Regardless of whether you’re sulking or celebrating over the result of Obama’s re-election, as a nation we can still unite around the self-evident truth that James Bond is awesome. He is America’s favorite spy because he represents everything men want to be — smart, charming and dangerous. In addition, he has the style, good looks and accent to swoon even the most idealistic woman.

“Skyfall,” the 23rd Bond movie hits American theaters tomorrow. The film marks the 50th anniversary of the franchise and has so far received very positive reviews. Credit should be given to the family of producers, the Broccolis, who have allowed the franchise to thrive by keeping Bond relevant in the current era, while still maintaining the classic elements that make the movies so iconic.

Since 1962, Bond films have been thrilling audiences with their trademark over-the-top action sequences, eccentric villains and sexy hook-ups. These staples have made the series the second-highest grossing movie franchise in history, somehow falling short of a fragile wizard boy and his broomstick.

To keep Bond so popular, the Broccolis have diligently maintained the traditions that Bond fans hold sacred. One of these traditions is the stylized opening credit sequence that incorporates hints of romance and mystique. Skyfall will continue this tradition, featuring a specially recorded song by the iconic British singer Adele.

Of course, the most critical ingredient of any Bond flick is the inclusion of many heart-pumping action scenes. Fortunately, Director Sam Mendes has assured us in lieu of rumors that claimed otherwise, “Skyfall” will contain “a lot of action.” I’m sure he means along the lines of fist fighting on top of trains, but I’m also sure the movie will contain a good amount of the hotter kind of action that 007 likes to engage in while on duty. 

Keeping the British spy popular has required a number of key casting decisions, the most significant of late being the addition of Daniel Craig  as a darker and edgier Bond. This selection has helped provide the intense and realistic tones that modern audiences have come to crave from other blockbusters such as Christopher Nolan’s “Batman” trilogy. It has added a whole new dimension to the series and has given even the most learned Bond fan reason to get excited to see what’s next for 007.

Along with Craig, I think it’s hard to fathom anyone playing the role of M better than Judy Dench. The duo is able to brilliantly contain the classic charm of the old movies while adding a more sinister and more engaging atmosphere that is utterly captivating.

Besides ensuring that the films contain the perfect core cast, the Broccolis have also been willing to push the envelope in terms of storyline. For instance, Skyfall will feature 32-year-old actor Ben Whishaw as 007’s beloved gadget man, Q, who has been noticeably absent in the last two films. Whishaw is the youngest person ever to play Q and will bring a new attitude to the role. As hinted in the trailer, this new Q will provide 007 with a selection of more subtle and realistic gadgets, and likely poke fun at the outlandish gadgets of earlier Bond films.

Shifting toward realism has been triumphant for the series so far. The Bond we see now is far from the more romanticized agent of the past who went around fighting bad guys in a suit. We see Craig’s character get beaten and tortured. We love this because it shows a mortal side of Bond that we are not used to seeing. This transformation to more dynamic character is likely the greatest reason why our passion for Bond is still so much alive.

Our country has undergone a lot of change during the past 50 years. Through it all, James Bond has remained a constant form of beloved entertainment. Thus, we should embrace the 23rd installment as one of the rare pleasures in life that has always been there for us and recognize the brilliant producing, directing and acting that has made such a remarkable series possible.

Andrew is a sophomore in Engineering. He can be reached at [email protected].