Ever since I found a copy of Casino Royale, Ian Fleming’s first James Bond novel, at a used book sale, I’ve been nuts for everything 007. I read every book, watched every movie and, like most fans, had very strong opinions about which actor made the best Bond. While all the actors brought something different to the role, the little-known Timothy Dalton was my personal favourite and Pierce Brosnan was a close second.
Then Daniel Craig made his debut in the movie version of that first book I once loved and turned every opinion I ever had upside down. Yes, the continuity errors bothered me a bit, but the movie was so enjoyable that I managed to set them aside. Now, the actor’s fourth Bond movie, SPECTRE, is available on Blu-ray and DVD and I couldn’t wait to check it out. Here’s a brief synopsis:
A cryptic message from the past sends James Bond on a rogue mission to Mexico City and eventually Rome, where he meets Lucia Sciarra, the beautiful and forbidden widow of an infamous criminal. Bond infiltrates a secret meeting and uncovers the existence of a sinister organization known as SPECTRE. Meanwhile back in London, Max Denbigh, the new head for the Centre of National Security, questions Bond’s actions and challenges the relevance of MI6, lead by M. Bond covertly enlists Moneypenny and Q to help him seek out Madeleine Swann, the daughter of his old nemesis Mr. White, 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.
SPECTRE has everything that I’ve come to expect from a James Bond movie starring Daniel Craig. The special effects are fantastic. The gadgets are genius. And Daniel Craig is calm, cool and collected as England’s deadliest spy. Personally, I always love seeing what Bond’s tricked-out Omega watch can do, and SPECTRE definitely doesn’t disappoint in that regard.
The plot itself follows the standard 007 movie format that, as a fan of the series, is all I really want. And the beautiful locations, high-paced action and occasionally light-hearted dialogue completed the movie to leave me feeling entertained and satisfied when the final credits started to roll. Whether you’re an obsessed 007 fan like me or just an action movie fan in general, SPECTRE is worth checking out on your next movie night. Find it at retailers across North America now and follow the adventures of the big screen’s most notorious spy!
