Tags
007, 2010's, Andrew Scott, Ben Whishaw, Christoph Waltz, Daniel Craig, Dave Bautista, James Bond, Jesper Christensen, Léa Seydoux, Monica Bellucci, Naomie Harris, Ralph Fiennes, Sam Mendes, Spectre, Spy
Film Title
Spectre
Director
Sam Mendes
Starring
- Daniel Craig as James Bond
- Christoph Waltz as Franz Oberhauser
- Léa Seydoux as Madeleine Swann
- Ben Whishaw as Q
- Naomie Harris as Miss Moneypenny
- Dave Bautista as Mr. Hinx
- Monica Bellucci as Lucia Sciarra
- Ralph Fiennes as M
- Andrew Scott as Max Denbigh
- Jesper Christensen as Mr. White
It was going to be a hard act to follow the phenomenal success and acclaim that Skyfall experienced, but I’m happy to report that Spectre, the 24th Bond movie is excellently done and hugely entertaining on almost every level. Bringing back some of the classic formula that makes the series so enjoyable in the first place, Spectre scores high points.
We begin in Mexico during the Day of the Dead, where Bond is on an unofficial mission as ordered by the former M before her death. He is tracking an international criminal named Marco Sciarra who is planning to blow up a prominent stadium. Before he can do this Bond intervenes in typically bombastic fashion and gives chase to the mafia boss, ending up with the two of them battling it out in a helicopter slowly spinning out of control. Bond overpowers him and manages to claim his ring, which bears a curious octopus symbol. Meanwhile, back in London, the current M is under pressure when Bond returns because his actions play into the hands of ambitious Security Chief Max Denbigh. The cocky upstart has plans to rid MI6 of the 00 section, seeing it as old and outdated. Though disciplined by M to stay and not doing anything rash, Bond, enlisting the covert services of loyal Moneypenny and gadget man Q, travels to Rome to uncover more about the syndicate the Sciarra was part of. Through contact with the forbidden Lucia, who is the widow of Sciarra, he finds the meeting place. It transpires that the organisation is the nefarious SPECTRE, who are behind worldwide acts of chaos and evil. Most alarming of all is the fact that the head of it is someone from Bond’s past known as Franz Oberhauser. Travelling to Austria, where he encounters former enemy Mr White, who is dying and in his last moments gives Bond precious information, Bond is set for a globetrotting adventure that also takes him to Tangier. He is further aided by Mr White’s intelligent daughter Dr Madeleine Swann, as he unearths the full nature of the crime group and confronts his own past in a mission that gets personal and very dangerous.
Sam Mendes successfully returns to the director seat again and works marvels with Spectre. Sprinkling proceedings with humour, action and dangerous elegance, he captures the world of Bond with excitement and panache. I enjoyed seeing Mendes tipping his hat to some of the older movies in the series, specifically From Russia with Love and On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. Style oozes from the frames of this movie and special mention must go to the dazzling opening sequence. The sweeping nature of the tracking shot that begins the film is stunning and it burns itself deep into the mind for its skill, as well as the rest of the action-packed sequence that begins things with one hell of a bang. And I must give credit to the lovely cinematography that gives each new location on Bond’s journey a sense of dangerous atmosphere and international intrigue. Whether it be the burned oranges of shadowy Rome to the exotic golden sheen of Morocco, Spectre never fails to engage on a visual level. For all the visual grandeur, at least Spectre has a good script and story to go along with too. I liked the reintroduction of humour again and the way it was balanced with suspense. There really are some cracking one liners in here that will raise a chuckle or so within the audience, but there is still a grittiness within that is typical of Craig’s tenure as 007. Spectre feels very much like a Bond movie of old in style and content, though mixed with up to date agendas and technology. Thomas Newman provides a stirring and sweeping score that acts as a an excellent accompaniment to the adventure on screen and is not afraid to break out the outrageous bombast of old. Though the Sam Smith song for the movie has caused an ambivalent response, the orchestra heavy ‘Writing’s On the Wall’ fits stunningly into an unusual title sequence of octopus tentacles crawling over lovely ladies, fiery elementals caressing Bond and flickers of the past in shattered glass.
In his fourth outing as 007, Daniel Craig is excellent and really looks comfortable with the part. He still brings a level of seriousness to the screen, but it’s fun to see him be quick-witted and ruthless with style. In other words, Craig brings a new lease of life to Bond by combining both of these qualities and emerging successful. Largely seen in the shadows for the first half but once unveiled a slimy presence, a superb Christoph Waltz imbues the villain Oberhauser with a sinister charm and quiet sense of being the one pulling a whole lot of strings. Portraying the primary Bond girl Madeleine Swann, Léa Seydoux is sultry, intuitive and well-rounded as we witness her being able to handle dangerous situations and be able to analyse Bond. There is something very layered about the character and through the talents of Seydoux, they shine through. Ben Whishaw is a hoot as Q, given more material and working wonders with some splendidly written scenes with Bond as he risks his job to help him on his mission. Naomie Harris shines as Moneypenny, who also risks her job to help Bond and has a natural sense of humour about her. The hulking and silent credentials of Dave Bautista make for a suitably menacing henchman who tangles with Bond on more than one occasion. In a small but well-played part, the lovely Monica Bellucci plays a mob widow with a sense of melancholy and sexiness to her, who gives Bond some very important information regarding the eponymous group. Ralph Fiennes is great as M, who is not backing down from battling the forces that want to take away what he has worked for all this time. As the slick and brash Denbigh who has big plans and is thoroughly smug and condescending, Andrew Scott does a good job at making him really unlikable. And making a pivotal cameo is Jesper Christensen as former enemy Mr White who while dying after betraying SPECTRE, confides in Bond.
A well-shot, stylish and exciting Bond adventure, Spectre provides thrills and action that will leave you astonished and engrossed. I think it’s fair to say Spectre is a more than worthy follow-up to the amazing Skyfall.
TheMarckoguy said:
Finally you got your beloved new Bond movie.
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vinnieh said:
Indeed I did, are you planning on seeing it?
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TheMarckoguy said:
Not sure. I feel like I should catch up on a few more movies in the series.
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vinnieh said:
That’s a wise move.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Awesome review as always Vinnie! I’m so happy you liked this. Since this is his last Bond movie I was hoping Daniel Craig would go out with a Bangalore (pun intended).
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vinnieh said:
Nice pun Kim, and thanks for your evergreen words of loveliness and support.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
😊😊😊
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Arrgghh! That was supposed to be “go out with a bang”. What is with stupid auto-correct?!
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vinnieh said:
I got the gist of what you were saying Kim.
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beetleypete said:
Glad you liked it mate. (Yawn…)
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vinnieh said:
Oh your sarcasm is always refreshing Pete.
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beetleypete said:
I must not be churlish, V.
It took over 40 million in the box office on the opening weekend. So, lots of people must like it. In fact, I might be the only person on earth who doesn’t want to watch it… ‘Kerching!’ Get that in the bank, Daniel…
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vinnieh said:
It’s certainly doing sterling business at the box office Pete. You’re always entitled to your opinions, it’s what makes us all unique.
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beetleypete said:
Just watched ‘American Mary’, taped from Film 4. Have you seen that, V?
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vinnieh said:
I can’t say I have Pete.
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beetleypete said:
She’s very fit, and she has surgical implements. Cult body horror, and quite strange. No car chases though…http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1959332/
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vinnieh said:
I’ll be sure to give it a look, your recommendations are usually spot on.
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beetleypete said:
Thanks, James!
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The Celtic Predator said:
If it makes you feel any better, most critics are roasting this film — unnecessarily IMO, I might add.
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vinnieh said:
Happy to hear someone say something positive after so many mixed reviews.
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beetleypete said:
I reckon Bond will survive a roasting by the critics. I don’t think they are bad films as such. I just don’t ‘get’ them, and never did.
Cheers, Pete.
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The Celtic Predator said:
Oh for sure. If there’s any franchise that’s critic proof, it’s Bond. Transformers, too…
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Adam (Consumed by Film) said:
Top work Vinnie — agree with just about everything you’ve written. Great point regarding Waltz too, he imbues Oberhauser with a nastiness but also a charm that’s hard to shake. Lots to really like in this one.
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vinnieh said:
Happy to hear your positive thoughts on my review Adam.
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Kamila Pala said:
I have been in the cinema, yesterday – and it was really good! 🙂
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vinnieh said:
It was an amazing experience on the big screen.
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badblokebob said:
Great write-up as always, Vinnie. Glad you enjoyed it. For me it didn’t quite measure up to Casino Royale or Skyfall, but as I think they’re two of the very best in the entire series, being the next best thing isn’t too shabby.
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vinnieh said:
None too shabby, love that. I think I took to this one because it felt like a Bond movie of old.
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badblokebob said:
Yeah, I thought they did a really good job of bringing back stuff that’s been missing in the last few films.
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vinnieh said:
It felt like the Craig era had come full circle from the reboot in Casino Royale a and the subsequent movies brining it all back again.
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jasinrockgod said:
Awesome review. I’m jealous you’ve seen it, it isn’t opening here until Friday….which is coincidentally my birthday (best present ever). I look forward to seeing it though!
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vinnieh said:
I’m sure this film will be an amazing birthday gift.
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KittNoir said:
I loved it! 👌
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vinnieh said:
It’s so good, I’d love to see it again now.
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The Vern said:
This has Lea Seydoux as a bond girl. Yeah I’m sold on it. Great to read that this has good cinematography like Skyfall. I hope to c heck it out this weekend or at least very soon.
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vinnieh said:
She was stunning in this film and played a really interest character. Oh the cinematography was immensely good.
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simondaniel27 said:
I gotta say I could never get into 007 but the way you write about this one really makes me want to see Spectre. Well done.
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vinnieh said:
If my review has made you want to give this movie a look, I’ve done my job effectively.
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simondaniel27 said:
You did.
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vinnieh said:
Cheers man.
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fragglerocking said:
can’t wait to see it, he looks gorgeous in that first picture too. 🙂
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vinnieh said:
I have every faith that you’ll love this movie. Craig certainly has many female fans out there.
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fragglerocking said:
I am planning to take myself to the flickpit this weekend to see it 🙂 Hubby is a way so it’ll be my treat to myself 🙂
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vinnieh said:
You are in for a treat.
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fragglerocking said:
can’t wait!
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vinnieh said:
You’re gonna love it.
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wwwpalfitness said:
I nominated you for an award https://wwwpalfitness.wordpress.com/2015/11/02/blogger-recognition-number-2/
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vinnieh said:
Thanks so much for the nomination.
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wwwpalfitness said:
You’re welcome 🙂
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Richard said:
Thanks for your comments on my review https://rwh92.wordpress.com/2015/10/29/spectacular-spectre-review/
I’m so glad you enjoyed it and you have written a brilliant review! 🙂
I’m meant to be seeing it again this week!
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vinnieh said:
I really want to see it again now, had such a blast with it.
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beetleypete said:
Once is never enough…
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vinnieh said:
Exactly Pete, you hit the nail on the head.
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beetleypete said:
I’m playing the voice of (anti-Bond) reason here, V!
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vinnieh said:
Haha, and you play it to perfection.
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Chris Evans said:
Good review mate, as you know from my review I enjoyed it a lot although there are a few niggles!
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vinnieh said:
Thanks Chris, I had an amazing time watching this.
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jameshaseltine said:
Even though we disagree on a few major points this is a great review. I’m just not really sure why the whole ‘Nine Eyes’ part was necessary? But I won’t go into detail as I know some of your followers probably haven’t seen it yet
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vinnieh said:
Appreciate you commenting despite a difference of opinion. That’s what makes the Bond movies great, everyone has their own opinion and it is always interesting to talk about.
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jameshaseltine said:
I feel like my opinion might change after a second viewing. I think the hype all got a little much for me and I was expecting great things
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vinnieh said:
That could well be the case man. What did you find positive about the movie?
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jameshaseltine said:
I loved the opening sequence and the Rome board room scene but it failed to maintain that level of quality I feel
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vinnieh said:
That was a killer opening sequence and the shadowy board room had real atmosphere.
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beetleypete said:
You’re going to watch it again then, James…
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Chris said:
“Mendes tipping his hat to some of the older movies” was exactly what I didn’t warm to, I felt there was too much homage so that it was distracting. Daniel Craig is great in the action scenes, but the new movie left me a bit cold on an emotional level.
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vinnieh said:
Sorry to hear you didn’t enjoy it as much as I did.
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James Walpole said:
Great review Vinnieh, although we couldn’t be at more opposing ends of the spectrum haha!
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vinnieh said:
It seems we are of opposing opinions mate.
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James Walpole said:
Just a little, I wanted to love this so much but I thought the action scenes (except the opening one) lacked punch, Waltz was surprisingly uninspiring and lacking in menace and I thought the story seemed like it was patched together as if they had a few ideas but didn’t knit them together!
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vinnieh said:
Bond movies can be really divisive with fans.
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James Walpole said:
Yeah, they really have that power don’t they!
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vinnieh said:
Exactly, they do make for great debates with others because you get so many different opinions that are hugely interesting.
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Three Rows Back said:
“Dangerous elegance”. Like that mate; sums up the movie nicely. Great write up and glad you focuses see on the sumptuous visuals.
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vinnieh said:
Glad you liked the summary. I was blown away by the visuals, just wow. And that unusual but hypnotic title sequence was amazing.
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thegeekoutletllc said:
As always, great review. Can’t wait to watch this.
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vinnieh said:
Thank you, I’m sure you’ll love this movie. It was so much fun.
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ruth said:
Glad to hear it lives up to Skyfall which is tough to beat. I can’t wait to see this and that opening scene during Day of the Dead sounds really cool! Great review Vin!
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vinnieh said:
Thanks Ruth, so looking forward to reading your thoughts on it. The opening scene is breathtaking and has to be seen to be believed.
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ruth said:
I think Bond opening scenes always sets the bar for future installment to beat. So I’m sure this new one would be breathtaking!
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vinnieh said:
Oh it’s a real treat and just wait until you get to the title sequence, my description doesn’t do it justice.
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Hypersonic55 said:
Sup Vinnie, glad to finally have read your review, as always your reviews area pleasure to read. I don’t believe I liked the film as much as you did, I thought it was good and it certainly had moments of brilliance when it came to the acting (especially from Seydoux and Craig), the cinematography and action sequences. Though for all that good stuff I feel like this adventure was lacking a captivating villain and I wasn’t keen on how certain characters and story elements were handled.
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vinnieh said:
Thank you for commenting. I love how the Bond movies provide such varied responses among people. It makes them really fun to discuss because there is so many of them and everyone has their favourites.
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The Hook said:
I’m working late the next few days, but I cannot articulate how much I’m looking forward to this latest Bond mission. Thanks for whetting my appetite!
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vinnieh said:
Why thanks, I’m sure it will be the perfect thrill ride for you.
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The Hook said:
Can’t go wrong with Bond.
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vinnieh said:
Wise words.
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Khalid Rafi said:
Great review Vinnieh! Glad to hear it lived upto your expectations. Cant wait to see it myself.
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vinnieh said:
It was the most fun I’ve had in a cinema in months.
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Dan said:
Think I’m going to like this one!
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vinnieh said:
I’m sure you will man.
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Tom said:
Yeah I gotta say man you liked this quite a bit more than I did. I didn’t like the way the villain was handled, the way there was supposed to be tension between Bond and MI6 (how are you supposed to stop a 00 agent from doing 00 agent stuff?); I thought Bellucci was completely wasted, Lea Seydoux should have had more input, and the fact M, Moneypenny and Q get involved towards the end was really out of whack. This was closer to a mainstream Jason Bourne movie than a 007 film. Still, there were parts that were really enticing. The opening sequence is compelling. And we can always rely on Christoph Waltz to bring the goods (or the bads, as it were.) Fine review,
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vinnieh said:
Yeah I’ve heard a few people say they didn’t enjoy it a lot. It must have been hard trying to please everyone after coming off such an exceptional as Skyfall. At least we agree on a few things though. That’s the beauty of the Bond movies, the difference of opinions.
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Tom said:
And movies in general, different perspectives and experiences make for great discussion. It’s so unfair for us to compare it to Skyfall. That was a great movie on its own, independent from the franchise. So I tried not to draw too many comparisons or remind readers that this is a step down. But when the fucking marketing department couldn’t help themselves but build this up into something ridiculous, it’s kind of hard not to. haha!
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vinnieh said:
Very true Skyfall was a great movie period. Though some people I know have said in regards to Spectre that they enjoyed it more watching it a second time Tom. Maybe that could be the case for you.
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HusbandAndHusband said:
I actually haven’t seen this one, but I’ve been meaning too. Nice review. You really made me want to watch it. You are a hell of a good review, Mr. Vinnieh!
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vinnieh said:
Definitely see it. Thanks for the distinguished nickname of Mr Vinnieh.
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HusbandAndHusband said:
lol any time!
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vinnieh said:
I like to have a distinguished sound about me.
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star010 said:
Saw the movie yesterday. Thoroughly enjoyed it! Glad Sam Mendes hopped on board with this one, because it would’ve been weird watching someone else. That pre-title sequence without cuts was a treat. Agree with you on your review. Although the Bond theme hasn’t sunk in me yet (weird because I’m a Sam Smith fan). Maybe, in due time it’ll sunk into my skin.
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vinnieh said:
I was thrilled Mendes returned to the Bond movies as he brought so much to Skyfall. That pre title sequence is majestic in every sense of the word.
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star010 said:
Very true about Mendes. That was something Daniel mentioned a lot during press interviews. Where do you think the Bond series will head now? Do you think Daniel will return?
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vinnieh said:
I have every faith the series will continue with grit but still that sense of fun. It would be great if Daniel continued in the role.
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star010 said:
Agree. Would love to see Daniel return. But if he doesn’t, who would you see playing the role?
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vinnieh said:
I actually got asked about this the other day. I would say Clive Owen.
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star010 said:
Hmm… interesting choice. I still have no idea when I get asked this same question though haha
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vinnieh said:
I guess we’ll have to see who the next choice is when the time comes for a new Bond.
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star010 said:
I do hope the producers stick with Daniel for a little longer. And if they have to choose someone new, I’m sure they’ll be wise.
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vinnieh said:
Oh I’m sure the producers know what they’re doing. I’m sure they’ll choose someone really good for the part.
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star010 said:
Indeed. But in the mean time, they should all take a break for a long while to reboot. They need it.
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vinnieh said:
The average gap between Bond movies is 3 to 4 years so I think that gives them a lot of time to plan and mount Bond 25.
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star010 said:
I know. But they need it in order to reboot and once they come back they can come with fresh minds and new ideas.
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vinnieh said:
You make a very valid point, it’s good to plan rather than rush into the next one.
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star010 said:
Yes.
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The Geek Mind said:
Great review! My review takes a different approach (will be posted tomorrow for you to see) but it’s interesting that there’s so many split opinions on Spectre.
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vinnieh said:
Thank you for commenting. Bond movies tend to split opinions a lot, the way I look at it is you can’t please absolutely everyone.
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The Geek Mind said:
Here’s my review – https://confessionsfromageekmind.wordpress.com/2015/11/08/you-are-a-kite-dancing-in-a-hurricane-mr-bond-spectre-review/
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vinnieh said:
Thanks for the link.
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Mark Hobin said:
It’s nice to see such a positive review for this film. The critics have been unusually harsh on it. (“worst James Bond movie in years”) Nonsense! I quite enjoyed Spectre as my review will attest. I’m glad you did too 🙂
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vinnieh said:
It’s far from the worst Bond movie ever. I loved the film and I’m happy to hear you did too. I liked how it recalled older movies in the series.
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SLIP/THROUGH - Dan said:
Good review. I like your enthusiasm. Your commentary on the cinematography is encouraging. Sounds like this is more fun than brooding. You’ve got me more excited to see this now. I’m more of a Mission Impossible fan.
How does Spectre hold up against Rogue Nation? And is Rebecca Ferguson a better Bond Girl than Lea Seydoux?
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vinnieh said:
It has some brooding to it but it’s a lot more of the fun Bond of the past.
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Paskalis Damar AK said:
Pretty sure that you enjoyed the plot and reintroduction to comedy, which I also like. However, the middle act and the twist do not work for me…
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vinnieh said:
I liked the bits of humour it had in it and the way that the MI6 team were given more to do.
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alexraphael said:
I really didn’t like the song. Ambivalent is a good word for it, underwhelming was the one that came to mind for me. I really didn’t like that the song had no reference to the film either, though he did use the orchestra style music.
I’ve been thinking about it on he way back and I did enjoy the film. There’s a lot of great touches. The references to previous Bond films, and there is great insight into his character. I like how he didn’t look at the video interrogation of Eva and how he took the car meant for 009 and left champagne. The interplay with Q was fab. Would have liked Belluci in more and more iconic dialogue but overall it was a very solid effort really. Craig was astonishing too.
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vinnieh said:
The song really has run the gamut of opinions, though I thought it went well with the title sequence. There were a whole lot of great touches on display here, even though the main reviews from others have been mixed. I loved how Q was given a bigger role too.
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alexraphael said:
Even though I didn’t love the song, it did feel like a Bond song and it’s clear a lot of time and energy went into it. I liked the pictorial sequence too.
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vinnieh said:
It did fit perfectly with the title sequence.
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GaryGreg828 said:
I actually think the song does fit the film. “The Writing on the Wall” directs Bond down a particular path. All through the story he is chasing it. There’s “Writing on the Wall” that Bond is about stumble upon something far more menacing and nefarious than he’s been against before. Bond is in too deep this time around. He’s in grave danger. He’s a dead man. “The Writing on the Wall” says it and taunts him throughout the movie. But Bond confronts it and goes head-to-head with it and ultimately defeats “The Writing on the Wall”. I thought the song was fitting.
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vinnieh said:
Nice analysis there. It took me a few listens to appreciate it but it really grew on me when I saw it with the title sequence. It fitted perfectly with the visuals.
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alexraphael said:
Politely disagreeing, that’s just it. “Bond is in too deep this time around. He’s in grave danger. He’s a dead man.” That logic could apply to most Bond films, especially Skyfall. The Writing on the wall is a very common expression after all.
It’s far better than plenty of other Bond songs, but like a lot of people think, it pales into significance compared to the high levels in previous films.
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vinnieh said:
I like this take on the song, it’s very interesting.
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alexraphael said:
And I think it’s kind of implied that a film has to match with the title. One of my favourite Bond songs is Goldeneye. For me the lyrics just fit the film so well.
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vinnieh said:
Goldeneye is one amazing song, love Tina Turner’s voice.
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alexraphael said:
I’m listening to it now!
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vinnieh said:
Excellent choice.
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vinnieh said:
By the way, do you plan on reviewing Spectre?
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alexraphael said:
I have a few posts to do beforehand, but yeah I will be. I need to go through a bit more of it in my head. As you can tell when I wrote on your wall my thoughts are a bit scattergun at the moment.
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vinnieh said:
Haha, no rush buddy. It takes time and effort to craft a Bond movie review.
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alexraphael said:
I have no idea how you managed to get posts out so quickly.
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vinnieh said:
I pace myself man. I watch a movie, make a few notes, think about the movie and then just let the writing flow.
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GaryGreg828 said:
But this time feels different than the other times; it feels more personal and intimate. Bond has to contend with the possibility that Waltz’s character has indeed orchestrated his steps throughout most of his life and that some of his decisions he thought he made, were actually made for him. He learns his life has been nothing much more than a giant manipulation. It’s psychological warfare. Once Bond can learn how this happens, he can identify the enemy and go after them, but every single step he takes is being tracked by that enemy. There’s pretty much nothing he can say or do without being manipulated still. The song just fits the vibe of this story. Yes, the “writing on the wall” is a cliche phrase, but it wouldn’t fit most other Bond films. It fits this story precisely.
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vinnieh said:
There is a lot of personal emotion in the song, I have to agree with you there.
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alexraphael said:
You’ve presented your case. However you want to look at it, the song has not impressed the majority of Bond film lovers, and will be quickly forgotten, unlike Skyfall. Yes he is vulnerable, but he is still a killer. And for me and many others the song makes him look weak. Can see your mind is already set and nothing I say here will change your mind.
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vinnieh said:
I love it when the Bond movies provide discussion, there’s so much to cover.
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GaryGreg828 said:
I am not saying you have to like the song. What I am saying is that it FITS the theme of the story.
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vinnieh said:
It fits very well with the story.
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GaryGreg828 said:
I hated Skyfall; it was too campy, like the Pierce Brosnan installments. Casino Royale was the best Bond of all-time. I liked Spectre a lot. I thought it was way better than Skyfall. It returned to a grittier vibe, like the two first Craig films.
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vinnieh said:
It’s good to hear that you loved Spectre, I had a blast with it. It had grit but humour as well.
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Mel @ The Creative Fox Den said:
I’ve heard that this wasn’t great but you make me more interested in watching it. Looks like it really delivers on all the Bond elements. Great review!
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vinnieh said:
I had a ball with this entry in the Bond series. It has the feeling of an older Bond movie.
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lauren said:
I liked this movie but not as much as Skyfall. I’m glad Moneypenny and everyone was back, especially Q who is hilarious! Good review!
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vinnieh said:
The MI6 team really had a chance to flex their muscles rather than just in the office. Q was hilarious indeed, totally stole the scenes he was in.
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emmakwall said:
I heard this had a bit more of the old school humour in it, I’m so glad you enjoyed it! I can’t believe it’s the 24th Bond movie I actually thought there were more!
Excellent review Vinnie, you write so well! Very concise and informative as ever.
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vinnieh said:
Thanks Emma, I couldn’t help but wax lyrical about the film, would definitely see it again. You should watch more Bond movies Emma, they’re so enjoyable.
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Writer Loves Movies said:
Excellent review Vinnieh. I agree the visuals are stunning, especially the opening sequence. I loved Waltz as Blofeld too, he shows a lot of respect for the original character and it pays off.
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vinnieh said:
I was just blown away by the cinematic style with each location, very exotic and sophisticated.
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Keith said:
Good stuff Vinnie. As you know I didn’t quite love it as much as you but I did have fun and I thoroughly love your enthusiasm. I struggled with several aspects of it.
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vinnieh said:
I’ve been told that my enthusiasm for Bond is infectious.
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rileydueck said:
SPECTRE is an homage to old Bond. In what way did you see Mendes tribute OHMSS and FRWL? I saw much more from The Man With The Golden Gun and Spy Who Loved Me. I’m making a video on Spectre’s take on old bond so I’m very curious on your thoughts. I guess the train fight was very much like FRWL, but I’m struggling to see paralell’s to OHMSS other than the serious love interest.
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vinnieh said:
Yes the train fight reminded me of From Russia with Love. The part that reminded me of OHMSS was at the Austrian clinic where Bond first met Madeleine.
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henryjames77 said:
Great review as well! It’s definitely one of the iffier Bonds, I expect the response will be all over the map. I watch them all a billion times regardless of quality so it’s not like it matters much to me.
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vinnieh said:
Thanks, there is something enjoyable to be found in the Bond movies. I have reviewed all of them, so feel free to leave your thoughts on any of the reviews.
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boxofficebuzzab said:
Saw the film this weekend and had a good time at the theater. I will say I didn’t like it quite as much as Skyfall or Casino Royale, but it was still very entertaining. Daniel Craig is my favorite Bond, and I loved the opening Day of the Dead sequence. Great sense of style and cinematography. Didn’t like Same Smith’s opening song as much, even though I really like him as a vocalist. I hope Daniel Craig will be back for at least one more Bond outing. He’ll be a tough act to follow for sure!
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vinnieh said:
I loved that opening sequence so much, everything slotted together nicely. And like you said it’s fun.
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The Celtic Predator said:
In all honesty, I don’t really know what all these bad reviews are on about; I’m not a diehard Bond fan by any means (really, the polar opposite of someone like you), and yet I seem to have drawn the exact opposite conclusions from most of the nitpicks and criticisms many people have made of it. Bond has grown, he’s regained that old sense of humor, yet he could understandably move on from this whole spy game by the end. He bonds (no pun intended) with one of the few girls in the world who could genuinely understand and relate to him.
Sounds good to me!
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vinnieh said:
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but some people have been overly harsh. We all know that Bond movies are going to divide opinions, and when the next movie is released in however many years, everyone is going to have their own take on it. Thanks for commenting here.
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Mark Walker said:
Your enthusiasm for Bond shines through here, Vinnie. It makes me want to see it, actually. Like I’ve said before, I’m not the biggest Bond fan. I find it all very repetitive. That said, Craig’s Casino Royale was excellent and I enjoyed Skyfall quite a bit. I should really check this out.
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vinnieh said:
I’m such a fan of the movies that I think that is mainly the reason my enthusiasm shines through man. I would advise seeing it buddy.
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MIB said:
Good write up!
While I didn’t hate this film as some do, there were a lot of things that irritated me about it that I couldn’t shake, (as discussed in my review). However it is one I would advise people to see and form their own opinion rather than dissuade them just because I had issues with it.
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vinnieh said:
And I believe that everyone should form their own opinion on it, well said. The reviewing business would be pretty dull if everyone agreed.
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