Spectre - review

Skyfall left the bar fairly high for the last James Bond movie.  Spectre is the first of the Daniel Craig series of Bond movies, which feels like a return to the ridiculous plot holes and unrealistic situations that the James Bond films were famous for. It comes off more like a colossal step back instead of an advance in character.

James Bond, played by Daniel Craig, receives a message from the late M, played by Dame Judi Dench. She tells James to find and kill a man who leads to a conspiracy that all the villains of his past had been tied to a secret organization led by one evil man. The organization is Spectre and the evil man is Ernst Stavro Blofeld, played by Christoph Waltz.

Spectre is not lacking in atmosphere. There are some beautiful shots of Mexico City during a day of the dead celebration complete with amazing skull costumes. The acting is okay and folks seem like they are having fun with their roles. However, the rest of the film cruises into the depths of disappointment.

The casting of Monica Belluci and Dave Bautista is a mystery since their parts are miniscule and both are more talented then the parts they were given. There are huge plot holes, which took me out of the movie. Even for a James Bond movie, I should not be puzzled by events on screen.  For example, how is an evil organization secret if they give jewelry to the members that displays their membership?

Lea Seydoux does a fine job as the love interest and seems capable in the character. Christoph Waltz however, is wasted. When you consider his acting ability and the silliness of adding the familiar character of Blofeld, it doesn’t come off as menacing but more like a stupid joke.

Spectre is the weakest of the Daniel Craig Bond movies. Instead of adding something new or innovative to the series it wastes time taking steps backwards for fan service. If you are a big fan of the series I imagine you are going to watch it regardless, but it is disappointing. It is predictable and neuters the James Bond character.