Review: SKYFALL

James Bond: Daniel Craig
M: Judi Dench
Silva: Javier Bardem
Gareth Mallory: Ralph Fiennes
Eve: Naomie Harris
Kincade: Albert Finney
Q: Ben Whishaw

Directed By: Sam Mendes
Written by: John Logan, Robert Wade and Neal Purvis
Running Time: 143 minutes
Rated: PG-13 (for intense violent sequences throughout, some sexuality and language)

While Ill be the first to admit that both Casino Royal and its ugly stepsister Quantum of Solace were not what I would consider the crème de la crème of the Bond franchise, I still found both films to be very enjoyable for one simple reason: Daniel Craig does good Bond. With his third swing at the plate, this latest version of Agent 007 has smashed the ball right out of the park. Not only is Skyfall by far the best Bond film of Craigs series thus far but I will dare to even call it one of best Bond films ever. This film will win over stray fans that havent yet been won over with the Craig films thus far. This is one without a doubt one of the best films of 2012.

What I liked most about this story was its loyalty to Bond films past while at the same time forcing the franchise to break new ground. The film was definitely far more focused than Quantum, which was all over the map at some point and by the end turned into pure chaos. Writers John Logan, Robert Wade and Neal Purvis deserve acclaim for weaving together a story that worked as they dug deep into Bonds character which was deeply flawed but fascinating to hang out with. Having a hero that is bullet proof and always manages to win gets boring after a while and Bond is not a perfect hero. He doesnt always win, but seems to bring his A game when it really counts. In Skyfall Bond doesnt win every battle, but instead focuses on the war instead.

Much of the credit for that has to be given to director Sam Mendes, whom we all know from his earlier works (films such as American Beauty and Road to Perdition, which also starred Daniel Craig) and in this film, Mendes delivers. Skyfall provides just enough action, story and paces them both well to create a film that meets the needs of most fans that crave a good but sound story to go with their guns and explosions. Mendes work has always been rich in character and you can tell our director here gets Bond, and what he truly stands for. Despite what happens to him or what mistakes are made. When his homeland is in under siege, 007 picks himself back up and returns to the game; a sound theme for a film character that has been on the silver screen for over fifty years.

The score by Thomas Newman (Which I have been listening to for weeks actually) is deep and stirring and provides another layer of richness to the film and its characters. Adeles theme to the film is powerful and I sit here shocked they even managed to create a song that complimented a title I thought would be impossible to make a decent jingle out of. Skyfall is also an ocular masterpiece, and the great work of Roger Deakin is truly remarkable as it was hard not to stare with jaw dropped at some of the shots as we travelled around the world with our favourite international spy.

While everything listed above was great, the cast is what really delivers here. Daniel Craig seems to get better and more in touch with the Bond I remember reading in the classic Ian Fleming novels. His performance provokes a lot of emotion out of the audience and we hang off of every line he says because of it regardless if hes staring down a villain or complimenting a bartender for properly shaking his martini. One thing I loved about Skyfall is the attention it takes the time to bring out of the films supporting characters. Dame Judi Dench delivers her best performance as M, her seventh film as Bonds senior officer. Ben Whinshaw was a clever addition as the new Q, a fresh character that complimented the new times Bond had to adjust to. Then we come to the villain of the film, masterfully played by Javier Bardem, whose character is a reflection of what Bond could become if it wasnt for his loyalty to country and to M. Bardems villain is witty and pretty much steals every scene hes in. Thanks to this masterful actor, we truly believe our hero is in deep shit whenever the guy hits the scene.

Overall, Skyfall delivers. Its the best Bond film starring Daniel Craig so far and will make for a very enjoyable movie going experience, especially for people who are already a fan of agent 007. Sam Mendes has created a bold and very thought provoking new chapter to what is already a solid franchise. If Skyfall is any indication of where things are going, I do look forward to watching more. In the end however, we are slapped between the eyes with a moral that ever Bond himself cannot deny; hes getting older and one day his time will come.

Well try to enjoy each adventure while we all still have some time left.

Rating: 10 (Out of 10)