Spectre

Daniel Craig is back for the fourth and perhaps final time as the iconic lothario James Bond; the British spy with an insatiable appetite for women and a knack for finding, avoiding, and making danger look just plain cool.

The latest entry into the pantheon of the genre finds James dealing with the aftermath of “Skyfall” and the death of his beloved mentor, M. The trademark opening sequence is breathtaking as a helicopter does barrel rolls over a crowd of onlookers in Mexico City on the Day of the Dead. The film continues its epic 148 minute journey, introducing us to new villains, new women, new gadgets, and a hip, new twenty-first century nod to the changing spy game and the challenges and fears that come with it.

Everyone who follows the cinematic universe has stumbled upon James Bond once or twice (or twenty-four times) and after the masterful “Skyfall” in 2012, there has been a resurgence in the quality of the films as well as a shift back to basics where Bond is less of a ladies’ man who gets cool gadgets and fights baddies to more of a tough guy who fights complex networks of villains and just happens to be good with the ladies. It’s subtle, but it’s appropriate for the evolution of the franchise.

In an homage to what might be Craig’s swan song, “Spectre” takes on a much more classic approach to the story. It’s eerily nostalgic of the Sean Connery Bond; the one who made the character so compelling way back in the 1960’s. What keeps us coming back for more each and every time? I’m glad you asked. The spy fantasy is nothing new. Excitement is a natural yearning, and what better fantasy than being a smart, attractive, physically imposing man who carries a license to kill, escapes every hostile situation, and gets literally every woman he wants. The formula doesn’t get much more perfect than that. Why do women love James Bond? I haven’t figured that one out yet, but my theory is the whole international man of mystery thing. Tame the wild beast, travel to exotic locales with the coolest guy in the room. That sort of thing.

Craig walks through the role, perhaps fatigued by the demands of playing such an important character in film. There is already speculation as to the identity of his successor, with most odds makers putting Idris Elba, Damien Lewis, and Tom Hardy at the top of the list. For my money, I’d like to see a fresh direction and see a younger actor play the role. Someone like Jamie Bell. Not necessarily a prequel because the franchise isn’t entirely chronological, but a fresh set of stories to accompany a fresh actor (perhaps a throwback and a 1960’s or 1970’s setting?)

Two time Oscar winner Christoph Waltz plays the villain, Oberhauser (is that his real name?), who has a past link to Bond as well as the previous villains from “Casino Royale”, “Quantum of Solace”, and “Skyfall”. He walks through the role without any real emotion, and I was honestly expecting quite a bit more as his persona just oozes Bond villain. The connections are a nice bow on the quadrilogy and suggest that the next film may be a step in a new direction with some new blood at the helm and in the role. I think it’s a good choice.

Sam Mendes (“American Beauty”, “Road to Perdition”, “Jarhead”, “Skyfall”) is one of my favorite directors, and I imagine he couldn’t pass on the experience to be a part of the Bond legacy. Although he’s rumored to be attached to the twenty-fifth installment, I imagine he will move on to something different. And I can’t wait.

Dave Bautista brings some muscle to the film as Hinx, the henchman. It’s been awhile since we’ve had a good henchman, and it is another nod to the classic approach to this film. My only complaint is with his limited screen time and his lackluster exit.

Everything about this film screams classic Bond, and that is what makes it work. It isn’t nearly as well done as “Skyfall”, but it is absolutely on par with what should be the audience expectations. Perhaps “Skyfall” should have been the fourth installment, sending Craig out with an award-worthy bang, but I paid to see James Bond drive a cool car, fight some quirky bad guys, and bed some beautiful women. Job well done, James. 8/10.