Skyfall (2012) Movie Review

James Bond returns one more time in a Sam Mendes production, Skyfall, as he faces one of his most intriguing enemies yet, but does it stand up to the hype?

Cast

Daniel Craig returns to play James Bond, an older and more sarcastic James Bond that is. Judi Dench reprises her role as M and is one of the primary focuses in Skyfall. Gareth Mallory, the new Chairman of the Intelligence and Security Committee, is played by Ralph Fiennes. Naomi Harris plays Eve, James Bond primary love interest in this film but not the only one. Kincade is played by Albert Finney. Lastly, the new Q is played by Ben Whishaw.

Now to Bond’s enemies in this film…Javier Bardem of No Country for Old Men fame plays Silva, former MI6 agent and hacker extraordinaire. His love interest, Patrice, is played by the beautiful Ola Rapace.

Plot

With the destruction of MI6 and agents compromised worldwide by a fatal error on M’s part, M is forced to relocate the agency as she is pursued by Silva for past mistakes. In the meantime, James Bond, with Eve’s help, seeks to find Silva before he can find M. Thus a lengthy cat and mouse game is set afoot.

Review

Skyfall was one of the better Daniel Craig Bond films and definitely better than Quantum of Solace and slightly better than Casino Royale. Interspersed throughout this film were several tributes to the United Kingdom, almost akin to something Steven Moffat would do. The acting, however, was a bit erratic. Judie Dench was once again spectacular as her presence carries weight. Daniel Craig reprised his role seemingly well too. However, the new Q, played by Ben Whishaw, stole the film, even more than Javier Bardem as the evil villain. His unassuming nature and wit had an irresistible charm to it.

The cinematography was at times spectacular. The viewing of the caskets covered by the Union Jack flag to the sniper scene in Shanghai were simply amazing. The action in of itself was relatively fast-paced unlike Quantum of Solace which had that lackluster feeling.

Lastly, this film essentially rebooted the James Bond series back to its very beginning. Going forward, Dr. No, et al. could be rebooted and remade, minus Sean Connery. Whether that will happen remains to be seen.

Verdict (Out of 10)

Fringe Fiction gives Skyfall an 8.7 out of 10. It is definitely worth a watch or two and perhaps the best of Daniel Craig’s James Bond films yet.