The newest Bond film to hit theaters, Skyfall, puts James Bond (Daniel Craig) in harms way once again. This time M (Judi Dench) is the target as MI6 comes under attack. His loyalty to M is tested as a shady character resurfaces from her past. Bond must stay focused on protecting the agency and his friend no matter how personal things become.From the opening scene, Skyfall gives you non-stop action. The sequences are raw and gritty. That's just how I like my Bond; rough, tough and with a kick of style on the side. The villain in this film, Silva (Javier Bardem), holds MI6 responsible for the pain and misfortune in his life. Silva is a more believable villain than Bond villains of the past because he has a personal vendetta, rather than being evil just for the sake of being evil. He possesses a creepy, psychotic evil that sends chills down your spine.
Bond has many moments in the film where his skills put to the test. While chasing a suspect, Bond is being shot at while operating an excavator on a moving train. As chaos ensues, Bond leaps from the excavator into an open train car in front of him, calmly adjusts his suit cuffs, and proceeds. This cool, collected style adds a huge element to the film. Rather than using fancy, unrealistic gadgets like in the Pierce Brosnan Bond films, Daniel Craig's Bond relies more on his 007 skills and training to complete the job. Many moments simply don't need dialogue or music because the acting says it all.
One area of the film many movie goers tend to overlook is the soundtrack. Thomas Newman (Road to Perdition) wrote the score for this film, replacing David Arnold who tracked the first two Daniel Craig Bond films. The Adele theme song is one of my favorite Bond themes in the last 50 years.
Casino Royale was a good first step for Daniel Craig. Although it had its dull moments, it ultimately helped revitalize the franchise; however, with Quantum of Solace, many fans were left disappointed and saw it as a step backwards. Skyfall firmly places Bond back on top as the king of action, style, glitz and glamour. Easily one of the best action/thrillers of the year, Skyfall will surely not disappoint.
Grade: A
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