Double A-Bond Rated

Rating: 9/10 (10 November 2012)

This film is highly recommended.
Bond, James Bond, may like his martinis shaken not stirred, but this latest installment of this popular movie franchise is far from shaky and quite a stirring example of how to make a perfectly synchronized action thriller.
Let us count the reasons that Skyfall, the 23rd Bond film in this series, is the best Bond movie since Goldfinger:
1. The foremost reason for the film's success is Daniel Craig as Mr. Bond, either fully clothed or the preferable shirtless variety. Craig may have the face of a longshoreman, but his tight sculpted body is probably the film's best visual effect ( and there are many from which to choose ). The actor has the physicality of a brutish daredevil one moment and a sophisticated playboy the next. His is the perfect combination in a perfect suited ( or unsuited ) role. Craig has become the strongest Bond since Connery and this is due to his common man status in playing this super-spy. He plays this role as a flawed loner, an anti-hero who loyalty to country and service are more important than his own self-being. It's all personal to him and that makes his interpretation even more exciting.
2. The film's screenplay by Neil Purvis, Robert Wade, and John Logan, keeps its ties to reality, unlike most of the previous installments. Though darker in mood and more somber in its focus, Skyfall achieves its goal as a suspenseful action-packed thriller with a more serious message of cyber-terrorism. Even if the script stretches the limits of logic with its dangerous action stunts at times, its central plot builds its tension from its well-written characters and their volatile situations. One scene realistically impacts on the next.
3. Skyfall is filled with action. The stunt work continues to amaze with its thrilling showmanship and staging. From its riveting opening fight scenes on various means of transportation to a chase in and under London's subway tunnels, the film easily delivers. In fact, the final action sequence is a bit of a letdown when compared to the other set pieces before it. ( Most effective: The Shanghai fight scene, well-choreographed and gorgeously lit, as silhouetted figures contrast against the bold neon-colored backdrops. Truly dynamic filmmaking. )
4. A diabolical villain is yet another ingredient in the mix and Javier Bardem fills that role as Silva nicely. Although he doesn't make his appearance until an hour or so into the proceedings, the actor more than makes up for his elapsed screen time with his memorable performance. With his stark white mane and sinister laugh, Bardem uses all of his character's eccentricities to his fullest advantage. He even has some shared human moments to soften his villain before maiming and destroying anyone in his way.
5. The supporting cast adds greater interest to the story. Judi Dench brings her signature no- nonsense attitude to her continuing role as M, Bond's superior. She is the consummate actress in any role, large or small. New additions to the series are the beautiful Naomie Harris as Eve, Ben Whislaw as Q, the cyber and weapons geek, and Ralph Fiennes as Gareth Mallory, the overseer of the secret service division.
6. Sam Mendes is the director. Known more for his straight dramatic films like American Beauty and Revolutionary Road, Mendes acquits himself well in his first real action film. He stages his scenes well and keeps the action moving at a quick pace. He also doesn't neglect the dramatic storyline and the character's inter-relationships, making those elements as important to the film as the adrenaline rush of chases and explosions. One has to admire Mendes as he makes sure that the over-the-top temptation to focus more on gadgetry and super stunts are kept to a minimum.
7. The gadgets are still there. No, they are not as lavish as before, but they make logical sense and are used sparingly whenever possible. Why even the Aston Martin of yore is brought back to the plot, amid some applause from the movie-going audience! ( This film likes to relish in the mythology of its own series' history. )
8. Skyfall may have fewer Bond Ladies this time around, but they make their presences known and the actresses are more than merely shapely decorations and sexual objects on view. Both Bérénice Marlohe as Severin and the previously mentioned Ms. Harris add depth to their somewhat sketchy roles.
9. The exotic locations are back. Shanghai, Macao, Istanbul, Turkey, and Scotland are some of the backdrops for the many action sequences in Skyfall, adding to the fun and authenticity of the film.
10. Finally, the top-notch production values are absolutely stunning. The production design by Dennis Gassner is detailed and rich with atmosphere. Thomas Newman's score mixes John Barry's theme with Newman's own innovative music. The film editing by Stuart Baird is concise and edgy. Foremost is the sumptuous photography by the ever-talented Roger Deakins who creates such sweeping visual splendor in every scene, making Skyfall the kind of rousing big-budget entertainment needed to be seen on the big screen.
These ten reasons are reason enough to see Skyfall. Granted, so far this has been a lackluster year for films, but it is not faint praise to say that this is one of the better movies of 2012 or any year. No doubt about it, Skyfall is a real crowd-pleaser that will make a windfall for the studio. It just might be the first Bond film to earn a Best Picture nod too. GRADE: B+
Visit my blog at: www.dearmoviegoer.com
ANY COMMENTS: Please contact me at: jadepietro@rcn.com