Skyfall (2012)

Silva’s master plan only works if he can predict a London subway train to the second, and the movie never blinks about it. Who cares. Javier Bardem gets the best villain entrance in the series, one long walking monologue about rats, and he’s creepy and funny at the same time. Daniel Craig plays Bond older, slower and hurt, which makes every punch land harder. Judi Dench finally gets to be the main character, and she’s terrific. Roger Deakins shoots a fight in a Shanghai skyscraper as two silhouettes against a giant glowing screen, and it looks like a painting. The last act turns into Home Alone with shotguns in the Scottish hills, which is a bit much. It made $1.11 billion worldwide. An 8.6 because it’s the rare Bond movie that’s actually about something, mostly getting old and who gets left behind. $209 says you call your boss M at least once this week and nobody laughs.

What works: Bardem’s unforgettable villain, Judi Dench getting a real story, and Roger Deakins’ stunning photography.

What doesn’t: Silva’s plan depends on a ridiculous amount of luck and timing, and the farmhouse finale feels small next to everything before it.

Who it’s for: Bond fans, plus people who think they don’t like Bond movies but love a good-looking thriller.