Motorcycle chases on a roof, assassinations in a Shanghai skyscraper, exploding helicopters in Scotland and an exotic, vulnerable, but strong woman –– this is a Bond thriller at its best.

Daniel Craig shines in “Skyfall,” the 50th anniversary of Bond films, making up for a lackluster performance in the preceding movie, “Quantum of Solace.”

“Skyfall,” released Nov. 11, has broken the record for the best box office weekend take for any Bond film in history, making $87.8 million in the U.S. alone. It also foreshadows some storylines in the movies ahead by introducing a new M and a cast of other characters for the next Bond film.

Like most James Bond movies, Skyfall’s plot moves quickly. It centers on a conflict between the villain, an ex-MI6 agent named Silva, and M, Bond’s superior in MI6. Silva (Javier Bardem), attempts to exact revenge on M for leaving Silva to die years before. It falls to Bond to thwart Silva, save M and maintain the integrity of the agency.

Bond’s adventure leads him through incredible scenery, ranging from bustling cities to the Scottish countryside. He ends up in Turkey and Shanghai, on yachts and mountainside roads, and finally his childhood mansion, named Skyfall.

For those expecting hot and heavy romance, Skyfall might disappoint. Bond does meet his Bond Girl (Bérénice Marlohe), but the producers stray away from the long, strewn out sex scenes of previous movies. But Marlohe eventually proves to be instrumental in Bond finding Silva.

As with many Bond movies, the main attractions aren’t just the actors but the high-tech guns, special effects and automobiles. Bond obtains a Walther PPK handgun activated only by his touch, crashes a helicopter while blowing up his boyhood mansion, and uses the classic Aston Martin DB5 to decimate an enemy squadron.

“Skyfall” holds its own as an enthralling, clever and suspenseful embodiment of the Bond saga. For anyone looking to see an exciting, action-packed film, “Skyfall” is your best bet.