Vatican endorses "more human" James Bond in `Skyfall`

Los Angeles: James Bond has got a rare approval by Vatican with its official newspaper L`Osservatore Romano praising `Skyfall` and its hero 007 for being "less of a cliche".

The paper dedicated a full spread to the Sony and MGM movie in its Wednesday edition, ahead of the film`s opening in Italy. The only other full page spread was about the 500th anniversary of the inauguration of the Sistine Chapel, the Hollywood Reporter said. Reviewer Gaetano Vallini wrote that this Bond -- Daniel Craig`s third outing -- is "less of a cliche, less attracted by the pleasures of life". Vallini noted that the character is "darker and more introspective" and because of this, "he is more human, even able to be moved and cry." The newspaper included four other stories about `Skyfall`, including an interview with Craig and an article explaining why author Ian Fleming came to select the name James Bond. Directed by Sam Mendes, `Skyfall` opens in India today. In the film Bond`s loyalty to his boss M (Judi Dench) is tested when her past comes back to haunt her. Oscar-winner Javier Bardem stars as the antagonist. PTI