Movies we love... "Skyfall"  (2012)

Can't believe it's been four years since "Quantum of Solace," but we can report the wait for Bond 23 was worthwhile. "Skyfall" is quality entertainment in every respect from the Adele theme, to the use of such respectable actors as Judi Dench, Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes and Albert Finney. The amazing cinematography is deep and colorful, the music score gorgeous, and the story line is a virtual essay on the presence and nature of evil in the world, and on the inevitable darkness that visits the hearts of those warriors we send out to keep it at bay.

The heart of this story is "M" (Dame Judi Dench) who must face the consequences of past actions, the life and death decisions she has made in her years as director of British Intelligence Services. James Bond (Daniel Craig) too must confront personal demons as he takes on a new hobby... personal resurrection. Our villain (Javier Bardem) is frightening and psychologically complex.

Spanning the globe (as a good Bond movie should) with spectacular locations - Istanbul, Shanghai, Macau, lots of London, and finally the misty highlands and lakes of Scotland - this film is briskly paced and it continues to freshen the franchise. "Skyfall" and the two previous Daniel Craig outings have skillfully reinvented the 007 character, while at the same time paying homage to the entire Bond legacy from which it derives. Sam Mendes directs in fine style and has given us a new edition that shoots to the top shelf of the franchise. "Skyfall" is so satisfying that it leaves us wanting more. Please don't make us wait another four years.