Tag Archives: Adele

Skyfall proves best in series

By Christian DiMartino

The James Bond series turned 50 this year. So after a four year hiatus, probably recovering from the bad reputation of the previous installment, Quantum of Solace, Bond (Daniel Craig) is back in Skyfall. It is unknown what to expect from a 23rd Bond movie, considering from of the series is a mixed bag. This one is definitely not a let down.

There are a lot of delightful surprises in it, so here is what I can say: after a mission goes terribly wrong, the fate of MI6 is in jeopardy. Bond’s feisty boss M (Oscar-winner Judi Dench) is the main target of this cyberterrorist named Silva (Oscar Winner Javier Bardem), who is probably the most twisted Bond villian yet. This wickedly devious performance by Bardem is sure to thrill viewers.

Craig’s first outing, Casino Royale, was a masterpiece, and a tough one to beat. I liked the sequel, Quantum of Solace, but its big flaw was that it was not Casino Royale.  For those that agree with me, here is some wonderful news: Skyfall could possibly be the best Bond film in the series. It is a Bond film like no other.

Daniel Craig is the heart and soul of the past three films. He is terrific, and though some may find this a bit blasphemous, but he is the best actor in this role. Sean Connery is terrific  also, but there is something about the way Craig handles this material, it just all clicks. All of the films have a sense of humor, but his delivery of the lines are both charismatic and compelling. As long as Craig is in the role, my investment in the series will remain. Especially after Skyfall, which did what Royale did six years ago: it gave the series new life.

This is what you get when you put an Oscar winning director Sam Mendes in the reigns of a Bond movie: the best Bond movie so far.  Mendes, whose career consists of dramas like American Beauty and Revolutionary Road, seems like an unlikely choice, but he proves himself quite the opposite. Skyfall is a smart and deserving tribute to the series. This movie slapped a smile on my face within 30 seconds, and that smile did not fade away until the credits.

Every single action sequence is a knockout. There are a lot of nice references to previous installments which will definitely bring a smile if caught. No film in the series has ever looked better, thanks in part to Mendes and cinematographer Roger Deakins. Adele’s theme song of the same name fits well. There is a great twist in the end, and the film ties together nicely, leaving plenty of room for the future.

But there are two things that need mention: One, it is nice that Judi Dench, who has been on the sidelines most of the time she was involved in the series, finally gets to do something. And another, it is a Bond film like no other because never in the 50 years has it explained Bond’s past. In the 50 years, the thought has probably never crossed a viewer’s  mind, and it is great that now the viewers knows more about him.

It is rumored that Mendes wanted to win an Oscar for this movie, and he has my support all the way. Casino Royale definitely transcended the series to new heights, but Skyfall  takes it one step higher. It took 50 years, and 50 years well spent. As in every Bond film, the end credits promise that Bond will be back. This movie has appeal to both the Bond-loving film junkie and a first timer. This is one of the best movies of the year.

Pop Rocks! : 2012 Grammy Predictions

By Jared Murray

This year’s Best Pop Solo Performance category is more of a dumping ground for the most popular songs of the year rather than a heated race between the actual best pop songs of the year. Songs nominated in the category include: “Someone Like You” by Adele, “Yoü And I” by Lady Gaga, “Grenade” by Bruno Mars, “Firework” by Katy Perry and “F***in’ Perfect” by P!nk.

British singer Adele has had a record breaking year, both in album sales and chart performance. Her plaintive second single “Someone Like You” garnered her much critical acclaim and commercial success thanks to her large fan base of forlorn teenage girls. Her simple yet emotive performance definitely makes her a contender for the award.

Lady Gaga’s “Yoü And I” finds the pop star in her natural habitat: heartbroken and playing the piano. While that combination may boring to some, the result is truly a genuine sounding pop song from a woman known for being anything but. Featuring some top-notch belting from Gaga, and honky-tonk vibe along with an impressive guitar solo from Queen’s Brian May, “Yoü And I” is not a song to underestimate or sing along with quietly.

Another song about love, “Grenade” by the smooth singing Bruno Mars is the only song sung by a male to be nominated in this category this year. The synth-driven song finds Bruno trying to make his lover feel bad for their lack of dedication in the relationship. Despite the excellent vocals and an irresistible chorus, “Grenade” is unlikely to be a serious contender for the coveted gramophone.

Whether you like it or not, Katy Perry had a stellar year. Her self-empowerment single “Firework” is a delectable slice of dancepop that had everyone singing their heads off. Sadly, even the song’s catchy beat could not save itself from some questionable lyrics (plastic bags, really?) and Katy’s near-yelling vocals in the chorus. Hopefully her nomination was not meant to be serious, especially when looking at many better pop songs having come out last year.

Following the trend of self-love anthems seen this year, P!nk’s “F***kin’ Perfect” is a fun and energetic song from one of pop music’s veterans. Clearly written for her fans, the sometimes electropop song doesn’t have many distinct characteristics to set itself apart from everything else on the radio today, making it an extremely unlikely winner.

My predictions:

Who Will Win: “Someone Like You” by Adele

Who Should Win: “Someone Like You” by Adele

Dark Horse: “Yoü And I” by Lady Gaga

Columnist Previews February’s Grammys

By Jared Murray

For the popular musician, the Grammy Awards mark the end of the holiday season, with the ultimate post-holiday gift being the always-coveted, miniature gold-plated gramophone. This year, the number of categories at the Grammys has decreased, dropping from 109 to 78. Now the different categories for male and female awards are integrated, along with several other changes affecting world music.

Despite the decrease in categories, British singer Adele is poised to sweep this year’s awards with her latest album, 21. Like the late Amy Winehouse, Adele is nominated for most of the major awards, including Album of the Year, Record of the Year and Song of the Year.

It is Kanye West, however, who garnered the most nominations this year. He is nominated in seven categories including Best Rap Album and Best Rap Song for his hit “All Of the Lights.”

Other multiple nominees include Foo Fighters and Bruno Mars with six nominations each; Lil Wayne and Skrillex with five nominations each; and Drake, Bon Iver, Nicki Minaj, Mumford and Sons, Radiohead, and Rihanna each having four nominations each.

Here are a few of the more prominent awards and their nominees:

Record Of The Year

“Rolling In The Deep”- Adele
“Holocene”- Bon Iver
“Grenade”- Bruno Mars
“The Cave”- Mumford & Sons
“Firework”- Katy Perry

Album Of The Year

21– Adele
Wasting Light– Foo Fighters
Born This Way– Lady Gaga
Doo-Wops & Hooligans– Bruno Mars
Loud– Rihanna

Best New Artist

The Band Perry
Bon Iver
J. Cole
Nicki Minaj
Skrillex

Best Rock Song

“The Cave”- Mumford & Sons
“Down By The Water”- The Decemberists
“Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall”- Coldplay
“Lotus Flower”- Radiohead
“Walk”- Foo Fighters

Best Alternative Music Album

Bon Iver– Bon Iver
Codes and Keys– Death Cab For Cutie
Torches– Foster The People
Circuital– My Morning Jacket
The King Of Limbs– Radiohead

Best Rap Song

“All Of The Lights”- Kanye West, Rihanna, Kid Cudi & Fergie
“Black And Yellow”- Wiz Khalifa
“I Need A Doctor”- Dr. Dre, Eminem & Skylar Grey
“Look At Me Now”- Chris Brown, Lil Wayne & Busta Rhymes
“Otis”- Jay-Z & Kanye West
“The Show Goes On”- Lupe Fiasco

Best Country Album

My Kinda Party– Jason Aldean
Chief– Eric Church
Own The Night– Lady Antebellum
Red River Blue– Blake Shelton
Here For A Good Time– George Strait
Speak Now– Taylor Swift

In the weeks leading up the ceremony, keep checking The Bagpiper Online for continuous coverage and predictions of many of the most heated categories. For a complete list of nominations visit the Grammy’s website. This year the 2012 Grammy Awards will be held on Feb. 12 on CBS at 8/7c.