Everybody knows that the last James Bond film, ‘Quantum of Solace’ was a massive disappointment. Everything about it was bad. The song was rubbish, the story was confusing and the villain was so unmemorable I can’t tell you who it was, their motive or even who played them. It was, in my opinion, a large stain on the James Bond franchise.
However, Skyfall is Bond at his best. It not only destroys ‘Quantum of Solace’ but it stands up to any Bond film out there. It is the perfect blend of modern post-Jason Bourne action films and classic Connery-era Bond.
Without giving too much away the films plot is much more personal than most of the other films. With M being the main catalyst for the plot. All of the actors are superb and I would go so far and say this is the best James Bond cast ever. Alongside Daniel Craig and Judie Dench there is Javier Bardem playing the villain Raoul Saliva and Ralph Finnes playing a new character Gareth Mallory. Yes, that is 3 Oscar winners in a James Bond cast. Alongside them in smaller but equally entertaining roles are Naomie Harris as Eve and Ben Whishaw as Q.
The re-introduction of Q is only one of the many ways Skyfall nods to classic Bond. Another nod is the reintroduction of the Aston Martin DB5 which to big Bond fans will raise some questions but it is a nice addition never the less.
It is clear that this movie has been created with an appreciation of the old Bond but with the knowledge that the series should be updated to modern times.
Like Casino Royale the action is very Bourne like with every punch hurting and being grounded in reality. The chase scenes are well executed with the opening pre-credits scene having a chase that involves a car, motorbike, train and digger.
Visually the film stunning with exotic locations and fantastic landscapes. Equally as stunning is the opening credits sequence, which in true Bond tradition has lots of guns and naked ladies falling around the screen to the best Bond song in years.
While some people will always prefer classic bond with silly gadgets, one liners and villains with 3 nipples I think Skyfall is one of the best Bond films ever made. It is action packed and the acting is superb but it also has emotional depth, good characterization and a kick ass song. Something Bond films forget to have. Skyfall is perhaps one of the best Bond films ever. While the franchise turns 50 years old, Skyfall shows that James Bond will live on for at least another 50 action packed, explosive years.
