"Spectre" Review

Title: Spectre

Directed by: Sam Mendes

Screenplay by: Ian Fleming, John Logan, Neal Purvis, and Robert Wade

Year: 2015


It is incredible to think that we are still getting new James Bond films over 50 years after the series first started. In many ways, the James Bond series is the definitive movie franchise. Recently, the Bond movies have taken to a more gritty and realistic atmosphere that has helped relaunch the character for a new generation. Does this fourth entry for the Daniel Craig era prove to be as slick and stylish as the character, or as sloppy and misguided as some of the series' weaker entries?

Bond's past reaches out to him in the form of a cryptic message that leads him to the discovery of an evil organization. As he follows the trail of bread crumbs, 007 begins to uncover some terrible truths about the so called SPECTRE.

Each actor has put their own spin on the 007 character, and Daniel Craig continues to excel, giving us a darker, hardened Bond. This version of Bond has a history that is clearly displayed through his expressions and the way he speaks. Craig adds a depth to the character that has yet to even be written for the films. I would go so far as to say that Ralph Fiennes as M is perfect casting. He sells the part effectively and he is shaping up to be as good as, if not better than, Judi Dench. Ben Wishaw makes a welcome return as Q and Naomie Harris gets more to do as Moneypenny this time around. Lea Seydoux is a remarkably beautiful Bond girl, and she gives a fine portrayal, but there are a few issues with her character that I will mention later. It is nice to see Andrew Scott getting some big work, playing an antagonist to M, known as C. But Christoph Waltz is really the one we all came to see. Waltz being cast as a Bond villain might just be one of the best casting choices for the entire franchise. As always, he gives a stellar performance, but I also had a few problems with his character.

With this installment, the franchise sees the return of the fan favorite SPECTRE. They have been the antagonist to our favorite spy since the very first film back in 1962. So it is nice to finally see this organization return to the big screen. The movie starts out promising enough, with a fantastic opening sequence. The beginning plot threads are well handled and the film moves at a comfortably brisk pace. However, somewhere during the second act, things start to go downhill. There are long stretches of muddled exposition that fit the plot in convoluted ways. It is not until the third act when things begin to pick up again in spectacular fashion.

Spectre is a technical marvel. Sam Mendes returns in the director's chair and he proves that Skyfall was not a one-off. The cinematography alone is outstanding, with the opening long take being an impressive highlight. The film also boasts tremendous action sequences with great stunt work. But the moment that showcases all the talent this film has to offer is when we are introduced to the villain. Everything in this scene is perfect. Waltz and Craig are on top form, the dialogue is flawlessly constructed and fluidly spoken, and the cinematography is beyond words. The use of shadows and camera angles alone cements this scene as one of the best this past year.

As hinted, Spectre is not without its flaws, but the most interesting thing about this is that all of the flaws stem from the screenplay. I love me some old fashioned Bond, but I can admit that it does not fit this generation. Unfortunately, the script relies on the formulaic Bond movies of old. For example, there is a scene where the villain, Franz Oberhauser, gives a speech to Bond about a meteorite while at his evil lair. This might have worked in a classic entry, but it does not gel together for this rebooted era.

In addition, some of the characters are poorly written. Lea Seydoux's character, Madaleinne Swann, is given unclear intentions. Her actions are often questionable and she does not leave much of an impact by the end. And then there is Oberhauser. Oh God, how there was potential for this villain. With Waltz behind the performance, Oberhauser could have easily been the best villain in the entire franchise. But the writing is what hurts this character. The history of this character and a third act twist do not mesh well. Either one could have worked, but not together. I shall talk more about this in the following spoiler paragraph.

*SPOILERS AHEAD* So we find out near the end of the second act/beginning of the third that Oberhauser and Bond have a history together. I actually had no problem with this as it allowed for a hero-villain dynamic that we have only gotten in one other Bond film. It adds an emotional heft and begins to paint a picture that can be filled in with sequel installments. But then comes the twist. Franz Oberhauser is Ernst Stavro Blofeld, the same bald, cat-stroking, super villain that defines classic Bond. To take the most iconic antagonist of the series and give him a childhood history with Bond is admittedly interesting, but a poor decision. The reason Blofeld worked so well in the classic flicks was because it took three to four films to build up to him. We only saw him from over-the-shoulder shots or only his cat. The mystery was properly built. Making Oberhauser Blofeld feels very tacked on and rushed. It would have been better to have Oberhauser be a villain on his own, and introduce Blofeld in a future film. This would have allowed time to build up Blofeld as well as focus more on structuring Oberhauser as a well rounded villain.

*SPOILER FREE* Now about that song. "Writing's on the Wall" is performed by Sam Smith and it fits the movie very well. There is a sadness and history buried behind the lyrics that capture the essence of the emotional struggle contained in the film. Those opening few notes absolutely scream James Bond.

Spectre comes as a well made, well acted, but poorly written follow up to one of the best Bond films ever made, if not the best. Sam Mendes set the bar high with Skyfall and sadly, Spectre does not hit those marks. This movie has great spectacle, terrific action, phenomenal casting choices, and extraordinary production values. The script however really bogs it down. The second act brings the pace to an abrupt halt on multiple occasions, some characters are poorly written, and there are a few poor decisions that could have been easily fixed. Spectre is still definitely worth watching, but it is a weaker entry for Craig's era.

Grade: B