It took 50 years, and after a few great installments, Bond has now done it right.

Rating: 10/10 (10 November 2012)

The James Bond series turned 50 this year. So after a four year hiatus, probably recovering from all of the bad rep from the previous installment, Quantum of Solace , Bond (played by Daniel Craig in his third outing) is back in Skyfall. It's unknown what to expect from a 23rd Bond movie, considering some of the series is a mixed bag. But if a letdown is expected, don't let it be.
There are a lot of delightful surprises here, so here's what can be told: After a mission goes terribly wrong, the fate of MI6 is in jeopardy. Bond's feisty boss M (played wonderfully by Oscar Winner Judi Dench once again) is the main target of this cyberterrorist named Silva, probably the most twisted Bond villain yet, played perfectly by Oscar Winner Javier Bardem. Who can save her? We should know the answer to that.
Craig's first outing, Casino Royale, was a masterpiece, and a tough one to beat. I liked the sequel, Quantum of Solace, but it's big flaw was that it wasn't Casino Royale. It did everything that Royale did, minus about fifteen percent. For those that agree with me, I have wonderful news: Skyfall could possibly be the best Bond film in the series. It's a Bond film like no other (will get to that later).
This is what you get when you put an Oscar winning master (Sam Mendes) in the reigns of a Bond movie: the best Bond movie. Skyfall is a smart and loving tribute to the series that slapped a smile on my face within 30 seconds, and that smile didn't fade away until the credits, which then brought sadness because it was over.
Every single action sequence is a knockout. There are a lot of nice references to previous installments which will definitely bring a smile if caught. No film in the series has ever looked better, thanks in part to Mendes and cinematographer Roger Deakins. There is a great twist in the end, and the film ties together nicely, leaving plenty of room for the future. Also, that Bond humor, which was sort of absent in Quantum, is back.
But there are two things that need mention: One, it's nice that Judi Dench, who has been on the sidelines most of the time she was involved in the series, finally gets to do something. And two, it's a Bond film like no other because never in the 50 years has it explained Bond's past. In the 50 years, the thought has probably never crossed anyones mind, and it's nice that they finally did it.
It's rumored that Mendes wanted to win an Oscar for this movie, and he has my support 100%. Casino Royale definitely transcended the series to new heights, but Skyfall takes it one step higher. It took 50 years, and 50 years spent right. This is one of the best movies of the year. Don't hesitate, just go.
A+