SPECTRE (2015) - ♦♦♦

Directed by - Sam Mendes

Written by - John Logan, Neal Purvis, Robert Wade, Jez Butterworth (characters by Ian Fleming)

Starring - Daniel Craig, Christoph Waltz, Léa Seydoux, Ralph Fiennes, Monica Bellucci

"What should have been the worthy culmination of the Daniel Craig 007 era, a time in the franchise made of more highs than lows, is actually one of its most underwhelming specimen. This is not only because Spectre fails to provide a satisfactory ending to the continuous narrative arch of the past few Bond films, but also because it lets down the high expectations of the return of Sam Mendes at the helm, following the beautiful and thrilling to the point of being hypnotic Skyfall. 

Here, Bond is pitted agains the titular criminal organization, and attempts to thwart their plans of hacking into a global surveillance system. The spectacular opening sequence, a reoccurring feature of 007 episodes, also introduces the excellent visuals, special effects, cinematography and art direction, putting the budget of one of the most expensive films ever made to good use. However, it doesn't take long for the film to hit a false note, with one of the worst opening sequences in the saga's history. 

What is worse is that despite the film's duration nearing the two hour and a half mark, it clearly struggles to balance the many twists and turns of its story, and give enough screen time to the numerous characters that populate it. This negatively impacts the energy of the film, and great performances by its big-name cast, including a cameo by the ever charming Monica Bellucci and a fun, over the top, devilish Christoph Waltz, the antagonist to Craig's poker faced suave British spy. 

Perhaps in an attempt to conceal its nevertheless evident awkwardness, or even to use it constructively, Spectre is full of references to some of the most familiar features of Bond movies. This gives a considerably more cartoonish air to it, which contrasts the seriousness and urgence that defined them since the Casino Royale rebooting, which sometimes make it seem about to fall into bizarre self-parody."

Action, UK/USA