I liked it, but I understand why some people don't

Rating: 8/10 (11 November 2015)

I've been reading a lot of reviews of this movie, some good and some bad, and a common theme in the bad reviews is failure to isolate why the reviewers did not like this movie. It was a very well-made movie, but there was one huge flaw in the storyline that I believe is the reason this movie didn't receive close to the praise of Skyfall.
(Minor spoilers that won't ruin the film): Bond uncovers the secrets of Spectre, discovering that all three of the villains from the previous Daniel Craig Bond films were involved in this organization. The actions that he takes subsequently wrap up the story far too quickly. He discovers this huge organization that has been the cause of all of his misfortune, and then it's over like that. I felt this was sloppy story developing. I would have much rather seen a huge battle and some complex situation in which Bond and his allies have to work to undo what Spectre had already started. The climactic events were just far too brief for Bond to deal with an organization on that scale.
Aside from this, as usual, performances were very good. Sam Mendes is a fantastic director and his team of cinematographers do an excellent job highlighting the spectacular elements of this movie.
(Minor spoilers): The screenwriters made it a point to make this the first Bond film that depicts him as a human being with feelings as he begins to get tired of killing and desires a more simple life with his new love, Dr. Swann. While some may not recognize him as the same classic Bond, I think this is a refreshing change.
Lastly, "Writing's On the Wall" may just be my favorite song from a Bond movie ever.