Redemption - finally!

Rating: 9/10 (3 November 2015)

It's taken 4 films for Daniel Craig to finally find his groove, but it looks like it might be a case of 'too little too late' for him.
It's the first film of his era where we've had it all: car chases, gadgets (in a nice throwback to Live and Let Die), evil conferences (think Thunderball), quips, stunning backdrops, larger-than-life villains and their impervious henchmen. And not one, but TWO evil- villain-helicopter-getaways. Life doesn't get much better!
In all seriousness though, Spectre is innovative, with a hint of nostalgia, and a powerful modern take on our favourite British spy. Christoph Waltz can do no wrong, as ever, with an indulgent and disturbing performance as Bond's enemy Franz Oberhauser. Cut back to London, where M is thrust into a deep political battle, powerless against C's manoeuvring, which makes for some enjoyable interludes between the next set-piece. Doggedly pursuing James Bond on his globe- trotting trip is the zealous Mr. Hinx, which makes for some brilliant action sequences.
James Bond takes itself too seriously these days, but this film did not seem plagued by Craig's stone-faced vapidness characteristic of the first three films and the dark feel that is mandatory for many films these days. For die-hard Bond fans, this is true indulgence, with throwbacks littered throughout near every scene. The plot raised some very contemporary issues in this world of drones and mass surveillance, but it never hit you over the head with it, and you could sit back and laugh at the light-hearted humour and Bond charm that has slowly been eroded over the three films preceding it.
Without spoilers, I am interested to see how the Bond films proceed from here. The producers seem to be hedging their bets as to whether Daniel Craig will return. After this brilliant film, I think I actually could stand to see him one more time!