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Created Nov 24, 2012 07:21PM PST • Edited Nov 24, 2012 07:21PM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   Very Good 3.5

   The eagerly awaited Bond installment is more storytelling than action, more persona than suave, more basics than gadgetry. To many, including me, this is a little bit of a letdown – but not a disappointment. There was still plenty chasing around, sultry women, a bad guy with a twisted personality, and the requisite Rolex – but all of those statements were more muted than expected. Instead, what was new was the back-story including more information about Bond’s beginnings, M’s frailties, and the next generation of Q and Ms Moneypenny – of course with nods to the 60’s legacy. One nice touch is the on screen commitment to future Bond films and the clear setup who they think the team will be. Definitely go see this film, just know that Bond pleases from a different angle than you might be used to.

4. Acting

   Very Good 3.5

   Daniel Craig hasn’t changed much in this film. Judi Dench was a dramatic powerhouse, and Javier Bardem hit his sweet spot as the twisted Silva. I was also visually impressed with the new Moneypenny Naomie Harris, and Ralph Fiennes makes a great addition to the team. Last, but not least, Ben Whishaw adds a light and humorous character to the mix as the new Q.

5. Male Stars Very Good 3.5

6. Female Stars Very Good 3.5

7. Female Costars Very Good 3.5

8. Male Costars Very Good 3.5

10. Film

    Very Good 3.5

11. Direction Very Good 3.5

12. Play Very Good 3.5

13. Music Very Good 3.5

14. Visuals Very Good 3.5
15. Content

16. Edge

    Risqué 1.6

17. Sex Titillating 1.6

18. Violence Fierce 1.6

19. Rudeness Salty 1.6

21. Reality

    Glib 2.0

22. Circumstantial Glib 2.0

23. Biological Glib 2.0

24. Physical Glib 2.0