Our favourite double agent returns with a thrilling instalment that isnt just a Bond movie, its a proper movie with character depth, heart-breaking moments and everything.
M (Judi Dench) is in trouble: shes lost a disc containing the identities of all her undercover agents, leading to hair-raising moments for 007 (Daniel Craig), whos charged with getting it back.
Theres incredible action, from train-top grapples in Istanbul, shoot outs in Shanghai and tube train chases in London. But we also see more of Bonds vulnerable side, which lends suspense as well as heart: youre never quite sure if hes going to win the fight.
As for Bond girls, Naomie Harris has a small but enjoyable role as a fellow agent (naturally, a beautifully-dressed one) and newcomer Bérénice Marlohe is supremely elegant as the seductive Sévérine even if shes equally underused.
Meanwhile baddie Javier Bardem steals every scene he's in.
Perhaps its more Bourne than Bond but this gives Quantum of Solace a good trouncing and, much like The Dark Knight Rises did for Batman, paves the way for a new direction.
Watch the trailer for Skyfall below
Skyfall is in cinemas from Friday 26 October
