Skyfall (score: 8.5)

Not knowing what went right with Casino Royale and what went so wrong with Quantum, Skyfall played it very safe. The plot is very average, borderline underwhelming. The villain has no grand plan, MI6 leader get grilled like a rude sales girl, and while beautiful, the 'symbolism' in the opening sequence is way too literal (burning shooting targets?). But not being a bad Bond that sticks to the formula is good enough for most people, including me; and the ridiculously beautiful cinematography, perfect casting, and breathtaking action sequences didn't hurt either.