Film: Skyfall

"Did you really die that day? Is there any of the old 007 left?" asks the film's villain to our aged and beat up hero but it could easily be a question aimed at the franchise as a whole. While I loved Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace; feeling that they revitalised a franchise that had been desecrated by the last few Brosnan films; fans have decried that was something decidedly un-Bond about the whole affair. They were much more dark and gritty (two words so often thrown around about movies nowadays) and lacked some of the fun of the originals.

Taking place many years after the previous two films, the Bond of Skyfall is much older and grizzled; out of practice and definitely not at his best. When the names of secret agents start appearing online and MI5 is attacked; 007 has to return to his prime to stop new villain Silva, played as a total lunatic by Javier Bardem.

Sam Mendes handles the direction with style, beating off any detractors. In a few short scenes he's able to remind people of what makes Bond, Bond; the womanising suave spy. The action scenes are gritty and realistic, causing real collateral as opposed to feeling like someone playing with toys. A chase scene near the start of the film is one of its best, featuring Bond chasing down a guy first on foot, then by car, bike, and a digger; ending with a fist fight on top of a train. He's also great at suspense, building up the tension during up the build up to Silva's schemes. Especially during the final moments where Bond and M await his final onslaught in an old mansion. Mendes also fills the film with references to past Bond adventures, even featuring a guest appearance from a certain Austin Martin DB5. 

Although it brings in some new teammates, in the form of a new, younger Q and more of an involvement from M; it's very much centered around Bond, a much more personal story.  Daniel Craig is as great as ever, carrying on his realistic portrayal of Bond; with him now not at the top of his game. You can really see that at certain points he is struggling to do what had previously been the simplest of tasks, even being unable to shoot straight. One of the key points of the film is how much of a relic he has become; the ideas of MI5 and espionage seeming outdated in these modern times. Skyfall seems poised to remind you that 007 is still relevant in today's world, perhaps more so than ever before. 

This is best emphasised by M in a court room scene where she gives a speech on today's villains, the idea that we can never know who to trust in this world. Judie Dench is excellent, the same tough powerhouse as we've become used to throughout the franchise. In this film we also get to see a bit of her vulnerable side, fearing for her life as the villain is targeting MI5 directly. She is even involved in a few action scenes, a bit of a change from her usual role; sitting in her office giving orders through a headset. Dench really gets to stretch her acting skills, rising to the challenge with ease.

The villain is also very impressive. In many ways Silva is a fairly standard Bond villain, an insane megalomaniac who wants to cause chaos he he does have more of a realistic edge; a former spy looking for revenge. In targeting his assault on MI5 rather than something like world domination his goals seem more focused and his attacks more personal. Bardem is quite over-the-top at times, reminding me a bit of the Joker from Batman; but as its a result of being driven mad through harsh torture it does work in the film's world. 

The rest of the cast are also top notch. Ben Whishaw is great as Q, coming off as a genius who doesn't lack a comic edge. Another new character Ralph Fiennes is a great addition to the cast, an enigma of a character; which way have been partially helped by his former role of Voldemort causing me to instantly see him as the villain. The Bond girls are also good even in more limited roles than fans may expect. Bérénice Marlohe is both sultry and mysterious as Sévérine and Naomi Harris is sexy and fun as Eve. 

An action packed, suspense filled thrill ride and a far more personal Bond than ever before; this film definitely justifies the franchise's existence for many years to come. Skyfall provides the perfect mix between the old and new; as well as being a real celebration of Bond's golden anniversary.