After much debate about whether or not either of them was interested in making a return to the Bond franchise after scoring the largest hit of the long-running series with Skyfall (also one of the most emotionally engaging and narratively dense installments of any blockbuster franchise), director Sam Mendes and star Daniel Craig signed up for Spectre. It picks up right where Skyfall left off, with upheaval at MI6, following the death of M (Dame Judi Dench). Bond (Craig) receives a message from M (the old secret from the grave missive) that sends him off to discover his connection to the titular organization, which is hell-bent on wrecking havoc in the world. With a brand new M (Ralph Fiennes) in charge but struggling to maintain authority, Bond must figure out exactly who Oberhauser (Christoph Waltz) is and how to stop him before it’s too late. Of course, he won’t be alone, thanks to the likes of Madeleine Swann (Léa Seydoux) and Lucia (Monica Bellucci), eager to keep him warm and primed for action. The real Spectre looming over the affair is whether or not this will truly be the last outing for this dynamic duo. (Opens wide Friday) (PG-13) Not screened in time for review
This article appears in Nov 4-10, 2015.