Indyfreak's Movie Review of Spectre (2015)

Bond. James Bond. What else is there?
Indyfreak - wrote on 11/06/15

Daniel Craig is the best James Bond since Sean Connery at the height of his tenure as 007 decades ago. If Spectre has anything going for it, it's that. As far as Daniel Craig's output has gone, Spectre is not on par with Skyfall or Casino Royale but it is still miles ahead of Quantum of Solace. And I liked Quantum of Solace.
Its leisurely pace may prove tiresome for some but otherwise Spectre is a entertaining romp and a noticeably affectionate love letter to the James Bond franchise. It's hard to criticize the film for so thoroughly reveling in its tried-and-true formula and who could with a straight face without admitting how thoroughly enjoyable director Sam Mendes makes it. And it's shot so beautifully. Spectre is one of the best filmed motion pictures of 2015.
And the action is elaborately staged as always. The first ten minutes are arguably more thrilling and nail-biting than the famous plane stunt in Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation. What makes it more exciting is that within the context of the plot, James Bond is on his own and much humor is derived at how often the gadgets he has available are pointless-or as it seems.
Those returning as part of the supporting cast are as comfortable as they first appeared in Skyfall such as Ralph Fiennes, Naomi Harris and Ben Whishaw. Christoph Waltz is creepy and menacing as the mystery villain operating behind the scenes. Remind any Bond fans of anyone in particular? *Wink Wink* But the surprise standout of the supporting cast is Lea Seydoux as Bond unwilling ally turned love interest. She's pretty, resourceful, and personality-wise serves as a stalwart foil to Craig's brusque persona.
Now let's move on to what's not good. There are moments in the picture that promise further character development of Daniel Craig's rendition of 007 but they either go nowhere or are interrupted for another action scene. Since Seydoux's character is a psychologist it'd be perfect for the quieter moments but it's wasted. And while Christoph Waltz is in fine form as the villain, the depiction of Spectre the organization is too restrained for its own good and it ends up looking as weak as Quantum turned out.
Spectre is not honestly the best of Daniel Craig's Bond movies but like the rest of his films, QoS included, it is among the most entertaining entries in years.