The Single Greatest Thing In Each James Bond Movie

Skyfall stands tall among the James Bond pantheon as one of the very finest films the series has ever given us - possibly even the finest. The reason for this is that it's a very similar case to Goldfinger: it's got such a brilliantly crafted screenplay.

Skyfall is exceptionally well-paced, it has an extraordinary villain (a mesmerizing Javier Bardem) who feels like a dark mirror to Bond himself, it movingly explores the relationship between Bond and M (the great Judi Dench), and there's a real sense of humanity and pathos that most other Bond films don't necessarily have.

Bond and M's arcs - he recovers from a near-death experience and she faces her age and the mistakes of her past - are just incredibly well-scripted and really pull you right in. And of course, it concludes with that devastating emotional wallop at the end.

Just as importantly, it's also got the glamour, humor and exhilarating action we all want from a Bond movie, so the film succeeds with flying colors on that front too.

Skyfall is not only the best fiftieth anniversary film we could've asked for, but it's a strong reminder that good writing always matters - even in a series as over-the-top as this one.

Oh, and the lead villain's scheme to escape from MI6 custody isn't quite as ridiculous as you remember either.