Skyfall

Adam: Hello again! As promised, I have seen and reviewed the most recent James Bond film, Skyfall, which can be read below. Hopefully the next time I review something, it won't be a movie about a person with whom everyone is already very familiar (I'm of course referencing Abraham Lincoln and James Bond). I guess there's no need for further introduction; here's my (still kinda short) review of Skyfall.

--

Skyfall: Double-Oh Heaven

viewed, reviewed, and sassily titled by Adam Stutsman

As most of the movie-going population knows, James Bond is an iconic character spanning 23 (yes, twenty-three) films and 50 (yes, fifty) years on the big screen. Fictional MI6 agent 007 is a legend in the film world, and despite claiming to be a man, I’ve actually only seen four of the James Bond movies: The Man With The Golden Gun, Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, and obviously Skyfall. The latter three of that list were all viewed within two days of each other, so I went 23 years of my life without having seen more than one James Bond film. I know. I am a disappointment to my sex.

Now that you have some background on my James Bond background, you can rightly weigh my next statement: Skyfall is without a doubt my favorite James Bond film. Casino Royale comes close, but Skyfall ultimately takes the martini-flavored cake. I love Daniel Craig as Bond, Judi Dench as M, and Javier Bardem as the villain. I love Sam Mendes as the director. But overall, I love a story of resurrection and the return to one’s roots.

In this installment, the very existence of MI6 is at stake with M on the chopping block and Bond seemingly indisposed. But when 007 reappears from “death” after being informed of a gruesome terrorist attack on MI6 headquarters, the secret agent sets out to find the person/organization responsible and set things right. For the next 140-ish minutes of explosion-filled, sex-laced, all-or-nothing spy flick, we also get a fleshed out backstory of our hero, some gorgeous scenery, and a grandiose tale of a fall, redemption, death, and rebirth.

I would love to give a more in-depth review including the subtle nods to the other films that the writers put in, but since I’m so new to the series, I feel like I can’t truly do it justice. But what I can tell you is this: Skyfall is fantastic. I’d recommend picking up copies of Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace before you watch it, but honestly, that isn’t necessary. Watching the first two Craig-Bond movies will give you a stronger connection to James Bond and M, but not seeing them won’t take away from your enjoyment of the most recent installment. Skyfall is a must-see for fans of the franchise, of course, but it’s also one of the best action movies I’ve seen in a long time. See it.