SPECTRE fits into the classic Bond formula that we all know, but at a cost.

Rating: 9/10 (7 November 2015)

SPECTRE, James Bond's 24th screen outing, is a fantastic blockbuster that unfortunately reverts back to the pre-Daniel Craig franchise Bond formula that we are all used to. Although the film will break several box office records, it will be at the cost of sacrificing the progress the franchise was making since it was rebooted with Casino Royale in 2006. Daniel Craig returns in his fourth outing as Bond, and SPECTRE will confirm to many how great a Bond he has become, be that according to how much muscle he flexes or by how he oozes with the charm, turning it on and off with the flick of a switch. As a suave combination between Sean Connery's sophisticated style and Roger Moore's cheesiness, Craig has managed to craft his own version of Bond, a much more grittier version than any other previous incarnation. In regards to the speculation that this will be Craig's final outing as Bond, the story arc that SPECTRE finally manages to complete would allow Craig to gracefully bow out on a high. However, the film does not make it awkward for him to return, in fact it would make sense considering his love interest at the end of the film, and several will hope that will be the case. Alongside Craig is a Bond cast that emphasises how strong the relationships between the 'Bond family' are. Back in M's classic wood-panelled office, we have a team consisting of Ralph Fiennes as M, Ben Whishaw as Q, Naomie Harris as Moneypenny, and Rory Kinnear as Bill Tanner. In regards to this group, Fiennes and Whishaw are deserved of a second mention. Fiennes does well to fill the gap that Judi Dench left, allowing the film to glaze over her omission, and Whishaw's on-screen chemistry with Craig is splendid. As well as this, the new Bond girls consist of Lucia Sciarra, played by Monica Bellucci, the first 'Bond lady' at age 50, and Madeleine Swann, played by Léa Seydoux. Although both perform well, their characters do not live up to the promises that SPECTRE would be 'revolutionary' in its treatment of women. Bellucci appears on screen for less than a few minutes and although Seydoux's character initially seems like she too may prove to be 'revolutionary', her first few appearances on screen, showing off her character as a strong, independent woman, are brushed aside by Bond because she is 'in shock'. By the end of the film both characters are completely disempowered and blur into the Bond girl canon, although oozing with sex appeal as they go. They join Naomie Harris' Moneypenny, who has now been demoted to being M's secretary. As members of SPECTRE, Dave Bautista plays the silent Mr. Hinx, and Christoph Waltz plays the ominous Franz Oberhauser. Their on screen presences are both well constructed and both actors do extremely well to mould their characters into classic Bond villains. Mr. Hinx is a towering, grunting wall of muscle and Waltz's Oberhauser is a true psychopath and a pivotal character in regards to completing the story arc the franchise has overseen since it was rebooted. In SPECTRE, Sam Mendes, the film's director, has crafted a brilliant film that fits with the tried and tested Bond formula that we are used to. Although several aspects of the film thrive off said formula such as the plot and the Bond villains, the antiquated Bond girls are confined to it, detracting from the reality that SPECTRE is trying to immerse us in. It is ultimately such a shame to see Bond return to a formula that the series seems to have outgrown. But, it is a formula that works and SPECTRE is ultimately an awesome film with Daniel Craig spearheading a cast at the top of their game, several gags that will draw a smile, thrilling set pieces, sexy Bond girls and a fantastically villainous organisation that ties up several loose ends that have been haunting the franchise since it was rebooted.