Skyfall (2012)

After the shambles that was "Quantum of Solace", it's nice to see them at least try to insert a bit of context to the intro. Unfortunately it soon dissolves into another car-chase involving much unnecessary destruction of fruits. That they throw in both some motorcycle-chases and the classic fighting on top of a train, makes for a long intro. But at least there is some very clever usage of an excavator, and for the first time it ends with Bond being shot and losing the MacGuffin. Clever that, do nothing original, and then finish off with a huge surprise.

So we get a bit of a "Sherlock" as M types his obituary, alone late at night, before one of the most peculiar dialogues of the franchise as Ralph Fiennes tries to sack M through congratulations.

As for Bond, it's fair to say that Craig is much more believable as the scar-carrying, scruffy, worn, bitter and self-destructive Bond, coming off a major health-crisis than Brosnan could ever be. Beard or not. His versatility really makes Bond better, and as his age and general health is a recurring theme, they wisely keep him largely unshaven early on, to show off the grey. Dench is still fine, Fiennes breathtakingly subdued, and Naomie Harris (as the new Moneypenny) gives David great flirting and innuendos. Ben Whishaw as a younger Q also has some good banter with Craig, they really did bring out the good screenwriting here. And when you think the chips are in, a delightful supporting part from the utter brilliance that was Albert Finney as a surly Scot.

For a very dark and realistic Bond-movie they chose to give Bardem a look most ghastly character, with a stupid blonde wig and a bad suit over a much worse shirt. There is also the psychotic sadist in him with overly erotic mannerism that makes him a rather dreary villain.  His story-introduction with the rats is pitch perfect, though.

Mendes as a director is rather meticulous to detail, and it's noticeable throughout. For instance the colours of the smoke Marlohe blows at the bar. The lighting is perfect for a wide spread of thin smoke to enhance the wildly yellow filters he applies for this scene. His different filters are a bit too strong at times and his attention to detail does drag on a bit though, making the pace somewhat erratic, and the film quite frankly a bit long. being the longest to date. But Mendes is great at tension, decent at action (with one particularly brilliant set piece) and, as mentioned, the dialogue is far above what is to be expected from James Bond.

Even the plot is decent, though very far from a "Bond"-plot as it, when it all comes down to it, is a very elaborate revenge. He does make some very (and some not) subtle points for the observant viewer. The whole theme is older days vs modern days as both M and Bond defend themselves throughout, in very different ways. And as it turns out, it ends with Bond and two old geezers fighting the oldest of all fights, the stand-off. Having driven a 50 year-old car to a several hundred year old building made of bullet-resisting rock, and used manual labour and DIY-boobytraps to barricade themselves. Fantastic.

So to finish where I started, this film's strength is quite frankly that isn't really trying to follow the formula of Bond. But therein lies the disappointment as well (along with the villain). At least for the fans. That makes it the hardest film in the franchise to rate, as it's not a very good Bond film. It is, however, a good film, with a delectable ending.

8/10

Best car used: 1965 Aston Martin DB5
Most memorable drink served: 1962 Macallan.
Henchmen: A few Asian guys Bond easily kills.
Villain: Javier Bardem as Silva. Over the top. Particularly for such a dark film
Best one-liner: "Just changing carriages"
Song: "Skyfall" by Adele. Brilliant. A slow, methodical piano-intro with a crescendo into the refrains, despite Adele's voice staying within a small range.
Bond-girl: None, really