Incredibly well directed, structured Bond Movie, with a dark, gripping opening & final act

Rating: 10/10 (5 November 2012)

Bond movies have been my favorites, not only because they're exciting and have huge action set pieces, but because the screen play is fantastic, the directors are veterans, and they all deeply explore the vivid, often dark world of Agent 007. He is human, which is a point brought out very very well in the previous 3 installments, and justified by Daniel Craig's stellar performances.
The opening act is great, and sets the tone for the entire film. The opening credits were incredible. What is great is that Daniel Craig has now perfectly understood his character. He is human, but this time, he isn't too emotional or sulking about it. He is tough, and has M's confidence. He is in his best act.
M is the one who is in focus here. And Raoul Silva (Javier Bardem) who stuns everyone with a chilling performance. The deserted island set is incredibly beautiful, and the neon lit Shanghai building in which a major fight sequence takes place, is one of the most stunning work of cinematography in any bond movie so far.
In the last half hour, Bardem steals the show with his underground train wrecking, and maniacal ways at the 'Skyfall' palace. However, I say this again, Daniel Craig isn't weak, or a wreck this time. He knows his ways. Agent 007 is a smart and strong character, and he does what his expected of him by fighting his way extremely well, and by protecting M till the end, in a very charismatic way, which was a pleasure to watch.
So what makes a bond film a great one? A mad villain, a well-knit story, an incredible opening sequence, an intense final act, bond's handy fist work, explosions, some smart gadgets, a huge train wreck, and some of the best beautiful cinematography. 'Skyfall' has it all.
One of the best movies of the year. If good action movies are your fare, you cannot miss out on 'Skyfall'!