Directed by Sam Mendes
Starring Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Judi Dench
The worlds favourite super spy is back and this time around things are getting personal.With veteran director Sam Mendes helming the latest installment, 007s newest adventure is indeed the most emotional and dramatic in the series.The performances are gripping, the action is thrilling, the villain is diabolical and yet Skyfall still manages to finish a few notches below Craigs first outing in Casino Royale.
The story opens with the trademark breathtaking chase that veers into the ridiculous.After MI6 comes under attack, Bond must track down the culprit in a true test of loyalty as Ms (Judi Dench) past comes back to haunt her in the form of the creepy and vengeful Silva (Bardem).The scene depicting Silvas introduction (which arguably comes too late in the picture) is one of the best in any Bond flick.
There are flashes of brilliance, hampered by a bloated mid-section. The movie is bookended by a frantic start and a truly riveting end.Gadgets are gone in favour of a realistic approach, the human emotion governing the characters is palpable and this is perhaps the most beautifully shot movie in the series thanks to the craftsmanship of cinematographer Roger Deakins.However, the quintessential Bond girl (Bérénice Marlohe) is underdeveloped and forgettable.Not everything works in Skyfall but it gives the franchise much needed rejuvenation after Quantum of Solace.
