The best Bond for some considerable time

Rating: 9/10 (1 November 2012)

I was apprehensive after Quantum of Solace, which I felt was deeply disappointing. A weak plot with a weaker villain, a stilted script and limp direction. I was still convinced by Craig as Bond, but the material he had to work with was poor.
Skyfall is a very different kettle of fish; gripping from the opening chase scene through markets and over rooftops, it rapidly explores themes of loyalty and betrayal which will be carried throughout the film. Craig is once again a convincing Bond, matching ruthlessness with wit, convincing equally in hand to hand combat or the casino. Dench's M this time captures a brittle hardness that hadn't previously been quite so much to the fore, and plays well to the plot. The new Q is convincingly dismissive initially of the old hat methods of field agents like Bond. Bardem's villain is especially praiseworthy; flesh-creepingly unhinged, he brings palpable menace to the role.
The action is well-paced, the dialogue taut and the plot development well-handled. I thoroughly recommend it.