This week, it's all about Bond. James Bond, who turns 50 this year and celebrates with a loud bang. The
release of Skyfall represents the third outing for Daniel Craig, who completely inhabits the role with
confidence, down to earth realism, and surprising vulnerability. For this installment, after a mission
goes south, Bond is shot and presumed dead. Meanwhile, MI6 comes under attack as a new villain emerges
with a diabolical plan and 007 must operate off the grid to help save the agency and restore M's
reputation. While the plot mechanics may sound familiar, the execution is refreshingly new. Directed
by Sam Mendes, a British filmmaker who won an Academy Award for American Beauty, Skyfall embraces the
old while flourishing with the new. The action, the design, and the psychological drama are all top
notch, sophisticated within a real world context. One of the most engaging and complete Bond movies in
the series, Skyfall is as satisfying as a great martini. Shaken, not stirred.
