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SALT LAKE CITY — 50 years ago, in 1962, James Bond was introduced to the silver screen and ever since audiences have been captivated by the suave, debonair and relentless British spy. This week saw the release of the 23rd Bond film, "Skyfall," and this newest installment is one of the best in the entire franchise.
"Skyfall" is Daniel Craig's third film as 007 and it may be his best. Yes, I know he was in "Casino Royale," but this may outdo it. Don't believe me? Well, here are five reasons "Skyfall" isn't just a great Bond movie, but a great movie in general.
Academy Award winner Javier Bardem plays the villain Silva in "Skyfall" and he eats up every scene he's in.
The Spanish born Bardem is ruthless, evil, brilliant, funny and charming as the super villain. He's almost hard to watch at times because of how demented he is, but you are captivated by him and can't turn away from the screen.
Bardem's performance isn't merely watched, but experienced. Yes, that sounds corny and cliché, but it's true. He demands your attention and is very well the best Bond villain in the long history of the franchise.
Director Sam Mendes took his first crack at a James Bond picture with "Skyfall" and he knocked it out of the park.
Mendes isn't known for action movies. His previous films include "American Beauty," Road to Perdition," "Revolutionary Road," and "Jarhead," but just because he hasn't directed much action does not mean he doesn't know how.
Mendes' action sequences are crisp, precise and intriguing. He brings a different eye to Bond that no one has ever really captured before. The way Mendes uses lighting, camera angles and positioning truly makes "Skyfall" a piece of art.
There is a moment while Bond is in Shanghai tussling with an assassin that is shot brilliantly and is the type of scene that makes Mendes an action director with vision as opposed to just an action director.
Throwback Vibe
In honor of Bond's 50th anniversary "Skyfall" pays several tributes to its predecessors.
Some of the homages are clear and in your face while others are much more subtle. Pay attention when Bardem's character offers Bond a drink from a very particular year.
I won't explain many of the nods to the past because I want you to experience all of them for yourself, but they are fun to watch and they fit in with the film brilliantly.
Story
"Casino Royale" was such a success because it was not only full of action and wit, but it had a solid story to keep the film progressing as well as hold an audience. Craig's sophomore effort as Bond, "Quantum of Solace," was a bit of a swing and a miss when it came to story, but "Skyfall" has returned the franchise to form.
Again, I will not explain much of the story because the less you know going in the better. But there are twists you're not expecting and character development that is often missing from Bond films.
When it comes to story "Skyfall" may be the deepest and richest Bond film of all time. It's precise, calculated and natural. The story is one of the main things that make "Skyfall" more than just a good Bond film.
Uncharted Territory
Speaking of story, "Skyfall" explores ideas, backstories and plot lines no other Bond film has ever attempted.
The 23rd Bond movie takes us down roads we never even imagined 007 would travel and it's exciting to travel down that road with him.
"Skyfall" is actually an origin story in its own right. Where "Casino Royale" was an origin story of James Bond the agent, "Skyfall" is an origin story of James Bond the man. The movie helps us better understand his character and who he is.
This could have been where the film slipped, fell and couldn't get up, but it does just the opposite. These unexplored avenues open up a world of Bond we didn't know existed and keeps us enthralled and literally smiling.
As some of the plot unravels you can't help but grin and show your teeth as a light bulb flips on in your head and you say to yourself, "of course, that makes total sense."
Whether you trust me or not you need to see "Skyfall" and decide for yourself, but I feel confident that if you're a James Bond fan you will walk out of the theater pleased with the 50th anniversary 007 flick.
Are you planning on seeing "Skyfall" in the theater? Are you excited about the new film or does it not intrigue you? Have you already seen it? Let us know what you thought on the comment boards, Facebook or feel free to shoot me an email.
