Director: Sam Mendes
By Alex Watson
Although it matches Skyfall blow for blow in the thrills department, the new Bond offering Spectre lacks a certain something. The set pieces on display from returning director Sam Mendes are mind-blowing in places. Perhaps the real problem is the inclusion of the problematic childhood story that its predecessor grabbed so beautifully. Daniel Craig is a force as usual in 007 mode, but this just doesn't feel like the memorable ride that it should have been (and lets not get started on Sam Smith).
When a vital clue to the secret of his troubled youth is found in the rubble of Skyfall, James Bond (Daniel Craig) begins to go rogue to follow the trail. Despite pressures from new boss M (Ralph Fiennes), Bond stumbles into the path of a powerful secret organization know only as Spectre. Headed by the villainous Franz Oberhauser (Christoph Waltz) who seem to have paid a very close eye on Bond since childhood!
Making a bright starting with a remarkable long tracking shot during Day of the Dead in Mexico City, Spectre at points is able to shift into excitement overdrive. Sadly Mendes' follow up is never fully able to balance itself out and become the accomplished picture is seeks. Centrally there is a hangover effect still lurking from the prior outing. The script by Robert Wade, John Logan, Neil Purvis and Jez Butterworth doesn't have an immediate spark in draw us in. Bond's hunting high and low for the clues that could explain everything or nothing about his childhood have a stop and go effect on the story. There is also the tricky matter of how Oberhausen and devilishly tricky new boss C (Andrew Scott) and his desire for constant surveilance fit into the picture?
The 24th outing of the Bond franchise does show its unique combination of wit and action. When Bond is grilled on his appearance in Mexico City he coolly remarks "I was taking some overdue vacation." But all the moments that should make this an accomplished thriller are ones that fall surprisingly flat such as car chases through empty cities. As hard as Ralph Fiennes works to fill the void left by Judi Dench, the old girls presence is still badly missed. In this picture the boss is permanently confined to the end of a phone whilst dealing forever making inquiries about Bonds whereabouts to suffering Q (Ben Whislaw) who in this picture literally takes on the problem solver role. "Don't worry Bond, it was only a £3 million prototype!" he bemoans another Aston Martin meets the bitter end.
There are winks towards the successful Bond formula's of old as such the wordless henchman Mr Hinx (Dave Bautista) who with a crushing unease asserts himself. Lea Seydoux does credit for playing above the typical damsel in distress as Madeleine Swan. With little to work with she is able to crave out a throughly plausible character. Despite a white cat herring to one of the most beloved Bond villains, Christoph Waltz feels wasted in what could have been the meaty nemesis of them all. Confined mainly to the shadows until his third act reappearance, the segway into his personal vendetta against Bond is rather hoaxy and just a little too predictable. Coming across as more comical, Oberhausen lacks the needed icy cold that could have been so memorable. Knowing the kind of charm and unease that a skilled actor like Waltz is able to bring, this feels like a missed opportunity.
Daniel Craig is again a fine figure to watch as 007 and it seems unthinkable these days just how much doubt surrounded his future to begin with. Able to conjure a rarely seen emotion and angst lurking beneath the cool outlook, Craig has become the cornerstone of this character in the modern-day. Should this be his last outing, whomever dons the tuxedo next will have one hell of a task!
Spectre despite having the same tools to work wonders with is one effort that doesn't quite hit the high notes. It succeeds a straight forward and entertaining piece of action but sadly is not the pinnacle that we so badly hoped for.
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