Matisse van Rossum’s review published on Letterboxd:
It's been a really long time since I've watched a James Bond film. Probably the last time before this that I saw one was when Casino Royale came out. But I was raised on the Sean Connery Bond films, so it's safe to say that James Bond is a pretty big part of my childhood.
I didn't go see Skyfall in theaters, because I never saw Quantum of Solace because of how terrible it supposedly is, but I kept telling myself that I would watch it first, before I saw Skyfall. Well, I didn't, and last night around midnight I finally decided to bite the bullet and watch Skyfall. And boy, was it worth it. I didn't miss anything from not seeing Quantum of Solace and I got to go on a cool, suave, action-packed ride. Having been so long without seeing a Bond film, it's kind of hard for me to compare Skyfall to others, like so many people are doing in their reviews, but one thing I can definitely agree with is that it's a near perfect Bond adventure.
Although Sean Connery will always and forever be the true Bond in my heart, Daniel Craig is utterly convincing and doesn't feel out of place in the role. He looks right at home, both performing feats of daring and coolly sipping a martini. But for me, the real showstealer of Skyfall is Javier Bardem as Silva. Bardem is a master at portraying an imposing villain, and you can tell in his gleeful performance that he enjoys what he does. Though Silva is a slightly more unorthodox Bond villain, his motives keep the story fresh and exciting. Judi Dench is marvelous as well in her roll as M, but to be perfectly honest, this character always grates on me a little bit. The supporting cast is strong as well, with several new editions bringing their presence to the James Bond universe.
Skyfall is the perfect blend of the fantastic action sequences we expect from a Bond film and more intimate, personal moments, grounded in reality. The dialogue stumbles at times, but not enough to leave a lasting impression. It's an excellently directed film, and the pacing is consistent enough that it never feels too long, despite its two and a half hour run time. Overall, it made me nostalgic for the early days of Bond, so I think one of these days I'm going to have to have a Sean Connery marathon. But it also made me excited for what the future has in store for 007.