The Sunrise Theater begins the new year with "Skyfall," the latest (23rd) installment in the James Bond series of films that dates back to the 1960s.

The film stars Daniel Craig as the famous British secret agent, along with a stellar supporting cast that includes Oscar winner Javier Bardem, Ben Whishaw, Judi Dench, Ralph Fiennes, Albert Finney and Naomie Harris. The film is directed by Sam Mendes.

This action adventure film is rated PG 13 and will be shown from Thursday, Jan. 3, to Monday, Jan. 7, with shows weekdays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 and 7:30.

In "Skyfall," Bond's loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. Agent 007 (Daniel Craig) becomes M's (Judi Dench) only ally as MI6 comes under attack, and a mysterious new villain emerges with a diabolical plan.

James Bond's latest mission has gone horribly awry, resulting in the exposure of several undercover agents, and an all-out attack on M16. Meanwhile, as M plans to relocate the agency, emerging chairman of the Intelligence and Security Committee Mallory (Ralph Fiennes) raises concerns about her competence while attempting to usurp her position, and Q (Ben Whishaw) becomes a crucial ally. Now the only person who can restore M's reputation is 007.

Operating in the dark with only field agent Eve (Naomie Harris) to guide him, the world's top secret agent works to root out an enigmatic criminal mastermind named Silva (Javier Bardem) as a major storm brews on the horizon.

This film has received sensational reviews, with a 92 percent positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes and 88.2 percent on Movie Review Intelligence. Alynda Wheat of People notes that the film "establishes Daniel Craig as the only man who can rival Sean Connery as lord of the spies ... honors the Bond tradition and makes the spy feel totally relevant."

Peter Travers of Rolling Stone calls it "Bond like you've never seen him, almost Freudian in his vulnerability ... This time it really is personal." Iconic critic Roger Eber of the Chicago Sun-Times confesses, "I don't know what I expected in Bond No. 23, but certainly not an experience this invigorating ... This is a brand-new Bond with love and respect for the old Bond."

James Berardinelli of Reel Views provides some perspective on this film's place in the Bond cannon, noting that "Skyfall can take its place alongside 'From Russia with Love,' 'Goldfinger' and 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service' as the best Bond can offer." And Steve Persall of the Tampa Bay Times summarizes the critics by noting that the film "winds up going where no Bond movie has gone before yet remains rooted in 007's legacy ... makes you hope James Bond sticks around 50 more years."

The historic Sunrise Theater, located at 250 NW Broad St. in Southern Pines, is nonprofit.

Ticket prices are $7, with a $1 suggested donation toward the new projection system. Tickets are only available at the box office prior to shows. Refreshments, including popcorn, beer and wine, are available.

For information about this film or other cultural events at the Sunrise, call (910) 692-8508 or visit www.sunrise

theater.com.