SKYFALL
Let's face it, Quantum of Solace was a disappointment, particularly after 007 was rebooted with such class and expert filmaking as Casino Royale. So, what better way to commemorate James Bond's 50th anniversary in cinema than honour the legendary spy with a good movie. Thankfully, we got a great one in Skyfall.
Sam Mendes, a personal favourite of mine, takes the helm in this twenty-third Bond film, with Daniel Craig returning for his third outing, and Judi Dench in her sixth (and it turns out, final) performance as M. From the get go, we are treated to the staple; a stunning prologue. This is one of my favourite prologues to a Bond film, mainly because by its end, we assume Bond is dead. Then we see stunning title sequence, with Adele's haunting theme playing over it. We know Bond isn't really dead, but by the look of M, she is under pressure. Not long after she attends a meeting on her possible retirement, M16 is targeted, and a bomb goes off before M's eyes. M becomes under attack, and is told to "think on her sins". M16 relocates to their underground offices, and M recalls Bond; haggard and out of shape. We see this from his efforts to get back to the level he was before, and pass the examinations to get back in the field. M passes him anyway, despite the fact he is not in the best of shape to be out in the field.
Sam Mendes, a personal favourite of mine, takes the helm in this twenty-third Bond film, with Daniel Craig returning for his third outing, and Judi Dench in her sixth (and it turns out, final) performance as M. From the get go, we are treated to the staple; a stunning prologue. This is one of my favourite prologues to a Bond film, mainly because by its end, we assume Bond is dead. Then we see stunning title sequence, with Adele's haunting theme playing over it. We know Bond isn't really dead, but by the look of M, she is under pressure. Not long after she attends a meeting on her possible retirement, M16 is targeted, and a bomb goes off before M's eyes. M becomes under attack, and is told to "think on her sins". M16 relocates to their underground offices, and M recalls Bond; haggard and out of shape. We see this from his efforts to get back to the level he was before, and pass the examinations to get back in the field. M passes him anyway, despite the fact he is not in the best of shape to be out in the field.
Bond then goes to Shanghai, to track down the mercenary Patrice. He is accompanied by M16 agent Eve, who inadvertently caused his supposed death at M's command. Bond tracks down Patrice, who has killed his target, and they engage in a brutal fight. The skyline of Shanghai adds to the atmosphere, and reflective glass gives the scene a tense effect. Patrice falls to his death before Bond can learn who he is working for, but manages to find a casino chip that leads him to Macau, where he meets Severine (Berenice Marlohe), whom he suspects know where the illusive employer is. She agrees to take Bond to see "Silva" after he deals with her bodyguards. It is here we meet Silva, one of the best Bond villains in recent memory, played creepily by a blonde-haired Javier Bardem, exuding the same menace as he did in No Country For Old Men, but with a certain charm too, and sense of humour.
The Verdict: Skyfall is exactly what Bond needed to commemorate his 50th anniversary on the big screen; a stunningly shot, breathtakingly exciting instalment to the franchise that both honours the old and dares to experiment.
★★★★★
5/5
5/5