Saturday, November 7, 2015

MOVIE REVIEW: SPECTRE: Of Spies, Nostalgia and a Classic 'Bond' Film



In an earlier blog post I wrote that 2015 was the year of 'spy movies' and that the biggest one is yet to come and Sam Mendes' SPECTRE does not disappoint. 

The 24th film in the Bond franchise alludes to many past Bond references while exuding both swagger and confidence, the kind that only James Bond can possess. 

I loved the first scene in the movie (among others) which places Daniel Craig (James Bond) in the middle of The Day of the Dead festival in Mexico-I had no idea it was so beautiful and mysterious. I love the makeup and the costumes! The scene has no cuts and continues with no cuts (kind of like Birdman) all the way from where we first see Bond in the middle of a busy street, up to a hotel room & across rooftop buildings for an explosive opening sequence. 



Speaking of Opening sequence, Spectre pays homage to the classic 007 opening sequence, complete with the music and the bullet hole shooting scene that is familiar to generations which was a great idea to add in the movie to also re-introduce the younger millenials to the famous sequence which their fathers, uncles and maybe even grandfathers grew up watching. There's also a second opening sequence which includes hauntingly beautiful images. It's something that you'll just have to see for yourself. The kids would probably appreciate Sam Smith's equally beautiful voice which accompanies the second sequence. 

Without giving away too much, Spectre has James on a direct collision course with facing ghosts and demons from his past as well as a threat in MI6 which places him and his fellow double 00's as being obsolete. Not to mention that secret organization whose claws are slowly making their way around our hero's chiseled face and this time it's personal and this gives Bond more resolve to die another day so to speak. 



The film has got the James Bond lore and rules down and this may cause it to be predictable but its a tried and tested formula that works - its almost dogma! Once it begins its a roller-coaster action ride that will have you at the edge of your seat. From high flying helicopter fights, to fast car chases and nail-biting train fights. James will take you from the streets of Mexico,  the cold Alpine mountains, to the scorching dessert in a globe-trotting adventure that never ends. 


Another thing I loved about the film is that it's not only Bond who's in the spotlight. He is also supported by a strong team led by Ralph Fiennes as M, Naomi Harris as Moneypenny and Ben Whishaw as Q. Harris and Whishaw present a charm, wit and a subtle humor which brings smiles and laughs from the audience and isn't Q just cute? :) 

Of course the villains in the movie are just so deliciously bad that they good in their roles especially Christoph Waltz as Franz Oberhauser is a villanous delight!




Can we also talk about Bond girl Lea Seydoux as Madeleine Swann whom you can't take your eyes off whenever she went on screen. She reminds me of a younger Scarlet Johansson. 



Shout out to Dave Bautista who played muscle bound Mr. Hinx, the audience drew in a breath when he walked in screen. 

Everyone was impeccably dressed without seemingly trying to hard and that includes Q's cute knitted garb. 



A bone that I have to pick with the film though was that it was long, like 2 hours long. So I would suggest that you do all necessary bathroom trips and make sure you are armed o the teeth with food. :P 

SPECTRE is now showing in Cinemas in IMAX and Digital 2D cinemas. 


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