Daniel Craig is back as 007
Sony Pictures

It’s been four years since Bond 22 was released, or as most of us know it, Quantum of Solace. However, time has been kind to our hero and the filmmakers who have spent it well, creating what is rapidly becoming known as ‘the best Bond movie ever’.

Daniel Craig returns as the lead for the third time and does the role justice even more than in the previous films. He shows a different side to the leading man, one that is starting to fear internally that age may be catching up with him.

Dame Judi Dench gives a fantastic performance as M, bringing the character into focus like never before. She shows 007′s boss as not only the authoritative professional we know her to be, but also as a slightly vulnerable, ageing woman. Proving herself to be the ultimate Bond girl, she steals the limelight from the younger female cast members, Naomie Harris and Bernice Marlohe, both of whom have much smaller roles than the usual leading ladies.

Javier Bardem plays the menacing baddie, Silva
Sony Pictures

The lack of a love story is probably due to the complexity and perfect execution of Javier Bardem’s role as villain Raoul Silva. A menacing presence from his first scene, Silva, unlike Bond, is a threat due to his intelligence and mental ability, rather than physical strength. His blond hair and Spanish accent – though an understated look for a typical baddie – is chilling enough regardless of it’s subtlety.

A more coherent story than some of those from the past, this movie, despite being a lengthy two hours twenty three minutes, never gets boring. The plot is easy to follow and enjoy, but isn’t overshadowed by the dramatic action scenes which are undoubtedly, some of the best ever. I only managed to devour half the box of popcorn I had bought due to the sheer intensity of the film. As the trailer shows, much of Skyfall is set in London and let’s just say, I’m glad I didn’t have to get the Tube home after my screening.

So, whether you go for the action, the chase scenes, the cars, or a topless Daniel Craig (ladies, I’m talking to you), there is something for everyone in this adrenaline filled spectacle. I can assure you, as someone who was not a particularly big Bond fan, it more than lived up to all the hype, and I too have now fallen for Skyfall.