For weeks, perhaps even months, I had been going on about how I hadn't seen any good action movies in a really long time... After seeing the latest Daniel Craig lead of Bond, SKYFALL, I can no longer say that.

Daniel Craig. Skyfall. Dir. Sam Mendez. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Columbia Pictures. 2012. Movie Poster.

Skyfall glazes over a series of various and often reoccurring themes. In the film, not only will the audience see a nearly 'falling hero' tragedy but also a background theme reflecting the notion that sometimes, it's nice to do things the old fashioned way. Another thing we see taking place is the relationship between M and 007, as well as a short look into both of their pasts.

With the explosive expansion of technology and technological advances in society, this is a common theme that has been addressed in several films recently. And Skyfall conveys the message by both embracing the technological advances while also exposing its darker side. The detrimental sides (for lack of better expression) of technology is depicted through a rogue agent, cleverly and brilliantly portrayed by the very versatile Javier Bardem. Soon after we meet Bardem's character, we see him bring up the Jason-Bourne-esque thought that reminds us of the famous "look at what they make you do" quote. Yet another theme that is not unlikely to see in such action films where a character is putting their life and everything they have on the line for their often self-sacrificing job.

Daniel Craig. Skyfall. Dir. Sam Mendez. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Columbia Pictures. 2012. Film Still.

SKYFALL is amazing. Within the first ten minutes, I'm sure audience members will find themselves saying something along lines of "I've never seen that in an action film before", a major issue audiences find with films, especially action. But with Skyfall, not only were the choreographic fight sequences fresh and engaging but the cinematography was also something new and symbolic. I don't recall ever seeing the artistic use of silhouette in an action film but the use of this now-cinematographic effect was beautiful as it relates to another underlying motif expressed within the film: "shadows." I will say the use of the term "Skyfall" reminds me of the proto-influential, Orson Wells' classic cult, Citizen Kane (1941) and the prominence of "Rosebud."

Moonrise Kingdom, a film gazing upon the young, insightful perspectives on life and adventure. Set in 1960's New England, this is a film you won't often see.

Moonrise Kingdom. Dir. Wes Anderson. Focus Features. 2012. Film Still/Poster.

"This is our land!" yell the two adventurous escapees as they proceed to dive into the waters from off a low cliff. One escapes ostracizing foster homes and scouts as the other rebels against seemingly absurd parental authority. It's any romantic's dream to run away from the places of distress with the one you love. Something of which these two adolescents put into action. Properly planned and scheduled, of course.

Moonrise Kingdom. Dir. Wes Anderson. Focus Features. 2012. Film Still.

This Wes Anderson creation is one that evokes a sixties feel and purge of interest through the music selection/score, dialogue, and overall cinematography. It's slightly comedic, a little dramatic, romantic and all- but mostly, it's a strange film (in the good way of course) in that these very articulate 12-year old characters act a lot like young adults. This is a cute, light, funny, little love story. It is a film I could, and have, watched over and over again.

The 1994 New Jersey located film that seems a little over-the-top "90s" but in the way to remind and evoke a feeling of the 90's-era nostalgia in its viewers - mostly those of us who, of course, were existing at some point in time during the 1990's. Clerks.

Kevin Smith. Clerks. Miramax Films. 1994. Hypbeast.com.

About a month ago I sort of had a Kevin Smith movie phase, watching most the films I haven't already seen including Chasing Amy and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, which all started with two movies: Mallrats and Clerks (both shown to me by a roommate). All humorous and/or dramatic in different ways and among different subject matters but still related through the actors and references to previous films within the Kevin Smith film series. Smith's reference-related films usually showcase similar actors, some of whom have become very well-known like Ben Affleck and Jason Lee. Even a young Matt Damon can be seen making short cameos in some of these films. But when most audiences think of Kevin Smith films, they're reminded of the one that started it all, Clerks (1994).

Photo: Clerks. Kevin Smith. Miramax Films. 1994. Gothamist.com

The famous Kevin Smith film follows a loosely-related series of off-beat, yet still very on-beat characters in and around the location of a New Jersey gas station (where the whole independent production took place). Between the quick, smart, and seemingly philosophical conversations that bounce back and forth off the characters to the odd sense and feeling that comes from watching a work-of-art film, Clerks is "where it's at."  Shown and filmed entirely in black and white, only manages to add to the distinction and, possibly, nostalgia that eludes from screen.


The background behind this film, and films after, is very interesting. In other words, a lot more could be said and added to topic, but I think I'm just going to try to leave it short.