As the 24^th James Bond film, Spectre satisfies the overwhelming expectations of audiences everywhere following the overt success of Skyfall. The James Bond lineage continues with Daniel Craig as Agent 007, although this may be the last we see of him. If so, he provides a sense of undeniable closure and sleekness in this last film. Sam Smith also joins this iconic British legacy with a ravishing theme song to compliment Sam Mendes’ vivid graphics. The movie gives its fans the classic Bond mannerisms and quotations as well as the much loved Aston Martin (first shown in Goldfinger), which make for an altogether enjoyable and nostalgic film.

The film begins with a spoiler. It reveals thematic significance and provides coy insight into the series as well, stating that ‘the dead are alive.’ This could be in reference to the end of the film, the cause of the events in the film, or the ever-growing popularity of the Bond films. Bond (Craig) is a troubled man after the events of Skyfall. His mentor, M (Judie Dench, now played by Ralph Fiennes), is dead. MI6 is crumbling under a newer, high-tech organization led by the mysterious Max Denbigh (Andrew Scott). However, while in Mexico City, Bond finds an Italian hitman trying to bomb a major parade, and stops him. He finds a ring on his finger with a strange symbol on it. When he realizes that this symbol is showing up at terrorist attacks all over the world, he must traverse the world to find out the truth behind the chilling organization known as SPECTRE. The fatal flaw of this movie lies in its over-eagerness to define James Bond as a human being rather than describe fully his relationship with SPECTRE and it’s leader, Franz Oberhauser. Christoph Waltz plays Franz Oberhauser, James Bond’s unexplained, non-blood related brother. It seems that in order to tie together the great villains featured in the last three films as well as the beautiful Bond women, Oberhauser is made to be the mastermind behind SPECTRE and is the atypical jealous brother who craved his father’s so-called misplaced attention. He is in charge of the other villains and was the reason behind the death and ruin of the Bond girls in prior films. However, this does not ruin the thrill of Spectre’s beautiful dialogue, plot, and visuals.

Of course, no James Bond film is complete without a plethora of action scenes, automatic weapons, and explosions of epic proportion. As all those come together, 007 bests another villain and essentially walks off into the sunset with his new love interest. The ending leaves questions regarding Daniel Craig’s career as Bond, whether this is the end of his time as 007. He may give up his action-packed life for love or it is possible he simply leaves his “brother” to pursue something worthwhile and prove his true machismo. The film, although a little rushed, gives people the novelty of all James Bond films with amazing scenes, shots, and graphics. Director Sam Mendes keeps the legacy strong and possibly gives Daniel Craig the ending he deserves.