Totally Unmissable

Rating: 9/10 (1 July 2013)

Skyfall
***1/2 (out of 4)
143 mins/ 12
Cast: Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes, Judi Dench, Naomie Harris, Berenice Marlohe, Albert Finney, Ben Whishaw, Rory Kinnear, Ola Rapace
Director: Sam Mendes
Plot: After MI6 is attacked, James Bond is sent to track and find the threat. However, what he finds tests his loyalty to M as her past comes back to haunt her.
JJ's Verdict: After all the hype, 'Skyfall 'certainly lives up to expectations. Starting off with a brilliant pre-credits chase on the top of a train you get the sense this this is going to be a hell of a Bond film.
With Bond presumed dead, M's job is under threat and to make matters worse, M16 has just been blown up. But when James turns up again he is almost instantly sent away to find out who did it. What he finds, though is Javier Bardem's Silva, a former agent of M16, who was left to die. From here we have some more great action sequences, London Underground chases and a thrilling finale in Scotland.
Throughout the film, the script is full of witty one-liners and a few hilarious jokes. The acting is also the best out of any previous franchise entry. Daniel Craig is cool and suave, Javier Bardem is menacing but at the same time has an irresistible charm and Ralph Fiennes is brilliant as ever. Ben Whishaw and Naomie Harris slip into their roles nicely and Berenice Marlohe is very Bond-girly is the few scenes she has. Special mention also goes to Albert Finney for a brilliant turn as Kincade, Bond's old groundsman, and Rory Kinear, whose character, Tanner, has a much bigger role than in his previous films.
However, the real star of the film is Judi Dench. The emotion she shows in her scenes is one of just an old and confused lady, struggling in this modern world, someone who just can't get a grip on life, no matter how hard she tries. Sam Mendes, who is more used to directing dramas, takes the action into his stride, making the most thrilling film this year!