A cryptic message from Bond's past sends him on a trail to uncover a sinister organization. While M battles political forces to keep the secret service alive, Bond peels back the layers of deceit to reveal the terrible truth behind SPECTRE.
This is as good as Bond gets, but it struggles in its later stages as it tries to have things both way.
Daniel Craig has grown into the role of the British spy with flair and sang-froid and this inventive, intelligent and complex new outing showcases him brilliantly.
Full marks to Mendes, Craig, Waltz, Fiennes and the location finder. But could we please get a hummable song next time?
Though not as dramatically rich or emotionally compelling as Skyfall, Spectre still ranks as a sleek, pulse-pounding if slightly overlong entertainment that should have little trouble emulating its predecessor’s box office.
What can possibly come next for Bond? I really haven't got a clue - and for the first time i'm not so sure I care…
The pace never falters, the conviction never wavers. Sam Smith’s title song may have its critics but in every other respect Spectre is a premium Bond.
As the film ticks every franchise box going, we're left to speculate what a Bond liberated from tradition and the weight of expectation might look like.
At least Quantum of Solace had the decency to be short and fast-paced.
There are places when it feels just a little rushed and the title tune is no match for Adele’s Skyfall belter but those are minor quibbles in a film that treats the spying game with all the emotional sweep and intensity of grand opera.
Christopher Nolan’s influence shows in this excellent 007 caper, where Daniel Craig meets his match in Léa Seydoux.
Go any deeper into his character and he’ll lose his mystique. It’s the best Bond ever.
24 things you didn't know about Spectre
General release. Check local listings for show times.
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