An Enjoyable Hackneyed Series of Clichés

Rating: 7/10 (31 October 2015)

From what I have read, I expected this film to lack plotting, and to consist action sequences bolted together. This was not the case. How could it be with Sam Mendes directing a fine cast with customary aplomb? There were numerous self-referential nods of the head throughout, but witty though many of them were, they didn't stop the film being in essence an enjoyable hackneyed series of clichés. Spectre had a sort of end of season feel to it. Daniel Craig and Sam Mendes will soon be moving on, on their own terms, like the manager and captain of your favourite football team. The mind wanders towards the question of who the board will bring in next. Guy Ritchie would be interesting. Tarantino wouldn't touch it. Or might he?