Bond is back

Skyfall stirs together new and old Bond and causes a shakeup

When Casino Royale came out in 2006, most people praised Daniel Craig’s first foray as James Bond as a gritty reinvention of the character, even if — as directed by Martin Campbell — the film resembled the Bourne series.

After the failure that was the next Bond film, 2008’s Quantum of Solace, there was a need to reevaluate the series yet again. The financial misfortunes of production company MGM gave Bond’s keepers the time to come up with a good plan and, fortuitously, release the next film, Skyfall, on the 50th anniversary of the first Bond film, Dr. No.

The result is a thrilling blend of the new Bond with the old, a film that seems utterly modern even as it goes back to basics, one that moves the series forward while paying homage to the past. In short, it’s the best Bond film to come out in a long, long time, and could even compete for the best one ever.

The result is a thrilling blend of the new Bond with the old, a film that seems utterly modern even as it goes back to basics. It might be the best Bond film ever.

Director Sam Mendes and writers Neal Purvis, Robert Wade and John Logan have accomplished this by focusing on who Bond should be — a flawed character who’s nonetheless fiercely loyal to those who deserve his loyalty.

In Skyfall, Bond deals with the effects of age on him and M (Judi Dench) and the impertinence of youth from young agent Eve (Naomie Harris) and a new Q (Ben Whishaw). Q makes a welcome return after being absent in the first two Bond films in which Craig starred.

Bond, naturally, also has an evil mastermind with which to contend, this time coming in the form of Silva (Javier Bardem), a man whose computer genius knows no bounds. While that’s become a familiar subplot in other recent movies, it feels somewhat fresh here because of how Bardem chooses to play the character.

He’s flamboyant and maniacal, but — as his back story bears out — for good reason. He challenges Bond in new and interesting ways, so that the end stakes truly seem high and not just as a way to get you to the end of the story.

Craig has truly made James Bond his own, and because he’s signed on for at least two more movies after this, it will stay that way for a while. He displays brute force, elegance, charm and empathy in equal measures, and each emotion is as believable as the next. Although Bond’s antics can make him seem almost superhero-like, in Craig’s hands he stays grounded, which helps the audience stay invested in his fortunes.

By the end of Skyfall, the filmmakers show that they’re willing to take some calculated risks for the long-term good of the series. So the film is not only a success in every way, but it’s also a great harbinger for things to come.

Rolling a strike

High 5 Exchange bowling and entertainment mega-center rolls into Allen

High 5 Exchange

Facebook/High 5 Exchange Austin

The High 5 Exchange in Austin has bowling galore.

A new family entertainment destination is rolling into Allen, bringing bowling, laser tag, miniature golf, virtual reality, and more. Called High 5 Exchange, the venue has broken ground at 2361 Quail Covey Rd. in The Farm in Allen.

It is expected to open in 2027, according to a release.

High 5 Exchange comes from a family entertainment company founded by husband-and-wife team Scott and Jenny Emley. They opened the first location in the Lakeway area of Austin more than a decade ago; a second Austin location followed a few years later.

Their roots are in Austin - Scott Emley played football for UT Austin - but the couple recently relocated to McKinney. There's also a location under construction in Mansfield.

The entertainment mega-center in Allen will combine indoor and outdoor attractions, dining, and rooms for parties and other group events.

Tasty-looking tacos at High 5 in Austin.Facebook/High 5 Exchange Austin

Bowling will be the major draw, with 24 lanes supplied by QubicaAMF. The lineup will include 16 traditional tenpin lanes equipped with EDGE String pinspotters, HyperBowling, and Neoverse, along with eight Fly'n Ducks duckpin lanes, the release says. The combination will give guests the choice between traditional full-length bowling and duckpin bowling, which uses a smaller ball.

"Bowling has a unique ability to bring different generations, interests and skill levels together," said Jody Pastula, director of new business development, U.S., for QubicaAMF, in a statement. "By offering both tenpin and Fly'n Ducks duckpin bowling, High 5 Allen is creating more ways for guests to participate and share the experience. We are pleased to be part of a project designed around connection, variety and repeat visits."

Beyond bowling, High 5 Allen will feature laser tag, a virtual reality arena, an arcade gaming floor, escape rooms, an immersive experience from Creative Works called "Limitless," and outdoor miniature golf. The venue will also have dedicated spaces for birthday parties, corporate gatherings, and private events, along with food and beverage service.

While details on the food and beverage program have not yet been announced, the Austin locations feature a full-service bar and a menu of "American classics with a gourmet twist."

High 5 Exchange Allen Rendering of High 5 Exchange at The Farm in Allen.Rendering courtesy of High 5 Exchange

High 5 Exchange will be part of The Farm in Allen, a 135-acre mixed-use development at the southeast corner of the Sam Rayburn Tollway and Alma Drive. Developed by Allen-based JaRyCo Development in partnership with the Johnson family, The Farm combines residential, office, dining, retail, and entertainment components.

"Allen and the surrounding communities have been part of our vision for this project from the beginning," said Scott Emley, co-founder and CEO of High 5 Exchange, in a statement. "The Farm brings together homes, workplaces, parks, dining and entertainment in a way that fits how people want to connect.

"We are excited to create a place where a family can spend an afternoon, coworkers can gather after work, and friends can celebrate the moments that matter."

entertainment and dining bowling allen

Loading...