Skyfall

James Bond is back with a new attitude and a new director. Superfan (and Oscar winner) Sam Mendes takes the helm of the 23rd incarnation of the agent provocateur, 007. Daniel Craig is back as the secret agent, and his image is becoming the gold standard for Ian Fleming's iconic character. Pierce Brosnan, Timothy Dalton, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, and even Sean Connery just don't seem to fill the suit after Craig has taken over as the "blunt instrument" as Dame Judi Dench's M so eloquently put it.

No, this is Bond 2.0. The James Bond that doesn't just get the girl and save the day using badass technology, he's the Alpha male of the pack. He's tough and knows how to get the job done. He's let off his leash to do the dirty work of MI6, and is often the scapegoat in the process.

That said, I have been expecting a lot out of this film. Ever since Sam Mendes was revealed as the new director, I had high hopes. Mendes is probably best known for American Beauty in 1999, but he also did a remarkable job with Road to Perdition, Jarhead, and Revolutionary Road (huge critical disappointment, but a beautiful portrayal of the Yates classic). I honestly can't imagine why a director wouldn't want to do a Bond film, especially considering what is possible with technology today; special effects, geopolitical maelstroms, economic collapse, etc. The jams that James could get in are innumerable. The love for the character is practically universal. It's no wonder that Mendes took the bait.

The plot plays out conservatively; following the formula that has been successful for 22 other films. the opening sequence sets us up for the drama. In this case, Bond is "killed" while trying to rescue a computer drive containing the names of all NATO secret agents embedded with terrorist organizations. A terrifying thought if such a list truly exists.

Upon his resurrection, he hunts the man responsible, who is conveniently independently wealthy, with intricate knowledge of his opponents, who has a specific grudge that will dictate his insane actions. Along the way, Bond beds a beautiful exotic woman who is later killed, and he ends up setting the record straight about himself, and in the process saves the world. I couldn't have written it simpler myself.

And that's the problem. Daniel Craig is a superb Bond. He is charismatic, violent, rugged but confident, and unassuming. He fits the mold perfectly for a realistic incarnation of a British secret agent. The problem is that he seemingly does the same song and dance every time and it doesn't ever change. It doesn't ever get old either though. It's just plain fun. Seeing what the writing team comes up with for gadgets, capers, and special effects-laden action scenes is half the experience.

The other half is the bad guy. Javier Bardem brings his No Country for Old Men game as Silva, the gay, computer genius, former spy villain. He has terrible hair, a creepy set of dentures, and a peaceful yet vindictive agenda that makes him even more terrifying than if he were just plain mean. Of course he spends exorbitant amounts of resources on the most miniscule of plans, but he wouldn't be a James Bond baddie without that, so you can't fault the guy.

In my opinion, this may be the best Bond ever, and there are several reasons, all of which I invite debate. First of all, Daniel Craig portrays the character in the most effective way of all the actors who have held the title (and I am so glad that Clive Owen wasn't chosen). Javier Bardem brings a depth to the bad guy that is usually glossed over by the antagonist. He is frightening while being unassuming at the same time. A rare feat for any villain in any film (or story). You're never thinking that he's actually going to go full psycho, but you secretly know that he could at any time. Kind of like Hopkins in Silence of the Lambs, but to a lesser degree. Thirdly, Mendes is subtle with the cliches. He stays away from fun gadgets, Aston Martins (mostly) and womanizing. Instead, he sets the table for subsequent films that no doubt are in the works (Craig has signed on for 2 more - next out in 2014. No official word on Mendes' involvement).

Newcomers Albert Finney and Ralph Fiennes also add to the star power and story-building core. In many of Bond films past, actors are one and done. I have a feeling we will see some of these guys for the next 2 films as well. I'm just hoping for an appearance by Jeffrey Wright's Felix Leiter in the next ones as well. The girl is less of a factor in the film (and honestly, not supermodel caliber), but she is more believable as the type of woman who would jump right in bed with a stranger, so it fits with the storyline more flawlessly as a sidebar and less of a plot point. Hey, at least it isn't Denise Richards.

What it lacks in excitement, it makes up for in familiar comfort. It's a safe action film that gets the job done. I can't say I wasn't a bit disappointed, but I may have been setting the bar too high. You know you're going to see it, it's James Bond. 8/10.