Skyfall (2012): Mormon Movie Review

Quality:

   As of 7 days ago I had never seen a James Bond movie.  I am a major completest and just wasn't sure just where to start when it come to diving into the 007 franchise.  With a current count of 23 films I just wasn't ready to make the 50 and change hour commitment.  Then I learned that the Daniel Craig films were a reboot of the franchise I found my perfect entry point!

   I spent the weekend watching Casio Royale (available now on Amazon & iTunes) and Quantum of Solace (also on Amazon and iTunes).  I really liked Casino Royale (5 Stars) but Quantum of Solace (4 Stars) seemed a bit like "matter unorganized."  The great thing is, that while those films had a linked story line, Skyfall is a completely detached story line.  It helps to watch the previous films, it isn't requisite. 

   Bond's (Daniel Craig) mission is to keep a computer drive that has a list of British agents from being used against them. He chases the man who has it and they have a brawl on top of a train. Eve (Naomie Harris), an agent sent to assist Bond has them in her cross hairs but hesitates to take the shot because she might hit Bond but M (Judi Dench) orders her to take it anyhow.  M's track record for these sort of choices not only make her the subject of a public inquiry, but the target of a once loyal 00-agent.

   Everything I knew about Bond I learned from Austin Powers and from playing Golden Eye on N64.  Craig's Bond went to a more gritty bond, think Nolan's Dark Knight.  Skyfall brings some of those elements back, while still maintaining it's realistic feel.  Q (Ben Wishaw) is reintroduced as MI6's gadget man.  When issuing Bond his new, lack luster tools, there is even a quip about the absence an exploding pen.

Who couldn't get lost in those eyes?
Those crazy psychotic eyes...

   Daniel Craig maintains in true form as Bond.  Always seeming to be in control of the situation, even though all odds say he shouldn't be.  Especially when he is dealing with new Bond villain Raoul Silva (Javier Bardem).  He is also a return to the Bond pattern of the mad super genius who is both eccentric and deadly.  Bardem commands the screen in every scene he is in.  While Skyfall fails in the attempt to bring more depth to Bond's character, the sinister and crazy nature of Bardem more than makes up for it.  I really wish they gave us more of this back story.

   Skyfall a lot of fun.  The action is intense and creative.  The story line is easy to follow, and seems to take a more linear path.  If you are a Bond fan, or new to the franchise, you will enjoy Skyfall.

Content:

   Skyfall is about a spy with a license to kill, and he uses it often.  Though most deaths take place off screen, many nameless thugs and police officers are killed in firefights.  A small number or known characters have on screen deaths, but to prevent spoilers I will not elaborate.  

   Bond well known to be a lover of the ladies, which always bothered me.  I sometimes pretend he just makes out with them all to soften my criticism, but there is a scene on implied nudity that might make your Bishop blush.  Also the opening credits maintain the theme of weird psychedelic opening credits that feature silhouettes of the female form.  I never realy picked up that the opening theme is almost like a remix of the Bond orchestrated theme.  Adele's theme Skyfall is great is you are an Adele fan.  

   Although I didn't hear it, someone had said an Eff Bomb was dropped.  There is also a scatter of harsher curses. 

   This is said to be Daniel Craig's last bond film, and the internet seems to be clamoring for Idris Elba.  How do you feel about a Black Bond?  Is it time to expand the role, or should the character remain unchanged.  I remember there being a flurry of complaints about Craig's blonde hair, so it looks like we have come a long way.