Skyfall

I will begin by saying I am by no means a James Bond fanatic. I was introduced to him with the Pierce Brosnan era, which had one decent flick (Goldeneye), other than that, none of his had me running to the theater. Now, when Casino Royale reintroduced the MI6 spy back 6 years ago, I will enlivened with the whole gambit James Bond stood for. Then Quantum of Solace came out and upped the ante for me. I've been giddily anticipating what a third Craig led 007 would bring. Unfortunately the series went into a bit of a hiatus due to MGM's bankruptcy, the franchise property reverting back to it's original owners (the Broccoli family) and economical issues all around. The question of a James Bond film being able to recoup what ultimately would cost 200+ million to make was in the back of everyone's mind. 4 years between installments just made the heart grow fonder, and with an international gross over $500 million in less than 2 weeks, I don't think it will be an issue the have Craig's next 2 films known for the time as Bond 24 and Bond 25 be released no more than 2 years apart. Oh yes, Craig has resigned to make him the second longest Bond actor ever behind Connery himself. That makes me happy. Skyfall has the best opening scene and the best opening credits sequence I have ever seen in this franchise. We pick up with Bond doing what he does. Insane action at an extremely fast pace, but he hasn't lost a step...or has he. I've loved what this series has done with the character. They have made him tormented, dangerous, arrogant, and immature at times and that is awesome. That is human nature. I don't think I will spoil anything with a quick reference to plot...subplot rather. It is along the same lines as the 1996 film Mission Impossible. A knock list. A list that lists all agent's real identities and their current alias/status/mission/whereabouts. When this is stolen Bond must stop it, or there could be a genocide of MI6 agents round the World. The real plot is more about the question of Why and Who wants the list and What they will do with it. A great cast makes this film good, a great script makes it fantastic. Adding Ralph Fiennes and Javier Bardem can't hurt. I also loved the introduction of Naomie Harris who tends to be Bond's sidekick of sorts, and what they do with her character is nothing short of perfect. However, it is Judi Dench that ultimately steals the show. This is the first time I can remember M being such a center point of the film, and it works quite well. James must do what he always does and complete his mission. As much as Casino Royale was an origin story, Skyfall delves into Bond's past which was very interesting as well. Loads of people are saying this is the best Bond ever, and I will agree with that 100%. At 2 1/2 hours, it is not too long, and not too short....It's just perfect. As for Javier Bardem, he is the greatest on screen villain since Heath Ledger's Joker. That is a fact. I actually am considering watching it again. It is that good.

NBM rates Skyfall - A Cinematic Work of Art