Big news coming out of London today. EON Productions threw a press conference today confirming details about Bond 23, cast, plot, and more. The film now being confirmed as Skyfall, will be directed by Sam Mendes and feature Daniel Craig, who is reprising his role as the famous James Bond, and Judi Dench as M, as well as newcomers Bérénice Marlohe, Naomie Harris and Javier Bardem (as the villain) in person, plus Ben Whishaw, Albert Finney and Ralph Fiennes confirmed. As far as the story goes, it will be a stand-alone story written by John Logan, Neal Purvis & Robert Wade.

So what happened to the Quantum, the villainous organization that is everywhere, having even infiltrated the inner workings of MI6? Well that isn’t explained, but we do know that it will be a stand-alone story and the title will have “emotional resonance.” This confirms that Bond won’t be grieving over the loss of Vesper nor will he continue having a vendetta against Quantum. It’s a whole new story, a clean slate, and I think that is what the Bond movie needs, especially after Solace was a bunch of incoherent nonsense. But here is more of the plot from the press release (via comingsoon)

In SKYFALL, Bond’s loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.

As for the additional characters, firstshowing reports that Bérénice Marlohe would be playing a “glamorous, enigmatic character called Severin,” while Harris is playing a field agent named Eve, possibly a person who may be involved in some big action sequences.

I’m glad that we can get away from the past two stories. Filming is expected to begin in Pinewood and then move to various locations that include Shanghai, Istanbul, the Scottish highlands, and of course London. Skyfall will be released first in the UK and Irleand on October 26th 2012 and in North America on November 9th 2012.

Skyfall - Cast/Crew: (Left to Right) - Javier Bardem, Bérénice Marlohe, Director Sam Mendes, Judi Dench, Daniel Craig, Naomi Harris, Producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson

Javier Bardem will take on Daniel Craig as the villain in this 23rd Bond Film - Skyfall

Here is the one sheet and trailer for the latest Liam Neeson film, Taken. The film revolves around a former spy Bryan ( Liam Neeson) who relies on his old skills to save his estranged daughter, Kim (Maggie Grace – from LOST), who has been kidnapped and forced into the slave trade. The film also stars Famke Janssen, Xander Berkelyy and Leland Orser.

The film is scheduled to be released September 19, 2008 and is directed by Pierre Morel and written by Luc Besson and Robert Mark Kamen.

I have to say the movie looks pretty badass! I like films where you see someone who will do what it takes to protect their family. John McClane was good at it and so was Jack Ryan. I like the idea of Neeson’s character being a retired spy and having to use his skills to get his daughter back. In the trailer the scene where he says, “Let them take you!” is awesome! Looks like a good movie and will be a good addition to the spy/suspense thrillers coming this fall throughout September to November. Oh yeah and Luc Besson writing it can’t be a bad thing either.