Not the classic some have said it is, but still a superior, spectacular thrill ride

Rating: 9/10 (1 December 2012)

STAR RATING: ***** Saturday Night **** Friday Night *** Friday Morning ** Sunday Night * Monday Morning
James Bond (Daniel Craig) is presumed dead after a mission in Turkey ended with Agent Eve (Naomie Harris) making a fatal error. Of course, he's survived and has simply been skulking around, living in the shadows. Which is just as well, after a major terrorist attack rocks London. Knowing no other agent can match his wits (even if his physical fitness reports aren't what they should be!) M sends Bond to Shanghai to retrieve a list of other potential targets. But the elusive terrorist mastermind Silva (Javier Bardem) has a bigger fish to fry- a grudge against M and MI6 that can be settled in no way other than blood.
In an age where long established franchises are seemingly the only thing that makes the box office tills clatter and cling, it must have seemed odd for film connoisseurs that such a long period of time passed (four years, no less) since Bond's last, highly disappointing entry Quantum of Solace passed. Production difficulties were stated (but, basically, they just didn't have the money!) but, good things come to those who wait, and Skyfall will no doubt be more than what the really devoted fans were expecting, even if a really critical guy like me couldn't quite call it a classic.
I would personally hasten that Martin Campbell could have done a better job directing, but Sam Mendes is a more than competent choice here. Even if he allows the pace to drag in parts, there is enough sweeping cinematography, awe inspiring spectacle and lavish action set pieces to keep the fans on edge. Like the best of the modern action films, it also never forgets to be relevant and topical, with the plot centring as it does on terrorism and M's speech justifying her agency, stating how 'the enemy today cannot be seen and is not known.' Less than ten years after July 7th, some may find it a bit hard to stomach, but others will find it lends added tension and razor sharp realism.
Cast wise, Craig is still a fine Bond, even if the script cleverly prods at him getting older, with his character not passing his fitness reports and Ralph Fiennes's character hinting his job is 'a young man's game.' Few will forget his performance in No Country for Old Men, so Bardem is an inspired choice for the villain, really keeping the viewer in suspense dragging making his presence known out. Harris is a steely, feisty Bond girl who comes to have more relevance at the end when Judi Dench's M takes a surprising turn.
Like many films nowadays, it may be one I need to see twice, but sadly on first viewing I couldn't quite take it as a classic. Still, for sheer spectacle and as a sheer cinematic experience, it's a must, with Adele providing one of the most soulful, stirring theme songs in ages. ****