Skyrise

Rating: 9/10 (22 February 2013)

Yes, its a bad pun for a title but just take it for now and stick with me.
So this movie has gotten some mixed but mostly good reviews by critics and some pretty damn atrocious reviews by the regular mortals who flock to the movies to look for disappointment. The good news is, however, that Skyfall, (the latest Bond installment as you damn-well know) is actually quite a great film.
Sam Mendes introduces us to his refreshed Bond character, though still plaid by Craig, in a fast-paced chase scene in Istanbul, before pulling on the reigns and slowing the pace of the film to make way for some character development across the board (a swathe of new characters are introduced for this as well as some familiars).
Though there are a few clichés' to be found here, the new James Bond story has got quite a lot to offer, including a great story centering around M, and a new villain who is fantastic (but not the best bond villain). The story also makes Bond face some of his demons as well as tackle with his loyalty to Queen and Country, but also his boss, M.
The highlight of the movie is to be found at the end with a fantastic finale set in Bond's pre- MI6 residence of SKYFALL. (and some lovely shots of the Goldfinger icon, and worlds most famous car, Bond's (Connery's) Aston Martin DB5.
This movie is in no way a traditional bond film. Though it does try to hark back to it's golden days with many a reference. But that is not to say it isn't a good film. Whether you view this as "just a spy movie" or "James Bon's return" you will be in for a treat. Bond goes to many locations, all of which suit the movies desired tone. As certain scenes require the feeling of desertion, a location is utilised and helps emphasize this and help the audience realise the emotions the various characters could be feeling. This could be a deserted island, or the grim, wet countryside of Scotland, used at a time when the situation that Bond ends up in is looking dire.
It does not need to be said that some people wont enjoy this film. Some people will believe that James Bond movies should never-ever change (I am a huge Bond Fan and have not taken this view) and others are the kind of people that cut holes in the shoes so they are able to complain about having holes in their shoes.
All movies can have holes in them. If you watch this looking for them, I'm sure you find things to complain about. However, I must then say, that if you are one of those people, who are always looking for reasons to hate things, then maybe there are some bigger problems in your life that you should be focusing on.
Rating = 8,5/ 10