It took me a moment to process what appeared on the movie screen before me. This year is the 50th anniversary of the first James Bond movie. For those who might not know, it was Dr. No back in 1962. My most vivid memory of a James Bond film was Thunderball. It was an evening showing and my parents took me to a classic movie palace. Washed in a white glow, the terra cotta building had a colorful marquee with the theater’s name flashing above in small twinkling lights. Inside there were onyx colored marble walls with a row of brass torcheres topped with an orange glow, standing like sentinels down the long hallway. Sitting in red velvet seats, the three of us felt regal as we watched the exciting movie. After all these years, I felt the same excitement while watching this new Bond movie. Daniel Craig (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Defiance) was outstanding this time around, playing an older and wiser James Bond. When a computer drive, filled with the secret identities of every British Agent, was stolen; James discovered a bigger plot was in play that personally affected M, played by Judi Dench (J. Edgar, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel). The surprise for me was Judi Dench; her role was rich and deep. Add in her steely blue eyes, perfect diction and brilliant acting skills; this was the best M portrayal I have ever seen. The script played tribute to the Bond heritage, allowing sly humor to filter in between the well choreographed action. One could see Javier Bardem (The Sea Inside, No Country for Old Men) relished playing the high tech villain Silva, making the character memorable. When one goes to see a James Bond movie, there are certain things that are just a given: explosive action, high tech weapons, witty dialog, elegance and hand to hand fights. No one would be disappointed by this thriller. Granted the story was far fetched but that goes with the territory. After all these years for a James Bond movie to still excite me was amazing. The character has gotten better with age, allowing a new generation of viewers to come on board. Years from now these new fans should easily remember the time they saw their first James Bond movie. Scenes with violence and blood.

3 1/3 stars