60
While director Sam Mendes, aided and abetted by a crack technical team, delivers big-screen action with panache and style, something about this Bond feels a little off.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
88
The Globe and Mail (Toronto) by James Adams
Skyfall is one of the best Bonds in the 50-year history of moviedom's most successful franchise.
80
New York Daily News by Joe Neumaier
Though a notch below "Royale," Skyfall follows that reboot's lead, making a now 50-year-old icon as cool as when he began.
80
Skyfall is pretty much all you could want from a 21st Century Bond: cool but not camp, respectful of tradition but up to the moment, serious in its thrills and relatively complex in its characters but with the sense of fun that hasn't always been evident lately.
100
The Daniel Craig era comes of age with a ballsy Bond that takes brave chances and bold risks. Guess what? Turns out you can teach an old dog new tricks.
83
The Playlist by Oliver Lyttelton
Best of all is the bad guy. Javier Bardem was always a tantalizing choice to play a Bond villain, and his Silva is a terrific creation, and certainly the most memorable villain in the series in decades.
100
Putting the "intelligence" in MI6, Skyfall reps a smart, savvy and incredibly satisfying addition to the 007 oeuvre, one that places Judi Dench's M at the center of the action.
90
The Hollywood Reporter by Todd McCarthy
Dramatically gripping while still brandishing a droll undercurrent of humor, this beautifully made film will certainly be embraced as one of the best Bonds by loyal fans worldwide and leaves you wanting the next one to turn up sooner than four years from now.
60
All of which works terrifically well up to a point.
Skyfall is widely considered Craig's best outing as Bond, and for good reason. Unlike previous Bond films, Skyfall shakes up the formula by taking James off his A-game. He's not the spy he once was, and the years of injury and trauma are starting to show. In addition, Skyfall gives audiences their first look into Bond's past, shedding some light on the circumstances that created this iconic character. Judi Dench's M shines in this installment, as her maternal relationship with Bond is brought to the forefront. Overall, the glimpses into Bond's backstory, his struggles to get his edge back, and his connection with M make Skyfall the most personal James Bond story to date.