Skyfall ***½

Sam Mendes directed this Action/Drama. Watch Preview. Cast: Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Dame Judi Dench, Naomie Harris, Berenice Marlohe, Ralph Fiennes, Albert Finney, Ben Whishaw, Helen McCrory, Ola Rapace, Tonia Sotiropoulou. Rated PG-13 for intense violent sequences throughout, some sexuality, language and smoking. Running time is two hours and twenty-three minutes.

Bond’s (Craig) loyalty to M (Dench) is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.

Action fans will get their money's worth with this film. This episode doesn't feature all of the gadgets and gimmicks we've become used to, but it does have some spectacular effects to keep us entertained. We see a lot more of Dench than is usual who is almost a co-star this time around. Barden is absolutely creepy as the psychotic villain while Craig seems a bit more human and not so much a superman. Albert Finney fans will only recognize him by his voice as his face is almost completely hidden by a beard. Pacing is very good although the film is unnecessarily long. I found myself checking my watch toward the end. I saw this in IMAX and think the enlarged and enhanced image a definite plus.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. A large screen will be definitely desirable. Theatres/Times. IMAX Times.