Skyfall (Jo*****)

James Bond is undoubtedly the most enduring film series of all time. There is iconic appeal: women, weapons, thrills, it's not hard to understand why people have continued to return time and again. With Skyfall, the series has truly taken off, and though I haven't seen many of the Bond films, this is undoubtedly a great film, regardless of it being the 20th-something installment in the series.

Breathed new life by director Sam Mendes (of Oscar-winning American Beauty) the film takes a grittier approach, dealing less with the high tech gadgetry and fight scenes and focusing more on the man. The approach is similar to all Bond films, I imagine. A mind-boggling opening scene, the establishment of a new villain, and Bond's test in trying to find and conquer said villain.

And what a villain we have. Javier Bardem, another Oscar-winner known for his own take on iconic screen villains, plays Silva, a computer hacker with a homosexual flair and disregard for the law, entirely. Here is an actor at the top of his form, and following the recent Oscar win for Heath Ledger, it seems like even action movies can be recognized for their talent on screen as well as off.

Even Dame Judi Dench shines as 'M,' her recurring character. We spend much more time with her outside of headquarters, exploring her own persona as she travels with Bond. It is a reserved performance, but one that manipulates the audience at every turn and shines as a high point of the film.

Technically, this is one of the most effective films of the year. From art direction (ranging from WWII tunnels converted into government headquarters) to the music (Thomas Newman carries the Bond theme proudly and adds his own beautiful flair), the film comes together at all the right points. And Roger Deakins, of course. Always a nominee, never a winner. With his nomination for this film (I guarantee his nomination, which will be his 10th), he will continue his reign as the greatest living cinematographer in my mind. From the very introduction to Bond (see above) to the climax, which is an action scene shot in virtual darkness in the country until orange flames beautifully silhouette everything in sight, there is no doubt that this is the best-photographed film of the year. There is a clear evolution of color and image throughout the film, and even though it seems likely the Academy will overlook Deakins once again, this film would be a significant achievement for any photographer.

Forget The Dark Knight Rises or any of the other summer action movies from earlier this year. Skyfall ranks not only as the best action film of the year, but easily as one of the year's best, period.

(Awards potential: Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (Bardem), Best Supporting Actress (Dench), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Original Score, Best Sound Mixing, Best Sound Editing, Best Visual Effects)