written from the future (2015)

Rating: 10/10 (21 May 2015)

The problem with writing from the future (9 years after this film was released) is that the reviewer knows more than he should. For that I apologize.
Apologies aside, I am giving this film a "10" (CITIZEN KANE CLASS) because:
* it is the best and most artfully crafted reboot in modern film history. It took all expectations and blew them away. (Unlike for example the wretched Spiderman reboot which, we found out, was done for financial reasons to keep an option clause alive.)
* the first 50 minutes is perhaps one of the most action-packed segments in film history as well. The intent was to position Craig's re-imagining of Bond as similar to a bloodhound -- once on the scent, he never lets up. From the opening scene with Free-jumping (of the millions who saw this, most did not realize what they were seeing) to the airport explosion, it is gripping and brilliant. It also sets up the relationship for the later film themed around Judi Dench, essentially killing two birds with one stone. Brilliant.
* the second part of the film involves a transition which succeeds but only by the skin of its celluloid teeth. The idea from the script meetings was, having established JB as a cold-hearted bastard, give him a "loss" to set up the next film that makes it "personal". Was this too much too soon? Critics felt the reboot too ambitious, but it was entertaining throughout.
* Eva Green's looks have never been used to better advantage, nor is it likely they ever will again. Sin City 2 notwithstanding.
* the trope with the cardiac paddles is one of the most memorable in film history and verily defines the phrase "man enough to jog home from his own vasectomy." Many young men who saw this in a theatre with dates felt very inadequate that night.
Bottom line, a "10" score is usually reserved for a film which is perfect, memorable, and historical. This qualifies. Whatever flaws exist in this reboot (and there are several) are found entirely in the sequels. This first entry set the bar.