Skyfall? More like windfall!

From EW.com

It’s official — we have reached the era of the billion dollar Bond!

Sony announced today that Skyfall has surpassed the $1 billion mark at the global box office, becoming just the 14th film in history to reach the coveted milestone.

The 23rd entry in the James Bond series has shattered every record in the franchise’s 50-year history. Skyfall, which was produced by MGM, EON Productions, and Sony for $200 million, has earned $289.6 million in North America alone (including $4.6 million this weekend), clobbering the domestic record set by Quantum of Solace, which earned $168.4 million in 2008.

Internationally, Skyfall has been even more impressive. The film has amassed a jaw-dropping $710.6 million global haul, and it hasn’t even been released in China yet. (That’s slated for early 2013.) Not surprisingly, the film’s strongest market has been the U.K., where it has quickly become the highest-grossing film of all time and the first film to ever pass £100 million.

Remarkably, even if Skyfall‘s domestic grosses weren’t counted, its international tally would still make it the highest grossing Bond film of all time worldwide. The previous global high-point for a James Bond film was Casino Royale’s $599 million gross in 2006. Yep, Skyfall has earned over $400 million more than that.

Falling upward

There are other movies I have yet to review, but there was no way I was going to wait on this one. Waiting it seems is all I have been doing when it comes to James Bond lately. Fans like myself have eagerly anticipated the 23rd film, Skyfall. At the very least, we've been waiting at least four years since Quantum of Solace, but given the failures of that film, it's felt even longer since we've had a true Bond film.

Since taking over as 007, the Daniel Craig era has been a time of transition. Beginning with Casino Royale the origins of Bond and how he became the spy we've come to know have been developed. In this latest film, which also marks the 50th anniversary of the film franchise, there are questions as to the relevancy of this man. Has James Bond become too old or out of date in a new world of terror and threats? I think it's clear by the end of the film that while there is always a need for adapting to changing times, there is also something timeless about this character that is not only capable of still saving the world by giving audiences what they want.

As I mentioned earlier, the last film was a disaster in many ways, so I had a checklist of items that I wanted to see in this film in order for me to be satisfied that this franchise wasn't in trouble. Thankfully practically all of those items were accomplished. For example, Daniel Kleinman was brought back to create a proper title sequence after the visual eyesore that was seen in the previous movie. We also have a more traditional title song which actually includes the title in it thanks to British songstress Adele. And we also begin to see some longtime characters receive re-introductions. Ben Wishaw gives us a fresh take on Q, the man responsible for all of Bond's gadgets. I liked the back-and-forth he and Craig have in this film and while no one could ever replace the great Desmond LLewelyn, I look forward to see this Q in many more films to come.

Now in his third try, Craig gives his most comfortable and developed performance to date as Bond. He seems to have a clear sense of what he wants to do with the character. His take is uniquely his own while still being respectful of the character and the men who have played him before. While there's always going to be that damaged aspect of his character, I was so pleased to see him infuse more humor into the performance as well as reignite his appetite for women after pining over just one for the past two films

While Craig has a standout performance, this film is as much about M (Judi Dench) as it is about Bond. Her character, and mi6 as a whole come under heavy scrutiny after a hard drive containing a list of all agents, their current locations and real names is stolen. The amazing Ralph Finnes plays Mallory, a man who's asked to watch over M and help her clean up this mess.

We learn that the man responsible for the stole hard drive is a former agent named Silva, played by Bardem. Bardem, who won an Oscar playing the villanous Anton Chigurh in No Country for Old Men, creates a wholly different, yet still highly memorable bad guy here. He's equal parts crafty and creepy. The monologue he delivers upon first meeting Bond is one of the best scenes in the entire film.

There are several great scenes in this film though thanks largely to the great direction by Sam Mendes. He, along with cinematographer Roger Deakins, give us one of the most beautiful Bond movies ever. The use of rich colors, beautiful landscapes, and well choreographed action scenes make this film a visual delight. I would gladly have Mendes return for another entry if he's interested (Just as long as they never contact Marc Forster ever again).

If I have a complain about this film, it is that at times it does not necessarily feel like a Bond film. For instance, the story is rather insular. The villain's attacks are aimed at mi6 rather than toward the world at large. It doesn't really feel like Bond is saving the world this time. Also, the franchise still feels compelled to thematically and narratively borrow from other franchises. Not only are there traces of the Bourne franchise again, but this time I also felt that they were trying to replicate the success of The Dark Knight. Certainly there is worse material that they could be borrowing from, but with that said, I'd still like for them to be confident in their own franchise and stay true to what has made them successful for so many years.

I think most importantly is that the film has a terrific finish that is not only moving but without giving too much away, puts some key pieces in place that ends this transition stage and allows Bond to finally get back to business. The final scenes have me extremely excited for the next installment. Thankfully, we know that 'James Bond will return' and this time it will only be a two year wait.

Skyfall is a must see for both Bond fans and novices alike. For the purists, this is a great installment that more than makes up for Quantum of Solace and for the newbies out there, this works equally as well as a straightforward action flick that is likely to send your adrenaline soaring Sky high. Grade: A-

Sky high

In the meantime while you're waiting on my next James Bond retrospective, you can enjoy the latest trailer for Skyfall, which looks AMAZING. It's becoming increasingly difficult to contain my excitement for this film.

Sky falling, expectations rising

I can't believe this day is finally here. The first teaser trailer for the latest James Bond film, Skyfall just hit the web hours ago. Watch it below. I know I'll probably be watching it another 3 million times between now and when the film actually comes out this November.

The art of villainy

Slowly but surely we're getting information about the upcoming James Bond movie (due out next November). While a lot of it is speculation, there's one piece of news that has finally been confirmed. Actor Javier Bardem mentioned earlier this week that he will be part of the cast as a villain. The announcement came while he was being interviewed on Nightline. Here's exactly what he said:

"I am very excited, my parents took me to watch the movies, and I saw all of them, so to play that is going to be fun," he said about the James Bond film. "They chose me to play this man, but I cannot give you many details."

Now there has been speculation for some time that this latest Bond film will see the return of the classic villain, Ernst Stavro Blofeld. Could Bardem be the one who plays him? No word on that yet, but one thing is for sure, given his performance in No Country For Old Men, we know this guy can play bad very well. I'll be sure to keep everyone posted on the latest developments so as they say in television land, 'stay tuned'.