Skyfall (2012)
Cast includes: Daniel Craig (Casino Royale), Judi Dench (The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel), Javier Bardem (No Country for Old Men), Ralph Fiennes (The English Patient), Naomie Harris (Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest), Bérnénice Marlohe (Pére et maire), Albert Finney (The Bourne Ultimatum), Ben Whishaw (The Hour)
Director: Sam Mendes (Revolutionary Road)
Writers: Neal Purvis (Casino Royale), Robert Wade (Casino Royale)
Genre: Thriller | Adventure | Drama (143 minutes)
The opening sequence has Bond on a high-speed chase through the colorful Grand Bazaar of Istanbul. They’ve got a list that Bond desperately needs to get back. Meanwhile, Eve… also in hot pursuit… is giving M, back in London, a blow-by-blow on the phone. “Get after them for God sake… where are they now?” They’re on top of a train… “It’s rather hard to explain, Mam.” Eve is frantically following by car… she has them in sight. Does she have a clear shot? No. “Take the bloody shot!” demands M. Oops. Looks like it’s the end for Bond. (Roll the opening credits.)
We pick up the story 3 months later. Things look really bad for M. That list had the names of every agent in the network, and now the Prime Minister has summoned M to discuss retirement planning… her retirement. “You should leave with dignity.” “I’ll leave when the job’s done,” she responses. But before she gets back to MI6 headquarters, the whole top floor blows off the building. Who are these people? They’ve gotten behind the firewall, big time. When Bond sees the breaking news on CNN, he knows he has to come back from the dead. “007 reporting for duty.” “Where the hell have you been,” M greets Bond. “Enjoying death,” he says and reminds her… “Take the bloody shot!” Oh well, it’s a tough business. “Maybe we’re both played out.” “You know we need you,” says M. Anyway, Bond has a lot of work… physical and mental… to do to get himself back in shape for active duty. “It’s a young man’s game,” they say. “Hire me or fire me,” counters Bond. So they do hire him with encouraging words… “Don’t cock it up.”
We’re not used to seeing a vulnerable Bond, but in Skyfall, Bond knows he’s a bit past his prime. And his usual bag of high-tech goodies is surprisingly paltry. If we didn’t secretly know that they’re not planning to kill off the Bond franchise, we could actually believe Bond is in over his head this time. His opponent obviously knows the inner workings of MI6, and that makes him extra dangerous. When we finally meet former double-oh agent, Silva, Javier Bardem’s portrayal is both lethal and very amusing. As usual, the locations are visually stunning, but eventually Skyfall takes us to a really dark place. This is a standout Bond… a lot grittier and darker than we’re used to. It’s a lot more interesting and exciting, in my opinion. Daniel Craig’s Bond is more human than ever before, and it’s not going to be high-tech gizmos that save the day. Bond’s going to have to “do battle in the shadows.” Maybe you can’t “teach an old dog new tricks,” but this Bond still has some impressive old tricks left. “Everybody needs a hobby.” Bond’s is “reserection.”
4 popped kernels
Bond returns from the dead (he wasn’t really dead) to finish up old business… doing battle in the shadows
Popcorn Profile
Rated: PG- (Violence, Sexual Content)
Audience: Young adults
Distribution: Mainstream wide release
Mood: Neutral
Tempo: Pure adrenalin rush
Visual Style: Computer effects
Character Development: Engaging
Language: True to life
Social Significance: Pure entertainment
