Director: Sam Mendes
Starring: Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Javier Bardem, Naomie Harris, Ralph Fiennes and Ben Wishaw
Run Time: 143 minutes
Certificate: 12a
IMDb summary: Bond's loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.
It appears that third time is most definitely a charm for Daniel Craig. Back and better than ever, his return as the suave and sophisticated 007 is a glorious comeback, and one that should not be missed. If you were ever in doubt that Bond didn't yet belong to Craig, or still a tad unconvinced, (which is understandable after the highly flawed 'Quantum of Solace'), 'Skyfall' is the film where he truly comes into his own. He's not just Bond, he's a brilliant Bond - there's no denying it.
There's just something incredibly different about 'Skyfall', in a very good way. Perhaps its down to Sam Mendes, a director who has a fabulous flair for character and emotion as well as spectacle. But truth be told, it really is the emotional heart of the film that triumphs, and when combined with the signature Bond-esque touches that we've become so familiar with over the past 50 years; the grandeur fight sequences, mysterious women, cheeky comedy and quintessentially British tones, one might argue that this is the best Bond yet. Most of all however, it is the film which finally allows Judi Dench's M to shine. After years of wasting such a phenomenal talent, she moves from the periphery of the action, to smack bang in the middle of it - and about time too. It only took them 17 years to realise, hey, we have such a brilliant, award winning actress, why not bring her into focus?
Still, better late than never.
Also fantastic? Javier Bardem of course. After his Oscar winning performance in 'No Country for Old Men', it was a sure thing that his role as ultra Bond baddie Silva was going to be equally sinister. He exhibits a truly terrifying subtlety and quiet confidence on screen that really rivals his other on screen counterparts. That, combined with his glossy new blonde do', really gets your skin crawling. It seems 007 has his work cut out for him in this one.
Incredibly well-paced, thrilling and narratively engaging, the films suits any age, and balances perfectly the various elements that contribute to a truly spectacular piece of film making. We are now looking at a 21st century Bond, with expectations growing along with the changing audiences, yet there is more than enough in 'Skyfall' to satisfy both the new and old generations of cinema goers. After all, the proof is in the pudding, and 'Skyfall' has recently become the highest grossing film in Britain - a fitting 50th birthday present for the ever adored, nostalgic and down right cool Mr Bond.
