Business And Pleasure

Rating: 9/10 (6 November 2015)

Skyfall was really a perfect storm for a Bond film. You have one of the best theme songs in the series' history with Adele's Skyfall, strong female characters led by the expanded presence of Judi Dench's M, and one of the best villains with Javier Bardem's Silva. I may like Casino Royale a little bit more, but it switches on a day to day basis. The important thing is that Skyfall isn't just a great Bond film, it's a great film.
Right from the electrifying opening pre credits sequence it's clear we are in for a ride. It's also clear that this film will focus on M and Bond's relationship which has been so well documented in this series of films. I love that M tells Naomie Harris as Moneypenny/Eve to take the shot even though she doesn't have a clear shot. Then seeing her reaction and emotions unfold as she believes Bond to be dead. It's been clear ever since Casino Royale and through his rogue adventures in Quantum that she has a fondness and a soft spot for James. In many ways Skyfall completes the Bond origin story into the Bond we have known throughout the years to be. This film is absolutely a deviation from the typical formulaic process to Bond though. But trust me, it was a good change.
Bardem as Silva showed shades of Loki and Joker in that he's always one more step ahead of MI6. He's also going after them instead of them going after him for most of the film, and in particular, he wants M. I genuinely believe Silva belongs up there with the best of the Bond villains. There's just so much emotional undertone mixed with a strange sense of humor that fits so well opposite Bond. To go along with that, I think Skyfall is probably the most emotional Bond film to date. There is a real sense of heart to this movie that most of the other entries don't have.
What's more impressive is that there is still the fantastic action that we love from the series to go along with the heart and terrific character writing. This film is definitely not for every Bond fan, in fact I don't think hardcore fans would find this to be as good as the casual fan. Even though I consider myself one of those hardcore fans, I can acknowledge the deviations the film took. For one, Bond doesn't sleep with every flipping lady in the film, and two the villain doesn't have global aspirations. But that's why the film works so well, it's so fresh and exhilarating. Something I hope the franchise continues to be. Wow, and that concludes my 2 month long Bond marathon in preparation for Spectre. Here's hoping it's good!
+Fantastic villain
+Changed up the formula
+Focused on the Bond & M relationship
+Theme song
+Brillaint action
9.5/10