Big screen, little screen review: James Bond
The big screen
Hi friends, may this week’s review find you in good health and wealth. Do you recall the first time you saw a Bond movie? I do. It was Live and let Die. Was I old enough? No, I was 14 years of age then. Of course, I have seen several instalments of the series since. However, Live and let Die was the number eighth official Bond film in the production cycle and the beginning with Roger Moore as the head honcho. (Moore was my favourite of the Ian Flemings character). Live and Let Die is mild in violence and only the minor characters died. Little blood is shown, and some slight, eerie imagery, involving a “zombie” during a ritual dance. Unlike what forms parts of the production of the nowadays 007 Releases, nonetheless, that was then. This is 2021 and my review this week; the Bond movie now showing in the local cinema, No time to die but just before I begin the motion picture choice for this week review Here is a brief, did you know just so that you will know if you didn’t know, that follows.
A Bond with Jamaica’s past and present
Several James Bond Movies in the past had scenes filmrd in Jamaica, Live and Let Die Included some home-grown talent. Jamaica also boasts a low-key spot called James Bond Beach on Jamaica’s north-eastern coast in the town of Oracabessa, St Mary. This beach property was owned by the late Ian Fleming, author of the Bond series, and was where he lived when not travelling. Live and Let Die was “taped” at the Couples San Souci on the north coast of Jamaica. The cemetery layout was designed on the Falmouth road north of Montego Bay for the shoot. The road chase/bus scene was filmed on the Montego Bay main road. The dock where Bond attempted to get on a yacht is located in Montego Bay, quite an impressive and noteworthy set of positives for the western end of the island as it relates to the country’s tourism product. However, the foremost Bond film in Jamaica was Dr No 1962, so without further delay; let fast forward to the current day where the return of James Bond to the silver screen is right back where it all had its genesis; Jamaica No Time to Die. Ironically, the western end of Jamaica and several sections of Island Jamaica have been experiencing violence and even zombie-like scenes of lately. Conversely, it’s No Time to Die.
No Time to Die
Eon Productions elected to choose Jamaica for filming, but James Bond is also now retired from the secret service and is enjoying a “quiet existence” on the island. This fits squarely with the current lead man of No Time to Die, Daniel Craig, has said that this is to be his last hoorah as the Bond character. It fits in with the intention of choosing the rock for shooting, and is best understood when one sees the film. It is an engaging movie for the most part. However, the final scenes for everyone involving the villain are ordinary. The 25th making of the esteemed Bond flick is the first to be directed by Cary Fukunaga. The scenes are treated well. The love scene was handled with warmth. It goes beyond the usual macho scenes involving; damsels that fall head over heels for Bond’s suave character. The animated hazards are hoisted by a love that’s a one-night love affair holding to the truth that a wounded, at-risk human being is choked up in the persona of the licensed-to-kill “MI-6 agent” Bond conflicts with his conviction problems. Another devastating loss lies ahead for the Bond character.
Craig was joined by Harris and Lynch Both of Jamaican descent. Hundreds of Jamaicans were employed to the production serving in different roles that include key production and technical personnel as well as extras and walk-ons. This 25th staging was fully supported by the Jamaican Government. This Bond flick is suitable for children age 13.
The history and influence of Hollywood continues in our next review
In our next review, we will look at the genesis of the filmmaking industry. We’ll zoom in on the money of this “original idea” subjected to the authority of several conglomerates that include Time Warner, Disney, Viacom, and others.
Movies now showing in the Jamaican Theatres
The King’s Man – in the Cinema for the Christmas – Set in an era of European history, a King’s Man outfit is created to battle against a scheme to slaughter millions; The Comeback Trail – a pair of movie creators that are indebted to hoodlums, set up there reaching old age celebrity in a rip-off to rid themselves of the debt, a strategy that went twisted; and No Time to Die – Another James Bond film. The last hurrah for Craig, another breathtaking look at Jamaica the territory of great people and fantastic terrain. A tropical paradise on show.
David R. Muhammad is a former morning host on Visions Television and a former member of the Palace Amusement Media Movie Review Committee. He is currently the Student Protocol Officer of the Nation of Islam’ study group – Jamaica.
