SPECTRE

9

NikolayGDec 6, 2015

I love the guy who called this movie "foreseeable" in his negative review. Yes indeed it was foreseeable. It was advertised before it was released. This Bond flick is beautifully shot from start to finish (the love scene on the train, thoughI love the guy who called this movie "foreseeable" in his negative review. Yes indeed it was foreseeable. It was advertised before it was released. This Bond flick is beautifully shot from start to finish (the love scene on the train, though brief, was a work of art); the best acting in any Bond film to date; the best character development of Bond in any Bond film to date (I know there are people who want Bond to remain a flat cardboard cutout comic book-like character; I'm not one of those people); a teaser among the very best of Bond teasers; arguably the best opening animation sequence (but the song is forgettable); the single best Bond story to date. But it is in a way a real drama as well as a Bond movie. Again, some people complain about this along with the (relative) realism of Craig's Bond, and the grittiness, but I love it. I'm not a child so I need a little bit of realism, at least emotional realism. I plan to head back to the theater to see it again, this time in iMax, which will make this the only Bond film I have ever traveled to a theater to see twice. For my money the two best Bond movies since Connery are Spectre and Casino Royale (Casino Royale had the most beautiful Bond girl in history, Caterina Murino) and the most specifically motivated villian. As for Skyfall, the writing ruined it. Comic bookish vaguely motivated bad guy; a radio homing transmitter as a Q gadget? Has Q not seen the iPhone?, and a Bond who didn't behave consistently with his character as established in Craig's first two films. No, for my money Casino Royale and Spectre are the best Craig Bond movies and the very best Bond movies since the 1960s. I would love to see Craig come back for more.… Expand

4 of 10 users found this helpful46

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8

horcrux2007Nov 8, 2015

Coming after a film as good as Skyfall as well as this summer's Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation is going to be difficult for the next Bond film. There are some impossibly high standards that will have to be met for people to be satisfied.Coming after a film as good as Skyfall as well as this summer's Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation is going to be difficult for the next Bond film. There are some impossibly high standards that will have to be met for people to be satisfied. Spectre obviously isn't going to be the franchise's next "masterpiece," but it does offer a suitably engaging and action-packed thrill ride. In Spectre, M must fight political forces to keep the secret service in operation, while Bond must use a message from his past to find the truth behind SPECTRE. Spectre is much more like the classic Bond films updated for a modern audience. A nail-biting action sequence in a helicopter opens the film in gloriously absurd fashion. Unrealistic? Many scenes in the movie will surely stretch reality, but Spectre is too entertaining and well-directed to really have a negative impact. I also have to mention the beautiful cinematography, which is pretty typical of the Daniel Craig Bond flicks. Spectre, however, has some of the best cinematography out of all the Bond movies I've seen. The film employs a rugged look to fit its locales like Mexico and Rome as well as some shots that look like they were taken straight out of the great Sean Connery Bond films. Spectre is an entirely satisfying, thrilling, beautifully-shot spy film that should entertain most James Bond fans.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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8

michael1208Nov 14, 2015

As the direct sequel to Skyfall, no doubt that Spectre generates a lot of hypes but all high expectations are brought down to a moderate level after the theme song opening. The story starts off at Day of the Dead parade in Mexico, which isAs the direct sequel to Skyfall, no doubt that Spectre generates a lot of hypes but all high expectations are brought down to a moderate level after the theme song opening. The story starts off at Day of the Dead parade in Mexico, which is beautifully shot and the impressive cinematography remains till the end thanks to cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema and editor Lee Smith, who both served Christopher Nolan's Interstellar previously. Director Sam Mendes and three screenwriters did a great job for Skyfall, but Spectre which appears as Part II of Skyfall proves that their repeat collaboration is lacking fresh ideas in which the whole structure of the plot, not only slightly overlong but also exactly similar to Skyfall. Daniel Craig still looks awesome as James Bond, the potential of Christoph Waltz as the villain is let down by limited appearance while the chemistry between Bond's girl Léa Seydoux is slightly awkwardly developed. The scores from Thomas Newman are great, the theme song "Writing's on the Wall" by Sam Smith which sneaks at the very beginning is solid but generates underwhelming feel if compared to "Skyfall". Overall, Spectre is still an entertaining and visually engaging spy action flick even if the rushing production may have dragged a lot at plot wise.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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7

DCEdmondsDec 1, 2015

"Spectre" 10 Scale Rating: 7.0 (Good) ...

The Good: Daniel Craig once again reminds us all of why he's been such a fantastic Bond. Sticking to a depiction of the character that is closer to his literary counterpart, Craig might be the best"Spectre" 10 Scale Rating: 7.0 (Good) ...

The Good: Daniel Craig once again reminds us all of why he's been such a fantastic Bond. Sticking to a depiction of the character that is closer to his literary counterpart, Craig might be the best Bond actor in the series. As usual, the settings were fantastic and exotic. The opening sequence doesn't disappoint and overall the action is well done. The fight scenes are also well choreographed and are the perfect blend of comedic moments and violent moments, which is a Bond staple. The supporting cast mostly delivers as well. Wishaw is an amusing young Q, Harris was a solid Moneypenny, and Bautista was classic Bond henchman. While Judy Dench's camaraderie with Craig was definitely missed, Ralph Fiennes was more than adequate as M. Perhaps one of the stronger points of the film was the fact that the other operatives in MI6 got plenty of screen time and were actually an integral part of the final outcome. Lastly, while he didn't have a ton of screen time, Waltz was fantastic as the lead villain.

The Bad: Unfortunately, Waltz's character was poorly written and not very well developed. His motivations were questionable and the end game of his organization, Spectre, was not as grand in scale as one would have hoped. As the film attempts to tie the previous three films together with this one, more was expected from the shadowy organization supposedly behind it all. Lea Seydoux (who is a very talented actress) was completely wasted in the film. We are advised and shown early on that she is tough as nails and can take care of herself, but then degenerates into a cliche damsel in distress within minutes of appearing, remaining that way right up until the end. She also lacked chemistry with Craig, thus making their supposed love completely unbelievable. Lastly, MI6 are "betrayed" by someone close to the organization, but the individual in question was obvious from the moment he steps onto the screen. When the big reveal occurs, you're surprised to find that this was supposed to be a twist of some sort. "Spectre" isn't a bad film and I enjoyed it and while it is a much better film than the disappointment that was "Quantum of Solace", it falls well short of both "Casino Royale" and "Skyfall".… Expand

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6

mathodusNov 6, 2015

There is always a blotch in a movie franchise, whether it be Star Wars Episode I or Batman & Robin, there are always at least one film that falls short. These movies fail to capture what made their franchises great by abandoning creativeThere is always a blotch in a movie franchise, whether it be Star Wars Episode I or Batman & Robin, there are always at least one film that falls short. These movies fail to capture what made their franchises great by abandoning creative storytelling and character development for fun whimsical tropes which are solely put in to gather audiences of a wide variety to buy tickets. These blotches and tropes have already existed in the Bond franchise, dating back to the Sean Connery era, but before you know it, lightning will strike again and again. Following the massive critical and financial success of Skyfall, the twenty-forth Bond film had kept people wondering "what's next for our hero?", "what new situations can you put him in that makes the story compelling and the character enthralling?". Well, filmmakers of course decided to make a nostalgia piece, ditching the dark character study of the previous films in the Daniel Craig Era for a cliched adventure film, full of deus ex machinas, quips, one-dimensional characters and completely amateur storytelling. There are more Hollywood cliches in this film than actual story. The only audience that would enjoy this movie is the people who have never seen any Bond films before, so that they have no frame-of-reference for a great Bond film, small children who cannot yet comprehend what makes a film good or bad, and 60+ year old retirees who feel a sense of nostalgia that connects this film with the campiness of the early days of the franchise, which by all means the filmmakers achieved. The main issue with this film is that the movie does not take itself seriously. Some may argue that Craig's Bond is too dark and brooding, but the people who think that do not understand that the change in character which made him seem more cold and human, realistically placed him within a setting that was both practical and compelling. Going back and representing the classic Bond tropes is an entertaining thought, but that is completely impractical and unoriginal. The best films which stand out above the rest are those that offer a unique story, a story that no one has yet thought of, a story that takes your mind within the screen, never once letting you get out of your seat, but to tell the truth, I never felt that. I wanted the film to end abruptly as soon as possible, and when the screen went dark, I rushed myself out of the theater, questioning why the filmmakers or Sony or whoever is responsible for this movie decided to change the mood and atmosphere of both the story and its characters. My best guess is that they simply decided to film an action/adventure, blockbuster, popcorn movie that you watch on a first date, and granted, they achieved that, but I enjoyed the franchise because of the changes made over the years which evolved from Sean Connery flying away in a jetpack to Daniel Craig holding a dying M in his arms. However, this film chose to make Bond a quipping, rebellious douche who conveniently gets out of ridiculous situations. Highs and lows have always existed, but when you get to the point of liking Austin Powers more than this movie, it has become an abyss. Let us hope that the next one is decent.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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4

vigen1Nov 7, 2015

In essence this movie get's all the bond parts right, it feels like a bond movie. However the story telling is horrendously bad and every major plot point is revealed halfway through the movie. Adding to that it hints at a major twist in theIn essence this movie get's all the bond parts right, it feels like a bond movie. However the story telling is horrendously bad and every major plot point is revealed halfway through the movie. Adding to that it hints at a major twist in the Craig series and never really makes anything out it.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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6

movieman2001Nov 6, 2015

I just saw Spectre and was a little disappointed, it was ok but it wasn't as good as Casino Royal or Skyfall. Both of those films are great but i will say that Spectre is better than Qauntum of Solace with was awful in my opinion.I will sayI just saw Spectre and was a little disappointed, it was ok but it wasn't as good as Casino Royal or Skyfall. Both of those films are great but i will say that Spectre is better than Qauntum of Solace with was awful in my opinion.I will say the opening sequence in mexico is very, very good, one of my favorite as far as the opening scenes go. It has a lot of action scenes throughout the movie but the story is where the real problem lies, first of all the vilian who is played by Christoph Waltz should be much better, but its not his fault its the script he was given to work with and the scenes with the bond girl character fell flat as well.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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5

dexshirtsNov 6, 2015

Worst Daniel Craig Bond film, and you can tell he's not really bothered about it. An 'original' story made for the cinema, which you can tell it's not a normal Bond movie. Poor storyline, predictable events and ridiculous situations. Too muchWorst Daniel Craig Bond film, and you can tell he's not really bothered about it. An 'original' story made for the cinema, which you can tell it's not a normal Bond movie. Poor storyline, predictable events and ridiculous situations. Too much linking back to the previous Bond movies. Contradictions and plot holes galore. Really frustrating movie.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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5

mace8704Nov 6, 2015

This is on par with Quantum of Solace, and that is not a compliment. The motivation of the villain is poorly developed. The romantic pacing between Craig and the two Bond girls is so hap hazard that I almost laughed in the theater becauseThis is on par with Quantum of Solace, and that is not a compliment. The motivation of the villain is poorly developed. The romantic pacing between Craig and the two Bond girls is so hap hazard that I almost laughed in the theater because Craig will go from coldly threatening them to passionately kissing them in literally seconds. The action sequences had a lot more CGI and reminded more of Brosnan era Bond than Craig's previous work. Maybe that's a good thing for you, but it's not for me.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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5

CandyVaDCNov 6, 2015

It entertained me and it was interesting to see the changes that this Bond film made to the regular Bond movie formula. Now apparently Bond has feelings and cares about a random girl enough to settle down. And all the women he beds now aren'tIt entertained me and it was interesting to see the changes that this Bond film made to the regular Bond movie formula. Now apparently Bond has feelings and cares about a random girl enough to settle down. And all the women he beds now aren't 18 year old beauty queens because now he starts the movie hooking up with a middle aged widow. I have to say that the main female lead later in the movie is less than stunning, compared to the typical Bond girls of yore, but that's probably intentional for some reason to show a different kind of beauty in this supposed evolved culture of ours where James Bond can be sexually attracted to a woman over 40 and a girl with less than supermodel looks and a rather average body. It was a bit jarring to see them so concerned with getting dressed up and changing into multiple fancy formal outfits as if they were attending the academy awards, when they were in the middle of no-where without much luggage. I guess that's how a spy packs for an emergency trip to save humanity at a moment's notice: perfectly coordinated outfits replete with matching sunglasses and accessories while they dodge bullets in immaculately tailored and freshly pressed Gucci couture. And when did Bond become so non-sexual and not take off his shirt even once? Yes, Daniel Craig is getting old, and there are shots in the movie where the lighting makes his face look like a deflated radial tire because it's so sunken in and wrinkled, but at least his chest must still look good I would imagine. Mind you, I'm glad I saw the film, and it entertained me, but it wasn't a movie that made you say, "Gee, that was the best Bond movie I've seen in a long time." Easily forgettable 15 minutes after you leave the theater.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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7

StanRezaeeNov 7, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Its no Skyfall but its still better than Quantum of Solace. I was excited when it was announced that SPECTER would return and I was hoping the film would be a remake of Thunderball. While that is not the case, the film does a good job at paying homage to several classic Bond films like From Russia With Love and Dr. No (only a true Bond fan will notice these). The story is good but the concept of all the films being connected by SPECTER was stupid while the plot of Blofeld motive being Daddy Issues is idiotic. However it was still good film to watch.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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10

rs123Nov 8, 2015

A really great arc - if Craig finished here it would be a great place to end. But I'm desperately hoping he makes another one or even two. He took a silly franchise full of cheesy gags, stupid plot lines, bad actors, and terrible directingA really great arc - if Craig finished here it would be a great place to end. But I'm desperately hoping he makes another one or even two. He took a silly franchise full of cheesy gags, stupid plot lines, bad actors, and terrible directing and made it into a distinguished cinematic phenomenon. Bravo, Mr. Craig. You've got the intellect and tenacity to fulfill your goals with this outstanding film. Thank you for bringing Spectre to us.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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4

sallieNov 9, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Daniel Craig is the best Bond. So why, why, why does he keep getting the worst scripts?

Casino Royale was great until it lost its momentum and delivered no interesting second-half set pieces. Quantum was a mess, Skyfall was pretty but hollow, and had one too many deux ex machinas.

Spectre was just...boring. The car chase was barely a chase, with zero sense of peril or urgency. Monica Bellucci may have been handed the dumbest Bond Girl role in the franchise. I know Bond is supposed to have some special allure and be a lady magnet, but what a dumb scene. Zero chemistry.

Bond's plot armor renders him impervious to torture, and his escape is a rushed, explosive snooze-fest. Why are the producers suddenly scared to put Bond through the wringer physically? There were zero stakes until the end, which I admit had some tension. but it mostly seemed like a rushed attempt to justify the cast. Andrew Scott's character was a total waste of talent. Christoph Waltz was perfectly menacing, but his motivation was laughable in a film that tried way too hard to take itself seriously.

Another critic put it best: "This isn't a Batman movie. Not everybody needs an origin story."

Bond movies, in my opinion, are supposed to be fun first. Movies like Goldeneye handle the balance of camp and believability perfectly. A movie with that sort of production value, rhythm, and tone was sorely needed here.

I was dying to like this movie. I figured with the introduction of M and Moneypenny in Skyfall, they were moving toward a more traditional Bond in this film. Nope. They've been promising that for three films now, and it's more of the same "edgy," "gritty" nonsense. It kind of worked for Casino Royale. Now it's just exhausting.… Expand

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10

Santana_CriticsNov 9, 2015

I really liked it. I mean it's not a classic Bond, but time is changing and Bond is developing! The characters are well developed and the end is something new for a Bond Movie!

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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0

TheKavehJNov 7, 2015

SPECTRE takes all the good qualities of Skyfall, and does exactly the opposite. So, instead of a thrilling Bond movie like Skyfall, SPECTRE delivers 150 minutes of pure awfulness. This film is such a disgrace to the Bond series, and afterSPECTRE takes all the good qualities of Skyfall, and does exactly the opposite. So, instead of a thrilling Bond movie like Skyfall, SPECTRE delivers 150 minutes of pure awfulness. This film is such a disgrace to the Bond series, and after this, I don't even think Sam Mendes can redeem himself.… Expand

5 of 13 users found this helpful58

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7

LamontRaymondNov 6, 2015

Clearly the best Bond since 2006's Casino Royale - mostly because the intervening 2 bond movies were terribly boring. This one kept my attention throughout, and it kept my heart pumping.

3 of 8 users found this helpful35

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7

dharmaNov 6, 2015

Spectre is a step down in comparison to Skyfall. It's quite a strange film, meaning that Craig's journey as Bond is more or less a deconstruction of the character in lieu of its modern competitors, namely the Bourne and the Mission ImpossibleSpectre is a step down in comparison to Skyfall. It's quite a strange film, meaning that Craig's journey as Bond is more or less a deconstruction of the character in lieu of its modern competitors, namely the Bourne and the Mission Impossible franchise. Spectre in comparison is an assembly of the character back into a typical Bond film. Exotic locale? Check. Crazy headquarter of the main villain? Torture that leads to Bond escaping? Check. Sure, Craig is still stellar, but the film itself tries too hard without offering anything new. One thing for sure: it looks and feels expensive, maybe the highest budgeted Bond outing ever. However, Skyfall seemed to create a crazy amount of pressure to the film makers to repeat its 1 billion dollar performance. The end result is a muddled plot to connect all of Craig's previous outings, and a waste of great talents such as Monica Belucci and Christoph Waltz.. Is it worth a watch in the cinema? Hell yeah! Don't expect too much though.… Expand

3 of 8 users found this helpful35

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3

foxgroveNov 9, 2015

Bond is back and with it comes the tried and (too) trusted formula. We have the good guy; the baddie; the girl; the car; the stunning locations; the set pieces; the stunts and the song. What could possibly go wrong? Well, on this occasion,Bond is back and with it comes the tried and (too) trusted formula. We have the good guy; the baddie; the girl; the car; the stunning locations; the set pieces; the stunts and the song. What could possibly go wrong? Well, on this occasion, actually quite a lot! Whilst up a few notches from the lamentable ‘Quantum of Solace’, it’s also noticeably well below the high standard set by Sam Mendes last directorial effort, the fabulous ‘Skyfall’.
Things get off to a flying start in Mexico City with a stunning set piece which gets the anticipatory juices flowing. However, it’s all downhill soon after and by the time the movie has hit the sixty minute mark it is in desperate trouble. Daniel Craig seems completely jaded this time out and Lea Seydoux is a weak and anaemic Bond girl. As the baddies Andrew Scott is refreshing, but I really don’t think I can be alone in stifling yawns at yet another villain from Chistoph Waltz’s seemingly limited canon.
In addition to the disappointment of the performances one also feels let down by the action. Aside from the opening and closing sequences which are very good, nearly all the other set pieces and stunts feel bland, second rate and unexciting. The whole enterprise just seems tired and even the usually welcome tongue in cheek humour is sadly absent. None of this is helped one iota by an unmanageable 2 and a half hours running time which leaves one anaesthetised by the singular lack of thrills. Even the song (which admittedly grows on you) is not up there with the greats, and one can’t help but recall an apt line from Adele’s 'Skyfall' – ‘This is the end’. Well, amen to that!… Expand

3 of 8 users found this helpful35

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7

GinaKNov 9, 2015

First, let me mention the negatives in Spectre. Although the first scene in Mexico City is well done, it didn’t top the first scene of Quantum of Solace for me. Then things slowed down and I nodded off (literally) until Lea Seydoux enteredFirst, let me mention the negatives in Spectre. Although the first scene in Mexico City is well done, it didn’t top the first scene of Quantum of Solace for me. Then things slowed down and I nodded off (literally) until Lea Seydoux entered the film. I thought she was very fine, although not as deliciously malevolent as Eva Green in Casino Royale. But to me the biggest weakness was Christoph Waltz, a fine actor but when you keep flashing pictures of Mads Mikkelsen, Javier Bardem, and Mathieu Amalric (currently my favorite actor) on the screen as previous Bond villains, you cannot help seeing Waltz pale in comparison – and he was supposed to be the most twisted of all. Dare I say this – he seemed too nice. And the film was about a half hour too long and could have used judicious snips elsewhere too. But having brought up all these negatives, I thoroughly enjoyed the last hour – perhaps because Ben Whishaw and Ralph Fiennes brought more personality to their roles. And I do agree with many reviewers that Andrew Scott is much too “one note” as an actor to be anything else but an annoyance. I kept thinking – what is Moriarty doing in this film? I just read Scott is in the new Frankenstein movie – oh no, please no.… Expand

3 of 8 users found this helpful35

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10

MadMaxFuryRoadNov 8, 2015

How much money is a bond movie gonna make these days? Tons of money
This vs. Skyfall? Spectre
Definitely not the worst bond ever, and in my opinion, better than Skyfall. Everyone was saying how good skyfall was, but I thought it was boring.How much money is a bond movie gonna make these days? Tons of money
This vs. Skyfall? Spectre
Definitely not the worst bond ever, and in my opinion, better than Skyfall. Everyone was saying how good skyfall was, but I thought it was boring. Spectre's sequence where the song comes in was outstanding. Surprisingly, I thought this was much more violent and sexy than Skyfall. The action was amazing and Daniel Craig is awesome in this role. Christoph Waltz as the villain was pretty cool and the entering sequence of him in the court was very thrilling and suspenseful. I haven't seen Casino Royale, but I am now dying to see it. Also, the female protagonist is very pretty and the film was awesome! Don't get let down by the negativity! Just go see the movie; it will live up to your expectations!… Expand

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3

Colig54Nov 7, 2015

Paid for James Bond, got Mission Impossible 4, Fast and Furious 7 and Goldmember.

Making good fiction is often about pushing the boundaries of believability and unfortunately Spectre pushes so far as to land firmly within the realms ofPaid for James Bond, got Mission Impossible 4, Fast and Furious 7 and Goldmember.

Making good fiction is often about pushing the boundaries of believability and unfortunately Spectre pushes so far as to land firmly within the realms of comedy, you will be laughing at this version of James Bond rather than laughing with him.

Perhaps Daniel Craig epitomises what a typical American audiences want a tough English spy to look like; so old he looks pensionable but with a stiff upper lip of superhero proportions firmly held in place by a bad LA botox and a face like an unhappy emoticon which occasionally changes from :{ to :| or when James Bond is feeling especially aroused in the company of a woman half his age and twice as good looking : /
Unfortunately, 'lecherous old man does tricks' is pretty much the recurrent theme throughout this movie. The film starts of in the Mexico City centre in what appears to be the most organised street party the world has ever witnesses without a single Mexican in sight, Bond has pulled a Colombian supermodel and brought her up to a hotel room for a quickie :/ but then abandons her to go and blow up a building in order to stop a terrorist threat.

The massive explosion brings down a whole building and dissipates the crowds in the streets only for them to magically reappear immediately so that Bond can hide amongst the crowd as he hunts down a super-villain cunning enough to survive the massive explosion that occurred in the room he was in only moments before. Needless to say, his white suit is a little bit dirty in places. The pursuit ends up as a fight in a helicopter where it takes the English spy assassin about 5 whole minutes to win fight with the helicopter driver who has one hand on the control stick during the whole airborne punch up. Of course, he boots him out the window in the end in text book James Bond style.

The film takes every opportunity to break the spell of believability and does so with gusto about every 30 seconds. You have to expect some of this with any action film, like the scalectrix style street race through the empty car-less streets in central Rome (yeah right!) where two supercars powerslide and jump their way through cobbled streets. You can do that occasionally in a film, but to do it for 2 hours and 30 minutes make the film feel more like a comedy as ridiculous event upon ridiculous event pile up one after another in an unceasing barrage of silliness. It is not supposed to be a comedy!

After 30 minutes I realised that the film was not actually going to even try to get down to any real serious Bond business and I found I was laughing at Bond, rather than laughing with, and looking around the cinema thinking: "all these people have been conned into watching 'generic big budget action movie' and so have I." There is nothing particularly 'Bond' about it and it seems this Bond misses the open goal completely and instead does an impression of Mission Impossible 4, Fast & Furious 7, and more accidentally - Austin Powers in Goldmember.

As a massive fan of science fiction I found this films inability to attempt to step down a fraction and engage in any level of believable fiction thoroughly disappointing. It careens along carelessly and rapidly like a featherlight, candyfloss and popcorn powered roller coaster through a barrage of nonsensical action sequences that made me wonder if the script had been written through observing two 6 year-olds playing with action figures, E.G.

"And then bond chases after the cars in his air plane, he pulls alongside and winks at the bad guy, no he gives him a salute, no he does both! Yeah! Then the plane crashes into the trees but only loses two wings! Bond keeps chasing them with the plane though. He slides it down the hill like a toboggan with propellers. Bond does a handbrake turn, then smashes his plane-toboggan straight through a garage full of chopped logs crashing into the bad guys cars on the other side and wipes them all out! Yeah!"

But maybe some people like that sort of thing.… Expand

3 of 8 users found this helpful35

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10

weathermanmessiNov 7, 2015

STOP IT!!!!! I DON'T UNDERSTAND THE NEGATIVITY! Spectre is a CLASSIC Bond story, if you like a swaggy Sean Connery style spy story this is the one for you. There is nothing wrong with humor, crazy action, and an insane story line, IT'S BOND!STOP IT!!!!! I DON'T UNDERSTAND THE NEGATIVITY! Spectre is a CLASSIC Bond story, if you like a swaggy Sean Connery style spy story this is the one for you. There is nothing wrong with humor, crazy action, and an insane story line, IT'S BOND! Now it's the story that people are getting whiny about (Spoilers start here!!!). Lets get one thing straight that some people cant wrap their head around, THAT GUY IS NOT HIS BROTHER!!! Oberhauser just happened to live with him for a couple of years. His father told him to TREAT Bond LIKE a brother. It's supposed to be crazy and out there. Take a look at The Spy Who Loved Me or Goldfinger, they always a favorite. They are very similar to Spectre. It's funny, action packed, and a little out there. Bond moves are supposed to be like that. Just sit back and have a laugh!… Expand

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0

FilmNoireNov 7, 2015

Worst Bond Movie Ever: Insipid storyline, Sophomoric Plot, Tired Actors

After losing 2.30 hours watching Spectre, I finally understand why Daniel Craig decided that this is his last Bond film. How do you screw up a movie with a starWorst Bond Movie Ever: Insipid storyline, Sophomoric Plot, Tired Actors

After losing 2.30 hours watching Spectre, I finally understand why
Daniel Craig decided that this is his last Bond film.

How do you screw up a movie with a star cast that includes the
incredibly talented Lea Seydoux (Blue is the Warmest Color), thespian
Monica Bellucci et Ralph Fiennes, and a decent Bond: Daniel Craig ---
all directed by veteran director Sam Mendes? There's a hint on an NPR
discussion about sound FX for the movie, and the commentator let slip
that this was one of the fastest made Bond films. The haste that went
into getting it into the cinemas before Star Wars is obvious.

Monica Belluci is wasted with a 2 minute cameo. Lea Seydoux (who was
impressive in Blue is the Warmest Color) deadpans as a dumb bimbo
making occasional angry faces (a low even for a sexist Bond film, where
women are props in the game of men), while wasting the talents of the
incredible Ralph Fiennes (who tries hard, but fails with weak
dialogues). What's missing in the picture are the bond villains. What
bond villains? They are as good as non-exist, with no personality,
trite dialogue and a plot so weak that Battlestar Gallatica seems like
a masterpiece in comparison.

There is the usual chase scene, some impressive airborne stunt, and
somewhere in between the action, a couple dialogues, as bond chases the
bad guys and unravels their uninspired plans - what's missing is the
plot.

You know when the villain suggests casually to Bond in every film, "I
expect you to die Mr. Bond" - well perhaps their dream will come true,
as this film might just be the death knell for the bond franchise. I
want my $11 back!… Expand

5 of 15 users found this helpful510

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0

emirbudJan 18, 2016

I just cannot believe this site counts 460 positive reviews for this movie. It is possibly the dumbest and least imaginative movie ever made. It is also terribly boring and a terrible waste of talent. There are some respectable actors here,I just cannot believe this site counts 460 positive reviews for this movie. It is possibly the dumbest and least imaginative movie ever made. It is also terribly boring and a terrible waste of talent. There are some respectable actors here, without a single interesting line what so ever. I hope this is a warning enough for anyone contemplating watching this abomination. Let me get back to those positive reviews. The people who wrote them should be put on trial. They are criminals, because they lead innocent people to watch this mind damaging atrocity, and they should be prosecuted. Hold them accountable I say. Unbelievable.… Expand

3 of 9 users found this helpful36

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10

pastor43Nov 8, 2015

Good, Good, Good, Did I mention that the movie is Good. I have taken the liberty to write reviews for select movies that I felt were being, for lack of a better phrase, "critically abused". Spectre is Not Skyfall or Quantum of Solace or evenGood, Good, Good, Did I mention that the movie is Good. I have taken the liberty to write reviews for select movies that I felt were being, for lack of a better phrase, "critically abused". Spectre is Not Skyfall or Quantum of Solace or even Casino Royale, but it is Spectre and it is a very good James Bond movie. The task of the director to come back a reproduce "lightening in a bottle" again is a very unfair expectation, but if he happens to do it, then we should be very grateful and not smug. This movie showed a weary, determined Bond, but also gave use a possible new concept about Bond which probably frightens most people, that Bond can actually be human. Start to finish if you have seen the recent Daniel Craig Bond movies takes us on the most obvious journey and the ride is very cool. Spectre is very Good.… Expand

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

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6

PunisherLHNov 6, 2015

Daniel Craig's 3rd best Bond Film, or 2nd Worst depending on how you want to look at it. My Main problem with this film is how they tried to link the 3 previous Bond Films to this one. It just didn't make much sense and was too unbelievableDaniel Craig's 3rd best Bond Film, or 2nd Worst depending on how you want to look at it. My Main problem with this film is how they tried to link the 3 previous Bond Films to this one. It just didn't make much sense and was too unbelievable and contradictory for me to be invested in the story. The lack of Christoph Waltz was very disappointing, as he only gets around 10-15 minutes screen time in a 150 minute film. I found the first hour and a half of the film to be pretty dull and boring, it picks up in the final hour and was quite enjoyable towards the end. It's better than Quantum Of Solace, but not as good as Casino Royale and definitely not as good as Skyfall.… Expand

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

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7

GreatMartinNov 6, 2015

From the opening frame of a foot race through the streets of Mexico city top the closing scene of a combination boat and helicopter chase on the Thames river in London you are in the world of “Bond, James Bond” in the 24th movie of theFrom the opening frame of a foot race through the streets of Mexico city top the closing scene of a combination boat and helicopter chase on the Thames river in London you are in the world of “Bond, James Bond” in the 24th movie of the franchise. “Spectre” will be remembered in many ways such as being the longest movie in the series at two hours and thirty minutes and all the references, such as a white cat, from the previous films. In all probability at a cost of over $300mil to make it may be the most expensive Bond film and may be, just maybe, the last time Daniel Craig will play the role.

You go into a Bond film expecting certain things and they are here from the women James will seduce to the gadgets that Q will come up with to the martinis and the villains who want to dominate the world. The body count is high and disturbing scenes of violence that seem to go further here than the previous films while the pacing of setting up the next episode seems slower making the movie unnecessarily longer.

Monica Bellucci as a widow, Stephanie Sigman going to Bond’s hotel room in that opening sequence and, in particular, Lea Seydoux, as the love interest, along with Naomie Harris as MoneyPenny all serve the script and Bond.

Christoph Waltz, as the villain, will not be remembered along with other Bond villains but he does have one turn your eyes away from the screen scene that will be remembered. He, also, introduces and/or recalls what may have made Bond what he is. There seems to be more psychoanalysis and hinting at Bond’s past in this film than previously--a set up for the next chapter?

Ralph Fiennes returns as M with the role larger than previously, Ben Wishaw as Q is very impressive while Andrew Scott as C wants to close the 00 agent operation down completely and adds an element of surprise to the denouement of the plot.

Daniel Craig is comfortable in Bond’s tuxedo, and many other costume changes, mainly black or brown clothes, is convincing in his fights, the romance/sex scenes, the chases and handling the emotional scenes along with the ideas planted as to why he is what he is not to forget the half smile, possibly a smirk, that comes across every now and then.

The opening tune sung by Sam Smith is quickly forgettable and at times the music by Thomas Newman is bombastic at the wrong time though the original Bond theme is always a winner.

The screenplay by John Logan, Neal Purvis, Robert Wade and Jez Butterworth is not as sharp as their previous effort, “Skyfall” and slows down the movie which could partially be the fault of the Director Sam Mendes. He has to many non-verbal scenes that don’t add to what is about to happen but he does himself and the series proud with the action scenes.
Going into “Spectre”, or any Bond film, you know what to expect and this one delivers even if it takes longer to do it.… Expand

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

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5

mcicepitNov 9, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The homage to Live and Let Die in the start is nice. The long continuous shot is something you did expect in a film like this, but works well. The fight in the chopper is cool, but did not take my breath away.
From here the film go into a slow crash dive.
The script has so many plot holes, all the mandatory things are there - maybe too many?
Why not look to OHMSS, that they have a large homage to? Don`t try to put in everything if it do not work. Make changes! That what made both OHMSS and Casino Royale great.
And in both these films we had female protagonists that could match JB in a much better degree.
The villain was a huge disappointment. You kind of think a mastermind with so big organization would be a bit more secretly, less, crazy, etc. Blofeld feels like a weak imitation of himself.
The most exciting thing that night, was to see the Star Wars trailer before the film and this is from a huge James Bond fan.… Expand

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

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10

vicyamusicgreatNov 6, 2015

Another reviewer here was right on the money when he declared this to be one of the best Bond films made. Just to be clear, Spectre is not only an exquisite Bond film, but indeed it is an . . exquisite . . film. When Skyfall was named BestAnother reviewer here was right on the money when he declared this to be one of the best Bond films made. Just to be clear, Spectre is not only an exquisite Bond film, but indeed it is an . . exquisite . . film. When Skyfall was named Best Film of the Year by the British Academy or BAFTA, I would like to have assumed the "Academy" would follow suit, but in typical United States hubristic fashion, it did not. Not surprising of course. Now, the puny minds who review films in this country but know nothing of either art or life have rationalized themselves, their puny minds, that is, into the facile, puerile, and most infantile notion that Spectre is a substandard film. The only thing I can say about these sad sacks, and the sheep that follow them on this reviewer board is that . . with the US reviewer once again, I am shaken but not stirred.… Expand

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

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5

AxeTNov 8, 2015

The trailers relayed the impression this movie would be tired and uninspired. Never trust the trailers, but this time they were right. They feature exchanges such as, "Why did you come here Mr. Bond? -- I came to kill you. -- I thought youThe trailers relayed the impression this movie would be tired and uninspired. Never trust the trailers, but this time they were right. They feature exchanges such as, "Why did you come here Mr. Bond? -- I came to kill you. -- I thought you came to die. -- That's a matter of perspective." You must be joking? No, they weren't. You know the movie is going to be less than great just from the opening title sequence and song. Oh well. It's okay overall, but not near on the level of the best.
Here's my ratings for Daniel Craig's previous 007 outings:
"Casino Royale" 10 "Quantum Of Solace" 2 "Skyfall" 9.
My top five favorite Bond movies: "Moonraker", "The Spy Who Loved Me", "Goldfinger", "Casino Royale", "Skyfall". And the five worst in my book: "Die Another Day", "Quantum Of Solace", "A View To A Kill", "The World Is Not Enough", "License To Kill".… Expand

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

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7

ScrawnyPunkNov 12, 2015

A good Bond film, but not a great one. The filming, pacing, acting, and emotion are all there; it’s the plot that doesn’t hold up. And since the set-up is three movies long, it feels like a little bit of a let-down by the end.

The greatA good Bond film, but not a great one. The filming, pacing, acting, and emotion are all there; it’s the plot that doesn’t hold up. And since the set-up is three movies long, it feels like a little bit of a let-down by the end.

The great allure of Daniel Craig’s Bond movies has not been Daniel Craig as Bond, but the underlying story arc. Where the previous 20 films brought us increasingly far-fetched episodes in the career of a decreasingly relevant cold-war spy, Casino Royale was a masterful reboot and the beginning of (what appears to be) a four-episode uber-plot. Gone were the references to geopolitical turmoil; in where the references to some sinister organization controlling global crime through a highly secretive network. In the middle of it all we sensed a Moriarity-level spider pulling all the web-lines, with James Bond slowly circling into the middle of the web at the expense of all he holds dear. This was finally the out-sized story line worthy of an out-sized character, and we loved it: Casino, Quantum, and Skyfall grossed more than the 10 movies preceding the reboot.

And now are at what looks like a logical end to the story arc, so we have to ask – does this movie hold up as a satisfying end to a four-episode story? In my opinion, the answer is: “almost.” Whereas Skyfall gave us a truly masterful film by any standard, Spectre is only a masterful film by James Bond standards.

As a stand-alone film, Spectre is head-and-shoulders above most action movies this days. The story is intriguing, the filming is absolutely top-rate, the pacing is near-perfect , and the acting is spot on. Bond fans will be particularly pleased with a return to some bond basics…multiple locations, multiple ladies, multiple expendable henchmen, and a super-villain with a super-lair. We also get a number of nods to Bonds past, like Dave Bautista’s clever update on “Jaws” (including the fight on a train) and a suspiciously furry white kitty.

However, as part four of what has been a masterful story so far, Spectre doesn’t give us the payoff we deserve (especially in comparison to recent ‘concluding’ films like The Dark Knight Rises). In a nutshell, it feels as if plausibility has been sacrificed for convenience; as if everyone agreed the story needed to end and no one knew how to end it. We get the ending we expect, but the path is too convenient. Most conveniently, there are too many easy-outs: from the ease with which Bond beds his women (one of which absolutely HAS to be #1 on the playlist for Wedding Crashers’ Chazz Reinhold), to the ease with which super criminals transform themselves into bumbling, monologue-ing, capture monkeys.

It has been a great ride and Spectre is great fun to watch. And although it isn’t quite the same caliber as the set-up, it would require superhuman ennui to not to at least enjoy watching it. AND…I can’t way to see what Bond cooks up next.… Expand