Spectre - Review

This fourth outing for Daniel Craig's Bond sees the famed spy investigate and uncover the truth behind terrorist organisation SPECTRE.

In true 007 style we are taken to a plethora of locations including Mexico, Italy, Austria and plenty more. While exotic sets may not achieve the same awe-inspiring reaction as they did in the early Bonds, all of the locations here not only look terrific but also fit perfectly into the themes of the narrative. This statement is no truer than in the films opening sequence, a five-minute scene based during the Day of the Dead festival in Mexico City. Themes of death, mystery, intrigue and power are all represented, setting the tone for the rest of the movie.

Worldwide locations are not the only regular feature in the Bond franchise. We've also come to expect exotic cars, beautiful women, perilous action sequences, a dastardly villain and, of course, gadgets galore. I'm thrilled to report then, that SPECTRE features all of this and more in its lengthy 140-minute runtime. The action scenes in particular steal the show here and are a breath-taking smorgasbord of vehicular chases, shootouts and explosions. After 23 previous entries, It is tough to do anything overly original with these scenes, but SPECTRE puts on an exhilarating show nonetheless. There are even nods to the high octane moments of previous 007 films with one scene in particular bringing back memories of On Her Majesty's Secret Service. With scenes like this, it's tough to think anyone will struggle to have plenty of enjoyment and nostalgic pleasure here.

The main villain in SPECTRE is played by Christoph Waltz, the double Academy Award winner who, with his roles in Django Unchained and Inglorious Basterds, has recently put in some of the finest performances in modern day Hollywood. Here, he plays the leader of the terrorist group SPECTRE and is, for much of the first half of the film, notable in his lack of screen time. It is a brave move to omit such an impactful actor for sections of the film, but this works in building up the mystery behind his character, turning him into somewhat of an enigma. His introduction to the film is a terrific one as he sits, head of a giant table surrounded by the followers of SPECTRE as they deliberate over the impending terror attacks across the world and discuss those that have gone before. His face is shrouded in darkness and the power radiating from him strikes fear in those awaiting his orders. This is one of the few scenes he is featured in during the early stages of the film and it is not until the latter stages where we truly solve the mystery behind his character. While it's commendable that the character is given time to develop as an enigma, the execution when he finally does receive ample screen time is somewhat anticlimactic. It's apparent that the strengths of Waltz aren't fully utilised and, while far from being an ineffective villain, his impact on the film is not as strong as it needs to be, nor as dominant as we are led to believe. Knowing how terrific Waltz can be makes this point all the more disappointing.

By now, many viewers will have made their mind up on their opinions of Daniel Craig as James Bond. While there are small factions that dislike his take on the secret agent, the general consensus is that he is one of the most successful to date. His turn in all three of his Bond entries has been impressive and consistent and little has changed here. Right from the off in Casino Royale he has certainly looked comfortable and, throughout his Bond career, has delivered one of the most intense and gritty versions of the character while still being capable of dispensing the charm and delivering the cheesy one liners. In SPECTRE, he effectively delivers his most traditionally styled Bond performance yet, showing he can adapt to whatever direction he is asked to take. Aside from Craig's performance, the other standout turns come from Ben Whishaw as Q and Naomie Harris as Moneypenny. Both are relatively new to the franchise and have done well to fit into their integral roles so quickly. Lea Seydoux effectively plays the traditional Bond girl, but in a more empowering way than the entries of old. Her story arc is impressive in it's simplicity to alter the main narrative and she is certainly one of the most assertive characters on screen, looking comfortable in her role from the off. At 30 years of age, her CV is full of depth and she demonstrates how talented she is here.

One of the main decisions that appear to have been taken in the development of SPECTRE is to make it more of a traditional entry into the franchise, something that Skyfall and Casino Royale shied away from. Skyfall in particular played out more in the style of a Bourne movie, stripping away some of the classic traits and instead opting for a darker, more brooding atmosphere coupled with, dare I say it, more realism. It's interesting to note that as the Daniel Craig films have progressed, so too have the similarities to Bonds of old. It's a logical progression when you think that this mini series in the franchise began with the origins of Bond and that we are now moving into the narrative streams that connect to the original films. This progression is no more evident than in SPECTRE and, needless to say, this entry is not similar to its immediate predecessors. Because of this, the film does feel void of much originality and, as mentioned earlier, trying to create a classic Bond film with new ideas after 23 previous entries is a nigh on impossible task. There is a feeling that SPECTRE does buckle under the weight of all of those entries before it and those going in expecting to see a direct follow up in the style of previous Craig films will be left with an overriding feeling of disappointment. That's not to say that using the tried and tested formula that has made Bond such a beloved character is a misstep, it's more the stark reliance on those classics make for a film that feels familiar and solid rather than fresh and exciting. Even the theme song, a marvellous track from Sam Smith, is delivered in a classic approach, which contrasts the Craig films before it.

In conclusion, SPECTRE is a hugely enjoyable film. Everything you have come to expect from the franchise is present and even those critical of the style will undoubtedly be engrossed by the exhilarating action. There is no doubt that the film in its entirety is not as accomplished as either Casino Royal or Skyfall, but, while comparisons will undoubtedly be made, this is a film determined to push the franchise back to more familiar ground and install itself in the annals of 007 history.