Skyfallthe 23rd installment of the James Bond franchisewas the highest-grossing Bond film ever and the eighth-highest-grossing film of all time (not adjusted for inflation). It was the biggest film ever released in the UK. For many critics, director Sam Mendes' Bond was one of the most cerebral and most beautifully filmed offerings in the franchise. Fans also appreciated the ways in which Skyfall built on the Bond franchise but continued to pave a new direction forward. The elements that we know and love in any Bond filmthe recognizable opening action sequence, the emblematic opening song and titles, gadgets, excellent chase scenes, a stellar villain, a 'Bond girl,' and the global trekking of Bondwill, to some extent or another, be present in Bond 24. Skyfall used all of these recognizable Bond elements but notably modified a number of them, which perhaps led to the film's popularity with both critics and fans. We know a few things about Bond 24namely that Daniel Craig and Sam Mendes will returnbut many of the other casting and plot details remain murky. Even with these unknowns, we can use the aesthetic and commercial success of Skyfall as a barometer of things to come. So, let's take a moment to reflect on 9 lessons Bond 24 should learn from Skyfall. Please offer your comments on the directions that Bond 24 will take. I would be curious to hear your views. What's fun about the Bond films are the conversations that they inspire!