Review of Spectre (2015) by Danny R — 20 Aug 2016

Sam Mendes's jaw-dropping, meticulously-crafted spy epic is filled with traditions from the classic Bond films of the past such as a psychotic megalomaniac mastermind villain, an almost superhuman henchman, some dry wit, and of course gorgeous sexy women.

Daniel Craig is in top-form as the ultra-suave super-spy James Bond 007. Craig throws everything into his no-nonsense, full-committed performance and it shows, he is the heart of this fine motion picture.

The film opens with Bond in Mexico City during Day of the Dead festival on personal business to kill a certain man who is an associate of the nefarious criminal organization know as "Spectre," it will lead to a suspenseful, hair-raising out-of-control helicopter mid-air fight above the heads of thousands of people at the festival that has to be seen to be believed.

This unauthorized caper will get him suspended by the new M, wonderfully played by Ralph Fiennes, Bond goes completely off the grid on a secret mission that he was given to by the original M, Fiennes' late predecessor, played by the great Judi Dench in a short cameo.

At the same time the old MI6 is about to be replaced by a new computerized Intelligence Agency, headed by smarmy new director, code name C, well-played by Andrew Scott, as a result of this the "00" licensed to kill agents will be shut down for good.

Meanwhile Bond is hot on the trail of number one, the psychotic head of "Spectre" who is named Franz Oberhauser, he is played marvelously by Christoph Waltz, a smiling sadist from Bond distant past that finally will have Bond where he wants him, but first Bond must survive the relentless chase and attacks from Oberhauser's chief assassin Mr.

Hinx, played impressively by the physically imposing ex-pro wrestler David Bautista, who is a monstrous muscle-bound brute that can crush a man's head with his bare-hands. Brutista terrifically evokes the classic Bond henchmen like Oddjob, and Red Grant.

Astute direction by Mendes who gives his film amazing kinetic action sequences and awesome car chases. Breathtaking cinematography by Hoyte Van Hoytema, with an evocative score by Thomas Newman, and a magnificent Oscar winning title song "Writing on the Wall" which was written and brilliantly sung by Sam Smith.

One of the best Bond adventures I have ever seen. Highly Recommended.