Rollicking, entertaining Bond back with a bang in latest entry, "Skyfall"
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| Daniel Craig is back as Agent 007 |
It's been a wait, but James Bond is back with a bang in the crowd-pleasing newest film, "Skyfall," an overlong but vastly entertaining entry held together by its stars and director. Bond's (Daniel Craig) loyalty to M (Judi Dench) is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack by a former MI6 operative Raoul Silva (Javier Barden), 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost. "Skyfall" is the 23rd Bond film and arrives in time to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the series, and it does so with style and panache, with Bardem in particular as a delectably evil and memorable villain. "Skyfall" is one of the better recent Bond films, and of the Daniel Craig films, "Casino Royale" is still my favorite though this one is far more intriguing, and filled with many nice touches and homages to the series, including the classic car (shown above) and other references that fans will certainly pick up on. It helps that "Skyfall" is helmed by an astute, talented director in Sam Mendes of "American Beauty" and "Revolutionary Road," an interesting choice given Mendes' history of more intimate, independent films. On that note, he brings an intimate quality to "Skyfall" that brings out Bond's backstory yet also helmes the action scenes with particular skill, including a breathtaking, stunning opener that's one of the series' best. The cast is also top notch, including Craig in the title role; with scruff and fitted, gray suit, he continues to bring a hard-edged, soldier-like quality to the role and less of the stylized romanticism of earlier Bonds, and he's much better here than in the previous darker, downbeat installment, "Quantum of Solace." Oscar-winner Bardem, in blond hair, brings a creepy, engaging swagger to the Silva villain role, even though he doesn't appear until well an hour into the film. Naomie Harris is a sweet, helpful Moneypenny, Ben Whishaw a wistful Q, Dench a stalwart M and in what will be the film's most controversial part, Ralph Fiennes carries on an important role in this franchise. Speaking of which, some will find the finale a bit sad, but Craig, Dench, Bardem and in a small but gregarious turn, Albert Finney, utilize the Scottish scenery quite well. "Skyfall" goes on a little too long, particularly in the last act when it delves into Bond's childhood, but it's entertaining and swift enough you might not notice; by the way, the jazzy theme song by Adele is a huge treat that opens the film. An enjoyable, rollicking entry in the series with more character than gadgets, the pleasing "Skyfall" has enough action that it will both shake and stir you.
Wes's Grade: B+
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