Olympics 2012 Opening Ceremony Reaction: 'The People's Games'

This Olympic ceremony was incredible because it perfectly embodied the ethos of 'The People's Games'. It was for the world to see and enjoy but tailored for the British public with British wit, music, film, values and ingenuity which made the ceremonies momentous, emotional, inspiring, breathtakingly beautiful and incredibly special. I have never felt so patriotic in my life. Memorable moments such as The Queen's contributions took the whole occasion to another level! It was brilliant that she agreed to do the 'Bond' escorting sketch. From all accounts she has a wonderful sense of humour and it's great that her loyal subjects got a taste of that. Absolute credit to her, I appreciate that at 80+ the mind maybe willing but the body unable but she does her very best, God bless her. Nice to see 007 himself take a leading role in proceedings too. Rowan Atkinson as Mr Bean in to the Chariots of Fire sequence was in impeccable taste and hysterical. It represented the incredible comedy pedigree we have in this country with sheer brilliance. The three era's were very clever entwined, visually amazing and also contributed significantly to the theme of 'Inspire a generation'. I personally loved the 'Digital Era' that was awesomely executed, the lovers of fortune story and the augmented reality additions were very thoughtfully done and with Facebook and Twitter at full capacity, it gave this piece the perfect irony. Mixing the narrative with Great British generational music progression was an exquisite line of thought. Though it's nice to see 'Gilderoy Lockhart' didn't lose his entire livelihood after having his brain whipped. Kenneth Branagh did a brilliant job of portraying Isambard Kingdom Brunel. It has to be said the 'Industrial era' visually was outstanding. Video excerpts were well transitioned and executed with diligence and precision. Fictional worlds and pride of the NHS was a stunning addition with a flawless dynamic. The three story high Voldemort, the Child Snatcher and other renowned story book villains hostile occupation of the arena was daunting and intriguing. Including the excerpt reading from 'Peter Pan' by our very special J.K. Rowling created an intelligent element. It was a truly magnificent sight to behold the climax the segment with a squad of iconic Mary Poppins duel in order to 'vanquish evil'. I have to say a criticism really as I am after all, only British. The only criticism I have is I would have rather they went with 'Let It Be' not 'Hey Jude' from Paul McCartney at the end. I do love 'Hey Jude' but it's about John Lennon's voice and doesn't really have any relevance to Great Britain other than it being from 'The Beatles'. Let it be is all about that, even though the world may be parted, we'll look onwards together and settle differences by letting sleeping dogs lie. I feel that would have embodied the Olympics a little better. Still, thank you Danny Boyle for putting 'The Arctic Monkeys', 'Paul McCartney' and 'Two Door Cinema Club' in over 'One Direction' and 'Cheryl Cole'. The lighting of the cauldron in itself was in a league of it's own. Literally passing the flame between generations was nothing short of genius. Steve Redgrave would have been a favourite to light the awe-inspiring cauldron, home of the Olympic flame for the next fourteen days. But seeing the seven young athletes receive flames from seven legends of the games and simultaneously light two hundred miniature copper torches in the centre of the stadium was breathtaking. The perfect way to 'inspire a generation'. Can you imagine how much pressure must have been on Danny Boyle? I personally think he produced an epic spectacle that will stay in the hearts of many till the day they stop beating! A hat tip from me to that good Sir. I think the world looked on with envious eyes today and the British people has the Olympic fires in themselves ignited. I appreciate that I am clearly biased but I do feel that was the best Olympic opening ceremony in recent history and I am very proud to be part of this great nation at this time, I consider myself lucky to have witness to such a historic event. Go 'Team GB'. Click "next" below to see 10 ways they could have made the Olympic sports even more exciting!