A divisive film among critics and fans, Spectre nonetheless is a gigantic British blockbusting behemoth that deserves more than a little respect. It has the finest pre-credits sequence Bond has boasted in years, for starters, as well as one of best one-liners in 007 movie history (although it's M that gets to deliver it). Spectre bravely ditches the gritty Bourne-esque style of previous Daniel Craig efforts, and instead offers something of a throwback to the days of Sean Connery and George Lazenby, as Bond trots between glamorous locations on the hunt for an elusive uber-villain (Christoph Waltz). While this doesn't make for a particularly noteworthy storyline, it does allow Sam Mendes to capture some of the most stunning vistas we've ever seen in a Bond film. The action beats are commendable, too. As Bond's trek around the globe takes in planes, trains and automobiles, Mendes continues to find imaginative ways to smash them up. The train fight sequence that pits Bond against Dave Bautistas man mountain Hinx is the standout action scene, although witnessing Bond slide down a mountain in a beat-up aircraft is also particularly impressive. Sadly, there a few questionable decisions in the script that make Spectre and slightly less euphoric watch than Mendes anniversary offering, Skyfall. Nonetheless, in terms of action and thrills, this is British filmmaking at something pretty close to its best.
