James Bond is back in his 24th adventure. Our JP saw the film and gives us his take on “Spectre,” starring Daniel Craig as 007.
“SPECTRE”
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios and Sony Pictures Entertainment
This film has been rated PG-13 by the MPAA for the following reasons: intense sequences of action and violence, some disturbing images, sensuality and language
Running Time: 148 minutes
Directed by Sam Mendes
Produced by Michael G. Wilson, Barbara Broccoli
Screenplay by John Logan, Neal Purvis, Robert Wade, Jez Butterworth
Story by John Logan, Neal Purvis, Robert Wade
Based on James Bond by Ian Fleming
Starring Daniel Craig, Christoph Waltz, Léa Seydoux, Ben Whishaw, Naomie Harris, Dave Bautista, Monica Bellucci, Ralph Fiennes
Music by Thomas Newman
Studio Synopsis:
A cryptic message from the past sends James Bond on a rogue mission to Mexico City and eventually Rome, where he meets Lucia Sciarra (Monica Bellucci), the beautiful and forbidden widow of an infamous criminal. Bond infiltrates a secret meeting and uncovers the existence of the sinister organisation known as SPECTRE. Meanwhile back in London, Max Denbigh (Andrew Scott), the new head of the Centre for National Security, questions Bond’s actions and challenges the relevance of MI6, led by M (Ralph Fiennes). Bond covertly enlists Moneypenny (Naomie Harris) and Q (Ben Whishaw) to help him seek out Madeleine Swann (Léa Seydoux), the daughter of his old nemesis Mr White (Jesper Christensen), who may hold the clue to untangling the web of SPECTRE. As the daughter of an assassin, she understands Bond in a way most others cannot. As Bond ventures towards the heart of SPECTRE, he learns of a chilling connection between himself and the enemy he seeks, played by Christoph Waltz.
J.P.’s Take:
The clandestine global crime syndicate known as “Spectre” or Special Executive for Counter-intelligence, Terrorism, Revenge and Extortion weaves its way back into the James Bond film franchise after 40+ years.
The 24th motion picture deepens Bond’s back-story with a focus on his connection to the criminal organization. The first half sees 007 chasing ghosts of his past, while the latter half bares a love story in the midst of discovering who is behind the resurgence of this felonious faction.
With “Skyfall” being benchmark of the new aged Bond films, “Spectre” is somewhat of a mixed bag. There are elements it executes nicely, others not so much. Running time is one factor it has going against it. At 148 minutes the simmering love story that somewhat develops between James (Craig) and Dr. Madeleine Swann (Léa Seydoux ) could have been chopped down significantly. Their passion never fully unfolds, therefore didn’t feel genuine or even necessary. However, this does mark the second time JB has had a true love interest since “Casino Royale.” Some viewers may argue the time frame spent between current MI-6 head Gareth Mallory (Ralph Fiennes), code named M, and Government intelligence head Max Denbigh (Andrew Scott), code named C, are a waste of a subplot. I felt it broke up the monotony.
We’re also presented with a plethora of subplots that may leave new comers a little bewildered. “Spectre” not only sums up all three previous excursions, but also harkens back to a few Bond films of ole. It’s as if the filmmakers have taken these elements, put them in a blender, then poured them out on screen. You’d have to sift through many movies to trace the thread. What “Spectre” does do a nice job of is erase the chauvinistic 007 we once knew and allow a new version to evolve. No longer is JB the unquenchable womanizer, even though the film still boasts some fresh new “Bond Girls.” The super agent encounters a Mexican bombshell named Estrella (Stephanie Sigman), a festival spectator who tags along side him on his mission. The second being a known foreign beauty and veteran actress Monica Bellucci, playing the widow Lucia Sciarra. She’s also one of the first mature actresses to take on the Bond Girl moniker.
For the most part, Bond 24 plays out in typical form, with teeth clinching action and shadowy suspects lurking around the corner. What’s striking from the beginning is the cinematography. It opens with JB, dressed in a skull mask and suit, strolling through Mexico City during a Dia De Los Muertos festival. As he’s chasing down an assassin through the streets, we’re taken from the street level to the ledge of hotel in a seamless shot. The technical prowess in creating these scenes is awe-inspiring because there are no cuts, just one take from beginning to end. My guess as to how this was done was through an advanced drone or camera crane system. However, those scenes are constructed: you’ll be left with your jaw on the floor watching 007 escape falling debris from a collapsing building. Or gasping while the rooftop caves in beneath him and he grasps the ledge by his finger tips. Also, “Spectre” does away with high tech gadgetry and makes room for practically. An element diehard fans may or may not be disappointed with. Yet, that doesn’t take away from James Bond being James – Bond. He’s still laser focused on his mission. Picking up directly where “Skyfall” left off, James follows up on orders given to him by previous M (Judy Dench) just before her death. He is to track down an assassin and kill him on the spot.
I’m almost always impressed with Christoph Waltz, who blends into his characters as if they were tailor made for him. He plays super villain Ernst Stavro Blofeld, once named Franz Oberhauser, which he portrays in a debonair fashion. His confidence and diabolical nature will give you the creeps. Dave Bautista joins the ranks of James Bond baddies and does a fine job of posing as the menacing Mr. Hinx. He proves to be a worthy if imposing opponent. Seydoux is attractive to watch and quite capable of holding her own as James’ right hand woman. I just didn’t buy the attraction between the two. Actress Naomie Harris resurrects her role as Eve Moneypenny, whom again gives a excellent performance. Usually, I make no mention of the soundtrack or opening songs to many films, however, I felt Sam Smith’s “Writing on the Wall” was slightly haunting. Although I heard a few audience members snicker and laugh at how cheesy the music video that preceded the movie was.
Director Sam Mendes — with writers Robert Wade, Jeremy “Jez” Butterworth, Neal Purvis, and John Logan — has woven together an intriguing tapestry that will surly spawn the next set of James Bond follow-ups. 007 will return, whether Daniel Craig is up for the task or not. That’s another story. All in all, “Spectre” was a decent effort none the less.