Premiering in London on October 26, 2015 - the 24th James Bond film is, in a word, underwhelming.
Its immediate predecessor, "Skyfall" was a critical darling, and a smashing success – earning
over a billion dollars worldwide to become the most successful entry in the 50-year-old
franchise.
And, perhaps more important to the context of this review, it's also my favorite "Bond"
picture.
Then, there's "SPECTRE" – which despite returning director Sam Mendes' best efforts,
is ultimately a disappointment.
With its massive budget reportedly close to $300 million, this is one of the most expensive
movies ever produced – and with the daunting scope of action and locations, it's easy to
see why.
I mean, Bond does more globe-trotting in the PG-13 rated film than Carmen San Diego.
Fortunately for MGM studios, it still earned almost $900 million at the worldwide box office.
The action thriller sees Daniel Craig – returning for his fourth outing as the suave British
secret agent – tracking down clues to uncover the mystery behind a sinister organization.
After opening with the trademark gun-barrel sequence (returning to the start of the film
where it rightfully belongs) – we're treated to a wonderful single-camera move that winds
through Mexico City's jubilant "Day Of The Dead" celebration – as Craig tracks his
next target.
This pre-titles cold-open sequence is absolutely fantastic, culminating with a harrowing fight
for control of a crashing helicopter over a crowd of thousands.
Sam Smith's theme song, "The Writing's On The Wall" goes nicely with the stylish credits,
but it never hits that second gear... remaining a decidedly forgetful entry in the long line
of hit-or-miss Bond theme songs.
Craig looks sharp in his tailored Tom Ford suits, and is more confident and relaxed in
the role than ever before.
He's also a bit of a cheeky bastard – making quips and staying sassy, in a portrayal that's
closer to Sean Connery's take on the character than his previous attempts.
He exudes sex appeal and strength so effortlessly, I would probably buy anything he's selling
- which is good, since the movie is loaded with product placement.
Craig is joined by returning players Ralph Finnes, Ben Wishshaw, and Naomie Harris who
turn in great performances in their thanklessly smaller roles.
Monica Bellucci appears in an all-too-brief role as a sexy widow, Dave Bautista is frightening
as a brawny and quiet henchman, Léa Seydoux is resourceful and gorgeous as the requisite
'Bond girl', while two-time Academy Award winner Christoph Waltz is featured as the
primary antagonist – who turns out to be the familiar villain everyone expected him
to be.
He doesn't receive a proper introduction until 90-minutes into the film, and sadly isn't
given much to work with outside of two key scenes.
But Waltz desperately needed a back story to establish his credibility – instead,
his threats land like empty promises.
He needlessly taunts Bond by revealing, "It was me, James.
The author of all your pain."
But there's no weight behind these words.
A simple flashback, explaining his relationship with Bond's tumultuous past is sorely missing.
SPECTRE is supposed to be this nefarious enterprise with global reach... but we're never shown
what they're truly capable of, or what their actual motivations behind torturing some aging
00-agent is.
The decision to retroactively position this organization as the master architect for all
of Bond's previous missions is a huge gamble.
While it has the possibility to expertly tie everything together in a meaningful way - thereby
strengthening what came before - the result is quite the opposite; it feels rushed and
tacked on.
A failed attempt by the writers to extort an emotional connection out of an empty script.
Speaking of "extortion", the film's titular acronym is curiously never explained.
In early movies it stood for, "Special Executive For Counter-Intelligence, Terrorism, Revenge,
and Extortion"... but not anymore, I guess?
At two-hours and 28-minutes, this is the longest picture in the Bond series, and oftentimes
it really feels like it.
Nothing is outright boring, but huge passages slog on, sans urgency.
Without a ticking clock or a looming threat, there's hardly any tension during the entire
middle hour of the film - which should have been trimmed down substantially.
Thankfully however, when the action does arrive, it's presented in top-form.
Craig finds himself in one insanely awesome set-piece after the other.
A high-stakes car chase over the cobblestone alleyways of Rome plays things a bit safe
with the two sleek supercars - but a mountainside sequence in Austria literally takes the wings
right off a plane.
The choreography, stunt-work, practical and special effects are all accomplished with
expert precision, brought together with clean and easy-to-follow cinematography.
A hand-to-hand fight onboard a speeding train is particularly well-done.
But I
have to wonder if Bond is still a member of the Navy, or the Air Force - because he skillfully
pilots no less than three aircraft in this movie.
Thomas Newman's heavier score dutifully incorporates plenty of leitmotifs of yesteryear... but
the classic Bond theme is never really featured in earnest until the ending credits.
An excellent climax set amongst the rubble of the old MI6 headquarters seems to be setting
up another direct sequel - but whether Craig will return to the role remains to be seen.
James Bond movies are a lot like sex - when it's good, it's great...
and when it's bad, it's still pretty good.
"SPECTRE" may be an ambitious thrill ride, but its emotional stakes are entirely superficial.
Compared to "Skyfall", this follow-up is an unfortunate disappointment.
A fun and flashy entry in the franchise, I'd rank this one somewhere in the middle.
Here's what you had to say about it.
Much like the film itself, criticism was all over the place - with your scores averaging
to a SEVEN.
I agree, despite it's issues - it's still a pretty COOL film.
That does it for this quick excerpt - but if you'd like to watch full episodes of "Movie
Night", and submit your own reviews to be included on the show, please visit the Jogwheel
YouTube channel.
My name is Jonathan Paula, thanks for watching and have a good Movie Night!