In Skyfall, twenty minutes in, James Bond is found floating lifelessly in the water after being shot by a sniper.
Not the best scenario, is it? Just a week after celebrating five years in the film industry, our hero is taken out.
Maybe the film should’ve been titled shortfall.
But hold on, didn’t 007 meet his end in You Only Live Twice and From Russia With Love, only to reveal he had cheated death?
I suggest sticking around to see if Bond manages to pull off that trick once more, because this may just be the coolest 007 movie yet.
British director Sam Mendes knows what has made Britain exceptional since the first Bond film debuted in 1962—and that’s the essence of being cool.
This film stands out as stylish, witty, and a class above the rest. It also takes a lighthearted approach to its history.
Once again, Daniel Craig demonstrates that he is a remarkable Bond.
When he confronts daunting henchmen, you can truly believe he possesses both the intellect and strength to prevail.
And his stamina is undeniable as he navigates through an array of explosions, chases, and ferocious punches that are sure to leave audiences gasping.
Joining Craig in Skyfall is an extraordinary ensemble of actors and actresses, arguably the best ever assembled for a Bond film.
National treasure Dame Judi Dench delivers her finest performance as MI6 chief M, whose history returns to haunt her.
The fantastic Ralph Fiennes takes on the role of the meddling Mallory, a figure overseeing our secret service.
Oscar winner Javier Bardem is flamboyant as villain Raoul Silva, sporting a rather fearsome haircut.
The often-overlooked Naomie Harris holds her own as Bond’s secret agent ally Eve, infusing charm while exuding danger.
Meanwhile, the briefly seen Berenice Marlohe embodies the quintessential traits of a classic Bond girl—Severine remains a mysterious persona, yet there’s no question as to why Berenice was cast.
Bond purists may feel let down by the return of gadget master Q, and although Ben Whishaw provides comic relief, he doesn’t arm Bond with much.
As he quips, “What were you expecting, an exploding pen? We don’t do that these days.”
However, what remains is a stunningly crafted villain lair, remarkable plot twists, and breathtaking action.
Like a certain beer—whose name I’ll omit due to its costly product placement as Bond enjoys it in Skyfall—Bond manages to refresh the aspects that other spy films fail to reach.
by Helena Bryanlith
