Spectre Review

My first viewing of Spectre was infuriating.

A protracted story with forced interconnectivity, that leaves more women firmly in Vesper’s shadow. It did plenty right but plenty wrong.

Some time has passed and I’ve now watched it again in the comfort of my own home. Second time around, was Spectre a misstep, or did I need the rewatch to see it in a positive light?

On second viewing Spectre turns out to be a lot like Skyfall; a decent Bond film that does a lot right but also takes several missteps.

The opening ‘one-shot’ sequence showcases the niche that Craig has settled into; harsher like Connery and Dalton, with the odd moment of levity. Landing on an old sofa with a slight smirk at his luck sums it all up. Post Skyfall I feel as though he’s finally settled into the role. Though I particularly enjoy his brutish approach in Casino Royale, I wish we’d seen this character sooner. His suits might be too tight but he’s a great Bond.

Craig seems much more settled, and a big part of that is the team around him. They’re all spared the injustice of being hidden behind desks. Special note must be made of Tanner; he’s not a big presence but I always like seeing him. I just wish we could see Felix Leiter again to top it off. Oh, and Craig should take notes from Fiennes on how to dress. Yes I had to bring it up again!

All of this makes it a shame that we have two more Bond girls that can’t escape the shadow of Vesper Lynd, though one manages to come closer than most. Second time around it’s a lot clearer why Bond falls for Swann. I can’t see them staying together long-term but within the story it made sense.

There is some very exciting action, but it must come with a warning. Several moments are clearly pushing the 12A certificate to its limit. It’s not for the squeamish. We’ve not had a Jaguar versus Aston battle since Die Another Day (shudders), but this one is far classier whilst still managing to include some gadgetry. Stunning cars in a cool location.

As a self-confessed sucker for continuity the mention and inclusion of events from Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace and Skyfall tickles my fussy bone no end. It’s a pretty awkward ret-con and doesn’t completely jive, but I can live with it.

Waltz walks the line between sinister and camp pretty well, though I have to admit I didn’t expect the full on ‘Bond villain’ approach his character brings to the film. His monologuing and elaborate traps don’t stick out sorely but when looking at the series as a whole it’s a big step. Perhaps I expected more after the final third of Skyfall and its Home Alone approach to dealing with bad guys. Nevertheless, bar some ridiculously good shooting that proves Bond hasn’t ‘lost a step’, the finale did enough whilst leaving things open for the future.

Note – In the cinema there was an advert for Heineken featuring Craig. The longer haircut he sports there look rather dashing on him, and much more like classic Bond.