James Bond film Skyfall leaves fans shaken and stirred

BOND fever is sweeping Cheltenham with the arrival of Britain's greatest spy.

The secret agent is keeping anything but a low profile with the release of his latest movie, as movie fans flock to Cineworld to watch him on the big screen.

Skyfall, the super hero's newest adventure, has been showing to sell-out audiences since opening at the picture house in The Brewery yesterday, as well as its sister cinema, The Screening Room.

And a few fans were left shaken and stirred after managing to catch a sneak preview of Her Majesty's top spy on Thursday night.

A special showing was put on at the Screening Rooms, organised by jewellery company Beards and HR Owen to celebrate the 50th anniversary of James Bond. The screening, which sold out in three days, was also helping to raise money for Cheltenham-based cancer charity, Maggie's.

Among those picking up a ticket for the exclusive show was Anna Mason, community fundraiser with the cause.

She said: "It was a fantastic evening with a lovely atmosphere which was just bubbling.

"We had more than 100 people with everyone dressed up and looking fantastic.

"People were still trying to get tickets for it a few hours beforehand but it had sold out in the first three days."

Staff at car firm HR Owen brought an Aston Martin to the screening with guests clamouring for a photo next to the iconic vehicle.

Anna admitted the enthusiasm spilled into the screening room. "When the DB5 appeared on the screen, everybody watching just started cheering and clapping," she added.

"There was a real intimate feel to the screening. It was more like watching a movie with your family."

Skyfall, which features Daniel Craig returning to the role of Bond for the third time, sees the secret agent's loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her.

As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.

The new film marks the 23rd official movie based on the Ian Fleming character.

2012 marked the 50th anniversary since the release of Bond's first screen outing in Dr No.

Directed by Oscar-winner Sam Mendes, Skyfall is already proving a massive success with fans in the town as Cineworld in Cheltenham sold out for its first showings of the film.

REVIEW:

JAMES Bond is back with a vengeance.

The film was action-packed and fast-paced from the beginning. Thrilling stunts kept us on the edge of our seats, with heat stopping moments which had everyone holding their breath.

I wasn’t a Bond fan before Skyfall, but I’m definitely hooked now! Daniel Craig is an amazing 007, and the Bond girls, Naomi Harris and Berenice Marlohe, up the glamour of previous films.

Judi Dench as M was as fantastic as always and is one of my favourite actresses of all time. Ms Dench played her role to perfection and has become the ultimate spy master treating her agents mean and keeping them keen.

As ever the bad guy, played by Javier Bardem, lived up to expectations and certainly did not disappoint, becoming my number one Bond villain. He gave Daniel Craig a run for his money, this cool, calm and collected individual was the perfect match to 007.

Initially you think this could be the last James Bond ever, although thankfully this is quickly dispelled.

Unlike the previous two films, Skyfall at times reverted back to the tongue in cheek humour of earlier films, but this did not take away from the finale where a poignant and heartbreaking moment left some in the room emotionally wrought and visibly upset. This combination of humour and emotion added to a raw edginess leaving everybody in the room wanting more.

The film moves Bond into a new era, I feel privileged to have been one of the first in the county to have seen it.

Samantha Richards,

Maggie’s