*This review contains no spoilers*
"A cryptic message from Bond's past sends him on a trail to uncover a sinister organization. While M battles political forces to keep the secret service alive, Bond peels back the layers of deceit to reveal the terrible truth behind SPECTRE."
James Bond Will Return. And yet again he did. For the 24th time to be precise. As the critically acclaimed box office mega hit Skyfall (2012), Spectre is directed by Sam Mendes. Daniel Craig is back for the fourth, but most likely not for the last, time as the titular hero James Bond. Previously introduced characters making recurring appearances include Q, Moneypenny, M and Mr. White. Connections make Spectre fascinating as it unites all of Craig's previous films in an appropriate way. One could feel it is underlining the connection a tad too much but that's a matter of personal taste.
When the new
era of Bond films began in 2006 the strength was not in gadgets, jokes or over
the top schemes but in sheer style, brutal action and grand acting. Spectre
continues the tradition and also adds a bit of goofiness to the mix. For the
most part it works but every now and then the sense of real danger is not
present. It leaves you wanting more. Considering the stretched run-time,
director could have reached perfection by changing or altering few scenes to
make the threat more menacing.
Throughout the history Bond movies have always reflected on their time and
people. Spectre makes no exception. Story deals with current world wide topics
while equality plays a large part. Women are portrayed not as damsels in
distress but as smart, strong and capable persons. One of the main reasons why
the new Bond films attract more people than ever before: they don't
underestimate a person based on their gender.
Sam Mendes' stylish and confident direction is at display in Spectre. The
beginning is breathtaking action film-making and the train brawl makes your
heart beat faster than you could imagine. Spectre includes plethora of
beautifully directed scenery. It lacks a bit of Casino Royale's (2006) tight
and witty direction but Mendes' purpose was to make Bond more vulnerable and
that's where he succeeded.
Daniel Craig gave his best performance as Bond. He's grown for the role over the years and has been giving us a secret agent we could believe in. Supporting cast are given more time to develop and they breathe life in to their characters. This rare new aspect of a Bond film ultimately pays out and fits in the new rebooted Bond. But what about the villains? Spectre presents us physically and intellectually intimidating antagonists who will be remembered as classic Bond villains but unfortunately are not given enough actual screen-time to develop.
Spectre's sceenplay is great even though a little predictable. But it's not always about surprises, right? Story keeps you interested and you care about the characters. Also there are no excessive parts in the story, in its characters or even in the action. Strictly grounded. More believable. More effective.
All things considered Spectre meets the enormous expectations set to it and doesn't disappoint as a whole. Audiences are given a modern Bond filled with nods to the past Bond films. Spectre's flaws are outweighed by its virtues making it a strong entry in the long running series.
4+ out of 5 Vodka Martinis. Shaken, not stirred.
