Review: ‘Spectre’ gives us all the Bond adventure we expect, but story falters by trying too much

Posted on November 13, 2015

By MARK VIOLA

There have been 24 James Bond films since “Dr. No” first brought the tuxedo-clad spy to the big screen in 1962, and the anticipation for the next one never seems to flag. The franchise was rebooted in 2006 with “Casino Royale,” which introduced Daniel Craig as the latest actor to play Bond, James Bond.

Since then we have had the disappointing “Quantum of Solace” and the quite good “Skyfall,” which leads us to the newest installment, “Spectre.”

While it might be an overstatement to call this one a stumble for the franchise, it does not live up the renewed standard set by “Skyfall” and I’d have to rank it third among the movies in the new timeline behind “Casino Royale.”

To be sure, there is all of the action, beautiful scenery and even more beautiful people that we’ve come to expect from a Bond movie, but the story never really comes together the way the writers obviously wanted it to and the final product, despite being two hours, 28 minutes, feels rushed as Bond jets from one location to another.

There are things I really liked about “Spectre” and where it takes Bond’s character, and I did enjoy the movie as an experience, but unlike “Casino Royale” and “Skyfall,” this isn’t one I’m going to go back to for many rewatches.

“Spectre” is an enjoyable film and a decent addition to the Bond franchise, but it is a flawed one with a story that tries to do too much and make too many connections to the previous installments.

The film is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of action and violence, some disturbing images, sensuality and language.

(This is an abbreviated version of the full review available in our printed or e-edition papers.)

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