There's something beautifully timeless about the James Bond franchise. New entires might be new and shiny and equipped with improved gadgets and younger talent, but it's still the same old dependable 007. And film-makers should really be forced to prove that they know as much before they get to take the reigns of Her Majesty's Finest. In Sam Mendes, any concerns about a lack of brand awareness are clearly unfounded. At times, Skyfall felt like a fan-boy treasure trove of references: as if Mendes was enjoying raking through the cinematic history of the character as much as his script was over his personal history. Clearly, the director has done some serious homework again for Spectre: the trailer plays like a double-stuffed homage to every SPECTRE Bond film past. Even Mr Hinx feels like a nod to Diamonds Are Forever's Mr Wint And Mr Kidd in name at least, and there are far more references beyond his considerably presence...
12. The Musical Cues
Probably the most fan-baiting - and indeed rewarding - moment of the trailer comes about halfway through when the immediately recognisable James Bond brass gives away to the iconic theme of On Her Majesty's Secret Service. The song - officially the track Ski Chase from the On Her Majesty's Secret Service score - is the kind of decision that turns excitement into ticket pre-orders. And it's no accident that the tune's swell plays over the top of an impressive looking downhill alpine sequence, as it did in the original.
