Skyfall Review

I would say that I am a fan of James Bond. When asked what actor playing Bond is your favorite would you answer Sean Connery? or Pierce Brosnan? I was waiting to reserve judgement about Daniel Craig, until he had a few Bond films under his belt. Casino Royale was a very good Bond film, and it was directed by Martin Campbell that made my Favorite Bond film as a child, Goldeneye. But Quantum of Solace, was less that stellar and it looked like Daniel Craig might be going the way of the Brosnan. Where his films peaking at first and getting progressively worse. After watching Skyfall its safe to say that will not be the route Mr. Craig will be taking, as Skyfall might be the best Bond film I have ever seen.

    We join Bond in another adventure, to thwart the bad guys for some such scheme, yada, yada. It doesn’t really matter because this movie isn’t about taking over the world or being the guy with all the money, its about revenge, revenge against M. If you are not up on your Bond lore, M is the leader of M16, and Bond’s boss. Since Goldeneye, M has been played by Judi Dench, an actress that has much bigger chops than the Bond films ever really needing her to have. We actually get to see her stretch her skill in this film, and she makes us care about her. The villains got it out for her, and it’s so good.

    I am happy to say that Skyfall has the the return of the Character Q, who was always my favorite part of any Bond films. The guy who gives Bond his gadgets. Desmond Llewelyn, had played Q in 17 Bond films until his death in 1999. We have seen John Cleese play the character once, in the Brosnan days, in Die Another Day, but I feel like this was a mistake. Q should not be a funny character, he was never a funny character, we was just more clever than Bond, and loved to rub Bond’s face in it.  I am happy to say that feeling has return to the Q character in this iteration. Q is played by Ben Whishaw, who played it perfectly. This young actor is one to watch as he is in Cloud Atlas and Skyfall this year. Whishaw is slated to be in Robopocalypse Steven Spielberg's new film for 2014

    Sam Mendes directed Skyfall, who is known for American beauty, and Road to Perdition, neither are really action films, more character studies. I was curious to see his take on the Bond franchise. This is kind of like giving the Batman reins to Christopher Nolan. This is the best shot bond film I have ever seen, Every scene was just beautiful to look at, especially in IMax. The character development is the best I have ever seen in a Bond film, you actually get to know Bond and M. Bond and M actually have a character arc. It’s more than just stop-the-bad-guy, you are actually emotionally invested. This film might not have the never ending action, but it makes up for it with substance. Javier Bardem plays Silva, this film’s villain, and you can’t take your eyes off of him. His presence is just amazing, liking him and being afraid of him all at the same time.

    It hard to shift a favorite movie in your head. Goldeneye and Casino Royale, will always have a special place in my heart, but today my favorite Bond film is Skyfall. It’s not a pure fun as other Bond films. Skyfall is not over the top or silly, but just a good film. Not just a good Bond film, like a really good film. Since seeing this film I have recomended it to everyone I can, if you like Bond you need to see this movie. What is Skyfall you ask? Just wait and keep your eyes open at the end. 

The Rating System
Production (Directing, Editing, Music)5-5
Story (Plot)4-5
Characters (Likability, Acting)5-5
Writing (Dialogue, Cleverness)5-5
Emotions (Was it; Fun, Scary, Sad, Do I care)5-5
Over all score 24-25 Near perfect film making here.