Not just one of the best bond films but one of the best films of all time

Rating: 10/10 (28 October 2015)

Look at any franchise on the internet and you'll find, as soon as you hit the comment section, a war between keyboard warriors over what the "correct" interpretation of the main characters are. Unfortunately they are often listened to meaning they have, in a way, been responsible for the failures of some recent installations of various franchises. This is not a film that panders to those keyboard warriors, it's a film that has a story to tell and tells it perfectly. Spectre is clearly everything bond has been over the years; globe trotting, action packed, witty, cool, sexy with enough incredible outfits to make your own wardrobe look like a charity shop display and enough escapism to push the £10 ticket price to the back of your mind. However it also takes the best aspects of the previous three films and allows it to take ownership of James Bond. I'm talking, of course, about Daniel Craig's performance. After this film I find it hard to imagine that anyone (bar Connery) came before him. He's wounded but dangerous, vulnerable but guarded, ancient yet charismatic his interpretation of the character has become an iconic in this franchise. I would hate to spoil any part of this film for anyone reading this. Therefore all I'll say is the film seamlessly ties together the plot of the last three films and ends it with the feeling that Daniel Craig's Tenure is complete (if he wants it to be). The supporting players are fantastic; Rory Kinnear, Ralph Finnes, Naomi Harris and Ben Wishaw have all really grown into their roles and all have parts to play fitting to their talent. It's impossible to keep your eyes of the gorgeous Monica Belucci however her character's presence does make Bond's relationship with Madeleine Swann (Lea Seydoux) seem inappropriate "come on James stick with the lady your own age!" Yet Seydoux is very convincing in the choice she gives Bond and I was completely with him in his reasons to consider it. Unfortunately Andrew Scott is fairly under used yet when on screen he perfectly depicts his Character C, as M put it "..a cocky little b*****d." Then we have Christoph Waltz who is so beautifully menacing you just want kiss him and then run a mile from him. Credit has to be given to the beauty in the execution of this film, how Sam Mendes has taken this far fetched theatrical plot and the nefarious villains and bought it to the 21st century is beyond me. He is a master of his craft and he clearly loves Bond as much as we all do. Hoyte Van Hoytema's cinematography is a beautiful wonder partnered perfectly with Thomas Newman's Score. Even the most modern of films owes Bond. Look at the roof top chase in Bourne Ultimatum and tell me The Living Daylights hadn't beat them to it twenty years earlier. Where else, other than Inception, have we seen a man ski away from a Hi-Tech clinic with armed guards in chase? Does On her Majesties Secret Service spring to mind? Also any superhero film that has a disfigured villain with a mad ploy of world domination, 007 has been there and done that 24 times over. So if you're fan rejoice it's a superb addition to the franchise and a perfect fit for Craig. If you're not a fan you'll likely still love it because it's such an Amazing film. However if you're keyboard warrior stop typing and go watch this film, because it will make you realise that when it comes to the Bond franchise...nobody does it better.