Skyfall-2012

Director Sam Mendes

Starring Daniel Craig

Scott’s Review #136

Reviewed July 26, 2014

Grade: B+

Skyfall is the latest (and twenty-third) installment in the decades-long-running James Bond franchise (1962’s Dr. No was the first one), and this one receives major kudos from me.

When you look back at all the Bond films, they have had to adjust to keep up with the times, and Skyfall does it very successfully.

In addition, Skyfall brings a good, old-fashioned, compelling story to the table.

A former agent, Raoul Silva, beautifully portrayed by Javier Bardem, launches an attack on MI6, driven by a personal vendetta against M, played by Judi Dench.

Bardem delivers a complex, powerful villain who isn’t overly cartoonish.

He appears crazy!

James Bond, of course, must come to the rescue and save the day.

The story finally gives M. a chance to shine as the main plot revolves around her. The relationship between M. and Raoul is interesting and layered with history, which makes for a compelling story.

As with Bond films, the film uses exotic locales. This time we get Shanghai, London, Scotland, and Macau.

James Bond’s past is also explored- he grew up in Scotland. The Bond family estate is a major backdrop for the action.

The reintroduction of two famous Bond characters- Moneypenny and Q is like a breath of fresh air added to the franchise, although I was not crazy about the casting choice of Q.

Also, one minor flaw with this film is that there is no clear “Bond girl” to root for.

Skyfall (2012) provides a successful return to its Bond roots and will hopefully allow the Bond franchise to continue for many films to come.

Oscar Nominations: 2 wins-Best Original Score, Best Original Song “Skyfall” (won), Best Sound Editing (won), Best Sound Mixing, Best Cinematography