Skyfall Review

Rating: 8/10 (28 November 2012)

First off, loved it.
Skyfall's story is a marked improvement on Quantum of Solace's sloppy pacing. The dialogue scenes are a joy to watch play out with such a great cast and successfully integrate well-worn bond tropes with scenes that carry some emotional weight. The action scenes are stunning to watch in the varied locales on display and have been plotted and storyboarded with precision keeping them visually comprehensible and maintaining that sense of realism that is missing when action is shot through close ups and shaky cam.
The acting is pretty great across the board with Craig giving another turn as a damaged (although somewhat funner) Bond and new additions Whishaw, Fiennes and Harris all seem right at home within the 007 universe. Judi Dench is a particular joy to watch this time round with her character given significantly more weight than in previous films. But most impressively Javier Bardem delivers one of the most memorable bond villains ever in my opinion, and the long continuous shot in which he first appears was a fantastic character introduction.
Previous Mendes collaborators Thomas Newman and Roger Deakins also benefit the film greatly with Newman providing an electronic score that ups the tension and cool of the scenes where present. Deakins comes as perhaps the films greatest asset providing beautiful cinematography from scene to scene, always finding visually captivating compositions to present the inspired location choices. A particular sequence set in a Shanghai skyscraper is a masterwork with changing neon lighting influencing the scene's feel from frame to frame, as well as being stunning to look at.
Without getting into spoilers, I can see how some people would have problems with the films third act where much of the story's momentum comes to a halt. Also Albert Finney's character was clearly intended for another storied Scottish actor and that absence is more than noticeable. But whatever damage the finale does to the film is minimal compared to everything that has come before.
After the disappointing Quantum of Solace, Skyfall comes as an impressive return to form for the 007 franchise and manages to become one of the best action films of recent years.