"Three months ago, you lost the drive containing the identity of every agent embedded in terrorist organizations across the globe."
A hard drive containing valuable information goes missing and MI6 blows sky high. Someone from M's past is responsible for all the chaos and now it is up for James Bond to get things straight, once again. That's the set up for Skyfall (2012), the newest entry in worlds longest running film series. And I've got to admit, it's a darn good entry. Precisely my cup of tea.
Unlike Quantum of Solace (2008) Skyfall is not an sequel for Casino Royale (2006). All the familiar faces are there (and few "new" ones too) but it's a completely fresh story and stands on it's own feet. The first act in Skyfall starts off with Bond trying to acquire the missing hard drive. This is spiced with exhilarating chase scene with guns, cars, motorcycles and excavators on a train. Everything you could possible hope from a Bond film. And as realistically as possible. Those expecting exploding pens will be disappointed because Craig's Bond still remains really close to the ground. Thank goodness for that.
"England... Mi6... so old-fashioned!"
The second act of the film is a lot serene than the first one. It focuses on Bond getting back to his feet and trying to find out who has the stolen hard drive. This is where the film built its great tension. Skyfall is smart, emotional and calculative. It's not an action movie even though it does have some great and intensive scenes to it. Skyfall is more about emotions and characters played by tremendously gifted actors. Craig really shines here and reveals new, deeper dimensions to the character. Mr. Bond is only a human being after all. The villain called Silva, played by Javier Bardem, is the Joker to The Dark Knight. Yes, he is that great indeed. You can't help but to notice the few similarities to the above mentioned simile. All the wonderful acting is iced with spectacular set pieces and artistic direction. This is the most beautifully directed Bond movie to date. No shaky cam here, prepare for long and detailed takes. Sam Mendes, the director, really pulled it off. He handles everything brilliantly no matter whether it's action or drama.
The third and final act of the film is something that really surprised me. It made me question whether am I watching a Bond film or not. And I do not consider it as bad thing at all. What they did here was completely new for the series and they did it really well, I'm not going to spoil it for you. Just see it for yourselves. It's truly worth it. Rather brave thing to do if you ask me. Actually the whole film is rather brave, and for a reason.
After 4 years James Bond is finally back with Skyfall. All the promises are fullfilled here and the continuation of the series is secured. The film is made with tremendous talent, it takes us places we haven't been before in the world of Bond. It brings back the rest of the beloved characters from the old movies and most importantly it gives us back the new and serious Bond, James Bond.
James Bond Will Return.
*****/*****
Skyfall deserves no less than full points.
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