An impressive Bond debut for Mendes, but nothing groundbreaking.

Rating: 7/10 (10 November 2012)

If 'Quantum of Solace' left you a little empty then Sam Mendes' 'ressurection' of the 007 franchise is enough to bury that hatchet, even if the highly anticipated blockbuster is not of the standards of Casino Royale in 2006.
Craig is superb as ever and is surrounded with an equally impressive cast consisting of Judi Dench as M, Ben Whishaw as Q and 'No Country For Old Men's' Javier Bardem who is excellently disturbing as international villain Silva. The cast overall is exemplary and worthy to be mentioned in the same bracket as a hugely popular James Bond title.
Cinematography and beautiful imagery is epitomised within the opening 20 minutes as we see Craig's athletic Bond undergo a nail biting pursuit of hit-man Patrice (Ola Rapace). It renders intertextuality with the opening sequence of 'Casino Royale' as Craig pursues Sebastien Foucan.
Although the film focuses on building on characterisation between M and Bond, it appears to refract off the road of Bond and you will question whether you are watching a Bond film on occasions. The plot follows a more original route and fans searching for originality will get there just deserts; however, it's never quite as exciting or groundbreaking as 'Casino Royale' was, following up from the mediocre 'Die Another Day.'
In short, while it's no doubt an excellent action flick with great casting members, 'Skyfall' is not a revolutionary movie despite it's powerful emotional strength.