Skyfall Review

Skyfall Review

December 24, 2012

Bond is back in Skyfall and it's just as brilliant as everyone says it is.

It’s hard to believe that there’s anyone left who hasn’t seen Skyfall yet. As there’s a surprisingly large amount, I don’t feel too bad about my hideously late review of the most recent Bond. Daniel Craig’s return as 007 has been celebrated by many; largely by fans of his debut film Casino Royale (I think Rob and myself are the only two people who liked Quantum of Solace). Despite avoiding spoilers and extensive reviews, it was difficult to ignore the build-up surrounding Sam Mendes’ latest feature. I was setting myself up for a bit of a let-down, but thankfully, for once; a highly anticipated film lived up to the hype.

Bond is back! When M’s (Judi Dench) past comes back to haunt her in Silva (Javier Bardem), a cyberterrorist intent on seeking revenge against those who betrayed him in the field, she brings MI6 under attack. 007 (Craig) must destroy the threat to the government before it’s too late; no matter what the cost may be.

Skyfall is M’s film, no doubt about it. It shows the gradual fall of a great matriarchal character, as the world of MI6 crumbles around her. As always, Dench is fantastic despite the quandary her character finds herself in. M is accompanied by a number of beauties, as per any Bond classic: field agent Eve (Naomie Harris) and love interest Sévérine (Bérénice Marlohe). Unlike previous Bonds, these aren’t just Bond girls; they’re Bond women. These solid characters with meaty backstories have muddied, uncertain futures adding depth that preceding movies have lacked.

The ladies aren’t the only great casting in Skyfall; Javier Bardem as villain Silva is perfect. He’s more than the average rouge: he’s creepy, vastly intelligent and a complete psychopath. Silva’s character is something that has been lacking from previous Bonds and is a throwback to the more traditional villain; making him one of the best baddies since Ledger’s Joker, and possibly the best of 2012.

I can think of no better way to celebrate 50 years of Bond than with Mendes’ Skyfall. It has everything you would want from an action flick and more: striking scenery; solid characters and a sleek script. Despite the 145 minute length, Skyfall’s fast pacing more than compensates; it barely falters from the titles through to the credits. A fun, refreshing and poignant edition to the world of Bond; Mendes’ contribution to the franchise is difficult to find fault with. My biggest issue isn’t that the alcohol is clearly taking its toll on Bond’s complexion, it isn’t his strange running technique; it’s the abundance of advertising thrown at the audience. Not only did a plethora of adverts introduce the feature, they were consistent throughout. Something just didn’t feel right about 007 asking for a branded beer, instead of the classic martini.

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10 Responses so far.

Andy says:

December 24, 2012 at 10:30 am

I gave this the same score, which for 2012 I’ve only ranked two other movies that highly, Perks of Being a Wallflower and The Dark Knight Rises. Probably my second favorite Bond movie of all time, after Casino Royale, and it leaves me with a huge amount of hope for Bond’s future.

Great review, glad you enjoyed it as much as I did and woot woot for Bond Women not Bond Girls

Reply
- Amy says:
  
  January 7, 2013 at 8:09 pm
  
  Thanks Andy! Glad you enjoyed my bit about Bond Women
  
  I enjoyed this more than TDKR, although that did feature in my top ten, and lots more than Perks. Glad it featured in your favourite three though!
  
  Reply
James says:

December 28, 2012 at 1:15 pm

This was an awesome Bond film, it shot right into my all time top five in the series, and I can easily understand why many people rank it as their favorite. It was also the best time that I have had sitting in a cinema. Great review and I’m glad that you also really liked it!

Reply
- Amy says:
  
  January 7, 2013 at 8:14 pm
  
  Thanks very much, James! Glad that you enjoyed it too
  
  Reply
Fernando Quintero says:

December 29, 2012 at 12:11 am

Splendid review, Amy. Glad you liked this one. I loved it.

Reply
- Amy says:
  
  January 7, 2013 at 8:14 pm
  
  Thanks Fernando, glad you liked it too
  
  Reply
Rob says:

December 31, 2012 at 2:46 pm

The countless homages to past Bond movies made this 50th outing truly special. It didn’t feel cheese just a quick nod and move on, great. This really deservers to be in the top films of 2012 in my opinion.

Reply
- Amy says:
  
  January 7, 2013 at 8:17 pm
  
  Good job it was in my top ten, then
  
  Reply
Alexander Diminiano says:

January 3, 2013 at 11:56 pm

I can see we’re on the track for agreeing a lot. I just left a comment on the review for Taken 2, where your grade was slightly below mine, and now our grades MATCH here.

Someone brought this one up today, and said it was just “okay.” His exact words. I thought he was crazy. ‘Nuff said.

Reply
- Amy says:
  
  January 7, 2013 at 8:26 pm
  
  Wow, I can’t imagine anyone referring to Skyfall as just “okay”. I’m glad our scores match, I loved it. Can’t wait to see it again on blu ray
  
  Reply