SKYFALL - Review

Skyfall

Action/Espionage, 2012

Directed by Sam Mendes

Starring
Daniel Craig as James Bond
Judi Dench as M
Javier Bardem as Raoul Silva
Naomie Harris as Eve
Ben Whishaw as Q
Ralph Finnes as Gareth Mallory
Bérénice Lim Marlohe as Sévérine


Wow.
Skyfall is a serious game changer. While Casino Royale took the series in a new direction, Skyfall actually takes an even larger leap forward. The film is riddled with allusions to the repetitive nature of the Bond films, how they've been playing the same game for a long time. And with Skyfall, change finally comes to the series in such a massive and unexpected way, it puts the previous installments to shame.
For the longest time, Bond was about sweet gadgets, political intrigue, sexy women, and bad guys who wanted the world and then some. There wasn't that much subtext or underlying emotional themes, with maybe a couple of exceptions. And while Casino Royale gave Bond his emotional center through Vesper Lynd (the film's Bond girl), Skyfall actually is more about the morals and ethics of what comes with working for MI6.
Despite having a far deeper story, the film does a little bit of going back to its roots. Ben Whishaw is spectacular as the new Q, and actually helps out Bond by giving him a couple of gadgets, including his classic Walther PPK. Even the Astin Martin makes an appearance.
The cinematography is absolutely unmatched. Beautiful framing and an unexpected use of colors bring this particular installment to life. For example, during a tense fight sequence in Shanghai, it almost has the feel of a classic Bond intro, and it stands out as being one of the best sequences in the film. It's certainly the most stylish Bond film to date. Roger Deakins, the cinematographer, deserves an Oscar for his spectacular work. Adele sings the theme song this time around, and needless to say, it's perfect. The song has that classic sexy and sultry feeling, while at the same time feeling new and original.
Although there are references to the past all over the place, it's more about what made Bond so iconic as apposed to past missions themselves. M is finally given something to do other than just sit at a desk, finally becoming a wonderfully realized character who plays an immense role in the story. Javier Bardem's Silva is one of the most entertaining villains to date, easily stealing the show.
Daniel Craig is at his absolute best, and I might be one of the few who believe that he might just be the best Bond ever, maybe even exceeding Sean Connery.
I can't wait to see what comes next.

On another note, I would recommend seeing Skyfall in IMAX. Unlike some films, the movie doesn't shift from one film format to another, it remains in a constant state of IMAX.

Memorable Quote - 
Bond: A radio and a gun? Not exactly Christmas.
Q: What were you expecting, an exploding pen?

On the Upside - Bond finally has the emotional core that even few films today can manage. Bardem, Dench, and Craig all have Oscar worthy performances. It's certainly the most visually appealing Bond film to date. The script is dynamite, chockfull of references to the series past, setting a new precedent for the future. Adele's theme song is pitch perfect as well.

On the Downside - I can't figure out how Bond 24 is going to top this one.

Long Story Short - Skyfall is the best Bond film. Period. Stop reading, get off your computer, and go see it. You'd be a fool not to, Bond enthusiast or not.

Score - 10/10