The 23rd installment in the James Bond movie series, Skyfall, is slated for an October 26 release in the United Kingdom, and a November 9 worldwide release date, but critics are already praising the movie as one of the best recent Bond movies. Its action-packed scenes and director Sam Mendes' take on the classic spy franchise seems to worked out better than the previous Bond movie, Quantum of Solace.
"Whatever parallels it shares with the Bourne series or Nolan's astonishingly realized Batman saga, "Skyfall" radically breaks from the Bond formula while still remaining true to its essential beats, presenting a rare case in which audiences can no longer anticipate each twist in advance. Without sacrificing action or overall energy, Mendes puts the actors at the forefront, exploring their marvelously complex emotional states in ways the franchise has never before dared," writes Peter Debruge in Variety.
"Putting the "intelligence" in MI6, Skyfall reps a smart, savvy and incredibly satisfying addition to the 007 oeuvre," he adds.
Todd McCarthy from Hollywood Reporter writes, "Dramatically gripping while still brandishing a droll undercurrent of humor, this beautifully made film certainly will 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."
A quick look at other reviews from around the internet show a similar reception.
"Skyfall is the perfect way to commemorate 50 years of Bond on the big screen. It's the best in the series." - Daniel Krupa from IGN.
"It's outlandish fun, dramatic and exciting, too - pure entertainment with a capital E." - Graham Young from the Birmingham Mail.
Some critics, however, did find some faults with movie.
"All of which works terrifically well up to a point. Except that Skyfall then falls prey to a common failing of many 50th birthday bashes: it allows sentimentality to cloud its judgment and loosen its tongue. In so doing, it risks blowing James Bond's cover for good," writes Xan Brooks from The Guardian.
Some other reviews did mention that the two-and-a-half hour runtime might wear audiences down a bit.
Skyfall stars Daniel Craig in his third James Bond movie and Javier Bardem as the main villain, Raoul Silva. Judi Dench reprises her role as M, and Bérénice Marlohe plays Bond girl Severine.
Will you be catching the latest Bond flick in theaters this fall?
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