Medway meets Hollywood: The big guns that filmed in our towns

Let's face it, Medway is hardly the most exciting place to live in, but on the odd occasion there is something of note to report. In years gone past, the Medway towns has played host to some of the big guns of Hollywood, with a number of blockbuster movies filming in the area. Don't believe me? See for yourself...

Les Miserables

Russell Crowe was in town as Chatham Dockyard played host to musical epic Les Miserables, as his horse riding skills and singing talents were put to use during filming in Chatham. Shooting took place over 11 days and made good use of the Dockyard's Tarred Yarn Store.

The World Is Not Enough

So James Bond has a brand new boat from Q and has to take it for a rather intense opening sequence around the Millennium Dome before those infamous opening credits; only what looks like parts of London are actually the Dockyard. Those scenes where Bond exits the water and has a little adventure on the roads and backstreets, that's Chatham people!

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

Moving away from the a Dockyard for our next one; the fourth instalment in the Pirates series hit Sevenoaks as Knole House was transformed as we saw Johnny Depp's Captain Jack Sparrow once again escape as he almost fell foul of the gallows. 

Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows

Okay, so we've only got two key filming locations in Medway but when both of them are used in a film that features the powerhouse that is Robert Downey Jr. then it's hard not to be impressed. Game of Shadows did just that as the Dockyard doubled as London docks and Moriarty's house was actually Knole House. 

Surrounding areas have also fared well, with the likes of Harry Potter, the Johnny English films and many others being filmed close by. We've also had the hosting of The Mummy and The Golden Compass at the Dockyard to add to the list for good measure. 

With more superhero movies hitting the UK for filming, surely it's gotta be our time soon, right? Right?....

Cinema Review - Skyfall

Friday 26th October is the date that sees the return of James Bond in Skyfall, Daniel Craig's third outing as 007, and undoubtedly his best and possibly THE best Bond film of the franchise's illustrious 50-year history.

This time under the reigns of director Sam Mendes, Bond tackles his toughest mission yet as he faces up against a figure from M (Judi Dench)'s past, Raoul Silva (Javier Bardem), a cyber terrorist who manages to infiltrate MI6 and proves a constant hindrance for the British government. 

As Bond tracks Silva across the likes of Shanghai and our very own London, the villain leaves a trail of death and destruction in his wake as the past of M comes back to truly haunt her and push her relationship with Bond to the limit.

In bringing the esteemed talents of Sam Mendes to the Bond universe, the franchise has found a new lease of life which results in Skyfall being one of, if not the, best James Bond film in its superb 50 year history. A gripping and pulsating sequence of events, the film is as action-packed as it has ever been and a true testament to how a Bond film should be made.

Eliminating the disappointing memories of Quantum Of Solace, Skyfall puts rights to all the wrongs in the previous outing with unmatched action sequences, superb characters and a truly unmissable story. Craig is at his best as 007, Dench, in a meatier role, excels in providing a great spark with the leading man and a vulnerability to her own character, and Bardem produces one of the most memorable and diverse Bond villains in years. 

An exceptional outing to celebrate 50 years of Bond, Skyfall delivers in aces with stunning cinematography, slick dialogue and direction of the highest quality. Coupled with a stunning cast and beautiful locations, it is the Bond film to kick-start the franchise once again after a rough few years on the ropes.

Film rating: 4 (4.5 if we did half ratings!!)

My Pick Of Bond

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Britain's biggest on-screen spy, James Bond, I thought no better way than to list my top five favourite Bond films, as well as the order in which I rank the different portrayals of 007. 

Agree or disagree with my views, let me know!






My Top Five James Bond films
1. Goldeneye
2. Casino Royale
3. Licence To Kill
4. On Her Majesty's Secret Service
5. The Spy Who Loved Me

My Order Of Best Bonds
1. Daniel Craig
2. Sean Connery
3. Timothy Dalton
4. Roger Moore
5. George Lazenby

No doubt my views will bring about debate and as I said, I would love to get your views on both my opinion and your own.

Enjoy Global James Bond day and don't forget ALL the Bond films are now available on Sky Movies!