Bond, more gritty, less girls

After the abysmal Quantum of Solace I was hoping for a return to a good old action packed, glamorous spy adventure and Skyfall delivers for most of the film but turns a little darker near the end before rounding off looking more like the Bond we all know and love.

Daniel Craig returns as 007 and is looking a little old in the tooth and this forms the backbone for the story. Someone is out to get M and this time both her life and career are at risk.

Skyfall feels like a deeper Bond film than we have previously ever seen and almost feels by the end like the makers are trying to wipe the slate clean to start afresh with the next instalment.

The photography is beautiful, sweeping skyscapes and colourful settings provide a great backdrop for the action.

Javier Bardem is a worthy Bond villain but I would have liked some more insane plotting or actions from him nearer the end. Naomi Harris, Ralph Fiennes and Judi Dench are all excellent and Ben Winshaw appears as the Quartermaster, looking old and young at the same time.

The franchise is definitely back on track and hopefully now will continue.