Review of Skyfall (2012) by Romain D — 18 Nov 2015

So after the huge debacle of MGM going bust and trying to destroy every loved franchise ever, succeeding with The Hobbit sadly, James Bond returns in Skyfall, a film that is not only the strongest in Craig's time as the ravenous spy, but also the entire Bond canon.

It's evident that some breathing space was needed, after the writers clearly didnt want to let go of an idea that had died by the end of Casino Royale, but decided to plod along anyway throughout the next installment.

During a botched mission, Bond is left for dead and the details of undercover operatives at large. With an ever mounting pressure on the MI6, Bond soon steps into the fray, to stop a maniacal terrorist who has only one goal, destroy MI6.

Skyfall has 2 cards up its sleeve, Sam Mendes and Roger Deakins, who deliver the best looking and weighty Bond, the series has ever seen. Mendes is clearly a fan, taking extra special care when crafting his mighty epic, continuing down the road of the Craig era, while trying to steer Bond in a direction of familiar territory.

Luckily, he never leans to heavily on either avenue, making Skyfall matured. Mendes goes to town while casting, Craig and Dench are joined this time by Bardem, Wishaw, Fiennes, Harris, Finney and Marlohe, all of them giving effortless performances, which fit perfectly into the world of Bond, with Bardem stealing the show anytime he's on screen.

Its clear everyone is enjoying themselves here and they should be, with the amount of talent behind this film. Skyfall is utterly jaw dropping to witness, visually Deakins crafts some next level work as DOP, leaving Bond looking as stunning as he should.

There are a wealth of inspiring and cinematic moments stuffed in here visually, Silva's introduction as one long take it blissful to watch, a silloetted fight in a high rise is eye porn and the fire laden hills of Scotland are a marvel to behold, Deakins has always been miles ahead of the rest and finally a blockbuster film receives the care and attention money can buy.

All this would be worthless if the script wasnt up to much, luckily Skyfall is as strong thematically, as it is visually, the main story arc is weighty and intriguing, with a web of intricacies crafted throughout, Skyfall also has a brilliant sub plot throughout, a sub plot that thankfully never takes away from the overall experience and is wrapped up gorgeously by the final act.

The material on offer here is golden and although the ball does get dropped from time to time, its a drop in the ocean in the bigger scale of things. As mentioned, Skyfall's biggest flaw is its glaring plot holes, plot holes that luckily dont effect the overall piece, but are present enough to pull you from the experience on multiple viewings.

Plot holes like, Bond stumbling across an avenue to contact Silva and randomly pursuing this avenue, while guards are aware Silva may be in trouble, however dont check a very small boat thoroughly, which is on its way to Silva's island.

Or Silva hatching an escape plan, so precise that if any one of a million things had been done differently, it would have either been pointless or unsuccessful. The film travels at a wonderful pace for these to matter, however on repeat viewings, Skyfall is can be picked apart very easily.

Finally, Mendes opts for CGI from time to time, during instances where a Bond film would usually go for the real macoy, Komodo Dragons anyone? These things are thankfully forgivable, when you consider the films strengths.

Skyfall is a brilliant Bond movie, its action packed, visually stunning and well directed, the plot can be picked apart if you have the energy to and the inclusion of CGI animals cheapens the overall package, but considering the amount Mendes and co get right, who cares.