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Summary Skyfall, the 23rd film in the Bond franchise, opens in UK theaters on October 26.
James Bond is back and better than ever, according to early reviews on Friday, as the latest movie featuring Britains smooth-talking, martini-drinking super-spy soared with critics and audiences after an advance screening in London.Newspaper critics rushed to print and celebrities took to Twitter after seeing Skyfall, with many calling it the best Bond film in the franchises 50-year history.Reviewer Robbie Collin at British newspaper The Telegraph said director Sam Mendes Bond was comparable to Christopher Nolans darker, grittier Batman from the Dark Knight franchise.Mendes is unafraid to let the quieter dramatic moments breathe ... and ace cinematographer Roger Deakins makes the wildly ambitious action sequences the most beautiful in Bonds 50-year career, Collin said.Geoffrey McNab at the Independent gave Skyfall four out of five stars, criticizing the film for being occasionally ... repetitive. But he praised Mendes for throwing in far greater depth of characterization than were accustomed to in a series of films that are often proudly superficial.Skyfall, the 23rd film in the Bond franchise, opens in UK theaters on October 26 and in the United States on November 9. It is Mendes first time directing a Bond film. The British filmmaker won a best director Oscar in 2000 for American Beauty.The 22 Bond films have to date amassed $5.1 billion at the worldwide box office according to The-Numbers.com, which tracks box office performances. The last film, 2008s Quantum of Solace, grossed nearly $600 million globally.Skyfall, produced by privately held studio MGM, will be distributed in the UK by Sony Pictures Entertainment and in the United States by Columbia Pictures, both units of Sony Corp.Skyfall sees actor Daniel Craig return as the suave agent, on a mission to bring down a dangerous villain, played by Javier Bardem. Judi Dench returns in the role of M along with co-stars Ralph Fiennes and Ben Whishaw, while Naomie Harris and Berenice Marlohe became the latest Bond girls.Baz Bamigboye at the Daily Mail gave Skyfall five stars on Friday, calling it pure classic 007 fare, back on firm footing after the less than memorable Quantum of Solace.Reviewers on Twitter praised the explosive action scenes, Mendes directing, Denchs darker portrayal of M and Bardems turn at playing a Bond villain.British GQ magazine tweeted: Just seen skyfall. Daniel Craig is magnificent - you will not be disappointed. The Times film critic Kate Muir tweeted that she gave Skyfall five stars, calling it a return to classic form and a great British bulldog of a movie.BBC Radio 1s film critic Rhianna Dhillon tweeted: WOW You have a massive treat in store for you Dont want to review it on air in case I give anything away Its just so goodBritish comedian Graham Norton, who hosts a TV talk show on BBC 1, tweeted: Skyfall is perfection
