Skyfall is the 23rd James Bond movie making it one of the most successful franchises in cinema history. The McGuffin in Skyfall is a hard drive with a list of names of operatives who have infiltrated terrorist organizations. At the same time, M (Judi Dench) is being attacked by politicians and pressured to retire while Bond (David Craig) deals with his own mid-life crisis. Javier Bardem provides a menacing Bad Guy. Skyfall resembles a roller-coaster ride: scenes build up suspense and then we have a wild chase scene. My only minor quibble about this film is that it’s a tad too long at 143 minutes. I’m already looking forward to the next Bond movie. GRADE: A-
I saw this today. I would rate it as one of the three best Bond films (the others being From Russia With Love and Goldfinger)- a study in character not in cheap jokes and gadgets that the series degraded into. Far better than I was expecting – I would rate it a solid A. Definitely better than the last turkey.
It does tend to get a little slow in the middle, but that section helps to build up the ending. Some of the action sequences certainly got my heart pounding . . .
Heart-pounding was the order of the day during SKYFALL, Stan. They could have edited the movie down a bit. Two hours and 23 minutes put my bladder to the test!
I enjoyed this one very much. I still consider Casino Royale the best of these three Craig films but I thought this one was great. It did lull a bit in the middle as you say but it is good. I too really liked Quantum of Solace. It was far from perfect but I thought the action scenes were nicely done and I liked Craig’s transition from the end of Casino Royale and how parts of the story tied in to that film.
This one is worth seeing on the big screen.
Absolutely, Carl! SKYFALL is a Big Screen movie all the way. I almost jumped out of my seat at the end of the London tube sequence!
Two hours is my comfort zone but I will definitely see this one.
You and Phil will enjoy SKYFALL, Patti. Nearly perfect action-adventure film.
As long as Jackie is able to get around easily we’ll definitely see this one – this is what a big screen movie should be!
You and Jackie will love SKYFALL, Jeff. Brain candy!
I still don’t like Craig as Bond, he could be anyone; maybe Sam Durell in Edward S. Aarons’ CIA “Assignment — ” series. He still just looks wrong as Bond to me. I’m sure it’s a fine film, I just wish it weren’t one pretending to be James Bond. Also, there were plenty of gadgets in the original books, why is everyone suddenly so down on them?
I like Daniel Craig, but I also feel a bit like you do, Rick. I grew up on suave Bonds like Connery and Moore and Brosnan. Craig is a grittier Bond. I think the Roger Moore films overdid the gadget motif. When you see SKYFALL, you’ll enjoy the retro scene with Bond and M in the car. Very nostalgic and very clever.
Just saw Skyfall this afternoon and loved it. The best of the Craig films. The action scenes in Quantam were terrible. Especially the opening one. Never liked the Roger Moore films. Way too jokey and when I try to watch one now they just look cheesy. Besides I never thought Moore looked like he coulld win a fight. Skyfall in worth watching for Roger Deakins cinematography alone. Great looking film.
You’re right about SKYFALL being a great looking film, Steve. There are some eye-popping scenes like the one at the end of the London tube chase. I would rate the Roger Moore seven Bond movies near the bottom of the rankings, too. They’re not aging well.
I think it was the best. For the first time, Bond seems like a real man to me. For the first time, the gadgets and girls have given way to more important concerns. I would rate this 1, then Goldfinger, then From Russia. The BMW scene was enough to play homage to the past. Interesting we saw it with some Scottish friends and they thought the biggest product placement in it was the British flag. And that was not a good thing for them.
Yes, Patti, a good chunk of this movie takes place in Scotland. I would rank the Bond movies slightly differently than your list: 1) GOLDFINGER (my first Bond movie!), 2) FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE 3) SKYFALL.
But yes, it was twenty minutes too long. One less chase sequence perhaps.
Totally agree, Patti. At 143 minutes, SKYFALL is one chase scene too long.
SKYFALL is no doubt a decent enough flick, but I bet it ain’t no OCTOPUSSY…
There’s only one OCTOPUSSY, Drongo.
I enjoyed it tremendously and thought the occasionally slow pace was a very good move – but yes, it could definitely stand to lose a few minutes here and there – but that won’t stop me going to see it again soon though – with pleasure in fact!
SKYFALL is definitely one of the best of the Bonds, Sergio. I’m waiting for the Blu-ray.