Now Playing: Skyfall

The third Bond movie helmed by Daniel Craig, Skyfall, sees our favourite British spy getting back to basics. The gadgets are pretty low-tech (radio!) and car is vintage, so if you’re expecting a showcase of techno wizardry, you’ll be disappointed. The cast is good, with standout performances from Javier Bardem and the indomitable Dame Judi Dench. Also, if you’re expecting super-suave and almost-perfection in Bond, look elsewhere. In what seems to be the trend for superheroes (thank you, Mr. Nolan), Bond is much more realistic. He gets injured, he looks dissipated, … I mean, if that’s your bag, you’re going to love this movie.

In terms of plot and pacing, it was well done. Great story, good character development, surprise twists – all there. Sometimes I wish they would divorce Bond from the franchise, and just let a new double-O (with a new back story and personality) take over every 4-5 movies. Anyway, a good time: 3 out of 5 stars.

Addendum:
I know it may just be me, but I really want my 007 to be super-suave and almost perfect in his execution. It’s been three movies now that Craig-Bond has been not up to par in some way (who can forget that ball-busting scene in Casino Royale? And how very long it took him to recover?). I’m getting bored with these beat-him-up plotlines. When does he just get to kick some serious ass already?