When I was a teenager, I loved the James Bond films. Loved 'em. Whenever I could, I would go to the video store and pick up whatever was available. I saw most of them out of order. I actually started with Roger Moore – Live and Let Die, it was – making him, for me, the original and preferred Bond, which is sacrilege to those diehard Connery fans. Then years passed, and I didn't watch any of the films, until Casino Royale came out several years ago, and then I went on another Bond hiatus – until last year. Last year marked the 50th anniversary of the series, and it was marked by the release of Skyfall, which came out on the same day as the first film, Dr. No. I decided it was time to get serious – and so, over the course of several months, I sat and watched the entire James Bond series, start to finish. It was, frankly, awesome. (For my analysis of the series as I try to answer the question, Who exactly is James Bond?, click here.)
At the end of it all, Skyfall was, indeed my favorite. While Bond is on hiatus following his presumed death, MI6 is attacked. Bond returns, and though he is in no shape to go in the field, M sends him out to investigate. Turns out it may be ghosts from M's past come to haunt her. This film is an exciting turning point in the film series, as everything comes together in the final scene, which, I have to admit, made me literally giddy to witness. There will be more. Bond will return.
For now, you can catch Skyfall tonight, Friday, in a free screening at the Iroquois Amphitheater, located at 1080 Amphitheater Road. The movie starts at 8:00. Complete information about all the happenings at Iroquois Amphitheater can be found at the venue's official website.
Image: Internet Movie Database
