Spectre (2015)

Genre: Action

Directed by: Sam Mendes

Starring: Daniel Craig, Christopher Waltz, Léa Seydoux

Running time: 148 minutes

In this new installment of the James Bond franchise, Agent 007 goes on an unofficial mission requested by his former boss, the now deceased M. What starts out as the killing of one man becomes an encounter with a massive criminal organization called Spectre. This new adventure will once again take the infamous spy all around the globe.

From the start of his involvement in the series, I have never been a big supporter of Craig as Bond. I have always found him to be too dry, especially in comparison to Roger Moore and Sean Connery, the measuring sticks in my book when it comes to Bond. I will give credit where it is due, the English blond actor has gotten more comfortable in the role and he gives us his best performance to date as 007. While it is not as good as the best of the best were, he showed more passion and humor this time around, and it was greatly appreciated.

Spectre remains a James Bond film; the wheel does not get reinvented here. I never expected that anyways. Explosions, car chases, fights and the likes; all the same ingredients mixed up in the cinematic bowl. The result may not be totally fresh, but it was entertaining.

Christopher Waltz, that many of us discovered thanks to his work with Tarantino, is really good here. I would even dare to say that we see too little of him. He has that face and that voice that really makes you passionately hate a character. But, as far as underutilized actors, the worst crime of Spectre is the use of the beautiful Monica Bellucci. We only get to see her for less than 5 minutes. She barely has time to talk and have a sexual encounter with the hero before disappearing. I must admit though that French actress Léa Seydoux does a really good job as Dr. Madeleine Swann.

Former pro wrestler Dave Bautista was a great choice as the silent muscle of the criminal organization. He looked like a legitimate threat, though it is clear that the hero will always prevail in the end.

Overall, Spectre offers good entertainment. Fast-paced action and some good acting work for this particular genre.

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