By Christian DiMartino
The James Bond series turned 50 this year. So after a four year hiatus, probably recovering from the bad reputation of the previous installment, Quantum of Solace, Bond (Daniel Craig) is back in Skyfall. It is unknown what to expect from a 23rd Bond movie, considering from of the series is a mixed bag. This one is definitely not a let down.
There are a lot of delightful surprises in it, so here is what I can say: after a mission goes terribly wrong, the fate of MI6 is in jeopardy. Bond’s feisty boss M (Oscar-winner Judi Dench) is the main target of this cyberterrorist named Silva (Oscar Winner Javier Bardem), who is probably the most twisted Bond villian yet. This wickedly devious performance by Bardem is sure to thrill viewers.
Craig’s first outing, Casino Royale, was a masterpiece, and a tough one to beat. I liked the sequel, Quantum of Solace, but its big flaw was that it was not Casino Royale. For those that agree with me, here is some wonderful news: Skyfall could possibly be the best Bond film in the series. It is a Bond film like no other.
Daniel Craig is the heart and soul of the past three films. He is terrific, and though some may find this a bit blasphemous, but he is the best actor in this role. Sean Connery is terrific also, but there is something about the way Craig handles this material, it just all clicks. All of the films have a sense of humor, but his delivery of the lines are both charismatic and compelling. As long as Craig is in the role, my investment in the series will remain. Especially after Skyfall, which did what Royale did six years ago: it gave the series new life.
This is what you get when you put an Oscar winning director Sam Mendes in the reigns of a Bond movie: the best Bond movie so far. Mendes, whose career consists of dramas like American Beauty and Revolutionary Road, seems like an unlikely choice, but he proves himself quite the opposite. Skyfall is a smart and deserving tribute to the series. This movie slapped a smile on my face within 30 seconds, and that smile did not fade away until the credits.
Every single action sequence is a knockout. There are a lot of nice references to previous installments which will definitely bring a smile if caught. No film in the series has ever looked better, thanks in part to Mendes and cinematographer Roger Deakins. Adele’s theme song of the same name fits well. There is a great twist in the end, and the film ties together nicely, leaving plenty of room for the future.
But there are two things that need mention: One, it is nice that Judi Dench, who has been on the sidelines most of the time she was involved in the series, finally gets to do something. And another, it is a Bond film like no other because never in the 50 years has it explained Bond’s past. In the 50 years, the thought has probably never crossed a viewer’s mind, and it is great that now the viewers knows more about him.
It is rumored that Mendes wanted to win an Oscar for this movie, and he has my support all the way. Casino Royale definitely transcended the series to new heights, but Skyfall takes it one step higher. It took 50 years, and 50 years well spent. As in every Bond film, the end credits promise that Bond will be back. This movie has appeal to both the Bond-loving film junkie and a first timer. This is one of the best movies of the year.