No Time To Die : All 5 Daniel Craig James Bond Films Ranked
3. Skyfall
Skyfall is the most successful James Bond film to date, and for good reason. The pre-credits scene is one of the best outright, the action is fresh and exciting, but the cast is its core success.
Daniel Craig himself delivers a commendably understated performance, Judi Dench's M is perfect in what was designed to be her character's swansong after nearly twenty years (she did reprise the role afterwards), and newcomers Naomie Harris and Ben Whishaw suitably fill the roles of traditional 007 supporting characters - the very presence of these latter two characters is a testament to Skyfall's respect for its ancestors. And villain Silva, of course, is played to maniacal perfection by Javier Bardem.
In spite of all this, the story, cast, style, fan service, Skyfall doesn't quite work on every level. Admittedly, seeing Daniel Craig drive the Aston Martin DB5 to the backdrop of the classic 007 theme, and witnessing the death of Judi Dench's M was spine-chillingly affecting moments. Yet Bond himself doesn't actually achieve much at all in the film, and the decision to allegorise series history and question Bond's relevance in this day and age just seems demotivating after a fresh start with Casino Royale a mere two films earlier.
Skyfall more than works as an action movie, but has a confusing message both putting itself down and paying tribute to itself.