Skyfall

It's not fair to the classics to call Skyfall the greatest Bond film of all time, but I really want to.

With Bond films you take the good with the bad.   For me personally there were always a few that stood out so far amongst the rest.  Thunderball and Goldfinger especially were exceptional movies but how can you compare them to the new?   I think we leave them as the best of their 'generation' and we rate the new additions against their own class.   That makes it even easier for Skyfall as apart from Casino Royale, modern Bond films have been a bit of a joke.

Skyfall is undoubtedly the best Bond film of our generation. From the director of one of my favourite films of all time - American Beauty, Sam Mendes has some uncanny ability to add incredible beauty into all of his work.  It was this beauty that screamed out at me the entire film.  The filming locations were just stunning. I don't know how long they had to wait for a clear shot over Shanghai but it was worth it.  My favourite though, was a scene towards the end in the Scottish manor where Bond was raised.  Mendes managed to capture it perfectly.   I wish I knew the terms to describe it properly but let's just say he nailed it.

So what makes a good Bond film?

The Intro...check.  The intro to Skyfall held true to the Bond tradition but really took it to the next level.  It was quite a masterpiece and set a great tone for the remainder of the film.

Beautiful Women...check.  Although the lack of boobage was slightly disappointing.  That's one Bond tradition they should change!

Gorgeous Cars and Car Chases...check

Bond Himself...almost check.  Let's face it, Daniel Craig is no Sean Connery but if you ignore his constant pouting he's pretty good.

The Villian...CHECK!    Javier Bardem is the perfect Bond Villain - "Silva".   His performance is chilling and unique.  We are first introduced to him with an incredible long single shot as he walks towards a Bonded Bond (sorry couldn't help myself) and I was captivated just watching him move towards the camera.  Anyone who has seen No Country For Old Men know of his talents and he doesn't let you down here. 

Q's Toys... Check. Bond getting his new toys was always a favourite part of mine in each film.  Mendes has a bit of a different take on it this time and I believe this was his way of saying "I don't need gimmicks to make a good Bond film".  Brilliant :)

Dry Vodka Martini, shaken not stirred... Check

Skyfall gives us all of this and then some.  I know a lot of you have probably been put off of the Bond franchise over the years due to some woeful releases, but this film makes up for them all.  Do yourself a favor and go see it in the cinema, or if you missed the window wait for what I'm sure will be a nice crisp Blu-ray.

9/10

IMDB Info