Daniel Craig Bows Out In Bond's Most Beautiful Film

Rating: 9/10 (21 February 2016)

Daniel Craig has proclaimed that this will be his last Bond film. The demands of keeping in shape are central to his decision. Well, I am happy to say that his last is a great piece of film. If you have seen all the negative reviews for this film, which say that it's too boring or they don't like the storyline or even that the title song is inappropriate, you might be wondering how I can celebrate "Spectre". Let me elucidate.
First of all, the story begins in Mexico City during the Day of the Dead celebration, which I am sure some Bond fans will see as a reference to "Live and Let Die". There is a seemingly continuous (though it's not, which makes it masterful) tracking shot that is fun to watch as Bond prepares to launch into his mission. There is the collapsing building scene that has been shown in trailers. Then there is a fight scene in a helicopter that is doing amazing stunts.
The fairly traditional credits are accompanied by a nice song by Sam Smith. I am clueless why anyone would not like the song in this context.
The best surprise of all is the cinematography. "Spectre" is one of the most beautifully shot films ever. No matter the time of day or the setting, the lighting is the star of this film--at twilight, in fog, in dark interiors. The camera frames the scenes with an unerring eye for capturing beautiful images.
The storyline is no more convoluted than is typical in a Bond film. It starts with a mystery and run parallel to another story about the globalization of security, with the attendant subtexts of "progress" outdating traditional methods, and the larger dangers that arise from more powerful systems.
This Bond is caring, not callous. He still indulges in the occasional quip, but he keeps his eyes on the prize with a pragmatic focus. He may be a little tired/sad--having seen the dismantling of the organization he dedicated his life to--but he still has more than enough energy to battle hand to hand with the badasses and to devise strategies on the fly and engage in the usual breathless chases.
This Bond film has the longest running time. Thankfully, it allows the viewer to really enjoy its beauty. What a shame so many have not appreciated it.