Columbia Pictures | Release Date: November 6, 2015
6.8
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 1299 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
775
Mixed:
395
Negative:
129
Watch Now
Stream On
Buy on
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On
Expand
Review this movie
VOTE NOW
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Check box if your review contains spoilers 0 characters (5000 max)
6
YorkManJan 25, 2016
Spectre is merely an average Bond movie. There's been much better and, unfortunately, there has been far worse.

The main crux of the problem stems from the need to tie together the overarching storyline set up in the previous three Daniel
Spectre is merely an average Bond movie. There's been much better and, unfortunately, there has been far worse.

The main crux of the problem stems from the need to tie together the overarching storyline set up in the previous three Daniel Craig outings, and the introduction of the organisation of Spectre, with Blofeld at its head, being the super secret 'umbrella' cartel that has been yanking Bond's chain.

Why is this a problem? Because it, in numerous ways, undermines the whole notion of what had come before. Especially the plot devices used in Quantum of Solace and then expanded on in Skyfall. This was the idea that Quantum was THE criminal cartel. Why bring back Spectre and Blofeld (and the need to create a backstory that links Bond and Blofeld together, having a shared childhood)? Because the producers of the film were able to secure usage of the name, nothing more, nothing less.

As a film, it's directed fairly well, the cinematography is fine, the musical score isn't that memorable, and the acting performances (on the whole) are ok(?). But as a whole, it doesn't really add up to much.
Craig as Bond is on autopilot and if he's brought back again for a fifth outing (to close off the Blofeld story arc) he needs a director who'll kick his arse and make him look at least like he cares.
Same with Christophe Waltz as Blofeld. It's clear this film is designed to introduce the character (the ending is left ambiguous), and it's not a spoiler in any sense to know Blofeld doesn't die!
But Waltz is also just acting by numbers in this movie.
For me though, the biggest acting issue is the casting of Lea Seydoux as the 'main' Bond girl. She's as wooden as a toothpick and not much better to look at. When the 'minor' Bond girl (played by Monica Belucci in a fairly small role) is so much more memorable, then the casting director got something very wrong indeed!!

But, if I'm being critical, it's the script that fails the most. Craig has established a Bond who is both rugged and emotive, both tough and free to show his fear. In Spectre he's very flat, with none of the suaveness and one liners that he's poured onto the screen in earlier films. Add to that a plot which revolves around the internal machinations of MI5, a power struggle in the 'boardroom' between M and and an up and coming 'techie' who believes field agents are an outmoded concept in the digital/cctv/smartphone/laptop world, and the actual actions scenes feel like a completely different movie.
The dialogue is cliched, and there's so much exposition (because of the dual storylines, and the need to keep the audience 'up to date') that I came away feeling like someone had pushed that secondary storyline so hard, as merely a means to have a substantial run-time for the movie. Believe me, they could knock it down to 90 minutes and have the 'other' storyline merely pop up as a rationale, a few throwaway lines here and there, and it wouldn't have changed the way the main story developed.

Overall, it's just average. It's never going to be hailed as a Bond classic, and that's fair enough. I am just hoping they pull out all the stops and go for a massive action finale for Craig's final outing!
Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
EpicLadySpongeJan 8, 2016
It's almost there to a good score but this movie of 007 named Spectre has almost made it to the score of 7. It's pretty much decent and loving at the same time while it's lacking the excitement from the previous 007 movies.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
NicoteenMar 9, 2016
" A moderate movie, a weak Bond. Skyfall was one of the best Bond movies of all time, so the sequel is never as good Skyfall (weak action, boring characters).. I like Christoph Waltz, but he couldn't save it. In the end it's entertaining for" A moderate movie, a weak Bond. Skyfall was one of the best Bond movies of all time, so the sequel is never as good Skyfall (weak action, boring characters).. I like Christoph Waltz, but he couldn't save it. In the end it's entertaining for a BD/DVD night, but not more.."

GENRE RATING (AGENT/THRILLER): 6.4
OVERALL RATING: 5.8
Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
in_obsessionJan 31, 2016
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Coming off the high that was Skyfall, a lot of people were expecting a lot out of this movie. And did it deliver?

....not really, no. In fact, I'd venture to say that it's probably only a bit better than Solace and definitely not up to calibre with Skyfall's success. The most serious flaw (a flaw that many movies have tbh) is in it's villain. I admit the introduction leading up to him was interesting but then it just...stagnates. He spends so much time talking about what he's done but never actually does anything. Not to mention the fail that was Andrew Scott. Not as an actor because the way he looks Bond up and down...ahhh that was a beautiful Moriarty look there, but his entire part could have been erased and it probably would have been a better movie. Let's not even talk about the uselessness that was Bautista's character. There was no need for the dramatics of his introduction. In fact, there was so much that could have been cut out and that time used instead to introduce more by way of character depth to the main villain.

It's so sad when so many great actors get together to make what could have been a great movie but had a shoddy script to work with.

The gold in this film lies not with anything Bond does with his Bond girls or M getting down into the trenches or even Andrew Scott's subtle interest in all the men in this movie, but in the Bond/Q relationship. Shipping aside, their chemistry is absolutely wonderful and I wish desperately that they had focused more on that than with their sad excuse for a romance. Each scene with them together was filled with snark and just...so much perfection.

Watch this movie if you just want to watch a Bond movie, no matter how bad it is. It's at least better than Solace?
Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
5
DanielGFeb 20, 2016
Get ready to fall asleep. This is easily the worst bond title to come out in a long while. Even surpassing Quantum Solace for mediocrity. Its endless scenes of boring dialogue and stiff acting. The main antagonist played by Christoph WaltzGet ready to fall asleep. This is easily the worst bond title to come out in a long while. Even surpassing Quantum Solace for mediocrity. Its endless scenes of boring dialogue and stiff acting. The main antagonist played by Christoph Waltz barely gets any screen time. Keep in mind I never found Sky Fall to be that great either. I find these Daniel Craig bond movies to be more dialogue then actual entertainment. You can tell this movie was rushed into production and it shows. Everyone in the entire film just feels so out of place and you can tell it through their acting. Anyone who gives it anything beyond a 6/10 must have been watching another film. Its bad. Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
5
Jimi360Mar 26, 2016
Spectre had the unfortunate pleasure of attempting to follow up on the huge acclaim and success of Skyfall. High hopes were put upon Spectre, including by myself, as one of the best actors in the world at the moment, Christoph Waltz, wasSpectre had the unfortunate pleasure of attempting to follow up on the huge acclaim and success of Skyfall. High hopes were put upon Spectre, including by myself, as one of the best actors in the world at the moment, Christoph Waltz, was snapped up as the villain. Despite this, Spectre never gets anywhere near the bar that Skyfall or previous Daniel Craig instalments have set.

What Spectre does well is progress the stories of some of the side characters, such as the new M (Ralph Fiennes) as he struggles with a few sub-plots within the film. Q is also an excellent character once again, adding some witty little remarks to Bond and his accomplices. Despite not speaking, aside one word, Dave Bautista is a terrifying bodyguard as Mr Hinx, and does everything he is asked.

The problem is here, there is absolutely nothing new. Spectre is just recycled plot points from Bonds of old and, though Craig and Waltz provide equally solid performances, but there is nothing to excel on the brilliance of Skyfall or Casino Royale from earlier in the franchise. There is a basic plot, with a standard villain, with standard motives, which is so disappointing considering the recent resurgence of Bond, as well as the potential of the cast.

Die-hard Bond fans may still enjoy this movie, but as someone who just wanted a good follow-up to Skyfall I was left disappointed, personally.
Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
5
LoafyApr 11, 2016
Spectre may not be the best, but rather enjoyable. The action scenes are great, Daniel Craig is the best James Bond ever. Though the new bond girl was rather annoying with unnecessary scenes with them.There is humor in the movie from time toSpectre may not be the best, but rather enjoyable. The action scenes are great, Daniel Craig is the best James Bond ever. Though the new bond girl was rather annoying with unnecessary scenes with them.There is humor in the movie from time to time that you can get a laugh at, which does get you back right to the pace of the film. What I hated the most of spectre was the villian Oberhauser. It was a very weak performance and wasn't as sinister as silva in skyfall. Overall...yes Skyfall is the better choice but Spectre is a fun and enjoyable movie to watch. Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
JyroJyroJul 24, 2017
Unfortunately, we've seen this sort of film a thousand times before. Forgettable characters, unbelievable stunts and a poor attempt of 'connecting the dots'. It's a shame because Daniel Craig shines as effortlessly in this as he did in theUnfortunately, we've seen this sort of film a thousand times before. Forgettable characters, unbelievable stunts and a poor attempt of 'connecting the dots'. It's a shame because Daniel Craig shines as effortlessly in this as he did in the previous three films (he really has set a new mantle for Bond actors). Just as well the storyline isn't quite as hopeless as Quantum of Solace... Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
DomgwyDec 20, 2017
I have been trying to collect my thoughts on the latest entry to the Bond franchise for the best part of a day now….here goes nothing.

After three films of origin stories and departures from the Bond formula, the end of Skyfall finally saw
I have been trying to collect my thoughts on the latest entry to the Bond franchise for the best part of a day now….here goes nothing.

After three films of origin stories and departures from the Bond formula, the end of Skyfall finally saw all the pieces in place for a return to the classic Connery-era Bond.

In many respects Spectre delivers on this promise. Ben Whishaw’s Q, Naomie Harris’ Moneypenny and a scene steeling Ralph Fiennes as the new M provide great energetic back up to Daniel Craig’s Bond as he embarks on his latest globe trotting mission.

I have always been a fan of Craig’s portrayal of the character, but in Spectre the actor has reached a new level. Here Bond is cocky, deadly and cold while simultaneously remaining witty, charming and at times even playful. However the film’s plot also allows Craig to display those rare moments of vulnerability as his past comes back to haunt him in the form of the shady organisation of the title.

Unfortunately it is also the plot that lets the film down. As is often the case with franchise films the end result is only as strong as the lead villain and their scheme. Although two time oscar winner Christoph Waltz delivers a subtly sadistic performance the writers have let him down in a major way.

The role of SPECTRE and Waltz’s Oberhauser in the film is often reduced to a MacGuffin, only there to give Bond motivation to move from one scene to the next. We spend the majority of the film waiting for Oberhauser to step out from the shadows and explain his organisations’ goals and motivations. When he is finally revealed however no such explanation is given. From the context of the secondary plot and a standout scene where the members of SPECTRE meet in Rome, the audience is left to piece together their scheme without being spoon fed via exposition.

For this reason above all Spectre is a film that demands repeat viewing. I feel like during my first watch, any time the plot was unclear or I missed a key line, it was ok because Waltz would inevitably spell it all out for me. The fact that this never happened is really to be comended. I feel that modern audiences (myself very much included) have now come to expect this overt kind of expository dialogue, so much so that when it is missing films feel incomplete and disjointed. However commendable though, this is still a major flaw that leads the last third of the film feeling decidedly anti-climatic.

Despite these plot concerns (and a somewhat misjudged and underdeveloped attempt to tie in Craig’s previous Bond films) Spectre certainly doesn’t disappoint when it comes to action set pieces and sharp dialogue.

With standout performances and some great action, if this is indeed to be Craig’s final outing it certainly gives the audience the Bond film they have been asking for ever since Casino Royale. Whether this is the Bond film we deserve however, is another matter entirely.
Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
AlanoSilvaPBFeb 24, 2023
Mais do mesmo, na minha opinião o melhor é o primeiro filme, o do Cassino. O roteiro não tem muita criatividade e parece que sempre é o mesmo filme, sem falar que é cheio de conveniências!
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
ErikTheCriticSep 26, 2018
It's not a bad movie, it's just not as good as I wanted it to be. The action and cinematography are masterful, however the film can be tiresome from time to time.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
MaxMyDogJun 11, 2019
My problems with this film relate to where the series has gone. connecting the previous films together. the story behind blofeld. love interests. that being said it is one of the best looking bond films made. right up there with skyfall.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
Onlyclassicvg1Sep 10, 2022
A cryptic message from Bond's past sends him on a trail to uncover a sinister organization. While M battles political forces to keep the secret service alive, Bond peels back the layers of deceit to reveal the terrible truth behind SPECTRE.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
SoapNuggetJul 25, 2021
Eh, Spectre is fine. It's not the worst Craig Bond film, that is 100% Quantum of Solace, but Spectre is disappointing after Skyfall, still worth a watch
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
511andahalfFeb 7, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Just a decent movie that has a lot of flaws. The film connects the last 3 Craig movies together when it had absolutely no reason to do so; CR, QOS, and SF all worked perfectly fine on their own. The whole topic of Blofeld being Bond's long lost brother is also very unnecessary and feels shoehorned in. Madeline, the Bond girl, is also one of the weaker Bond girls, she has 0 chemistry with Bond.

The film is partially saved thanks to some pretty good cinematography and a few good action scenes, like the helicopter fight and train fight. But overall, Spectre had a lot of potential to be really good and just fails to live up to its hype.
Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
SQRLYJul 25, 2021
The Bond franchise has seemed to settle into a good/mediocre movie pattern. After following the almost perfect Skyfall, this outing is rather bland and dull. The characters are hollow and leave us wondering what could have been.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
4
HeroicAge616Oct 26, 2021
SPECTRE feels lifeless and stale, trying to hard to seem like a smart film, but leaves audiences checking their watch more than Bond.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
ChanekeCholoDec 13, 2021
I watched it this morning and I remember a little the history and is well, but for two hours and twenty eight minutes is very ambiguous, at the end gets boring and forgettable. The action scenes are great but not like in the past film. TheI watched it this morning and I remember a little the history and is well, but for two hours and twenty eight minutes is very ambiguous, at the end gets boring and forgettable. The action scenes are great but not like in the past film. The performances are well but the development of the characters are missing. Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
liamexeDec 21, 2022
The real irony is that Bond has thrived for 53 years on a tried-and-true formula, only making adjustments when needed. He is at a worrying crossroads where, if confident stability is not established, his fictional descendants (Mission:The real irony is that Bond has thrived for 53 years on a tried-and-true formula, only making adjustments when needed. He is at a worrying crossroads where, if confident stability is not established, his fictional descendants (Mission: Impossible, espionage parodies like Kingsmen and The Man from U.N.C.L.E., and even superhero movies themselves) threaten to nudge him into irrelevance and antiquity. The abundance of incredible entertainment in Spectre's first half further supports Daniel Craig's argument that, yes, the world does unquestionably still need James Bond to return, which he has spent the last four films reiterating. It's time he began to think so for himself. And if another facelift is necessary to see that come to pass, Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews