Solid entry in the Bond Franchise, Craig still continues to shine

Rating: 8/10 (12 November 2012)

The immediate conversation of anything Bond will erupt in debate for fans. You can't have an iconic series for 50 years without causing some debate. Bond has formed itself into far more than thee action/spy franchise and instead is an epic film in and of itself. At an unapologetic 2 1/2 hours long, it does not feel it for an instant. There is as much story and drama as is there is action. Say what you will about Daniel Craig (he is the first Bond I ever saw, and since then I have watched Connery and Brosnan Bond films) and he brings a completely new Bond to the table and Skyfall showcases how different his Bond is. Craig's Bond is jaded, violent, brooding with a mysterious past. He has many vices including alcohol and women of course but Craig still manages to show the suave, womanizing, social side that has made Bond an icon for years. You can't expect every iteration of Bond to be the same or that would make for a very quickly dying series. Skyfall is epic, sweeping, all encompassing but still has good solid action scenes. I think the drama does drag in certain spots and the story isn't perfect but it is still entirely entertaining and worthy of any Bond fan.
I think I've spoke enough about Craig but he is a great Bond. He has the chemistry, charisma, and acting chops to pull off this role. The only thing I always notice with Craig is that his ego tends to come through in his performances. Sometimes this works, sometimes it doesn't. For Bond, I think it works. Judi Dench returns to her iconic role as "M" She was good, she plays her role well. Her character arc was a little weak, I sort of saw where it was going right from square one. They try and focus on her as a source of the story but she just doesn't really blow you away at it. Javier Bardem is getting all kinds of buzz and accolades as the flamboyant Bond villain. Certainly he does a great job and him and Craig have decent chemistry. He wasn't the most brilliant villain I've ever seen but he is still terrific in the role. Naomie Harris and Bérénice Marlohe are our Bond girls. They serve their purpose well enough, I think I would have liked to have seen more from Harris but she had a good role and the chemistry was good with Craig. An excellent supporting cast includes Ralph Fiennes, Ben Whishaw and Rory Kinnear in small but important roles. Also honourable nod to the amazing Albert Finney who had a great cameo role towards the end of the film. I also thought how great it would have been (although completely implausible and impossible) to have Sean Connery appear in Finney's role. But Finney was still terrific.
I think that a truly great Bond film encompasses imagery, cinematography, women, gambling, gadgets, espionage and just a little bit of cheese. Director Sam Mendes nails every one of those things. He doesn't miss a single angle of who Bond is, even a new Bond like Craig. The film truly has an epic adventure feel and tells the story without burying it under mindless action. The action scenes are well shot and the film makers gave fans a truly outstanding nod to fan service in the form of a certain vehicle that everyone in the theatre seems to really enjoy. It wasn't a perfect film but it was still terrific. I think it was as good as any of the Craig Bond films up until now. It is certain to be financially successful and I truly hope this is not Craig's last go at the world's most iconic spy. 8/10