Skyfall (2012)

Artwork for Theatrical Release

Let's face it, by now,  you either love the Bond films or you hate them. 

For a small group out there, myself included, Casino Royale (2006) marked the turning point and the inclusion into a franchise that had been more widely known for ridiculous frivolity and the myriad of women that were apparently the kin of higher than hope hippies.

Either way, this film is really bound to make most Bond fans happy, and that's quite a feat considering how broad a spectrum that is.

In what has become a franchise signature, this film starts with an awesome adrenaline packed intro, even if it is a bit slower than Quantum of Solace (2008) and less innovative than Casino Royale (2006).  Either way it sets the pace for the second act which is much slower than would make most people happy, but it's apropos and you'll soon forget about it since the third and fourth act are phenomenal and more contemporary to the current Bond series.

The acting is great and inspired on all counts, which is also constant with the modern Bond universe.

Javier Bardem is brilliant, and chilling, and scary, and thrilling, and an all around incredible actor, twitches and all.  And Dame Judy Dench is surprisingly sympathetic and tragic in her rendition of M, which is a change, even if fleeting, from the heartless bitch she is, even at the beginning of this film.

The directing, by Sam Mendes [American Beauty (1999)], is unnoticeable, which is good or bad depending on what you look for.

The cinematography is good, even if not as palpable and guttural as Quantum, but the seemlessness of the editing more than compensates for it.  Or maybe just hides it.

Artwork for Theatrical Release

The audio design is, as expected, proper and adequate, but the constant droning music is a bit obvious and distracting at times.

The ending is great, as are the sprinkles of retro futuristic nostalgia which marks a thematic change for the Bond films in this series.  A change that might just please fans of the old Bond that have fallen disenfranchised.

Through and through, a solid package and very enjoyable, which is ultimately the purpose of all Bond films regardless of ilk.

One last thought, and it might just be me, but Skyfall reminded me, almost in every turn, of The Dark Knight (2008).  An anarchist villain, a return to basics for the protagonists, a couple of constant plot points, increasing nods to the mythos of the characters, and a brilliant 'cornered dog' sequence crescendo, and just as much fun to watch and decipher. 

Catch it in the theaters now or own it on Blu-ray, based on the IMAX print I saw, it'll be more than worth it.