“Spectre” takes most of the best elements of “Skyfall” and connects them with the mysterious organization behind the plots of “Casino Royale” and “Quantum of Solace” to create an excellent James Bond film. There are a few moments or characterizations that could have been more developed. Overall, though, this is an entertaining and engaging movie.
“Spectre” follows Bond as he investigates the titular organization with the help of Q, Moneypenny and a new M played by Ralph Fiennes. Bond discovers Spectre’s plans and learns that it’s run by Franz Oberhauser, the son of the man who adopted him.
One of the charms of “Spectre” is that it’s the first Bond film starring Daniel Craig in which the universe is fully formed. This is reflected in the fact that this is the first Bond film since “Die Another Day” where the famous “gun barrel sequence” opens the film. This signals to the audience that the world building of “Casino Royale” and “Skyfall” has ended and the cast, writers and director Sam Mendes can have fun in the universe they have created.
The filmmakers show their confidence in their material from the first shot, a spectacular long take in Mexico City. There’s a car chase in Rome that’s as playful and entertaining as any I’ve ever seen. The fight between Bond and a memorable henchman played by Dave Bautista on a train is a great combination of the visceral and the elegant.
The references to Craig’s past films as Bond make this film richer. The community of allies he has acquired humanize him and revealing Quantum to be a part of Spectre is a fun twist. There is even a reference to Felix Leiter, a CIA agent who appeared in Craig’s first two films as Bond.
“Spectre” also improves on the franchise’s treatment of women. Two of the most complex and intelligent women in the recent Bond films — Vesper Lynd and M — died in “Casino Royale” and “Skyfall” respectively. “Quantum of Solace” indulged in the unfortunate trope of killing off a love interest for no reason. Not only do both Bond girls in “Spectre” live, but the one played by Léa Seydoux is strong and intelligent.
Craig gives another excellent performance as Bond. Ben Whishaw is hilarious as Q. Naomie Harris does not get material that is as good as what she had in “Skyfall,” but her performance is still charming.
Christoph Waltz’s part, Oberhauser, is a little underdeveloped. Waltz is a great actor, but he doesn’t get as much screen time as he should have. He manages to do a lot with a little, such as when he conveys his hatred for Bond through the way he spits out the word “brother” during a monologue about their shared history.
As a longtime fan of James Bond films, I enjoyed “Spectre” a lot. It captures the tone of the best Bond films and has some great set pieces. I look forward to the time when I can see it again.
Jesse Pasternack
