Skyfall

A stellar entry into the James Bond series of films, Skyfall is also a great stand-alone action film. What makes Skyfall even better than its predecessors are the little things that make it a Bond film and not a Bourne film, a problem both Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace had. In a breathtaking opening sequence, Bond and fellow agent Eve are pursuing a man who is in possession of a hard drive with the name of every operative working undercover in terrorist cells around the world. Now why MI6 would have a single hard drive with all the information is unknown, but that's not the point. Suffice it to say, a chase in Turkey ensues and Bond is presumed dead after being shot. In London, the head of MI6, M, is dealing with the loss of James Bond and also her own connection to the theft of the drive and a bombing in the heart of MI6 headquarters. Bond sees this threat to M, and reluctantly comes out of "retirement", leading him to the great mastermind, Raoul Silva, a former agent himself and who possesses more than a passing interest in the fate of M. Special mention has to be given to the director, Sam Mendes. The Oscar winner brings a special pedigree to the proceedings and he does not disappoint. Surprisingly, he shows an affinity for the action sequences, something he has never really shown in the past. Luckily, not only is he a great director of actors, he already had a relationship with Daniel Craig, who Mendes directed in the magnificent Road to Perdition. This film is Daniel Craig's third foray as the British superspy, and he certainly does not disappoint. This is easily his best performance as James Bond to date. It is also the most vulnerable we see both Craig and the Bond character, as his return from the dead is marred by a physical and mental drop in his skills. To top it off, the film explores a bit of Bond's past, something that is rarely done in a Bond film. The character of M has more to do than in any other Bond film to date. As played by Judi Dench, there is a certain dignity to her as someone that won't back down from what she thinks is right. And as one of the top female acting talents working today, Dench has no problem getting the audience to believe in her plight. Raoul Silva is played masterfully by Javier Bardem, one of the best actors working today. In this film, he takes his character from No Country for Old Men, Anton Chigurh, and one-ups that character, and nearly everyone else in the film. His facial expressions alone are amazing. His scenes with Daniel Craig are stellar, and he could very well be the best Bond villain of all time. The best part of the film, though, is the throwback to the best of the earlier Bond films, especially those with Sean Connery. The gadgets, a new Q, the Aston Martin — all are here with a few more goodies thrown in for good measure. Instead of being a wannabe Bourne movie like the previous Craig outings, we're given a film that harkens back to the Connery years more than any other. It's at the same time exhilarating, breathless, and funny — what a Bond film should aspire to be.