I love the James Bond films, which have been being made almost as long as I have been alive.  I didn’t see my first Bond film until the mid-1970s; it was Diamonds are Forever, and I was hooked immediately.  While I don’t consider Daniel Craig the best, or even second-best Bond, I still eagerly await the new adventures and lately, they have not disappointed.

Spectre is more old school Bond, heavy on the travel and espionage elements, densely plotted, lushly scored.  One reason I like Spectre so much is its familiarity; there are brief scenes and even individual shots that work as reminders of the Bond film legacy, that trigger memories of earlier moments, just as in real life.  Sam Mendes’ film pays tribute in this way, yet tells its own story, a more personal vision of the James Bond persona than we have seen before.

Some of the stylistics are overdone; the long scene involving a Spectre meeting and the introduction of its leader (Christoph Waltz) is way too long and ridiculously lit, so that his face isn’t seen — until it is.  Action is not exactly plentiful but it is certainly dramatic and eye-popping, even at 148 minutes.  The story even finds room for agents Q (Ben Whishaw), M (Ralph Fiennes) and Moneypenny (Noemie Harris) to get out of the office.  The story itself isn’t earth-shaking (it reminded me, unfortunately, of Tomorrow Never Dies; it’s all about the information), yet I’m still thrilled that Bond is back at work again.  Skyfall and Spectre make a good one-two punch, and one of these days this team is going to hit a real home run.  ☆ ☆ ☆.  18 November 2015.