Spectre (B) Movie Review
Spectre is the latest James Bond film, starring Daniel Craig as Bond. In his latest globe-trotting adventure, Bond uncovers a global organization by the name of SPECTRE that threatens to seize world domination. Spectre also stars Lea Seydoux as Madeleine Swann, a woman mysteriously tied to this organization whom Bond must keep alive.
I don't think there's any denying that Spectre is lesser Bond. With Daniel Craig and director Sam Mendes hot off of Skyfall, this statement feels even more obvious. But Spectre still accomplishes what a decent Bond film should with flair.
Sam Mendes is a truly excellent director. Skyfall succeeded masterfully, a lot of it due to Mendes' keen direction. His direction works well here as well. The entirety of Spectre is directed with a precision and attention to detail, particularly the action sequences, which are some of the best this year. The opening sequence is particularly memorable, with an impressive long shot tracking Bond and his lover through the streets of Mexico City during the Day of the Dead, and ending in an explosive and pulse-pounding fist fight inside of a helicopter. Also included is a marvelous car chase through the streets of Rome and a fist fight on a train.
Daniel Craig remains a terrific Bond. He gives off the calm and collected vibe naturally but in the emotional glimpses we get of bond in Spectre, Craig gives a chance to do more than just be suave. The film may still lack the emotional sharpness and punch of Skyfall but what Spectre lacks in that department, it (almost) makes up for in spectacle.
Spectre is also notable for having the first Bond girl that's age appropriate for Bond. Unfortunately, Monica Bellucci gets a modest seven minutes of screen time. I wouldn't go so far as to even call her a Bond girl. Instead, Lea Seydoux takes that position. It's not that she's not good, it's just disappointing the filmmakers didn't make an effort to sustain Monica Bellucci's presence. Seydoux is actually quite good in her role. She's an excellent actress that's been making interesting career choices recently; I'm looking forward to seeing her in 2016's The Lobster.
Where Spectre ultimately falters is its weak narrative. It's not a necessarily convoluted plot but it has some serious problems preparing high stakes and a relationship between Craig and Seydoux. In the first half, suspense is sustained effectively through the mystery of SPECTRE and the brilliant set pieces. In the second half, when we learn of SPECTRE's goals and leadership, the dangers are there but they feel unwarranted, like we've been told the stakes but not shown them. The intensity fades in the second half, even if the set pieces remain quite excellent.
Daniel Craig and Lea Seydoux appear to have a natural chemistry but the script doesn't do enough to establish their relationship. We're supposed to believe that they could be genuinely in love with each other but there's little material in the script for the couple to work with.
Also, I've just about had it with this terrible Sam Smith song, "Writing's On the Wall." The filmmakers should've gone with the other candidate, Lana Del Rey, to sing the theme song. If you've heard the song "24" off of Del Rey's latest album Honeymoon, that's already a better Bond song than "Writing's On the Wall" and it wasn't even written for Spectre. Seriously though, give it a listen. It's a good song.
Spectre is still not bad Bond though. Its action sequences are thrilling, it's slickly filmed by Hoyte van Hoytema, showcases a great performance by Daniel Craig, and is undeniably fun. It can't measure up to Casino Royale or Skyfall, but hey, it's no Quantum of Solace.
FINAL GRADE: B
MPAA RATING: PG-13 for intense sequences of action and violence, some disturbing images, sensuality and language
I don't think there's any denying that Spectre is lesser Bond. With Daniel Craig and director Sam Mendes hot off of Skyfall, this statement feels even more obvious. But Spectre still accomplishes what a decent Bond film should with flair.
Sam Mendes is a truly excellent director. Skyfall succeeded masterfully, a lot of it due to Mendes' keen direction. His direction works well here as well. The entirety of Spectre is directed with a precision and attention to detail, particularly the action sequences, which are some of the best this year. The opening sequence is particularly memorable, with an impressive long shot tracking Bond and his lover through the streets of Mexico City during the Day of the Dead, and ending in an explosive and pulse-pounding fist fight inside of a helicopter. Also included is a marvelous car chase through the streets of Rome and a fist fight on a train.
Daniel Craig remains a terrific Bond. He gives off the calm and collected vibe naturally but in the emotional glimpses we get of bond in Spectre, Craig gives a chance to do more than just be suave. The film may still lack the emotional sharpness and punch of Skyfall but what Spectre lacks in that department, it (almost) makes up for in spectacle.
Spectre is also notable for having the first Bond girl that's age appropriate for Bond. Unfortunately, Monica Bellucci gets a modest seven minutes of screen time. I wouldn't go so far as to even call her a Bond girl. Instead, Lea Seydoux takes that position. It's not that she's not good, it's just disappointing the filmmakers didn't make an effort to sustain Monica Bellucci's presence. Seydoux is actually quite good in her role. She's an excellent actress that's been making interesting career choices recently; I'm looking forward to seeing her in 2016's The Lobster.
Where Spectre ultimately falters is its weak narrative. It's not a necessarily convoluted plot but it has some serious problems preparing high stakes and a relationship between Craig and Seydoux. In the first half, suspense is sustained effectively through the mystery of SPECTRE and the brilliant set pieces. In the second half, when we learn of SPECTRE's goals and leadership, the dangers are there but they feel unwarranted, like we've been told the stakes but not shown them. The intensity fades in the second half, even if the set pieces remain quite excellent.
Daniel Craig and Lea Seydoux appear to have a natural chemistry but the script doesn't do enough to establish their relationship. We're supposed to believe that they could be genuinely in love with each other but there's little material in the script for the couple to work with.
Also, I've just about had it with this terrible Sam Smith song, "Writing's On the Wall." The filmmakers should've gone with the other candidate, Lana Del Rey, to sing the theme song. If you've heard the song "24" off of Del Rey's latest album Honeymoon, that's already a better Bond song than "Writing's On the Wall" and it wasn't even written for Spectre. Seriously though, give it a listen. It's a good song.
Spectre is still not bad Bond though. Its action sequences are thrilling, it's slickly filmed by Hoyte van Hoytema, showcases a great performance by Daniel Craig, and is undeniably fun. It can't measure up to Casino Royale or Skyfall, but hey, it's no Quantum of Solace.
FINAL GRADE: B
MPAA RATING: PG-13 for intense sequences of action and violence, some disturbing images, sensuality and language