Skyfall

In this 50th year of the James Bond franchise, with the sour taste of "Quantum of Solace" still in our mouths, "Skyfall," released in 2012, thankfully redoes Bond in one of the best films ever. This is a non-stop, enjoyable, smart entry of one of the favorite characters, with Daniel Craig at the helm of a role he debuted in "Casino Royale," but didn't do so well in "Quantum of Solace" - but it may not have been completely his fault. Roger Ebert said in his review, "Or is it just that he's growing on me? I don't know what I expected. I don't know what I expected in Bond No. 23, but certainly not an experience this invigorating." 

The movie's inventions start in the beginning scenes, which expunge the usual pursuing portrait in the camera lens, and start off swiftly. Bond and another agent are in Istanbul, chasing a man, played by Ola Rapace, who has stolen a critical hard drive, and after a chase through city streets (which contain about three Fruit Cart Scenes), Bond is running on top of a train. We know from the prior films that Bond can do almost anything, but "Skyfall" amazingly has him control a giant Caterpillar and continue the chase by smashing a flatcar filled with VW Beetles. 

It's the type of hilarity we see in a Bond film, but this one does something new: a dead-serious M, following what happened from MI6 in London and choosing a serious choice. After the villain agent uses Bond as a human shield, M's other agent, Eve, played by Naomie Harris, has both men in clear shooting range. The pressure is intense. "Take the shot!" M orders. Bond looks like he dies, but since this is around the 20-minute area, we're not at all shocked that he doesn't. 

M begins to put together the eulogy of Commander James Bond, and she could just be writing her own. Time goes by, she's aged, and her new boss, Mallory, played by Ralph Fiennes, gathers a public hearing meant for her to explain her actions. It's time for the people to have the question answered. Even Q, played by Ben Whishaw, and, as we see, Miss Moneypenny are basically younger. 

M is not ready to retire, and "Skyfall" finally gives a role worthy of Judi Dench, one of the best actors of her time. She is just a co-star of the film, with a lot of screen time, emotional dialogue, and a character who is way more complex and sympathetic than we think in this franchise. The film is made by a considerable director (Sam Mendes), written by the masterful Neal Purvis, Robert Wade and John Logan, and give not only an awesome Bond but an awesome movie, that's all. If you haven't seen a Bond movie for years, this is the time to start back again. 

There's a thinking that you can rank the franchise based on how good their villains are. In "Skyfall," this is an intelligent narcissus named Silva, played by Javier Barden, whose unpronounceable Anton Chigurh in "No Country for Old Men" was as high of a villain as Hannibal Lecter. Here he is a bleached blonde computer genius who stole the drive that has classified identities of every MI6 agent. Ebert asked, "Are we supposed to think of Julian Assange?" 

This is an innovative Bond with love and respect for the old Bond. This is clearly seen during Bond's visit to the old Scottish mansion that has Kincade, played by Albert Finney, living in it, who has secrets to tell and continues the movie's rewriting the character's back story. During the previous Bonds, did we ever think about Bond's origins in life? "Skyfall" even gives a moment made to inspire affection for Bond fans: a reappearance of the Aston Martin DB5 from "Goldfinger," which is still in good working condition. 

Just as Christopher Nolan gave new life to the Batman movies in "The Dark Knight," here is James Bond brought back, refreshed, back on the road and ready for another 50 years. Ebert ended his review by asking, "And am I completely misguided when I expect to see Miss Moneypenny become a Bond girl in the next film?" 

"Skyfall" is up there with "Casino Royale." After an underwhelming Bond film in "Quantum of Solace," "Skyfall" made Bond fans interested in the series again. Definitely don't skip this one because it will give back what made Bond so great again. This one is a must and is one of the best in the series. 

Alright everyone, tomorrow is it. The finale of "James Bond Month" will be tomorrow, so stay tuned for the conclusion. Will the latest one be good or bad? Only one way to find out, so hang on tight.