Skyfall

Genre: Action/Adventure/Crime
Director: Sam Mendes
Cast: Daniel Craig (James Bond), Judi Dench (M), Javier Bardem (Silva), Ben Whishaw (Q), Ralph Fiennes (Gareth Mallory), Naomie Harris (Eve), Berenice Marlohe (Severine), Albert Finley (Kincade), Rory Kinnear (Tanner)

So Bond goes 50 with style… and by style I mean a lots of it…  ;)

This bond movie is very unique in its own way and still it easily maintains the traits of classic Bond franchise (and should I say one of the longest running successful franchise). Not much of action and adrenaline in this installment but it’s well supported by very good performances by the actors. Plot is kinda average too and has a slow buildup but gives a great base for the movies to come. All in all Bond is Back.

So the story goes forth as M manages to misplace a very crucial piece of information (a hard drive…) having the details of all undercover agents of MI6. Bond trying to retrieve it accidentally gets killed (or so everyone thinks… he he he). It turns out to be an agent gone rogue, Silva, who wants to punish M for abandoning him. Bond sets a trap with M as bait and ends the villain’s sorrow by killing him. Although, M doesn’t survive the assault herself.

As can be observed, the plot doesn’t have much to offer. But, Judie Dench has shown great acting skills in her last Bond movie and keeps one interested to look up what’s next by her good dialogue deliveries (specially the one in which she convinces the panel of ministers to continue the existence of MI6). Daniel Craig is still unbeaten when it comes to portraying the intensity of Bond’s character. Some past shades of the character are exposed in the movie explaining why Bond is such a stubborn and motivated person which is topped up with good acting skills of Daniel (trust me he is the first Bond who knows to express more emotions with focus than any other in the past). Javier Bardem as Silva is one of the most different Bond villains. Some might like him for he beats Bond when it comes to making an entrance and others won’t as he fails to bring the seriousness on-screen. Ralph Fiennes makes a very cold and calculated new M and serves as fitting replacement to Dench. Also, can’t end this section without the mention of the new Quartermaster ‘Q’. He is young, funny and reliable. Chemistry between Bond and Q is very interesting and something to look up for.

So all in all this movie isn’t for new Bond viewers but for seasoned viewers only and gives a lot to look up for the coming installments (did I mention Naomie Harris as the new Eve Money-penny ..?)

My rating :- 2.5/5, movie is simple but this Bond is closer to Ian Fleming’s portrayal and cunningly avoids the use of gadgets. Hey, not to forget the 1964 Aston Martin DB5 with headlight guns was a homely touch to the proceedings. Also, a few inspiring lines from ‘Ulysses’ by Alfred, Lord Tennyson mentioned in the film keep the tone of the movie high:

”Though much is taken, much abides; and though
We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven; that which we are, we are;
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.”