Movie Review: Skyfall

The first James Bond film I saw was at a High School party. It was For Your Eyes Only, and I disliked it so much that I was never interested in seeing any subsequent James Bond films. Even when Pierce Brosnan took over the role, although I love him as Remington Steele, I didn't have any desire to see his Bond movies. Then Daniel Craig was hired as the new James Bond, and suddenly I became interested in seeing how he would play agent 007. Maybe it was because he was blond. *wink* By then I'm also more interested in action films than I was in High School. So, I gave Casino Royale a shot (no pun intended), and I loved it. Then I saw Quantum of Solace, and the movie was about as interesting as its name. In other words, I didn't care for it.

Yesterday, at our company meeting, we had a nice surprise. After the "business as usual" part of the meeting, we were treated to a viewing of the newest Bond film, Skyfall. I know I've said it before, but I'll say it again. I. Love. My. Job. Oh, and I also loved the movie.

This comes pretty close to tying with Casino Royale as my favorite Bond film. I know, I've only seen four, but I've heard that the three latest Bond films are very different from the others, and since I didn't like For Your Eyes Only, I still have no interest in seeing any others. Maybe one day, when I've watched all of the other movies and TV series I have on my list to watch.

I like Daniel Craig's portrayal as Bond. The character fits him as well as he wears those grey suits (and everything else he wears). His characterization of Bond is so complex , and I like that. I like that he's damaged and bitter, like he has nothing to lose, because he feels like he's already lost everything important to him. I love that he's not just a perfect, suave agent in a suit, driving a cool car, using cool gadgets, and drinking martinis (although he does all of that in the movie).

Judi Dench is such a great actress, and she is wonderful in this film. Her M is so multifaceted. One moment you hate her, and then next you're rooting for her. Javier Bardem was wonderful as Silva. He was one of those villains that makes you squirm. He is nothing but pure evil. I also like that we were given background on him. That we discovered what made him the way he is. All villains believe that what they're doing is right, and I like knowing why make the choice they make.

It was great to see Albert Finney in a film. Although, I must admit I didn't recognize him. I only knew it was him after looking up the film on Internet Movie Database. I loved his character. I loved his relationship with Bond, and I hope we see more of him.

I loved the opening sequence. The movie flew right into action at the beginning, and didn't let you catch a breath until a fateful decision was made that affected Bond in a very significant way. I liked the plot. It was simple, and easy to follow. The villain knew what he wanted and Bond wanted to stop him. I liked that the threat was very personal to Bond. It made it more suspenseful and meaningful.

I loved that I was able to see landmarks in London that I recognized. Not just from seeing them in other movies, but from seeing them myself. I love London, and the film made me really want to go back. Well, the film really didn't do it. I've always wanted to go back. But I digress. The scenes in the other international locations were wonderful too. The shot of Shanghai at night was stunning, and the shots outside of the casino in Shanghai were also beautiful.

I loved the throw-backs to the old Bond films. The Aston Martin (with its injector seat), the martini, the gadgets, and especially the iconic, always recognizable James Bond music theme. We also meet some new iconic characters from the books and past movies.

There was a great scene where Bond is fighting one of the bad guys in a high rise building in Shanghai, and we see their silhouettes as they fight. It is perfectly filmed and executed. I love shots like that - ones that are out of the ordinary, and instead of just cutting back and forth from one man to another as they fight, you see the artistry in the fight choreography, in the cinematography, and in the direction.

I'm glad that Daniel Craig has signed up for two more Bond films, and I hope that they are as good as Skyfall and Casino Royale and we don't get a "every other film is good like Star Trek" thing going on. Although, with Star Trek, it's the even films that are good and the odd ones bad. So far with James Craig's Bond films, it's been the opposite.