[Quick Review of] Skyfall (2012)

Skyfall

Release Date: November 9, 2012

Director: Sam Mendes

Stars: Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Naomie Harris

Runtime: 143 min

You may be happy to know that I know want to check out other Bond films, now.

Bond’s loyalty to M is tested when her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.

I’m not sure how well this stands in the shadow of the other twenty-two Bond films, but on its own, it stands tall and proud. It is the finest action film of the year. The film is very easy to follow, and if the viewer hasn’t seen any of the Bond films, they wouldn’t get lost at all. Sam Mendes (American Beauty, Road to Perdition) brings some great direction to this. The cinematography and effects are great, and the opening sequence/Adele’s song “Skyfall” is just very compelling.

Skyfall is totally compelling and its pacing is just great. The only thing that’s a little disappointing about the film is Javier Bardem doesn’t show up until after the first hour mark. His presence is really worth the wait, though. The mood of his character is set the first time he hits the big screen: He’s a brilliant, creepy, crazy man. The relationship between Silva (Bardem) and M. is mysterious, unusual and very interesting. He seems like an incredible Bond villain, and he is one of the greatest criminal masterminds of recent memory. I haven’t seen this great of a villain, and this great of a portrayal, since Anthony Hopkins’ Hannibal Lecter. Each actor owns their role, and they portray them with the confidence and ease that is required of them.

The humour and the story offered is great, and this one seems much more satisfying than Quantum of Solace.

Bond has some great love interests. There are really intense action sequences that are just awesome and often nerve-racking. This is the most memorable, and the best, action film of the year, and it is one of the greatest cinematic adventures of the year.

90/100