Released on the 50th anniversary of the James Bond films, “Skyfall” is simultaneously one of the series’ most rousing entries and one of its most vexing.

Delayed several years by studio bankruptcy, Daniel Craig’s third 007 outing doesn’t sustain its high points as elegantly as the magnificent “Casino Royale,” but it is miles better than the ADD-afflicted “Quantum of Solace.”

In many ways “Skyfall” is the movie “Quantum” should have been, particularly in the way it ends. The final scene of “Quantum” reiterated the final scene of “Royale” – the new guy is James Bond now! – but the final scene of “Skyfall” gives the series room to grow. The deck has been cleared, the table reset.