Bond, James Bond. The 23rd movie (we ignore the original David Niven & Peter Sellers version of Casino Royale) is one that a lot of fans were not sure would ever be seen after MGM Studios filed for bankruptcy in 2010.

Daniel Craig is back as Bond for the third time. The latest incarnation of Bond is a lot grittier and more action packed than in the old films which is an interesting change, but one that is welcome. DC really brings a lot of his Layer Cake character to his role in these new films, and there is nothing wrong with that.

The new film, Skyfall, starts with chaotic chase scene through (and over the rooftops) of Istanbul. The action and intensity of the first 10 minutes are a great setup for the rest of the movie, no spoilers here though.

Dame Judy Dench reprises her role as M and does another outstanding job. She is a lot more front and center in this movie than she was in either Casino Royale or Quantum of Solace, and this is a good thing. She brings a level of gravitas to each and every scene she is in. From an actress of DJD’s stature you would expect a powerful performance, and she delivers in spades.

As great as Dame Judy was she takes a back seat to Javier Bardem in the film. JB plays Silva, the bad guy. No more about him, like I said before, no spoilers. Suffice to say that JB completely owned every single scene that he was in. It was a perfect performance, on a par, if not better than his acting as Anton Chigurh in No Country For Old Men.

Hands down, Javier Bardem is the BEST Bond bad guy to grace the screen. Wonderfully written and amazingly acted.

Is this a perfect movie? No.

Is it worth going to see? Absolutely, yes! It is fun and action packed almost 2 ½ hours.

Is it the best Bond movie of all time? Quite possibly, it is difficult to think of one better.