"Skyfall" or "Skyfail"?

by Carl E. Olson | Catholic World Report

Last week was a momentous one for the world. No, not because of the U.S. elections, but because news broke that the Pope is a big James Bond fan. Or something like that. Or not even close. It depends, I suppose, on how must stock you put in the approach taken by big newspapers to the "news" that the L'Osservatore Romano had no less than five pieces about the most recent installment in the Bond franchise. The headlines are both breathless and comical: "New James Bond film gets five-star Vatican blessing" and "The Pope 'Approves' Of New Bond Flick, Skyfall (Despite all that sex and alcohol)". And so forth. Reuters reported:

"Skyfall" gets a rave review in l'Osservatore Romano, which calls it one of the best of the 23 James Bond films made over the past 50 years.

In the main article, titled "007 License to Cry," the newspaper says the latest incarnation of the world's most famous spy is a rather good one because it makes him less of a cliché, and "more human, capable of being moved and of crying: in a word, more real". A second article compares the different actors who have played James Bond, from the original Sean Connery to the current Daniel Craig.

In an interview with the newspaper, Craig says he feels "very different" from the actors who have preceded him in playing Bond but does concede that Connery is "a point of reference".

I'm not a Bond buff; I don't own any of the films and I've only seen about fourteen or fifteen in all. However, I actually read some of Ian Fleming's Bond novels when I was a kid, and when I finally saw some of the Bond films, I was a bit put off by the disconnect. The Bond of the novels is more raw, less glamorous, and often downright nasty. The books are decidedly dark, especially compared to some of the Roger Moore-era movies. Craig has, in my non-Vatican-endorsed opinion, brought the character much closer to the books. Of course, since no one reads anymore, it's a moot point.

Continue reading on the CWR blog.

Comments

[Ed Peters]

I readily defer to Carl's opinion of James Bond films, of course, but I still wonder, why on earth does L'Osservatore Romano care about Bond films, and we do we care that L'Osservatore Romano cares?

[Peter L]

Ah,it's great to see Pope Benedict is only shaken and not stirred,i wonder if he is a fan of 3D,ahem.Seriously though,what can beat a planned night at the cinema.?A blockbuster movie with a meal before or after,i prefer after and meeting with friends,great.I haven't watched a Bond movie since Pierce Brosnan last donned the tuxedo.Bond is at his best on the big screen for me and i have always found the franchise enjoyable and may well give Craig a chance in the role,he never quite looked like Bond to me and probably was the cause of my sidestepping the franchise lately.

My big upcoming movie is "The Hobbit."Three whole movies dedicated to this one book is delicious and i will probably be like Sméagol is with the "ring" when it is released on Blu Ray and in glorious sound and visuals .............."My Precious."

[Charles E Flynn]

Here is an interesting review, with many spoilers:

Fr. Barron comments on "Skyfall" (SPOILERS)