Spectre (2/9/2016)

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of action and violence, some disturbing images, sensuality and language.

Starring Daniel Craig, Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris, Dave Bautista and Christoph Waltz

Directed by Sam Mendes (Skyfall, American Beauty)

Like all Bond films, so much of this film just looks so cool. From the gadgets to the cars to fight sequences, there really isn’t anything like a Bond film.

A cryptic message from the past sends James Bond on a rogue mission to Mexico City and eventually Rome, where he meets Lucia Sciarra (Monica Bellucci), the beautiful and forbidden widow of an infamous criminal. Bond infiltrates a secret meeting and uncovers the existence of the sinister organization known as SPECTRE. Meanwhile back in London, Max Denbigh (Andrew Scott), the new head of the Centre for National Security, questions Bond’s actions and challenges the relevance of MI6, led by M (Ralph Fiennes). Bond covertly enlists Moneypenny (Naomie Harris) and Q (Ben Whishaw) to help him seek out Madeleine Swann (Léa Seydoux), the daughter of his old nemesis Mr. White (Jesper Christensen), who may hold the clue to untangling the web of SPECTRE. As the daughter of an assassin, she understands Bond in a way most others cannot. As Bond ventures towards the heart of SPECTRE, he learns of a chilling connection between himself and the enemy he seeks, played by Christoph Waltz.

The film opens with the usual Bond bang. This time it is set in Mexico City during a massive parade on the Day of the Dead. Director Sam Mendes sets this scene brilliantly. It begins with one long take as the camera follows a man in a skull mask and a woman as they walk down the street, into a hotel room. Again it’s just very cool. What follows are explosions, a chase, and a wild helicopter ride. It’s the perfect way to open the movie.

And the intensity doesn’t stop there. This is the 24th Bond film and it marks the return of the villainous organization known as Spectre for the first time since 1971’s Diamonds are Forever…and I loved it. Every hero needs a great villain and Christoph Waltz is absolutely perfect as the leader of Spectre.

I don’t think anyone would argue with me if I said that the Daniel Craig’s Bond films have moved into the darker side of cinema. Whether it’s because of Jason Bourne or the darker superheroes, this style of film is gaining traction, and I’m a huge fan of Craig in this role.

A pleasant surprise was Dave Bautista as the henchman determined to end James Bond. He’s so intense and huge, but he also does of great job of saying volumes by speaking only a handful of words.

At 2 1/2 hours, this is the longest Bond film ever made and it is filled with over-the-top action scenes. Whether Bond is fighting bad guys on a train, racing through the streets of Rome, or using an airplane to stop a convoy of SUVs, the audience is on the edge of their seats.

Say what you will, I think this movie is worthy… “Theater Worthy.”

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
Like other Bond films there is no sex or nudity shown, but there is plenty of sex implied and a lot of sensual images. There is also plenty of violence, but again it is more intense than graphic, although the torture scene is really cringe-worthy.

There are a couple of uses of the S-word and other profanities.

CONVERSATION STARTER:

1. In a pivotal scene, Oberhauser tells Bond, “I am the author of all your pain.” How did James react?


2. How do you react when someone hurts you?


3. How did Jesus respond?

Read Matthew 5:44

But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you


4. How should we respond when we are hurt?