Stars Daniel Craig, Christoph Waltz, Léa Seydoux, Ralph Fiennes, Ben Whishaw, Naomie Harris, Dave Bautista with Monica Bellucci, Rory Kenner and Andrew Scott Directed by Sam Mendes First of all… this is one long movie! At close to 150 minutes run time, this has got to be the longest Bond film ever! And did the movie’s story or plot warrant such an extended run-time? Well… Daniel Craig’s run as super-spy James Bond has been very different from the previous incarnations. The stories have meant to give Bond a more personal stake in the ‘missions’, and it’s been one long story, seemingly culminating here. Which mean, everything that’s happened since Casino Royale through Quantum of Solace to the blockbusting super-hit Skyfall, they’re all connected. Even the “B-story” involving the politicking shenanigans on the homefront is an extension of what was started back in Quantum with very small hints; i.e. how relevant can a spy like James Bond be in the world today? The thing is, Craig’s Bond hasn’t been much of a spy since his entry into the franchise, at least, not in the traditional sense. Bond here doesn’t covertly gather information and follow leads, he picks up hints and barrels his way through the numerous thugs in his way in order to achieve his goals. It’s probably meant to reflect the change in how the ‘bad guys’ operate in today’s world. And so with Spectre, we finally get to see the massive machine behind the likes of Le’Chiffre, Quantum and even Raoul Silva. And Spectre here is just a name, it isn’t necessarily an acronym for anything like before. And in the spirit of making things personal for Bond, the main villain of the piece and head of Spectre is reportedly Franz Oberhauser (Christoph Waltz) who has personal ties to Bond’s past. And therein lies a problem. The scale of the plot is seemingly simple and small, but at the same time has very far reaching, and practically epic implications that complexly ties to that “B-story” and thus that extended run time. And much like Die Another Day, this one feels like it’s hitting specific marks to pay tribute or homage past glories. A fight on a train recalls From Russia With Love. An snowy mountaintop clinic brings to mind On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. A car chase through the twisty streets of Rome at night is a little reminiscent of Goldfinger. Along with that, some traditions are back in place too- the “barrel-roll” opens the movie; Q and his workshop; M’s office; Moneypenny is behind the desk, mostly; and the car has the requisite gadgets labeled with Dymo tape! The casting is mostly spot-on and the cast themselves do well. that “B-story” seems designed to give the home team (Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris, Ben Whishaw) some additional screen time dealing with their own slimy nemesis, Andrew Scott as Max Denbigh, head of MI-5. Léa Seydoux’ Madeline Swann seems to get a short shrift coming across more as a damsel in distress, but manages to help Bond at times. Despite the massive publicity, Monica Bellucci’s role is very much an extended cameo, not unlike Teri Hatcher in Tomorrow Never Dies. Christoph Waltz’s Oberhauser, while creepily enigmatic at times in his earlier scenes, doesn’t seem to carry enough menace throughout the second half and his motivations, particularly involving Bond seem very unclear. This is mainly due to Mr Hinx (Dave Bautista bringing a return of the seemingly indestructible henchman) often attempting to kill Bond while Oberhauser seems to prefer to be the cat to Bond’s mouse. Still, director Sam Mendes manages to continue with his overall plans to reestablish a classic Bond for the times. A bravura tracking shot through Mexico City’s Day of the Dead celebrations sets the tone followed by a very impressive helicopter set-piece opens the movie. While Roger Deakins is not back behind the camera, cinematographer Hoyte Van Hoytema does equally well with giving us some truly gorgeous visuals and lightings. Thomas Newman’s score is an extension from Skyfall with the new theme song peppered about. The rest of the crew, seasoned with the previous films do what they do best to keep the action and effects going strong enough. While the story suffers a little in places and the plot serves mainly to bring Spectre to the fore, perhaps in time and with multiple viewings, some of it may be forgiven, as with Quantum of Solace, which isn’t as bad as many make it out to be and follows the through line well, but has the same problem of a not-quite-menacing villain. In all, not quite the heights of Skyfall, which is a tough act to follow, but Spectre delivers in terms of action and set-pieces along with some surprises (some expected). The lengthy run-time works against it, but it is still a Bond movie. There are problems, and perhaps a few indulgences from the director (that epilogue, for one), but quite likely, you’re along for the ride anyhow. Rating: ***1/2 / 5
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