Type in any movie or show to find where you can watch it, or type a person's name.

User Reviews for: Spectre

saundrew
8/10  8 years ago
If you haven't picked up on it yet, I'm a pretty big 007 fan. I was so pumped up for this movie, saw it in IMAX, and ended up enjoying it quite a bit. Again, the opening credits are a really fun action sequence. I don't think any film in this franchise has messed that part up yet. After that, I had to sit through the horrible Writing's On the Wall song, but at least there was some octopus stuff to watch.

I liked just about everything in the first two acts. The new M, Q, and Moneypenny are all entertaining. They fit well with modern style while still matching the old format enough to feel right. The Bond girl is interesting and acted well, but she does feel a bit underwritten in her relationship to 007. As far as villains, I really enjoy the henchman Mr Hinx. He actually feels dangerous, but still realistic in his style/abilities. Honestly, I won't talk about Franz Oberhausen too much, because he doesn't do a lot until the final act.

That does bring me to my biggest issue. The final act seems kinda loose and out of focus. I didn't get a lot of "wow" in the end from the final battle. It didn't outright suck, but it felt lukewarm and stretched pretty long. I almost felt like they were setting up a sequel rather than just finishing the film. I can understand that since they introduced the major evil group that I'm sure we'll keep seeing now going forward, but they traditionally didn't do that in Bond films. These should be able to stand about 95% on their own, with no need to have seen previous ones.

All in all though, I would say you should go out and watch it if you have any interest in 007 at all. Or if you've just seen the recent Daniel Craig movies. This matches the style we've seen from the last couple, and overall I'd say it is simply fun to watch, despite the issues here and there. Now I just have to get into excitement for the next one.
Like  -  Dislike  -  30
Please use spoiler tags:[spoiler] text [/spoiler]
SeanMSU
7/10  8 years ago
Solid entry into the 007 catalog, though not particularly as impressive as the other recent titles. To really understand why Spectre ended up like it did you have to look at the other three Craig Bond movies, Casino Royale took an extra brutal, modern take on the Bond and it was a perfect new take on an old (and arguably stale) formula. Quantum I think was a little too high brow for it's own good, it took a few more steps against the Bond formula and got a lot of backlash for being overly complicated and trying to do too much at once although in retrospect I think it's hard not to think it's a great entry into the series. Skyfall was a purposeful step back into some of the more comfortable territory of the Bond tropes, it added characters that were in the originals and met the new style with the old. Spectre took what Skyfall did and went even further back into the typical Bond territory. There are even more familiar characters added in, the gadgets are back, and other things that the older fans loved came back. However, this also meant going back to a semi-played out/generic sort of Bond story with characters that are not as complex or flushed out as we may be used to.

To be more specific, the main villain in this movie would have enough lead up if it was just a standard Bond villain with some very daunting moments and great acting however they try to convince us that he is the "author of all of Bond's pain" and I just wasn't really buying into it with what little they showed. The fact that they emphasize so much the involvement of the past couple movies was weird for me too since they just casually pretend that QoS never happened. They constantly mention/reference Vesper Lynd, M, Le Chiffre, Silva, etc. but completely ignore Dominic Green and Camile (who was supposed to actually come back as the final Bond girl before Skyfall was made). The romance was also textbook and happened faster than it should although I think Seydoux did do an incredible job and I enjoyed the way they made her so similar to Vesper Lynd. The action was as good as ever. There are sequences that have incredible cinematography but also fit perfectly into what is happening in the scene (I particularly liked the Mexico City opening sequence where Bond is treading through this stream of people dressed like they're dead like he's constantly yet effortlessly fighting against it) there's some really well thought out stuff going on. Older Bond fans will absolutely love it as well, I saw it with my dad and he thought it was one of the best he's seen. I enjoyed it a lot and was impressed with certain pieces but as a whole it didn't do it for me like Casino Royale or Quantum. Definitely worth a watch if you've watched the others though.
Like  -  Dislike  -  20
Please use spoiler tags:[spoiler] text [/spoiler]
mooney240
/10  one year ago
**Spectre has plenty of style, class, action, and spectacular moments but the film lacks the passion and zeal of Casino Royale or Skyfall.**

After the incredible bombastic success of Skyfall, the return of Sam Mendes, and the announcement of Christoph Waltz as the villain, expectations skyrocketed to ridiculous heights. Unfortunately, these expectations climbed too high for Spectre to meet. While the story did a decent job of trying to tie all the Craig Bond films together and introduce a new supreme criminal mastermind, it didn't fully satisfy or carry the weight it intended. There were some exceptional action sequences, with the opening scene in Mexico City as one of the most stunning and impressive of the franchise. The train fight with Dave Bautista was incredibly entertaining as well, but much of the action felt restrained like Craig was tired of the role and didn't want to push the boundaries on some stunts. Seydoux and Bellucci each brought something new with their Bond Girl portrayals providing emotional exploration and depth unusual for a Bond film. Spectre is a great spy movie and a fun Bond flick, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to the level of hype and expectation set before it. After Casino Royale and Skyfall delivered so much more than a typical Bond film, Spectre seemed to settle for the status quo (which is still good but had all the pieces it needed to be incredible.)
Like  -  Dislike  -  0
Please use spoiler tags:[spoiler] text [/spoiler]
msbreviews
/10  3 years ago
FULL SPOILER-FREE REVIEW @ https://www.msbreviews.com/movie-reviews/spectre-spoiler-free-review

"Spectre fails to reach the tremendous potential of its intriguing narrative and fascinating antagonist, but Sam Mendes still pulls off a decent James Bond flick.

The screenplay raises significant issues with an incredibly dull subplot that deeply affects the pacing of a bloated runtime. In addition to this, Christoph Waltz's lack of impactful screentime is disappointing, to say the least, despite a brilliant performance from the actor.

Fortunately, the jaw-dropping action set pieces elevate the overall film, which also benefits from gorgeous cinematography (Hoyte van Hoytema) and exceptional acting across the board. Daniel Craig and Léa Seydoux's characters relationship is emotionally compelling, making Bond's mission feel more like an interesting personal journey.

One of the best movies of the franchise is buried somewhere under the messy screenplay, but what can be found at the surface has much to appreciate."

Rating: B
Like  -  Dislike  -  0
Please use spoiler tags:[spoiler] text [/spoiler]
Frank Ochieng
/10  6 years ago
Well, cinema’s most treasured and resilient British spy guy is back as the legendary James Bond makes his twenty-fourth outing on the big screen in the highly anticipated and slickly-made Spectre. Worldwide Agent 007 fans understandably maintain their embedded expectations and vision as to what calculating and cunning mission their suave and sophisticated gun-toting, martini-sipping espionage thrill-seeker will encounter in his latest globe-trotting episode. Whatever Bond enthusiasts have in mind for the future twenty-fifth entry of the “licensed to kill” Lothario they should simply settle for the present stimulating currents that trickle as mind-bending material in the polished and percolating Spectre.

As for the dynamic performer that have served his time with action-oriented cinematic sensibilities through three previous super-charged James Bond installments, the steely-jawed and diligent Daniel Craig is back on the saddle again for his fourth stint as the crafty 007. Naturally both ardent and casual Bond followers can rattle off the filmography of Craig’s on-screen tour of duty as the debonair and daring secret service operative and even rate the previous films as they compare and contrast each edition. Some may give special attention to Craig’s first foray into stepping inside Bond’s explosive shoes for 2006’s Casino Royale that is considered a spectacular introduction for the dramatically trained actor. In 2008’s Quantum of Solace, it was a mixed bag at best as Bond followers for the most part gave this second 007 rendition an ambivalent sign of approval (not too many were thrilled with the awkward movie title either). Thankfully, 2012’s Skyfall bounced back for Craig’s take on the roguish Bond and made for some exceptional brownie points as the cagey spy returning to creative prominence. Now 2015’s Spectre hopes to make some hearty tie-ins to Craig’s past big screen adventures as the stoic jet-setting dynamo ridding the world of masterful riff raff.

In actuality, Spectre is serviceable in that it is an elaborate and excitable reminder of the preceding Bond films where bits of nostalgic elements from yesteryear are sprinkled throughout its presentation. Sure, some wily 007 fanatics may spot a few of the tossed in nods to the aforementioned Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace in particular as the proceedings unfold. For the most part, Spectre acts as a mere bridge to the launching of the upcoming 25th Bond actioner in waiting. To be fair the other Bond films have served as a welcome mat to the next chapter of the late Ian Fleming’s engaging and charismatic man of action so why should not Spectre be any different in this regard? Still, this spy caper has its signature swagger that Bond aficionados relish with familiarity: heart-pumping action sequences, exquisite locales, desirable and devious Bond women, majestic car chases, larger-than-life villains and their loyal henchmen, imaginative gadgets and inventive technology and yes…the indomitable James Bond at your service. Nevertheless. the minor knock on Spectre is that it could have risen to the occasion more than it did as it occasionally feels as if it is going through the mischievous motions. It never resorts to the levels of Bond-ish drudgery in Quantum of Solace so that certainly is a relief in that aspect.

Spectre does incorporate its share of opulence, mystery, suspense, shadowy tension and perilous plight. However, where the standard Bond film-making characteristics are somewhat consistent and captivating (i.e. the breathtaking opening sequence of the Day of the Dead celebration in Mexico City) there is also a questionable consideration for the weak-kneed Bond theme song in Sam Smith’s “Writing’s on the Wall” which seems so inadequately suited for a James Bond signature tune. Even the indifferent observers of the James Bond film franchise for the last five decades can attest to the two most important stamps of a Bond film–its opening scene and surging theme song. Thankfully, Spectre’s grand opening sequence obeys traditional Bond practices but Smith’s doggedly tired-sounding “Writing’s on the Wall” feels as it belongs attached to an old televised After School special from the mid-70s. Wouldn’t you give your kingdom for Paul McCartney and Wings’ “Live and Let Die” or Carly Simon’s “Nobody Does It Better” or perhaps even Sheena Easton’s “For Your Eyes Only”?

One thing that can be said about Craig’s Bond in Spectre and that is his image transformation has been elevated to that of a fashion plate whose GQ stylized look has taken quite a step up. Not since Roger Moore’s Bond has there been a clear case of dazzling attire on display for Agent 007 to strut his stuff in spiffy clothing accessories throughout his ventured travels. Craig, billed as a “blue-collar” Bond whose demeanor is more blunt and workman-like, takes comfort in basking in the finesse shadows of a classic Agent 007 almost foreign to his distinctive spin on the iconic spy. In fact, the overall vibe for Spectre seems to lie in the middle of old school and new school James Bond mythology where the shading suits both camps of the ever-lasting film franchise.

Director Sam Mendes, who handled the direction for the previous Skyfall, finds the right tone and temple for Spectre that certainly shows off its lavish and ambitious production values as the set designs, scenic locations, fabulous pre-credits action sequence are all indescribable in majestic scope. No one can accuse Spectre as to not holding its own in visual functionality. Wisely, Mendes does not forget his Skyfall background players as they reunite with Craig’s Bond and partake in the sensationalized cat-and-mouse caper. It is refreshing to see Ralph Fiennes back as “M” not to mention Ben Wishaw’s “Q” front and center. And a Craig-fronted Bond film would not be the same without Naomie Harris as Miss Moneypenny.

Agent 007 fans will find a common "Bond" with Daniel Craig and his fourth outing as the licensed to kill Lothario in the stunning and kinettic SPECTRE
Agent 007 fans will find a common “Bond” with Daniel Craig and his fourth outing as the licensed to kill Lothario in the stunning and kinetic SPECTRE
It is a given that the diabolical criminal network known as SPECTRE has always had its affiliation with the Bond universe especially in the classic Sean Connery Bond-age years. Instinctively, SPECTRE’s evil heart and soul was pumped continuously by that organization’s dastardly mastermind Ernst Stavro Blofeld. Oscar winner Christoph Waltz does the sordid honors of taking the reins as Bond’s nemesis Franz Oberhauser in Spectre with devilish delight and is more colorfully corrupt thanks to his handy go-to muscular minion Mr. Hinx (ex-professional WWE wrestler and “Guardians of the Galaxy” star Dave Bautista) echoing the memories of beloved brute Jaws (played by the late Richard Kiel) from The Spy Who Loved Me and Moonraker).

We can never forget that along with Agent 007 folklore comes the responsibility of being labeled a treasured Bond babe. And although the latest sultry women represented in Spectre will never make us forget the iconic likes of Dr. No’s Ursula Andress (Honey Ryder) or Casino Royale’s Eva Green (Vesper Lynd) for that matter they still hold their own and give a measure of titillation to both Bond and the vast amount of male admirers wishing they carried a gun and wore expensive tuxedos while being at the receiving end of a provocative smooch by these vibrant vixens. Lea Seydoux’s Madelene Swann and Italian siren Monica Bellucci’s Lucia are on board as the Bond bombshells for hire.

As a whole, Spectre has its up and down moments and never is quite sure about standing alone as an independent Bond story or being dismissed as a pit stop for 007-related flashbacks and reference bits ode to yesteryear’s glory of the super spy’s engaging and raging exploits. The verdict is that Spectre ultimately satisfies one’s craving for the invincible James Bond whether you can to relive his vintage reputation or look forward to a millennium-enhanced production that will grow with the ageless wonderment pertaining to Fleming’s literary ladies man-turned movie-making mainstay of action-packed cinema for half a century. As one-time Bond songbird Carly Simon would attest in her soothing lyrics, “nobody does it better…” Yet in the dimensional escapist world of James Bond this particular go-around could have been a tad bit better.

Spectre (2015)

Sony Pictures

2 hrs 28 mins.

Starring: Daniel Craig, Christoph Waltz, Lea Seydoux, Naomie Harris, Ben Whishaw, Dave Bautista, Monica Bellucci, Andrew Scott

Directed by: Sam Mendes

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Genre: Spy-Espionage Caper/Action & Adventure/Suspense Thriller

Critic’s rating: ** 1/2 stars (out of 4 stars)

(c) Frank Ochieng (2015)
Like  -  Dislike  -  0
Please use spoiler tags:[spoiler] text [/spoiler]
Back to Top