Skyfall is just one long, increasingly boring display of moviemaking tricks, without a hint of plot or drama or character to be had anywhere. I could only imagine poor Ian Fleming turning over in his grave.

Skyfall is a smash hit, well on its way to being the biggest Bond film of the modern era. But what does it mean and where does it fit in the Bond canon and the current scene?

I love a great movie. Skyfall is a great movie. It's nuanced, complex and truly thrilling. Plus it's a James Bond film to its core.

The Bond film franchise returns to celebrate its 50th anniversary with Skyfall. Daniel Craig is the best actor to play Bond. He is highly credible in the action sequences, while bringing depth, darkness, decency and a dry humor to the role.

It's not exactly clear if the character of James Bond was Fleming's idealized image of himself or a composite of people he came across during the war. There are, however, certain tastes and characteristics shared by the character and Fleming.

While there have been some real clunkers among the Bond films, especially during the the charming but not all that nice version played by Roger Moore, the series has endured through generations of fans, with its 24th film coming up.

Exotic locations, fast cars, beautiful women, and crazy gadgets are the excitements in today's cinematic thrillers -- whether they be spy-oriented, crime adventure, or a suspense mystery.

It's disappointing that Hugh Hefner: Playboy, Activist and Rebel isn't a better movie. Not that it's a bad one. But, were cable standards a little less skittish, it would fit right in on the Biography channel.

What can you say about a 50-year old movie? If it's by Alfred Hitchcock, and it's a classic of suspense, humor, and style, and it's influenced the best series on television, Mad Men, quite a lot.