One of the best movies of 2012 is now the first must own Blu-Ray of 2013. For the 23rd time, James Bond returns to the screen in "Skyfall"; an epic spy thriller which reinvents the franchise in a big, bold, sweeping movie experience that has grossed over $1.1 Billion in theatrical ticket sales and will undoubtedly do big business on DVD & Blu-Ray.
Starring Daniel Craig, Judi Dench and Javier Bardem
Directed by Sam Mendes
In “Skyfall”, Bond’s loyalty to M is tested as her mysterious past comes back to haunt her in ways she couldn’t have even imagined. As MI6 comes under attack on multiple fronts, 007 must track down and destroy the threat at great personal risk and cost in order to quell the threat that comes to destroy them on their very doorstep.
I’ll spare you the hyperbole in case you have already heard the news, but “Skyfall” is just that damn good, it may even be the best Bond film ever. Director Sam Mendes working with revered cinematographer Roger Deakins and editor Stuart Baird have crafted a confident, bold and self assured epic adventure that takes us through multiple locations with ease and aplomb. It effectively creates the air that this is undoubtedly James Bond’s world and we are just living in it. Beginning even before Adele’s stunning theme and with Mendes at the reigns, never has a Bond film been so visually engaging while still maintaining a real dry and no nonsense British wit to the entire film. Featuring some of the more visually stunning action sequences in recent memory not to mention the whole Bond canon, “Skyfall” creates an entertaining undercurrent that will shock the hardcore Bond fans out of their lull as their expectations and nerves get shattered. They will be on the edge of their seats for almost the entire runtime of the film, and if cinematographer Deakins doesn’t pull off an Academy Award for his work in this film, this critic may begin to lose faith in the entire process because he out does himself making one of the more beautiful pictures that has ever been lensed. In taking Bond to bold and exciting new places, Mendes almost brings the character back around for a reinvention capping off the work that had been done in “Casino Royale” and “Quantum of Solace” as Bond is once again a force for good that may cause him to bend, but will never break him in his search of justice. As Mendes and his team chiseled this sleek Bond adventure into reality, it never would have worked if not for the dedication of the entire ensemble cast that brings this adventurous character study about the man that is James Bond home to roost.
Daniel Craig settles into his groove in his third turn as Bond, encapsulating a vulnerable yet rugged man who will do whatever it takes for king and country, Craig makes him a 21st century man avoiding any camp in the role but always maintaining the highest levels of cool. Playing opposite him as the baddie this time around was the brilliantly understated Javier Bardem as Silva. There’s no way Bardem would have been able to play the role with intimidating bombast, instead going the other way with the role making him one of the creepier and therefore more relatable Bond villains ever put to screen, as his Silva had one goal which made him such a terrifying foe as his only goal was simple, yet very scary revenge against those he felt had done him wrong, and his entrance into the film was without a doubt one of the best revels of a cinematic villain, ever. The indomitable Judi Dench was her always stellar self as the only one source of reason who could even begin to reign in Bond’s unbelievable yet necessary braggadocio. Only Dame Judi would have been able to match Craig’s energy and she does so at every turn. The ensemble rounds out with the likable Ben Whishaw filling the shoes of quartermaster ‘Q’ along with Naomie Harris, Ralph Fiennes and Albert Finney filling out the cast in some very important roles, but the film really belongs to the dynamic trio of Craig, Bardem and Dench who bring it all home for some of the emotionally satisfying character work of all their careers.
The picture and sound quality on the Blu-Ray are simply first rate and the special features include over a dozen behind the scenes featurettes about the making of the film, two feature length commentary tracks featuring director Sam Mendes as well as producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson along with footage from the "Skyfall" premiere.
When all is said and done, "Skyfall" is easily a must own piece to any self respecting home video collection, as it is not only the best Bond movie ever made but one of the best action films ever made. It transcends the franchise.
5 out of 5 stars.
"Skyfall" is now available on DVD and Blu-Ray at video stores all across the country as well as via all on demand services. You can also find it for purchase at all major retailers like HMV, iTunes and amazon.ca.
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