Reviewed by Victor Rebikoff.
Director: Sam Mendes, Sony Pictures, M 148 Minutes.
The latest film in the Bond franchise is again helmed by award winning director Sam Mendes following his highly successful Bond movie ‘Skyfall’ in 2013 but this time he adds a powerful punch to the exhilarating non-stop action.
Somewhat synonymous in Bond movies is the spectacular opening scene in Mexico during the lively Day of the Dead parade showing Bond (Daniel Craig) pursuing the assassin Sciarra which the former M (Judi Dench) left in a posthumous message.
The collapsing buildings and widespread damage caused by Bond in Mexico results in him being called to London to confront the new M (Ralph Fiennes – ‘Skyfall’) just as he and his intelligence agency face dramatic changes in the spying operation.
The person promoting the dire change is the conceited C (Andrew Scott – ‘Pride’), M’s boss who is intent on merging all the British security services (including the elimination of the 00 program) with those of nine other governments.
With M completely preoccupied with dealing with C, Bond continues with his own unofficial pursuit of a secret organisation behind the terrorist attacks around the world meeting up with Sciarra’s attractive widow Lucia (Italian actress Monica Bellucci – ‘Matrix’ franchise).
While in Rome, Bond also infiltrates the sinister organisation’s secret meeting where he comes across a past villain and is then chased around the streets of the Roman capital by the awesome henchman Mr Hinx (former wrestler Dave Bautista – ‘Heist’).
Bond’s subsequent clash with Hinx and following his earlier covert collaboration with the new Moneypenny (Naomie Harris) and Q (Ben Whishaw) – both appearing in ‘Skyfall’ – leads to his encounter with Blofeld (Christoph Waltz – ‘Big Eyes’) the head of the Spectre organisation.
This ultimately has Bond seeking out and protecting the scientist Madeleine Swann (Lea Seydoux – ‘Grand Budapest Hotel’) over the sins of her missing father.
The fast-flowing action then goes into overdrive with Bond and Swann touring Blofeld’s futuristic headquarters in the Moroccan desert just as M tries to prevent C from implementing his fanciful security changes-which finally dovetails into a surprising conclusion.
Mendes has certainly crafted an exciting addition to the franchise, appearing to follow on from his previous film, paying homage to certain past villains and highlighting concerns of government surveillance.
Apart from Craig’s thrilling and physically demanding performance there is Waltz impressive portrayal of the megalomaniacal villain Blofeld.
In many respects ‘Spectre’ is more entertaining than its predecessor due to some amazing action scenes and lavish locations but ‘Skyfall’ may be the better movie with a more enjoyable storyline that includes the farewell appearance from Dench.
Regrettably for 007 fans Craig’s next Bond movie ‘No Time to Die’ will be his last.
Spectre is being televised on 9GO at 9.00PM on Saturday 5 December
Vic’s Verdict: 4 Stars
