The American, 2010

The American, 2010
Director: Anton Corbijn
Cast: George Clooney, Irina Björklund, Paolo Bonacelli


The American in short: Alone among assassins, Jack is a master craftsman. When a job in Sweden ends more harshly than expected for this American abroad, he vows to his contact Pavel that his next assignment will be his last. Jack reports to the Italian countryside, where he holes up in a small town and relishes being away from death for a spell. The assignment, as specified by a Belgian woman, Mathilde, is in the offing as a weapon is constructed. Surprising himself, Jack seeks out the friendship of local priest Father Benedetto and pursues romance with local woman Clara. But by stepping out of the shadows, Jack may be tempting fate.


Stage: home theatre, a fresh copy
Preps: MMMMM, George Clooney in his latest artwork. How dare I say no? :)


Reality: To be quite honest, the starting enthusiasm is after 20 minutes gone. Besides a neat image of a sexy George Clooney, nothing really to see. The scenery could be more carefully chosen, as Italy is filled with cute romantic spots, even the town he lives in, is famous by its beauty - unfortunately this is spared to the viewer and the focus is given on the construction of a weapon that has never been seen. The other focus (and we know that the viewers are waiting on this ) is of course on women and interactions that Clooney has with them. I must admit he was much better in his Up in the air role (quite similar in the relationship towards women).

The movie can be compared with some "unbelievable's" - like MI2 or some James Bond scenes. Of course you have the tools to construct a weapon like he has in the middle of nowhere. And you can escape the bullets as if they never appeared behind your head. I am bored quite quickly and try to find something else to do - eat, drink.. this is the last point where I can confess that the movie isn't something worth remembering. Therefore, a strong dislike and consequently,.. it is erased forever. The American is famous only for its cast, not the content.


My personal rating: 2,0 (for the sake of Clooney, I might add. If you aren't a great Bond fan, nothing here really to see)


The American's page on IMDB
American Home page

Quantum of Solace, 2008

Quantum of Solace, 2008 - the last James Bond
Director: Marc Forster
Cast: Daniel Craig, Olga Kurylenko, Judi Dench


Stage: Home theatre


Short synopsis: Seeking revenge for the death of his love, secret agent James Bond sets out to stop an environmentalist from taking control of a country's valuable resource.

Preps: Uff, I am definitely not a fan of James Bond. I didn't want to see it in the movies, as I don't like this saga about a man who can turn the world around with a box of matches. So it's been waiting for me for ages in my box to come to its turn. I don't expect to be impressed.


Reality: I am right for once again. If you don't like Bond, if you don't get impressed with his McGyver scenes and Martini shortcuts (not shown this time, the shaken, not stirred thing), then you won't be impressed either.

The movie is filled with action scenes, fast racing, killing after someone slapping Bond for ages and after a few disastrous falls that are a few meters high at least (still surviving), sort of a Bruce Willis, but in the clothes. With bruises and with last breath, Bond saves the world again. The woman looks good, but that's also nothing new. However, there isn't a bomb to be found and rescuing the world from exploding, up to the half of the movie I don't really know what he's chasing. Is someone trying to kill M? Well, he succeeds to kill all the bad guys, sleep with all the women, go to all the parties and still get a drink at the end. Very predictable, but if you are a fan of James, you will love this nevertheless :)

My personal rating: 5,0 (just for the sake of Sean Connery, Pierce Brosnan and line of guys, trying to kill all the world of the bad guys in previous parts. In this one, you will love this man's beautiful blue eyes. For me, the only trigger to stick to the end. )

Bond on IMDB
Official site - see the domain, truly interesting!