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Two
men chase each other across the rooftops of Istanbul, on motorcycles,
and then fight each other atop a speeding train not to mention a
beautiful woman watching it all and ready to come to the aid of the hero
if need be and you are in a theatre watching the 24th film, “Skyfall”,
on the 50th anniversary and the 3rd film starring Daniel Craig as James
Bond. After this attention getting opening the film comes to a complete
stop with the opening credits and an indistinguishable song and leaving
you wonder if Bond survived the fight after being shot. After the song
and credits are done we find M writing Bond’s obituary.
There
is no suspense in whether Bond survived or not though the question how
is never answered and you really don’t care. Before you know it there
are more fights, chases, gambling casinos, beautiful women with 007
having sex with a couple of them, a memorable villain and the world as
the stage for all involved.
“Skyfall”
is one of the best Bond films yet and puts Daniel Craig solidly in the
seat as James Bond if there was any doubt about it after “Quantum of
Solace.” For years there will be arguments of which Bond was the best
but it is now narrowed to Sean Connery and Craig and the former was of a
different time and world. The latter here is a little older, a man who
isn’t the best of shape according to retesting he has to take but you
would never know that watching Craig jump, run, fight not to mention his
being dressed in a towel around his waist or taking a shower with one
of the women. Age is an important aspect of this Bond film in more than
one way.
Judi
Dench returns as M getting more screen time than usual and Ralph
Fiennes as a security and intelligence chairman will, probably, have a
continuing role in future Bond movies. We are introduced to a new Q
played by Ben Whishaw as a computer nerd with a dry sense of humor.
Naomie Harris as a ally of Bond, and maybe more, along with Berenice Lim
Marlohe, are very good representatives of the ‘Bond woman’. Almost
dominating the section of the film he is in Albert Finney gives a solid
performance.
A
James Bond film is only as good as its villain and Javier Bardem, as
Silva, is as ‘bad’ as they come and will be remembered as one of the
best. There is a scene where James is seated with his hands tied behind
his back and Silva sitting opposite him that will raise many
discussions.
There
is much to like about “Skyfall”, most already mentioned, but there are
many quick humorous moments referring to other Bond movies and some
unexpected drama that adds a gravitas that the other didn’t have.
Director
Sam Mendes shows that he can handle action sequences as well as serious
moments and he takes the screenplay by Neal Purvis, Robert Wade and
John Logan and runs with it in more than one way. The music soundtrack
by Thomas Newman covers many sequences and their moods and once in
awhile throws in the classic Bond theme.
“Skyfall” is certainly one of the best Bond movies and Daniel Craig now owns 007, aging or not.
