Skyfall

I grew up watching 007 on T.V. & on the big screen which lead me to read the novels. Always formulated , always fun & action packed James Bond Movies are quite different from the novels, both are great for there own reasons! Sean Connery & Roger Moore put out an equal number of 007 films although Connery's "Never Say Never Again" is not a part of the official Broccoli franchise. Not counting David Niven's portrayal of Bond in the Comedy spoof "Casino Royal" or the Americanized T.V. appearance of Bond in a movie with the same title( I can't remember who played Bond in that debacle!) George Lazenby shares the distinction of only playing 007 once in the official franchise. And it seems as though the fans are as equally split as to their favorite bond as the number of appearances each actor put in. Sean Connery may have a slight edge over Rodger Moore perhaps being the first James Bond. Rumor has it this was Daniel Craig's last appearance as Bond making Daniels number of Bond movies one more than Timothy Dalton & one less than Pierce Brosnon & if the number of times a actor play's 007 has any bearing on how endearing he makes himself to movie goers I doubt he will be missed a great deal! But the rumor of his leaving the role does open up many potentials for James Bond fans to imagine playing the immortal British secret agent! James Purefoy, Clive Owen? Will the next James Bond rival Sean Connery or Rodger Moore? We will have to wait & see. As I stated before 007 films are very formulated giving us "The new Bond Girl", "The Next Bond Song", & Action, Action ,Action!!! "Skyfall" has everything your looking for in a Bond film plus some added treats like the elimination of the female "M" something I think most hard core James Bond fans never quite warmed up to! "Skyfall" is a very good James Bond film & ties all of Daniel Graig's James Bond films together quite nicely, so much so they could be considered a legitimate James Bond trilogy instead of each movie being very independent like the 007 films of the past. One thing is certain if the rumors are true the future for James Bond could be bright indeed!!! The latest trend has been leading Super Spy 007 away from the campy one liners & unbelievable cliff hanger type escapes into more serious & even darker story lines & plots! I have a feeling that the longest running action hero may be headed into new territory becoming less formulated & more lethal than ever!!! I don't think the franchise will completely abandon such a successful formula but we may see a James Bond appear that is more akin to the novels. But it is my opinion that Daniel Craig has given us the first true James Bond trilogy & to fully appreciate "Skyfall" you need to watch "Casino Royal", Quantum of Solace" & "Skyfall" in chronological order!!! When you do this Daniel Craig's portrayal of James Bond will move up the rank's of actors who have offered their brand of 007 mayhem!!!

Incredible movie!

Few Bond films manage to balance high-stakes action with genuine emotional depth as effectively as Skyfall. Daniel Craig delivers one of his strongest performances, portraying Bond not just as a polished spy, but as a worn, flawed man facing both external threats and internal reckoning. Javier Bardem’s Silva is unsettling, intelligent, and memorable, easily ranking among the franchise’s best villains. What really elevates this film is Sam Mendes’ direction—stunning visuals, exceptional pacing, and a more personal storyline that gives the action real weight. While some traditional Bond fans may miss the lighter, gadget-heavy formula, this darker and more introspective approach adds significant depth. Overall, Skyfall stands out as one of the strongest modern Bond films, successfully combining spectacle, substance, and style.

Great movie. I received the art above (picture on the left), even though it was advertised as looking like the picture on the right. Not a big deal, but not the first 007 movie I've bought new, directly from Amazon where the picture on the site is not the case you receive.Best Bond movie ever, btw. I just don't like the bait and switch on case artwork, because I collect physical media.

From [...]Daniel Craig is finally back in the expensive suits for his third run as the iconic James Bond. The stakes are high and the super spy’s very existence is examined in this worthy entry to the franchise on its 50th anniversary.Director Sam Mendes wastes no time jumping straight into the action as Bond and Eve (Naomie Harris), another field agent, are tracking down a missing hard drive. M (Judi Dench) is forced to make one of the toughest calls of her career leaving Bond incapacitated. The script drops the ball on Bonds return to the world of the living and the details are merely glossed over, but non-existent. When MI6 is directly threatened through terrorist acts, Bond brings himself back to active duty. In trying to discover who is committing the terrorist acts against his agency Bond has the pleasure of running into Severine (Berenice Marlohe). Severine is Bond’s link to Silva but the character doesn’t have much purpose beyond being a bridge and is incredibly underdeveloped. Silva (Javier Bardem) is the greatest Bond villain in recent memory. He is smart, powerful, and funny while simultaneously being creepy, threatening and emotionally disturbed. Silva has a personal grudge against MI6 and using his vast well of internal knowledge tests Bond’s dedication to M.A big part of Skyfall is the question of someone like James Bond still being relevant in a digital world. This is an especially interesting question to ask on Bond’s 50th anniversary as well as Daniel Craig’s return to the character after a lackluster second film and an extended break due to MGM’s financial woes. Q (Ben Whishaw) summarizes these exact thoughts to Bond in a very well written scene that speaks directly to the audience without being blatant exposition. Unfortunately the question of Bond’s irrelevance and his triumph in proving otherwise isn’t fully explored and the notion is essentially ignored by everyone involved except newcomer Gareth Mallory (Ralph Fiennes). Mallory is the British Government’s answer to M after the aging director failed in recovering the crucial hard drive Bond was hunting when he was injured.The script for Skyfall pursues many interesting angles for an action franchise. Unfortunately Mendes leaves a lot of threads hanging on some of these subplots. Skyfall does something that the Bond series has needed for a while, it begins to explore who James Bond actually is as a man. Since he is not someone whose origin story needs to be shrouded it is surprising that this character could have such an impact on pop culture without his past being well known cannon. Exploring Bond as a man is great for breathing new life into the franchise and would have been absolutely perfect in 2006′s Casino Royale. The concepts are not wasted on Skyfall but the subplot is not fleshed out fully. The question of old fashioned ways in comparison to the amazing technology that world governments now posses is another brilliant concept in the script. However when it comes down to the finished film Mendes again fails to fully deliver to the audience. There is never a moment of doubt in Bond’s capabilities or a major triumph moment for the character where technology is proven to not be able to do everything a thinking man in the field can do. The subplot merely tells the audience that times have changed in the 50 years since Bond began entertaining us and that goes without say.Craig embodies the character he re-created in Casino Royale and this version of Bond lands somewhere between his Royale and Solace roles. In Royale Bond was as charming as he could ever be and the most physically impressive Bond ever. Solace was a much darker story where Bond was only motivated by hatred and revenge. Skyfall strikes a nice balance where the spy can turn on his charm when needed, even directing it towards a man at one point, and despite some bodily harm is still fit and up to the physical tasks that Silva throws at him. M plays the same role she has with little variation. Dench is not a physically dominating woman but when she is playing M it is clear that she is a character you don’t want to cross. Mallory and Eve are both newcomers to the Daniel Craig Bond franchise but both characters are played so magnificently its a shame they couldn’t get more screen time. Mallory seems almost villainous since he is introduced as damage control to a botched operation but he is likable and a man just doing his job in the most sensible and real way possible. He proves his worth in a few pivotal moments and definitely wins over the audience with ease. More of Eve and Bond working in the field would have been nice to see. The script doesn’t short the audience on the interactions between the two characters but they play off each other so smoothly that an entire movie could be built around their working relationship. The true stand out performance of the Bond film is in the villain. Villains are often allowed to be larger than life while the heroes have to remain relate-able to the audience and Silva is no exception. A strange look to a strange man Silva seems very happy and confident in his work. At the flip of a switch he can change the mood of the entire scene and really make the audience feel for him. A sympathetic villain that can remain terrifying is not an easy feat but Bardem nails it.Despite some minor pacing issues and a couple sub-plots that needed a bit of grooming Skyfall is a great action movie with a lot to offer fans of James Bond and action movies alike. To answer the main questioned poised by the movie, Skyfall tells us that James Bond is up to the challenge and here to stay.

Spoiler Alert: You may wish to postpone reading this review until after you have seen this movie!This is a defining moment for Bond and the crucible of all 007 films. At one level, while strictly speaking, not a meta film, it clearly questions the effectiveness of 007 against today's sophisticated computer hackers and terrorists . At another level, it asks its viewers, in a not-so subtle way, if the 007 franchise still has a future.This movie redefines Bond and MI6, and in the process, it presents a Bond who is tired, unshaven, who drinks by himself, who runs out of bullets and who fails to get the bad guy. It also presents a Bond who throws away his PPK when we runs out of bullets ( this cliche is usually reserved for the bad guys in the bad movies). Bond has hit rock bottom and fails the MI6's physical and psychological tests before he can be reassigned to the field (M assigned him anyway).Bond's metamorphosis started with a bang in Casino Royale and a thud was heard in Quantum of Solace. The suave, debonair, charming and ultimate womanizer is put on hold. In addition, the gadgets, humor and dream cars are, at least temporarily, a thing of the past.In the opening scene the mission to retrieve a "list" with information compromising British agents is botched. M orders agent Eve to take a shot at the bad guy. She misses and hits Bond. Bonds disappears to an island where he heals his wound, sleeps with a girl, does not shave, drinks heavily, sometimes with a scorpion on his hand. This scene, does not advance the story, but it sets the mood, and therefore is necessary. This is rock bottom. Bond, M and MI6 have failed.This time Bond's arch enemy is Raoul Silva, née Tiago Rodriguez ( Javier Bardem). Silva is an ex-MI6 agent who was betrayed by M in exchange for English prisoners(?) held by the Chinese. Mr. Silva wants revenge by blowing up MI6 and killing M. That translates as going to war with Bond. Silva's character is brilliantly portrayed, and so far, unique. He works alone--although he seems to have some sort of network-- and has the knowledge and the resources (after all, he used to be one of them) to hack into MI6's computers and eventually blows up MI6 headquarters with apparent ease. Mr. Silva is out for revenge and everyone is vulnerable.Gone are the considerable wealth, private armies, missiles, underwater cities, private islands and limitless technological resources of Bond's former arch enemies. Silva is ugly inside and out. When is captured briefly by MI6, he removes his dentures: his face was deformed by hydrogen cyanide when he tried to commit suicide.. Silva is a very effective villain and presents a really challenge, even to Bond's male role. In a scene while Bond is immobilized, Mr. Silva explores and caresses B's chest. The ultimate heterosexual man is the victim in a gay scene. And to add insult to injury, Silva's seduction of Bond is topped of with an offer to come to the dark side!The incomparable M (Judi Dench) is on her way out--she has messed up several times. Gareth Mallory (Ralph Fiennes) suggests she retires with dignity and he is to replace her, but not before Bond and M regroup for the last time to eliminate the demented Silva. The scene when they decide to go after Silva takes us to memory lane with Bond driving M in his Austen Martin. It was fun to see M, under attack by Silva AND Parliament to bring the much needed comic relief. M dares Bond to eject her from the AM's passenger's seat.In a key scene, we see Clair Dower, MP (Helen McRoy) grilling M about the effectiveness of MI6. And just when M starts making a strong case for the agency's reason for being( without the MP's anger, but with great dignity), Mr. Silva crashes the hearing and makes an attempt on her life. Yes, this film is driven by a personal grudge, but it is clear that MI6 is still needed to protect the citizens of a free society.In another key scene, reminiscent of the older 007 films, Bond visits an upscale casino in Macao. There he meets the beautiful & mysterious Severine ( Berenice Malohe). We find out that she was part of the sex trade, Bond, who is about to be killed by her(?) bodyguards gets into a fight and ends in a komodo dragon pit. Again, he is working with another field agent. Eve (Naomi Harris) who saves his life. In older Bond films, Severine would have been at least one of the Bond girls. Yes, he spends the night with her and soon Silva will kill her.Bond fans will be disappointed in Ben Wishaw's second outing as Q (Quartermaster). In past films. Q's straight face( and envy?) was the perfect foil for Bond's jeu d'esprit. Here Q comes across as nothing more than a boring computer nerd with unruly hair. Gone is the dynamic banter we came to expect over the years between these two. But in this new spy business, it is after all, according to Bond, "a young man's game".In the final battle with Silva, Bond and M under siege. They are sitting ducks outgunned, and outnumbered. In the process, Bond's ancestral home in Scotland ( Skyfall) and his Aston Martin are destroyed. M dies as the result of her wound, and Bond kills Mr. Silva, unceremoniously, in the estate's chapel.In conclusion, This film is back to the quality of Casino Royale, Daniel Graig's, first outing as Bond and it is highly recommended. The one between these two, Quantum of Solace, was a waste of time. In this film we find that Bond is from Scotland, that he was an orphan and that his mother was French(?). Bond is portrayed more human, some one who makes mistakes and who drinks heavily.Out of the ashes a new Bond and new MI6 begin to take shape, his resurrection. In the last scene, we are properly introduced to the Eve, who turns out to be the new Moneypenny: not everyone is made for field work and she is reassigned to office work.What's not cool: Broccoli & friends' comments do not add anything revealing or entertaining to the film. (optional). What is: Bond is the last of the two rats standing. Bond will be back.

It could be generally agreed that Skyfall is the best of Daniel Craig's outings as 007. And probably one of the finest action movies of this generation. Beautiful cinematography, excellent action set pieces, a homage to the old and an introduction to the new. A fantastic villain. A great chunk of screen time for Dame Judi Dench. One of the finest actors to grace the entire Bond franchise. Craig continued to show emotional depths of the Bond character without losing his overall brutish, gritty tone with that Ian Fleming veneer of sophistication in a good tux. All in all, Skyfall is a definite high point in the 007 saga.This Dolby Vision HDR 4K release is absolutely first rate. Seriously, it has some of the best picture quality availably in home video. Razor sharp where it needs to be but retaining the deep, rich, cinematic feel of Roger Deakin's beautiful visual eye. Color is rich but not garish or over the top. The depth of blacks and shadows are outstanding. No crush here! While latest gen Atmos or DTS:X audio is not available for this release the DTS HD-Master sound packs a solid punch with great dynamic range, immersion and a solid LFE track that roars and rumbles when needed. Highly recommended for addition to anyone's 007 collection.

Is this the best Bond ever, as some in the media have proclaimed? IMO, no. Is it even in top 5? Close. I'd put Casino Royale (the Daniel Craig version), Goldfinger, The Spy Who Loved Me, and From Russia With Love ahead of it. It's debatable whether Skyfall, Live & Let Die, For Your Eyes Only, Dr. No or Goldeneye should be next. Yup, for me it's that hard to decide. Each of those movies are terrific Bond movies, for different reasons. Regardless, Skyfall is one of the better Bond movies.Reading through the reviews, a lot of the 1-star and 2-star reviews seem to be focused on the lack of gadgets. Its rare to see someone argue that they think a Bond movie needs more gadgets! If you need gadgets, you should be happy with nearly all of the Brosnan Bond movies (esp Die Another Day) or Moonraker. If you note on my top Bond list only one of the movies I listed would qualify as having lots of "gadgets". I prefer my Bond to be more of a MacGyver, someone who uses the tools at hand rather than a deus ex machina solely geared toward helping him out of whatever trap he's in. In fact, several Bond movies (For Your Eyes Only, Goldeneye, Casino Royale) were purposely made in a way to get away from the gadgets that can otherwise dominate the show. I also prefer (generally) the Bond movies that are a little more 'down to earth' and don't have crazed megalomaniacs out to destroy the world (The Spy Who Loved Me being the lone exception). And while other low-starred reviewers decry the lack of action I prefer a breather every once in a while, not to mention a little plot development. If I wanted non-stop action I'd recommend sticking with Michael Bay films. No thanks!Instead, what do we have here? A Bond who has to make choices with consequences. He can't always save both England and the girl. As M and others have noted, Bond's women don't have a particularly good survival rate (5 out of 8 have died in the last 3 movies, by my count). And Bond isn't a superhero; he gets beat up & shot. Sure he wins the day but his body has taken some punishment. A villain who's not a maniac out to destroy the world or make a fortune but who has a very personal vendetta against MI6 and especially M with a well conceived plan to carry it out. Javier Bardem's a weird fellow, no doubt, but he does a good job as the villain. Some information on Bond's origins, which have always been a bit nebulous. I thoroughly enjoyed it and happily give it 5 stars.

Il nuovo 007, Skyfall, coincide con il cinquantesimo anniversario della saga e, volendo celebrare l'evento, oltre alla tradizionale e adrenalinica sequenza d'apertura, la produzione si è preoccupata di inserire all'interno del film delle sottili citazioni (provate a contare quante volte nei dialoghi spunta il titolo di un episodio della serie).Colpisce anche che, evitando elegantemente insidiosi anacronismi, gli sceneggiatori, con un magnifico colpo d'ala, siano riusciti a utilizzare persino la vecchia Aston Martin (per intenderci, quella con sedile eiettabile e mitragliatrici).Le particolarità di Skyfall, non si limitano certo a degli interventi esteriori e, dando risalto alla caratterizzazione di Daniel Craig, si sono volute rimarcare le fragilità del personaggio (mai come in questo film, si sono mostrate le angosce e la profonda solitudine di "James Bond").Sia chiaro, non siamo di fronte a un film intimista, solo che si colgono, netti, i limiti di un uomo esposto all'età che avanza: uno "007" dedito all'alcol, preda dei farmaci e fuori forma, che non supera i test di riammissione in servizio e si ritrova in azione solo grazie a un caparbio e discreto intervento di "M".Non a caso, Judi Dench giganteggia e, regalando al personaggio di "M" un’intensità formidabile, mette a fuoco quanto, a prescindere da una reciproca maschera di amaro sarcasmo, lei e "Bond" si rispettino e si fidino l'una dell'altro (lui arriverà a proteggerla con l’attaccamento di un figlio).Ma le novità abbondano e, con grande sapienza cinematografica, si dà rilievo al nuovo giovanissimo "Q" e si mostrano i retroscena evolutivi di un personaggio, altre volte presentato in modo piuttosto marginale e prevalentemente umoristico, come "Moneypenny".Javier Bardem tratteggia un cattivo forse un po’ troppo grottesco (con quegli improbabili capelli biondi, appare inquietante per i motivi sbagliati), ma si tratta di un peccato veniale, vista la funzione di antagonista prevedibilmente destinato a una brutta fine.Il film, a ben guardare, pur spostandosi dalla Turchia alla Cina, ha per protagonista anche la città di Londra, mai vista con tale rilevanza in nessun altro episodio della serie e, diciamoci la verità, con l'immagine di Sua Maestà la Regina e di "Mister Bond" all'inaugurazione delle passate Olimpiadi ancora in mente, è difficile sottrarsi a un senso di deferente ammirazione.Un Blu-Ray di eccellente qualità per uno dei migliori Bond di sempre.

When you like limited editions, this is it :-)the steelbook is beautifulI'm a Bond fan like forever, all though I don't know it after the Daniel Craig era, LOLSkyfall is on of the best Bond movies, because it goes deepI buy the french edition Skyfall (édition Limitée + 8 Cartes Postales)Many Subtitles also in Dutch , so that was a pleasant supriseThe movie is a Blu Raythe other disc is a DVD

Fast shipping, correct packaging and awesome customer service when needed. Highly recommended seller!

Um sich Neuartigem oder Veränderungen öffnen zu können, ist es wichtig, von Altem auch mal loszulassen. Und leider, leider Gottes gehen viele Filmfans sofort auf die Barrikaden, wenn ihre Leinwand-Helden einem zeitlich angepassten Update unterzogen werden. Der britische Geheimagent und Martini-Schlürfer James Bond ist nur einer von vielen Filmikonen, die heftige Kritik-Prügel einstecken mussten, weil die Fanbase keine Umgestaltungsversuche an einem so alten Leinwandcharakter akzeptieren kann oder will. Was wurden damals Unkenrufe losgelassen, als man entschied, den populärsten aller Zelluloid-Spione erblonden zu lassen, ihm ein ruppigeres Image zu verpassen, ihm seine Agentenspielzeuge wegzunehmen. Desweiteren beschimpften nicht gerade wenige Seher Daniel Craig als totale Fehlbesetzung.Da muss ich als jemand, der zwar alle Bond-Filme gesehen hat, aber sich nie als Vollblut-Fan betrachtet, für den neuen Bond eine Lanze brechen:Craig ist der brillanteste Darsteller des 007 seit Sean Connery, während die Runderneuerung der nunmehr 50 Jahre alten Figur nicht nur notwendig, sondern längst überfällig war. Erst recht seit der Brosnan-Bond-Farce, die sich "Die Another Day" nannte. Nach einem grandiosen Einstand in "Casino Royale" und einem tempogeladenem "Ein Quantum Trost" folgt mit "Skyfall" wieder ein zeitgemäßer Bond, der unter der Regie von Sam Mendes menschlicher, verletzbarer, vielschichtiger rüberkommt und die sichtlich ergrauten Normen dieser langlebigen Reihe würdevoll und mit humorvollem Fingerzeig verabschiedet.Eine Festplatte mit den Identitäts-Daten aller MI6-Agenten wurde gestohlen, und Bond jagt in Istanbul dem Datendieb hinterher. Die Mission scheitert, da er beim Kampf mit jenem Verbrecher unterliegt, durch Friendly Fire verletzt wird und von einer Eisenbahnbrücke in die Tiefe stürzt. Während er nun als "im Dienst gefallenen" gilt, wird das MI6-Hauptquartier von einem Anschlag aus dem Inneren heimgesucht. Drahtzieher dieser Attacke ist der Ex-MI6-Agent Silva, der auch hinter dem Raub der sensiblen Geheimdienstdaten steckt und insbesondere Bonds Vorgesetzter "M" schaden will. Ein Ereignis aus der Vergangenheit verbindet die Beiden, für das er sich an ihr rächen will."M" steht mit dem Rücken zur Wand, sowohl als Silvas Zielscheibe als auch wegen vermehrt aufkommender Kritik an ihr bzw. am MI6 seitens der britischen Politik. Doch zu ihrem Glück hat Bond überlebt. Aufgeweckt durch den Anschlag, kehrt er nach London zurück, um sich wieder zum Dienst zu melden und weitere Gefahren fürs sie und fürs MI6 anzuwenden…Sam Mendes weiss wie man einen 50. Geburtstag richtig feiert. Obwohl er erstmals in seiner Regie-Karriere ins Big-Budget-Action-Fach reinschnuppert, liefert er einen technisch eindrucksvollen, edel fotografierten und intelligenten Action-Thriller ab, dem es an genreüblichem Getöse (ohne extreme Effekthascherei), gewohnt-exotischen Schauwerten und ordentlicher Charakterzeichnung nicht mangelt. James Bond wurde schon in "Casino Royale" als raubeiniger, launisch-zynischer Kopf vorgestellt, der wegen seiner tragisch geendeten Liebe zu Vesper Lind eine ungeahnt sensible Seite zeigen durfte, doch in "Skyfall" sieht man in ihm wirklich einen Menschen als Fleisch und Blut. Ein Mann mit einer Geschichte. Ein Mann mit einer Vergangenheit. Kein unzerstörbarer Superman, der aus jeder Gefahrensituation siegreich entkommt. Vornehmlich wird – passend zum Jubiläum - auf sein Alter und seine Verwundbarkeit angespielt. "M", ihr angehender Nachfolger Gerath Mallory, der junge Computer-Nerd "Q", so ziemlich jeder weist den Doppelnull-Agenten darauf hin, dass er ruhig Platz für die jüngere Agenten-Generation machen und nach all seinen Diensten für sein Vaterland den Ruhestand als mögliche Option in Betracht ziehen soll. Doch Bond wäre nicht Bond, wenn er nicht trotz seiner körperlich nicht mehr allerbesten Verfassung in der Lage wäre, seinen Querkopf durchzusetzen und allen zu beweisen, dass man weiterhin analoge Pendants wie ihn auch im digitalen Zeitalter braucht, was eine sehr amüsante Szene zwischen dem reifen Bond und dem blutjungen "Q" sehr schön verdeutlicht.Weiterhin bekommt der Loyalitätsgedanke eine besondere Bedeutung. Das Vertrauen "M"s zu Bond steht nicht weniger auf dem Prüfstand wie die seine zu ihr, ebenso versucht auch Antagonist Silva seinen Widersacher davon zu überzeugen, dass Loyalität im Dienste des britischem Empire nichts bedeutet, wenn man von seinem Arbeitsgeber/Land fallengelassen wird, wie er es ja am eigenen Leibe erfahren musste und wodurch sich seine Rachlust begründet. So muss Bond zwischen Pflichtgefühl und Zweifeln jenen Weg finden, der für ihn bestimmt ist.All dies verleiht dem jüngsten Bond-Ableger eine wohltuend ernste wie auch düstere Note, doch Mendes nimmt sich bei seinem 145-Minüter hier und da etwas Zeit und greift mit kleinen Referenzen und Verweisen die alten Tugenden früherer Bond-Abenteuer auf, um auch bei Craig-Bond-Gegnern ein Schmunzeln zu entlocken: Ein unter Alt-Fans wohl bekanntes Astin Martin-Modell bekommt seinen allerletzten Leinwand-Moment, Miss Moneypenny erhält hier einen wunderbaren Einstand (sie dürfte wohl auch zukünftig nicht mehr im Stammcast fehlen), und "Q" macht unmissverständlich klar, dass absurd-verrückte Gadgets Relikte einer längst ausgelaufenen Modeerscheinung sind. Mehr Hommage geht nicht.Personell sticht "Skyfall" unter allen Bondfilmen mit der wohl luxuriösten Auswahl an namhaften Qualitäts-Mimen heraus.Hauptdarsteller Daniel Craig begeistert zum dritten Mal infolge und ist IMHO das Beste, was dem 007-Franchise passieren konnte. Auch dank ihm und der Neudefinition des Mannes mit der Lizenz zum Töten ist diese populäre Marke so gut und erfolgreich wie nie zuvor, denn er hat einfach diese Ausstrahlung, diese anziehende Physis und dieses ungemein kühle wie coole Auftreten. So lange er kann und will, sollte er an der Rolle festhalten.Judi Dench glänzt nach 17 Jahren zum letzten Mal als "M", da eine weitere Verpflichtung aufgrund ihrer Augenkrankheit ausgeschlossen ist, doch Ralph Fiennes, der ihre direkte Nachfolge antritt, wird die von ihr hinterlassene Lücke als neuer "M" gewiss hervorragend ausfüllen. Sein Auftritt als Geheimdienstkoordinator hinterlässt einen ausnahmslos positiven Eindruck und macht Vorfreude auf sein erneutes Erscheinen.Als hervorragender Filmschurke erweist sich Oscar-Preisträger Javier Bardem. Nach Mads Mikkelsen und Mathieu Amalric ist er der nunmehr dritte Europäer, der keine stereotype Bösewichtsschablone mit Weltherrschaftsdrang verkörpert. Sein Alter Ego Silva ist ein denkwürdiger Widersacher für den im Zeichen des Union Jack kämpfenden Agenten, zum einem wegen der angedeuteten Bisexualität (ein Novum in der Geschichte der Bond-Antagonisten), zum anderen wegen der durch seine MI6-Vergangenheit formulierten Tragik seiner Person.Desweiteren gefallen Ben Whishaw als moderner "Q", der sich schon jetzt zum neuen Sympathiebolzen mausert, und Naomie Harris, die als sexy Bondgirl Moneypenny nicht nur verboten gut aussieht, sondern auch gut zulangen kann.Fazit:Die Bondreihe mit Frontmann Craig behält auch mit "Skyfall" ihr Top-Niveau. 2 1/2 Stunden ohne eine einzige Länge, vollgepackt mit dynamischer Nervenkitzel-Action, viel Tempo, zynischem Witz und ungewohntem Emotionenspiel. Kann den herausragenden "Casino Royale" zwar nicht ganz übertrumpfen, nichtsdestotrotz untermauert dieser Streifen das Resultat, dass 007 den Sprung ins 21. Jahrhundert endgültig geschafft hat.

Firstly I am amazed that this film has received such mixed reviews (look at the number of 1 star reviews for example).I have to admit that I got bored with bond around the time Pierce Brosnan took over. Not because I thought he was a bad bond or even that the films weren't any good. It is just that after so many Bond films I guess I ran out of steam.I stopped watching these action thrillers for a number of years until the Bourne trilogy came out. With the exception of the shaky camera work (which spoils it for me) these films were excellent. Intriguing plots and excellent action sequences - it all just seemed fresher than the stale old Bond.I watched Casino Royale because of the hype surrounding the new Bond Daniel Craig. I thought it was OK but still lacked something. Quantum of Solace was just awful (can anyone who hasn't watched the film since it was originally released actually remember any of the plot line?).I was therefore a bit hesitant when I watched Skyfall. I knew it had received excellent reviews and that colleagues at work were saying it was the best bond film for a long time but I was worried it had been over hyped.I can honestly say that it was like a breath of fresh air. Bond films were interesting again! The plot was great - no more Russian/North Korean/etc. baddies. This time - a disenchanted ex agent - was different and I thought the character was really quite disturbing (unlike a lot of Bond baddies in recent years who were just dull).The plot was great - a lot revealed about Bond himself, new characters introduced and some of the old cleared out. The new Q is an excellent actor (see him in Perfume if you don't believe me) and made a refreshing change from the inappropriately farcical John Cleese version. The new M is a great actor. The new Moneypenny is no worse than some we've had in the past.By the end I just thought "Wow!" This was such a revelation after the last film. I honestly thought the Bond franchise was on its last legs but this film has given it a new lease of life.I really can't understand the 1 star reviews (having read quite a few of them) as this film is the best of the Daniel Craig's and one of the best of all time (and I am not just going along with the crowd as per the "emperor's new clothes" 1-star reviewer suggests).I am actually looking forward to the next Bond film - an emotion I haven't felt for a long time.