If you’re a James Bond fan (which I’m not), you’ve probably already seen Spectre, the latest in the franchise. For me, though, Daniel Craig’s Bond, along with the spectacular action set pieces, trumped the silliness and made this a worthwhile trip to the movies. Here’s why:
- Six actors have played James Bond (seven if you count David Niven in the first Casino Royale) – and Daniel Craig is the only one who can match Sean Connery. Craig plays it straight; his only winks to the audience are not with his face, but with his fingers, when he adjusts his cuffs or re-buttons his jacket after a fight to the death.
- Craig’s Bond has been increasingly despairing and a lost soul until Spectre, when he emerges determined, re-energized and cheeky; this time he’s motivated by good, old-fashioned revenge.
- Director Sam Mendes has crafted some brilliant set pieces. The opening sequence, set in Mexico City on the Day of the Dead, is the most exciting several minutes in movies this year.
- Christoph Walz, as one would expect, makes for a brilliant Bond Supervillain.
- This time, the major Bond Girl is not just beautiful, but she’s also a superb actress – Léa Seydoux (Blue is the Warmest Color, Inglorious Basterds, Midnight in Paris).
Spectre – it’s Bond…James Bond.