Well everyone, tonight, we are nearing the end of the James Bond marathon. That is, right after it was announced a few days ago that 007: No Time To Die’s release date was moved to April 2, 2021. So, the question remains, will we be able to see it, for those of us who want to, come that day, or will the film either get postponed again, or something like that? I guess we’ll find out as it gets closer to that date, eh? Anyway, tonight, we are going to review what is, this far, the second to last James Bond film. Not only that, but this particular 007 film was released at a time, when it became fifty years, since James Bond started his legacy in the world of film. Man, can you believe believe that it was that long at the time? Just think, it will soon be six decades, come a year and a half to couple years from now, since we got the first James Bond film. Man, does time fly, indeed! With all that said, let’s review the twenty-third film in the James Bond film franchise, 007: Skyfall.
Plot: When a former 007 agent (Javier Bardem) comes back from hiding, and tries to screw over the 007 agency, as an act of revenge, for Agent M (Judi Dench) giving him up to save other agents years before, it is up to James Bond (Daniel Craig) to prevent him from dooming 007 agency for good.
Now, I remember seeing this film back when it was first released in 2012. Some of the things that I remember from seeing the film are some of the awesome action scenes, the song “Skyfall” (one of the rare to few times that I actually remember some of a song from one of these films), and how much darker, and grittier that this film seems to be overall. Now, we fast forward eight years later, to the year 2020. Watching it again since then, it is surprising to see how this is one of those James Bond films that is really, really well done. First off, there’s the fact that this film is one hundred and forty-three minutes. One can’t help but wonder if maybe, because of some people likely being upset that the previous 007 film, Quantum Of Solace, being shorter than the ones before, or after it, that may have been part of why the MGM studio decided to make Skyfall, or even Spectre (which was released three years after this film) as long as it was in the end. Does the running time help make this film breathe more in the end? Well, it miraculously does. First off, 007: Skyfall does well with making this film move and breathe in terms of developing it’s story really well. This is likely the first time that a 007 movie has done this since 1999’s 007: The World Is Not Enough. Okay, this is not to say that other James Bond films besides these two particular ones weren’t good to one degree, or another (minus the one with Roger Moore, as Bond, that was just okay). Nevertheless, this is one of those times, where you’ll more than likely find yourself really enjoying this film. In addition to this, for the most part, there aren’t exactly real good guys, and bad guys. Sure, this film does have it’s villains. At the same time, though, this film does well with showing how flawed even some of the good guys can be. Some of them make poor decisions that they thought was the right call at the time. Some also make choices that aren’t the best before getting called into action. Additionally, some of them decide to hide truths, if they think that it might be for other people’s best interests. All in all, the movie does a fantastic job of showing how sometimes, in life, not every situation is black and white. That is definitely a good lesson to learn. In addition to this, this film goes a more unique route by not having certain elements in this film that you normally see in most of these films. Don’t believe me? Try watching all of these films up to Spectre, or just Skyfall, and you’ll likely know what I mean. Moreover, as mentioned before, this film seems to go a much more darker, and grittier route than you might have gotten in previous 007 films. In fact, let me ask you guys something? Some, if not all, of you have watched the 24 TV series, and enjoyed it, have you not? If you have, then let me tell you that you will get a 24, maybe even Mission Inpossible, type of feel with this specific James Bond film. Yes, you might have that kind of feel with other films in this franchise that came out before it. However, it’s really this time around, especially, that you get that type of feel. Finally, the characters, and the story overall, will probably come down as being some of the memorable ones for this film.
Well folks, that’s my review for 007: Skyfall. Yes, a lot of 007 films are very memorable. However, in this particular case, it’s safe to say that people are bound to like films like one, more than some of the other entries. There are a lot of unexpected events that happen in this film, and the studio tries to make a story that could last as long as it needs to, rather than making a time limit for how long one of their films need to be. Will MGM plan to take this same action with their future 007 films? Let’s hope so. Of course don’t try to drag the stories future films out. Still, at the same time, don’t try to restrict what can, or can’t be in these films from here on out! Oh, and happy 50+ years to this franchise!
Final Grade: A+
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