Spectre (2015) | Film Review

Daniel Craig, apparently much to his own dismay based on recent interviews, returns for a fourth go-round as that roguish tramp James Bond in “Spectre”. Coming back for a sophomore run – with his flair for the more layered, dramatic take on the character – is “Skyfall” director Sam Mendes (it is a true rarity for this series to employ a returning director). Instead of our typical James Bond outing, where each film is a complete stand-alone adventure, Mendes and company instead crafted a direct sequel to “Skyfall” – engorge this as your subtle hint to rewatch that film before you hit the cinema for this one. The movie itself might even seem a bit like a heavy case of déjà vu for any fans of the most recent “Mission Impossible”, as “Spectre” has essentially the same plot. Seriously, it is almost exactly the same. Whoops.

This time around, Bond has received a secret message which leads him to the trail of a secret organization known as Spectre, and specifically on a course to cross paths with the mastermind behind it all, Oberhauser (the eternally typecast as villain, Christoph Waltz). All of this must be done in a most timely fashion, as a newly constructed global security organization – led by Andrew Scott’s aggressively cocky ‘C’ – is threatening to dismantle the 00 program, casting relics like James to the wind. Of course, he gets a bit of help from M, Q, and Moneypenny (Ralph Fiennes, Ben Wishaw, and Naomie Harris, respectively), as well as the daughter of a former Spectre member (Lea Seydoux) – but ultimately it all boils down to Old-School James Bond vs. The Modern World.

I have good news and bad news. The good news? When most of us walk into a James Bond movie, we want very similar things: Pulse-pounding action, exotic locales, gorgeous women, a few clever gadgets, and a martini…shaken, not stirred. For those fans, relax, you’re getting exactly what you want. Yet “Skyfall” brought with it an expanded fan base. A newly minted group of auteurs who were finally convinced to give the seemingly one-note Bond a chance due to the man BEHIND the camera. Instead of mirrored cars and volcanic super-lairs, here was a quality director giving Bond an Oscar-worthy story. For THOSE fans, does “Spectre” deliver again? Therein lies my bad news as the answer is no, not really.

The first two-thirds of “Spectre” lives up to “Skyfall” in large measure. Exciting, engaging, and wrapped up in a story worthy of an Oscar-caliber director. Then that bloated final act hits, and it suddenly becomes a Pierce Brosnan Bond flick. Cheesy fights, ridiculously long monologues where the villain must explain his plan just long enough to give James enough time to dispatch an entire army and escape, absurd sexual encounters – Hell, it almost slipped into Roger Moore territory at one point.

This isn’t a bad thing for me personally, and long-time Bond fans are going to smile from ear-to-ear at all of the nods to classic Bond, as well as this return to the ridiculous that “Skyfall” almost exclusively avoided. It’s just that those expecting a much more high-brow affair may be slightly disappointed at the reverting back to lesser material that might be perceived here. Oh well, slam a martini for your sorrows, because for the rest of us – “Spectre” is an absolute blast from the past!

Daniel Craig proves yet again why his casting was so perfect for the assassin…sorry, spy…that Ian Fleming created. His ice-cold, steely gaze strikes fear in the heart of any evil doer, and he is still the only Bond who feels like a true threat to anyone in his wake. His take does remain lacking in the quip department, but that’s not what Craig is here for. He was not cast to amuse you nor be your dancing monkey, he was brought in to shake up those memories of Brosnan and Moore, and instead stir your recollection of the BEST and most dangerous Bond of all, Sean Connery (Yea, I said it). To that end, Craig nails this role in spades.

Yes, “Spectre” is a bit long-in-the-tooth and the serious overtones from “Skyfall” and “Casino Royale” have given way to the more insane aspects of previous non-Craig Bond films, but is that such a bad thing? Weren’t these films all about building up to where Connery’s films began anyway? That’s how I see them, and that’s what “Spectre” has accomplished. I walked out of this film feeling completed, as though Daniel Craig’s potentially final interpretation of the most iconic spy in cinematic history has been skillfully wrapped up and delivered at my feet just in time for Christmas. Sure, there might be a few too many layers of paper and way too much tape, but it’s the gift I wanted regardless.

THIS is my Bond. My James Bond.

Aaron Peterson
The Hollywood Outsider