With all its flaws and strengths, one thing that can't be doubted is, in simple words, "Spectre" is spectacular.
While watching a Bond movie, the audience has certain expectations -- high-tech gadgets, super awesome cars and hot ladies. Then there are those who have read an original James Bond story by Ian Fleming and know what Bond really symbolises.
In the past two decades, Bond has always been projected as a tech-savvy, ultra cool assassin who utilises his licence to kill as boisterously as he can. What majorly missed till Pierce Brosnan's movies was the fact that Bond is originally pictured with unbelievable skills in espionage.
However, since Daniel Craig appeared as Bond for first time ever in "Casino Royale," the story has returned back to the roots. Hence, "Spectre" continues to make sure that the old trend is alive and intact.
The talent of Sam Mendes is unquestionable indeed as under his direction, the previous Bond movie, "Skyfall" became one of those movies in the series that won an Academy Award. He has done a great job with "Spectre" too, and made sure that the story interlinks with previous Craig's series of Bond movies.
Hence, the movie did brilliant justice to all the basic elements that includes direction, cinematography, music and acting by the lead actors.
While some new characters are introduced, some of the old ones are developed upon, especially Eve Moneypenny (Naomie Harris), Q (Ben Winshaw), and M (Ralph Fiennes).
Christpher Waltz is introduced as the antagonist of the movie, Ernst Stavro Blofeld. His character is not as impressive as was expected and it could have been better with more impact to it.
In comparison to Raul Silva (Javier Bardem), the prime enemy in "Skyfall," Blofeld's character has somewhat less influence as the villain and at times, it seems extended unnecessarily. Still, given the legendary actor Waltz is, his performance as Blofeld is mostly impeccable.
Léa Seydoux is introduced as the Bond girl playing the character of Dr. Madeleine Swann. Unlike most of the Bond ladies, Swann is initially repelled to the lifestyle of Bond and his dedication to espionage. At one point, she even leaves Bond for it that was quite unusual for a Bond girl to do.
Besides, the recurring characters of M, Q and Monneypenny did a decent job in the movie. Though Fiennes is undoubtedly a good boss, he just can't replace the vibe of Judie Dench's M. Apart from it, his character has surely progressed and is much established than "Skyfall".
Ben Winshaw has more screen time as Q than his previous stint and he took care that the audience admires him for it. Harris did justice to Monneypenny making sure that she provides assistance to Bond whenever he needs it.
Monica Bellucci has a cameo and a steaming on-screen scene with Craig, making her the oldest woman to be cast as a Bond girl.
Dave Bautista is naturally built for the assassin, Mr Hinx's, role and Andrew Scott plays Max Denbigh, also known by his code name C, that is reminiscent of Moriarty's character from "Sherlock."
In a nutshell, "Spectre" is a gem of a Bond movie. Though the iconic intro song titled "Writing's on the Wall" sung by Sam Smith is not as mesmerising as Adele's in "Skyfall," it is enchanting enough.
What really makes "Spectre" a great movie is the way it wrapped up all the major and minor details from previous Craig's series of Bond movies and comes out with an unexpected yet radiant conclusion.
A must watch for those who like the classic Bond, the Ian Fleming's one.
