The classic Bond formula is back and I like it

Rating: 7/10 (8 April 2016)

Last Friday it was finally time to go and see the new James Bond film Spectre. Daniel Craig returns for his fourth run as the British spy 007 and this time he brings Christoph Waltz as his nemesis. Sam Mendes also returns as a director after the success of Skyfall which of course raised my expectations even more. Craig's Bond films have been formed by a rethinking concept both for the good and bad. With Casino Royale they tried to restart the series with Batman Begins as the main inspiration. In Skyfall they wanted to make Bond even more personal by digging in his past.
Spectre is in a way the first real Bond film that Craig has done, and it delivers. The film does return to the more classic Bond concept that's been around ever since Goldfinger in 1964. A classic villain, technical gadgets, Bondgirls and exotic places. Craig also brings his a-game when it comes to charm and humour. In Spectre I really feel that he is just as cocky and confident as James Bond is supposed to be.
It shall be noted that Spectre is the most expensive and the longest Bond film to date, and sometimes I feel it. With its 2 and a half hour long running time, there are definitely parts that feels slow for an action film. In the cinema I did notice it from time to time, but its nothing that really bothers me. Possibly it could have had a tighter and faster editing at certain parts, but on the other hand those slow moments builds up the tension and expectation of what's to come next.
I was impressed by Spectre and despite its long running time I think it will eventually be a classic. In my opinion it is definitely together with Skyfall the greatest Bond film Craig has ever made. It really feels as he brought the character of James Bond to the exact point where he wants him to be. He also gets good help from a most scary performance by Christoph Waltz as the villain and also the fantastic Léa Seydoux as Madeleine Swann. Spectre is definitely worth your time.
David Lindahl - www.filmografen.se