I’ve never made it secret that I’m a huge Bond fan, but it’s also safe to say my passion for the franchise sometimes causes me to be particularly critical with each installment. In 2006 Daniel Craig inherited the character from Pierce Brosnan, and made a big splash with his inaugural effort CASINO ROYALE – a solid first entry for the rugged star, though a bit overlong with its storytelling. His second effort in 2008 was QUANTUM OF SOLACE, an entry with a considerably shorter running time that focused heavily on action and lightly on story. Many consider CASINO ROYALE to be pretty great, while QUANTUM OF SOLACE seems to have been a lackluster follow up. When MGM went into some serious financial woes shortly after, the Bond franchise (easily considered to be their biggest cash cow) was put on hold for four years. Now that the Hollywood dust has settled, 2012 sees the return of Craig as 007 in SKYFALL, the 23rd James Bond outing that some are already calling one of the best.
The story opens with an exciting chase sequence in Turkey, as Bond (Craig) is attempting to retrieve a stolen hard drive with information on all of MI6’s undercover agents. M (Judi Dench) is calling the shots from back at headquarters, and 007 is being assisted and tracked by a new female agent (played by Naomie Harris). The pursuit eventually finds our hero on top of a speeding train, where a miscalculated shot sends him off a bridge before he can complete his mission. Bond appears to be dead, and MI6 goes so far as to issue an obituary for the legendary operative. But, of course, he’s very much alive, though injured and nursing a rather bruised ego. M begins receiving threats by computer, and it becomes clear someone is targeting MI6 agents in a revenge plot of sorts. Bond quickly resurfaces to aid his country, but discovers this plot against his boss is personal, and must do his best to track down the one behind it.
SKYFALL wastes no time getting right into the classic Bond formula, giving us plenty of shootouts, fist fights, and chase sequences, and even introduces a new “Q” in the young Ben Whishaw. We also meet a new authoritative figure in Gareth Mallory (Ralph Fiennes), and a new Bond Girl in Bérénice Marlohe as the lovely but cautious “Sévérine.” Javier Bardem plays the villain this time out, though doesn’t actually show up until about halfway through the story – keeping us guessing until his inevitable arrival. There’s also no shortage of exotic locales, including Shanghai, Macau, and Madagascar to name a few. This installment is directed by Sam Mendes (REVOLUTIONARY ROAD) with Roger Deakins as Director of Photography, making it one of the best-looking Bond films to date. Deakins makes the most of unique lighting in multiple settings that serve his superb talents, and Mendes explores the dramatic side of 007 in ways we haven’t quite seen before. While the first half of the story feels like classic Bond, the second half goes in a much different direction, at times feeling like anything other than a 007 adventure. The last 45 minutes almost echoes something akin to STRAW DOGS, or perhaps even the British classic GET CARTER – not a bad thing, just surprising for a Bond film.
Craig finally feels like he’s perfectly settled into the role of 007, looking obviously older since last we saw him, but playing the part with a quiet cool and cold gaze. I recently went back and watched his previous two outings, and there’s a bit more innocence in his performance there, whereas here he looks right at home. Judi Dench (as always) portrays M with perfection, getting perhaps the most screen time she’s ever had in a 007 outing, and even spending a lot of unexpected time side by side with Bond during much of the action. She’s always a delight to watch, especially in this role, but this is easily the definitive and most-satisfying M performance of the franchise. Bérénice Marlohe is rather interesting as the Bond Girl, though sadly not in the film that much. Her beauty and demeanor makes her a more realistic leading lady for 007, and I would have enjoyed it if there was more to her role. That said, Naomie Harris looks to be having a lot of fun playing what will become a new recurring character, one that in fact will be familiar in name to hardcore Bond fans. She matches wits with Craig rather well, and her casting in this installment was an inspired choice. Ben Whishaw is also a fun addition as Q, straying away from the goofy gadgets and becoming more of a tech expert who uses his computer savvy to assist our hero. But it’s Javier Bardem that wins the acting prize this time out. His villain is unusual and layered, and one of the most naturally uncomfortable foes to go head to head with 007. I dare say I’d put him up there with the best of the Bond baddies, and it’s a performance that seems to win all the right reactions from the audience.
With a running time of two hours and twenty-three minutes, SKYFALL does feel a tad long and the second half is rather light on action, which may not please those used to the typical 007 excitement. But if you can get past that, the engaging script (by Neal Purvis, Robert Wade and John Logan) and smart storytelling make this one of the more interesting entries to the franchise. It’s also smart that they’re acknowledging James Bond’s age and physical limits, as Craig is supposedly signed on for at least a few more, and is starting to look a bit more “seasoned” this time out – not in an annoying way, but that sort of thing is more distracting if it’s ignored. Certain events in this movie will absolutely affect the future of the franchise, so it’s nice to see the writing adapting to serve the character as well as those he surrounds himself with. I’ve seen SKYFALL twice now, and actually found myself enjoying it even better with the second viewing. Someone asked me if it was better than CASINO ROYALE, and while I’m not sure I’d go that far, it’s a safe bet to call it a significant improvement over QUANTUM OF SOLACE. It’s also worthy to note this year marks the 50th Anniversary of James Bond in the movies, and a lot of the back to basics approach of this entry seems rather perfectly timed.
Born and raised in Dallas, Mark has been a movie critic since 1994, with reviews featured in print, radio and National TV. In 2001 he started the Entertainment section of the Herorealm website, where he contributed film reviews and celebrity interviews until 2004. After three years of service there, he started Bigfanboy.com, which has become one of the Dallas film community's leading information websites. Bigfanboy hosts several movie screenings in the Texas area, and works closely with film and TV studios and promotional partners to host exciting events and contests. The site also features a variety of rare celebrity and filmmaker interviews, and Bigfanboy.com regularly covers the film festival circuit as well. In addition to Hollywood reporting, Mark has worked for many years as an advertising and sci-fi/comic book artist. Clients have included Lucasfilm Ltd., Topps Trading Cards, The Dallas Mavericks and The Dallas Stars. From 2002 until 2015 he managed the Dallas Comic Con, Sci-Fi Expo and Fan Days events in the DFW area. He currently catalogs rare comic books and movie memorabilia for Heritage Auctions, and runs the Dallas Comic Show conventions, but remains an avid moviegoer and cinema buff. 
This movie was a piece of crap. The movie never explained how a MI6 agent ended up with a list of undercover NATO agents on his laptop or how both Silva and MI6 learned about it. And this . . . is what set the movie in motion. What a disappointment. This movie didn’t improve with its portrayal of female characters – especially the Eve Moneypenny, who really did not deserve Bond’s observation that she wasn’t cut out for field work. She knew that the shot wasn’t good, but was ordered to take it anyway. Even Bond knew this, but being the enormous dick that he is, he still managed to undermine her self-esteem with his sexism. The Severine character was a waste of time. Despite figuring out that she was a sex slave at a very young age, this did not stop Bond from screwing her, which probably led to her death. And poor M . . . between Mallory undermining her and his condescension toward that female MP, I wish he had been killed at that hearing.
I also disagree with you that it’s an improvement over “QUANTUM OF SOLACE”. The problem with hte 2008 movie was that its pacing was too fast in the first half, its running time too short and it had two characters – Elvis and Strawberry Fields – that I would have deleted from the script.
But it was ten times better than the crapfest called “SKYFALL”, as far as I’m concerned.
Well movies are subjective. Just because some like it doesn’t mean others will. That said, most seem to be enjoying SKYFALL, and it’s testing very well with audiences and critics. I can’t help but notice many of your negative comments on it relate to sexism. I would imagine you’ve seen a Bond movie before, so you should know 007 has also been a bit oppressive toward women. Look at the Connery era – he slapped a few, smacked bottoms, wasn’t afraid to put a woman in her place. Even Dalton had a few scenes where got rough with ladies in the pursuit of information. The character of James Bond and the world he exists in is very male-dominated, even British society puts less respect toward women than say the American media does. While I would never try to defend that sensibility, it’s certainly nothing new to the franchise. It should also be noted that SKYFALL was an attempt by the filmmakers to go “back to basics” a bit with the character, taking him back to his roots. Moneypenny, as one example, had to ultimately end up in a secretarial role – so the storyline for her character simply pushed in that direction. Her decision to take a desk job came because she (in the end) agreed with Bond’s assessment. It was still very much her choice.
As for QUANTUM OF SOLACE, being a big Bond fan, I went back and rewatched both that and CASINO ROYALE before seeing SKYFALL. While I wasn’t as negative about QUANTUM as most were, it’s not a very good Bond film. There are certain expectations met (exotic locales, intense action scenes), but the end result feels rushed and bland. The character of 007 in the movie lacks depth, making hard for the audience to attach. I’ve always felt that CASINO ROYALE and QUANTUM OF SOLACE each has something the other needs, one is lacking action, the other lacking story.
I again want to make sure you understand, I’m not in any way defending Bond’s oppression of women, just pointing out it’s always been there a bit. Ian Fleming wrote that character a specific way, and (let’s face it) in a different time. While times have changed, those traits have always been somewhat present in the role of 007. Some women might even argue it’s part of what makes him attractive. Again, not my way of thinking, just an observation.
As for QUANTUM OF SOLACE, being a big Bond fan, I went back and rewatched both that and CASINO ROYALE before seeing SKYFALL. While I wasn’t as negative about QUANTUM as most were, it’s not a very good Bond film.
For you. It wasn’t a very good Bond movie for you. I just don’t share your opinion.
I again want to make sure you understand, I’m not in any way defending Bond’s oppression of women, just pointing out it’s always been there a bit. Ian Fleming wrote that character a specific way, and (let’s face it) in a different time. While times have changed, those traits have always been somewhat present in the role of 007. Some women might even argue it’s part of what makes him attractive. Again, not my way of thinking, just an observation.
My complaint is not with Bond’s treatment of women. My complaint is the producers/director/writers’ treatment of women in this movie. I feel that it set the franchise back four decades.
Rosie, You say your problem is with the filmmakers’ treatment of women in Skyfall. Well, then you must hate all Bond films, as women have always been largely mistreated and otherwise disrespected in all Bond movies throughout history. It didn’t set the franchise back forty years. They’ve always been like that! It’s fine to say you don’t like any Bond films becuase of the way they treat women, but to just pick on SKYFALL because of it tells me you haven’t watched too many Bond films.
Rosie – okay, sorry, QUANTUM wasn’t a very good Bond movie in my opinion, though it seems like a lot of others share that opinion. It also seems like a lot of people share my opinion on SKYFALL. You say your complaint is the producers/director/writers’ treatment of women in the new movie, but my point (which Gran seems to get) is that this is nothing new for the franchise. I’m just not sure what about this 007 outing seems that much different to you from all that has come before it. Maybe you can explain your feelings better by defining how you find this Bond flick to be more sexist than all the others, I guess that’s what we’re not getting here.
Good review! I thought this movie was very interesting because it represents a bit of a dichotomy to me. It seems like they’re bringing back classic Bond elements (more for the following films, but there were some throwbacks here, like the car), while at the same time shaking things up. The lack of wacky gadgets from Q, M getting in on the action, and a villain who doesn’t seem to care that much about world domination were refreshing changes. Personally I’m over the ridiculous opening credit sequences. I understand that lots of people might be up in arms if they cut them and the “official song” but I don’t think we need it.