007 action “SPECTRE”

Release Date: November 6, 2015

Running Time: 2 hours and 28 minutes

Rated PG-13 ​

Directed By: Sam Mendes

Grade: A

Starring:

Daniel Craig as James Bond

Christoph Waltz as Blofield

Lea Seydoux as Madeleine Swann ​

Ralph Fiennes as M

Ben Whishaw as Q

Naomie Harris as Moneypenny

Dave Bautista as Hinx

Andrew Scott as C

Jesper Christensen as Mr. White

You’ve got a secret. Something that you can’t tell anyone, because you don’t trust anyone.

James Bond is in Mexico City during the Day of the Dead Festival. He makes his way through the crowd to track down his target. The target is Marco Sciarra who is a known assassin for an underground criminal organization. Once his unofficial mission is complete, he heads back to London, only to find out that MI6 is merging with the Joint Intelligence Service. Bond is introduced to Max Denbigh who is the leader of the Joint Intelligence Service and learns that Max wants to launch a global surveillance program known as Nine Eyes. Unamused by Max’s demeanor and plan, Bond decides to call him by the codename C. The new M, Gareth Mallory, is furious over Bond’s trip to Mexico and places Bond on indefinite vacation. Despite this, Bond is determined to complete his mission under the post-humous video from the previous M. The information that Bond uncovers from meeting with Sciarra’s widow leads him to the underground organization known as Spectre. There is a spotted by its leader, Ernst Stavro Blofield, but he manages to get away with a lead to someone who can help him shut them down. Not only does Bond come to realize that this hunt will reveal painful memories from his past, but he also realizes that he is the only man who has a chance to succeed.

Welcome James. You’ve come across me so many times, yet you never saw me.

What took you so long?

The 24^th James Bond movie will forever be etched in my mind. It’s hauntingly beautiful opening, accompanied by the soulful music of Sam Smith sets the stage for my favorite Bond actor since Roger Moore. Daniel Craig embodies that heart and soul of the James Bond character while masterfully interacting with the rest of the talented cast. Academy Award winner Christoph Waltz renders a flawless performance as the film’s villain.

In congruence with the story’s revelation of Bond’s painful past, the most current Bond Girl, Lea Seydoux, utilizes her classical beauty and the grace of a swan to mesmerize Bond while revealing her own painful past. Kudos to the screenwriters for tying all of Daniel Craig’s Bond movies together in this breathtaking film and to Sam Mendes for creating a true work of art that excels at all components of a very entertaining 148 minutes well spent.

Unfortunately, this may be Sam Mendes’s last turn at directing a Daniel Craig movie, but rumor has it that Christopher Nolan may direct the currently untitled Bond 25 movie that is expected to be released in 2017. I hope that the writing is on the wall for Daniel Craig to return for this one. If you like your Bond film to be shaken and not stirred, run into the theater to see this one! ~ Movie Buffette

Let me preface my comments with this – I am a huge James Bond fan. For me, Daniel Craig is James Bond and Nobody Does It Better.  I never thought I would say I loved another Bond film as much as Skyfall, but this one comes close.

The opening scenes had me on the edge of my seat. The imagery and camera work for the scenes in Mexico City were absolutely fantastic.  I can only imagine trying to film in that crowd. It left me to ponder whether it was real, or the thousands of people were extras.  From start to finish, the film weaved a tale that brought us even closer to 007.

Skyfall began the story and Spectre continues it. It is classic bond and includes all the things you have come to love such as spectacular locales, tricked out sleek automobiles, tailored suits, chase scenes, villains and beautiful women. Daniel Craig once again delivers us a Bond that is powerful, yet vulnerable. Like many, I was anxious when he was cast, but all my doubts went away in 2006 when Craig made his debut as 007 in Casino Royale. His performance is raw and gritty, yet he retains what mystique and debonair presence we have come to love.  I truly hope the rumors of this being his last film are just that – rumors.

I for one am not ready to say goodbye to Craig.  Spectre captures all the elements of Ian Fleming’s famous spy. Mendes and his extraordinary team bring us a Bond film that ranks up there with the best of them. And finally, it all comes together with a theme song by Sam Smith is haunting and beautiful.  The Writing’s On The Wall will surely rocket to the number one spot in the near future. ~A.S. MacLeod