Skyfall

The twenty-thrird James Bond movie was released today. Daniel Craig returns to play the legendary spy in Skyfall. Skyfall pays tribute to the earlier films in the series, whilst modernizing the film. The film features amazing performances, better than I’ve seen in most Bond films.

Since the days of fighting the Soviets are over, Bond has to tackle a new villain. More recent Bond films tried to fight country-less terrorists. However, Skyfall takes a much different approach: What do you do when your country turns on you?

MI-6 is not only under attack from an outside threat but the British government is questioning M’s ability to lead the Secret Intelligence Service. James Bond “returns from the dead” to save his country and boss. The film focuses on someone in M’s past seeking vengeance on her for her actions. Bond loyally stands by her and tears through England to protect her.

The acting in this film amazed me. I always expect great things from Dame Judy Dench and she did not disappoint. Javier Bardem mostly shocked me in his unrecognizable role, Silva. He was phenomenal in this Oscar-worthy performance.  Rounding out the supporting cast was Ralph Fiennes as Gareth Mallory.

Skyfall is Craig’s third Bond film. Craig is excellent as the playboy, killing machine. It has been reported that he signed on to do two more films following Skyfall. This initially surprised me. The film dropped hints that this would be his last one: referencing his age, death/resurrection, and subtle change of important roles.

This film deviated from other Bond films in a unique homage to them. A few years ago, during the filming of Skyfall, a commotion was made when it was announced that Bond would drink Heineken beer.  The beer made it into a few scenes and Bond’s hand. When he did finally return to his signature martini, we never got to hear him order it “shaken, not stirred.” It wasn’t until late in the film that the famed Aston Martin returned. Even Q separated the film from early Bond films when giving Bond his high-tech gadgets: “What did you expect, an exploding pen?”

This is a must see. It is great for fans of the series but certainly is not limited to just Bond fanatics. It’s a great action film with a lot of heart. (Surprising for a Bond film, I know.) If you’re going to the movies this weekend, my suggestion is Skyfall.