s palm prints and a sim sized radio that tracks his location. The opening sequence greets us in true Bond style with car chases, fighting on top of trains all while Bond looks immaculate in his nicely tailored suit, Roll the opening credits with Adele’s spine tingling, haunting theme song giving you goose bumps you just know you’re in for a engaging ride.

 

Predominantly set in good ol’ blighty, London to be more precise, with bit parts played by Turkey and China gives some real and yet exotic iconic glamour with great editing in Shanghai for one of the fight scenes. Set in a building of glass at night, an extremely contemporary feel plays out for the eyes in the form of a silhouette with what seems to be a neon light show in the background giving that modern day experience.

Bond wouldn’t be Bond without those beautiful, sensuous and cunning Bond girls and whilst Berenice Marlohe as Severine is extremely sexy unfortunately there is no real point to her character. She shows up in a matter of 3 scenes, has no storyline and then is killed off. Naomie Harris (Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll) as Eve was very detached from her character, she had no real spark with Craig and that showed all to well, it just felt like she was in complete awe of being in a Bond film. Maybe she will get better in time as with the twist we encounter at the end of the film she will be around for at least another film. The ultimate Bond girl though is of course Dame Judi Dench as M, strong, clinical, humorous and with a slight touch (which is almost unnoticeable) of emotion gives us a flawless show. Next up we have the Bond villain Silva. Javier Bardem (No Country for Old Men, Biutiful, Eat Pray Love) plays a likable psychopath. Playing a highly intelligent unhinged maniac seems to flow so naturally for him. Bardem and Craig gel so well together and seem to play off each other bringing out the best performances on screen.  We also have the fine acting skills in one of Britain’s finest actors joining the Bond franchise, Ralph Fiennes, not a predominant character in this film I am sure he will bring some class to this everlasting series.

Finally, Daniel Craig, he is the epitome of Bond. He makes 007 his own while still oozing machismo. The only criticism I can give him is he needs to work on the way he runs, it looked false and extremely camp, however he still gives of that air of class, sexiness and the ability to make fun of himself so effortlessly.

What’s different with this Bond to others is that Mendes not only keeps with the tradition of the high octane, explosive action sequences but he has spent time on character development, delving into the psyches of the main characters just enough to make you want to know more.  Even though it is quite camp at times, Skyfall is explosive, witty and suspenseful, which takes you on a thrilling rollercoaster ride.

Here’s to the next 50 years of this Best of British film franchise.