The Names Bond....
Spoilerific Spectre review.
So Spectre begins with James Bond on yet another rogue mission on the
tracks of a terrorist, this time in Mexico City. Despite James’ rogue missions
becoming a bit of a cliche this can easily be forgiven, as from the outset,
Daniel Craig oozes the same laconic style that has brome his forte. Even just
the sight of Bond walking along the Mexican rooftops shows how far ahead
Bond is in the league of cool, neither Ethan Hunt or Jason Bourne could hope
for such effortless style. The mission soon turns into a tense, action filled
chase through crowded streets and a visually stunning fight onboard a
helicopter.
So far so good, at this point we are treated to the latest Bond theme from
Sam Smith. Bond themes usually have the uncanny ability to become
awesome ear worms, however half way through the opening credits I
whispered “Worst Bond tune ever!” to my wife. Over reaction? Maybe. But,
certainly its not a standout in the modern Daniel Craig movies.
So we move on, as it turns out 007 was handed this mission by Judi Dench’s
“M”, who died in the last movie. This leads Bond on a trail that reveals the
mysterious organisation hinted at in both Casino Royale and Quantum of
solace and to reveal a shocking secret from Bond’s own past. If Im being truly
honest here, the reveal of Spectre as a global criminal enterprise does
genuinely feel like the Daniel Craig movies reaching their logical conclusion.
However, the head of Spectre being a person of interest from James’
childhood does feel rather crowbarred in. Where the rare glimpse into James’
past in Skyfall seemed natural, here it just feels an unnecessary motive to an
already great villain.
Here, we get to Christoph Waltz as out compulsory Bond villain. After a
laborious middle act, though it is full of car chases, fights and stunning Bond
girls; Bond meets his nemesis, Oberhauser. Who? Well Im certainly not going
to spoil a major reveal here, but this is where the film truly shines. Waltz
exudes a sinister, quiet energy that counters 007’s charm and heroism
perfectly. The first meeting of these opposing forces builds to tense climax.
Now, there is so much more I could say about the final act of Spectre amidst
a shadowy London. Are Naomi Harris and Ralph Fiennes used enough for my
liking? Probably not, but this is the Daniel Craig show, and rightly so the focus
stays on Bond saving the world and the girl.
To sum up, it’s difficult to talk about this movie without feeling it is the climax
of four throughly modern James Bond movies. As a big portion of my
childhood was spent watching Roger Moore and Sean Connery I would be
happy to say these comprise the best of Bond. While they have their faults,
consider this. This is, as far as I recall, the first real James Bond reboot (
meaning the first time the franchise was reset, and started over.) Also this is
the first time anyone has attempted a continuous arc throughout 007’s
adventures. As I alluded to earlier the Bond franchise has to compete with the
likes of Mission Impossible and the Bourne movies, but the Bond franchise
hasn’t just competed recently…it has thrived. Improving in quality, box office
takings and even character development.
As James rides off into the sunset in Spectre it’s easy to imagine this is
Craig’s last foray into the life of 007. Craig admits his body is racked with
stunt injuries. Hopefully it will give him some sense of achievement to know
he leaves the franchise in better shape than ever. Could any other Bond
actor make this boast?
Overall score 8/10
Would be more but for the muddled middle act.