His name’s Bond. James Bond. 007. Licenses to kill, drive and fish. And in his new film, Spectre, he’s putting all those legal documents to very good use (although… I think the fishing scenes didn’t actually make the final cut this time).
Right from the glorious four minute long opening shot, you know you’re in safe hands. There’s been a lot of hype about the opening scene in Mexico but I can guarantee you it doesn’t disappoint. From then on, Bond starts using up all those air miles he’s been saving, globe-trotting more than a gap year student – from Rome to Austria to North Africa to London – all without once checking into a hostel last minute and sharing a bunk bed with a stranger. Phwoar, the high life!
Every Bond trope you could imagine is in Spectre somewhere. Fast car chase? Check. Bond trapped in a seemingly inescapable yet inexcusably slow torture device? Double check. Bond kissing a hot girl, climbing down a building and shooting a bad guy in the face within the first 5 minutes? Big. Fat. Check.
As for the cast, Daniel Craig has now firmly cemented himself the 21st century Bond and looks more comfortable in the role than ever. The Q/Bond double act (Qond? BonQ?) provides delightful comic relief and the new addition, Andrew Scott, tones down his best-known Moriarty character for the big screen to great effect.
Ah, but there’s an elephant in the room. An elephant with an Austrian accent. An elephant that is also a man called Christoph Waltz. Christoph Waltz’s role as this year’s Bond villain is perhaps one of the most watchable things about the movie. If you’re worried it’s just going to be a repeat of his Inglorious Basterds character then fear not… This time he’s far more terrifying. A slimy and sadistic character, Waltz brings a lot to the table despite having relatively little screen time.
As for its place in the Bond legacy, perhaps it’s too early to tell for Spectre. The film doesn’t quite have the impact of Skyfall, but with its nods to previous Bond films and retro Bond feel it’s sure to become a favourite in time. For now though, let’s just show it the reSPECTRE it deserves and enjoy it for what it is: a fantastic spy romp!
