Good movie that suffers if it's compared to the better efforts of its predecessor

Rating: 7/10 (26 October 2015)

Here comes the forth outing of Daniel Craig as James Bond. One which is his purest Bond film regarding classic nods and suspension of credibility but a let down after the brilliance of Skyfall. The film starts strong, with a jaw-dropping stunt and the suspense builds towards the half of the movie very well even feeling a little unbalanced. But from the second half on, there is less suspense than before and everything else is a good entertaining and crowd pleasing Bond film that never feels as refreshing nor original as the previous best. The formula from Skyfall is brought back with a few tweaks but without an effort to present something really special like the very first time in which we are being landed in Bond's childhood at the previous instalment. There are childhood drama and twists but nothing that really grown on me or was a standout. Ralph Fiennes as the new M also is never as memorable as Judi Dench, although he doesn't have got a so proper storyline as her. Andrew Scott pops in and out without being as menacing as he could have been and Harris & Whishaw keep their supporting players on a good note. Craig is the MVP of the film alongside Seydoux and Waltz doing what he does best even if I think he could have been more intriguing. Bautista and Belluci are the least useful actors and that's a shame. The last third of the movie prefers more suspense and drama than explosions and extravaganza but it's too late to try to save points for the movie.
Without never being as weak as Quantum Of Solace, Spectre doesn't reach the equal greatness from Casino Royale and Skyfall. It isn't as fresh nor special. But it's a richly entertaining outing and one of the most remarkable if we go beyond Craig saga and compares it with all the classic franchise. It's effective, boldly shot and offers enjoyment with pleasure and style. But don't try to go further than that. Good time at cinema.