Skyfall marks the 23rd appearance of the world's most famous spy in a year where the Bond legacy celebrates an impressive 50 years. Daniel Craig dons the tuxedo for the third time, once again breathing fresh life into the franchise with his grittier portrayal of Bond.
The movie starts like most Bond films with a fast paced chase scene, this time through the streets of Turkey. However Skyfall's opening is one of the more memorable openings to a Bond film as Bond is shot and killed after trying to secure a stolen list containing the names of uncover MI6 agents around the world. Luckily Bond survives and returns to London looking to return to the field of duty and attempt to once again uncover the list. The situation becomes more drastic when MI6 headquarters is attacked, creating fear and uncertainty across London. The British Secret Intelligence Agency led by M (Judi Dench) is thrown into disrepute, with the future operation of the agency placed in doubt. With the safety of MI6 agents all around the world put in danger it's up to 007 to find the people responsible and prevent any further loss of life.
The most satisfying part of Skyfall is that the film lives up to its extremely high expectations. There is no doubt everyone involved with this film has gone all out to ensure the film is a worthy celebration of 50 years of Bond. With the result nothing less than spectacular. The cast is perfect, there is a talented director at the helm (Sam Mendes) and the story is set on a large scale that remains dramatic and intriguing throughout.
Skyfall delves into the back story of M, shedding some light on the personal choices she made in the past that have now come back to haunt her. Dench is given a much larger role in this film with the audience made to question whether or not the choices she made were justifiable and whether or not she is still up to the job of leading MI6. The movie also explores Bond's childhood providing a glimpse into what made him the spy he is today. Craig once again delivers a captivating performance always juggling between the role of hired hitman and the suave spy that everyone knows and loves. Craig may be perceived as a rather dry almost dull James Bond but I think he captures the humour and excitement of the character perfectly in a way that is subtle and stylish.
The films also boats a number of respected actors such as Ralph Fiennes as Mallory the Government's representative overseeing MI6, Naomie Harris as Eve, Bond's talented partner and Ben Wishaw as a much younger Q. And of course there is Javier Bardem as the villain Silva who was by far the most anticipated casting choice. It's hard to forget Bardem's fantastic performance as the sadistic Anton Chigurg in No Country for Old Men so when he was named as the villain for Skyfall there was a great deal of excitement. Bardem steals every scene he is in and provides a worthwhile villain for Bond. Silva is as clever as he is vengeful and he proves to have a very personal motivation driving his actions.
With most bond films there is now a sense of familiarity as we wait for Bond to say famous lines such as "the name's Bond... James Bond" or ask for his martini "shaken, not stirred". Skyfall has all of the expected elements but there is something a little extra in this film. The film pays homage to past Bond films with the inclusion of certain characters and a famous Bond car, so by the end of the film you are left with a feeling of nostalgia. Although the film pays respect to Bond films that have come before there is no doubt this film is original and unique in it's own right.
Skyfall is packed with so many memorable scenes from the opening chase through the rooftops of Turkey, to the thrilling scenes set in London and even an impressive scene that sees Bond and M set up a house Home Alone James Bond style. What makes this film more than an action film is the time and thought that has been put into every scene. The cinematography is fantastic with the choice of locations providing beautiful backdrops for the action and drama. Mendes has succeeded in capturing the scale of the film and the essence of what a good Bond film should be...entertaining.
I don't think anyone will deny that Skyfall is a dramatic improvement from the disappointing Quantum of Solace, yet I still rate Casino Royale as Craig's best film as Bond. However Skyfall can certainly stake its claim as one of the greatest bond films of all time. Skyfall has effectively adapted the world of espionage to modern times offering a suspensul, action packed and at times moving film that is sure to please a range of viewers. Craig has now established himself as one of the greatest Bond's and given the recent news that he will appear in two more Bond films I can't wait to see what happens next.
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