Skyfall Review

Shocking
Ryan Gilliam 

In 1962, Dr. No was released to the world, and the Bond film franchise was born. Now on its 23rd official installment, and its sixth Bond actor, Skyfall has landed a huge success. While there have certainly been excellent Bond films in the past, Skyfall sores above the others.

In Skyfall, we see the return of Daniel Craig as Bond (the pistol wielding, ass kicking, sex magnet, super spy of MI6), and Dame Judi Dench as M (the aging, fiery, head of all the British secret service). In addition to these familiar faces, we are introduced to Eve (Naomie Harris), a fellow agent of Bond's, Gareth Mallory (Ralph Fiennes), a bureaucrat who at first seems more foe than friend, and most importantly, Silva (Javier Bardem), the dark, psychotic villain. All five of these actors play their parts beautifully, surpassing the performances in any Bond film of recent memory.

Skyfall shows the audience a damaged and aging Bond, who is thrown off his game after being pronounced dead within the first ten minutes of the film. After his “resurrection”, we are treated to watching the usually precise and perfect 007 falter in many of his usually natural tasks due to being shot multiple times. The humanizing and vulnerability of Bond is something that was briefly seen in 2006’s Casino Royale, but wasn't quite explored to fruition. Finally, six years later, we get to see the world's favorite spy suffer in more ways than the loss of a loved one. 

As per Bond tradition, we are treated to a menacing and evil villain in Silva. Javier Bardem manages to steal every scene he is in. Whether through his dialogue, or small mannerisms, he is entrancing to watch. He demands the audience's attention in a way that was last seen with the late Heath Ledger’s Joker in Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight.

While Silva steals the show, the real praise is to be given to Dame Judi Dench and Daniel Craig. This Bond film truly shows the unique relationship between M and Bond. There is an unspoken mother to son love between the two that is dealt with so beautifully. Bond and M spend most of the third act together. This allows the audience to, for the first time in series history, see their relationship as more than a voice in the ear of a killer.

From suave one-liners, to crippling insanity, the script really propels the actors into glory. The movie has significant depth to its story and characters, while still feeling reminiscent of its legacy. The jokes never feel forced, and the occasionally solemn tone is a welcome addition to the campy Bonds of yesteryear.

The conflict between Bond and the villainous henchmen always happen in an interesting environment. From an unfinished Shanghai skyscraper, to a mansion in Scotland, to a pit inhabited by Komodo Dragons, Skyfall is never boring to watch. The film is beautiful, ascetically speaking, with crisp colors and superb camera shots. Director Sam Menedes really puts his best foot forward, and his hand is seen through every aspect of this film. The trademark world travels of the famous British spy only really appear in the first half of the film. The bulk of Skyfall takes place in London and Scotland, all too familiar terrains for Bond.

The ending is satisfying in a way that lends closure to those who need it and excites for what is to come. The last five minutes will interest anyone enough to come back to Bond next time, and fans of the classic Connery Bond will find themselves squealing with memory-induced delight. The next few years will be filled with impatience as we eagerly await Bond 24.

Conclusion:

Skyfall is an excellent film for fans of the Bond series and new comers alike. Unlike many other action flicks, there is depth to every character and motivation for every explosion. Skyfall has set a new bar for Bond films in the future. While things have always changed throughout 007's legacy, this film is truly shaken, not stirred.