I Saw A Film Today...Spectre

I saw a film today. Ok, not today, Friday. I’ve been busy. Point is I want to talk about all the movies I see, including what’s out in theaters. And I’ve been kind of lazy in some regards, and I’d like to get back into this, so here I am, getting back. And I have some thoughts about this particular movie.

*SPOILERS*

Spectre has some massive shoes to fill. And let’s be honest, there was no real way they could possibly fill them, never properly anyway. It has many things to do and live up to. First, is Blofeld. The return of Spectre and Blofeld is a big deal. But after months of “No, it isn’t Cristoph Waltz,” the obvious play out, because you cast the actor who everyone pretty much agrees is a perfect Blofeld. So when he is revealed as “Blofeld” it’s no shock, tension, surprise, because anyone who knows what that means, knew who he was from the get go. Of course, Spectre here isn’t quite the grander threat than what should have been. It seemed more to be riding the coat tails of the Spectre substitute Quantum from the earlier films, and tacking Silva from Skyfall into the equation.

As a complete aside, I don’t think I heard anything about Quantum of Solace in this Film, with so many heavy references to Casino Royale and Skyfall, I found that odd. Perhaps sweeping that film under the rug?

Speaking of Casino Royale and Skyfall, the other set of expectations this film had was to succeed as a sequel, and those two are hard acts to follow. And having such constant reminders to them doesn’t help. Especially when the romance between Swan and Bond didn’t have the same feeling and impact that Vesper and Bond shared. Could be because Vesper died…

And since all reports point to Craig’s leaving the franchise, this has to serve as his farewell Swan Song. And on all accounts, it does succeed at that. Finally it’s his first formulaic Bond. He has gadgets, he has a henchman to fight to rival Robert Shaw or Richard Keel in David Bautista. And this is a pretty solid Bond film.

That is what this movie is. It’s a standard Bond film in so many ways. It’s what you’d expect, and it performs. Unlike Skyfall or Casino Royale, it doesn’t go above and beyond. But it doesn’t really falter either. This is your middle of the road Bond film. It will sit comfortably on most people’s lists in the middle. It may not be Craig’s best, but it certainly isn’t the film series worst.

All and all, what this comes down to, is I liked this movie. I wouldn’t be talking about it if I didn’t enjoy viewing it, and still enjoy talking about it. So here I’ll get to say that I have fun in the theater with this movie. And I’d suggest going to watch this, not just if you’re a fan of James Bond, but it’s a good ride. Nothing new, or special about it, just a good ride.

I take back the special for a moment, the opening pre-titles sequence is stellar.