Bond is back. But the question on everyone’s mind is ‘does he still have it?’ I’ll get straight to the point and say that yes. Yes he does.
After a 4 year break, Bond is after legendary political reporter Nate Silver after he predicted M’s approval rating dropping in the next two years. Wait, that seems wrong. Ah, yes, here we are; Bond is after ex-super-agent Silva, who, disgruntled at M, plans to overthrow her as head of the British Secret Service. Straight forward and action packed, “Skyfall” is classic Bond.
Daniel Craig, love him or hate him, does a great job of portraying the classic 007 agent. Smooth, fearless, and womanizing, Craig brings us the Bond we know and love. Also in the mix is Javier Bardem, portraying the baddy Silva. Bardem, unsurprisingly, brings a fantastic performance, making us feel for Silva and at times, nearly side with him. Many other performances were good, but none as memorable as Craig’s or Bardem’s.
Of course, what many people come to see Bond for is the action. “Skyfall” is no exception in the long roster of Bond films in that its action scenes deliver. Great choreography and varying settings both keep the fight scenes fresh and intense, whether they be 30 stories up a skyscraper or on top of a train dangerously wavering over an ocean.
Of course, no movie is perfect, and Bond is no exception. After all is said and done, there are still a few questions remaining. Early in the film, Bond falls a great distance into water and seemingly drowns. After the beginning credits roll, we find Bond on a remote island, relatively unscathed. Lingering Question 1: Wait, what? How? Later, on that same island, Bond realizes the British Secret Service is under attack from a TV. Yes, a crisp HD TV. In a shack. On a remote island. Lingering Question 2: How did that island have beautiful cable? In addition, the pacing seems rather odd at times. Especially the last third or so of the movie, which seems to be much different from the rest of the movie. Not bad, just different.
Other than a few questions and problems with pacing, there were some times (especially one towards the end) when the actions of a character are somewhat questionable, such as a villain taking way too long to shoot a good guy just to “make a point.” These have become become a regular part of action movies, so I can excuse it to a certain extent.
After Bond’s 4-year retirement, Bond is back in business and as good as ever. So shake your non-alcoholic martinis and experience the epic new story of Bond. James Bond.
Little Hawk Rating: 8.5/10
