Crisp, Entertaining but not 'The One'

Rating: 8/10 (26 October 2015)

Bond films have evolved over the years and especially after the introduction of Daniel Craig. It is also because nowadays audience wants to see films and characters closer to reality unlike the old bond movies which were more inclined towards the characterization of a dream spy with cool gadgets. Sam Mendes' second consecutive directorial somewhat hovers around the Skyfall tone along with the old bond charisma. It is thoroughly entertaining and very well filmed, but at the end, you feel something's missing and even you don't exactly know what it is.
The movie almost picks off from where the Skyfall left as far as Bond and M's character's are concerned. The mission again this time is more personal along with the 'going rogue' concept. The script also tries to bring in the concept of information monitoring and manipulation and a new organization taking over the '00' program because it is too old school. The same conflict can be seen in the director's mind as well. At part's the movie does justice to the Bond character like womanizing, alcohol and a typical villain character who enjoys the charade. However on the other hand one could see the new bond movie where the gadgets are not always his friend and the Bond experiencing downfall at times. The intensity shown in the trailer is not as much in the movie itself. It is may be because I personally expected too much after seeing Skyfall which was so intense and well written. However there are other people who hated Skyfall and they might find this movie better. The visuals are breathtaking and so is the action credit to brilliant cinematography. Now having visited London, I am being able to relate to the movie better at times as well. Background score and some really well written dialogues make sure that one does not know how the 140 odd minutes go.
The characterization is the tricky part though. Some are very well written and some have been just wasted. Daniel Craig once again gives a masterful performance as Bond with right amount of clichés. The roles of 'M' and 'Q' are slightly different but have their own importance this time. Naomie Harris as Moneypenny moves from field to desk. Lea Sedoux and Dave Bautista make use of their screen space effectively. Andrew Scott has been used well at times but his role is very generic. Monica Belluci is mainly for the glamour and it is very disappointing to see her role is not even half as much as they have projected/promoted it to be. Christoph Waltz has given his best but there his characterization is not good enough. It neither related to revenge nor domination.
Spectre is a nice pint of beer that goes down very well down your throat, but it does not give you 'that' kick. And 'that' here is a word only a true cinema lover can relate to.