5. James Bond (Skyfall)
James Bond was another returning household name last year, as another set of films were rounded off with Skyfall, the latest movie staring Daniel Craig as 007. However, this time round it was directed by Sam Mendes, a seemingly unusual choice as we remember this director for more independent films such as American Beauty and Revolutionary Road. The blockbuster series seemed to be something that, mixed with Mendes' style and knack for detail and character development, could only leave us with something extremely exciting and lasting. Much like the Batman conclusion, this movie was very much focused on the personal story of the man behind the gadgets and a Bond back story took centre stage as well as fulfilling its expectations in terms of dramatics and action. There's very little that you can say about James Bond that hasn't already been praised. However, again, like Batman, this set of movies strays away from the cheesiness of past adaptations and focuses much more on the characters and the ethical dilemmas they face. Mendes himself said that part of the challenge was making a movie that was deep and had some meaning and plot twist in it without sacrificing the staples of a bond movie. The sex is there. The gadgets are there. And, of course, the fast cars as there, along with M his faithful colleague. However, this time round it seems each of these things is taken into questioning as Bond and M both struggle in the face of the decisions and sacrifices involved with the job. Overall, I think the character now feels even more familiar and, like all fictional characters that we see return again and again, like part of our own circle of friends or acquaintances. This is something that Mendes adds: the more personal touch means we feel a lot more connected to Bond as a human being with similar emotions to us rather than just a caricature or a spy with weapons and fast cars. This was a movie to remember and also Britain I think has been left especially proud of this born and bred creation with, as ever, an enticing and thrilling James Bond.