Martin Smith

I thought the film was excellent from the start. We see Bond and Madeline happy together, yet you always sense the undertone of villainy is going to rear it's head, and it does. The trip to Vesper's grave convinces us that he has grieved long enough for his lost love, only for it to be blown apart, literally. We move into what is a frantic action sequence worthy of any Bond pre-sequences. There are echos from Hans Zimmer's excellent score of OHMSS and Casino Royale. Until I saw the film I didn't rate the title song. Have changed my mind. The title sequence has throw backs to Dr No (was disappointed and glad Saffin didn't end up being Dr No, although when he is called Dr in the film I did think he would), From Russia with Love, Casino Royale, Skyfall and a little of Spectre. Lots of people have slated the music. Personally I thought Hans Zimmer did an excellent job and there were plenty of throw backs and cues to keep it as a traditional Bond score ( although no one can equal the late, great John Barry). SPOILER!!!!!! A lot of criticism has been levelled at the fact Bond was killed off. I thought the ending was in keeping with how Daniel Craig has developed Bond. In Casino he is ruthless and betrayl from his major love is what galvanised his disturbing persona. Read Ian Flemings original and you'll see what I mean. He left Spectre clearly battered and bruised by the nature of his work. He felt tired and burnt out. This time he is forced into returning, again by the betrayal of a loved one. However, this time he realises he has nothing if he carries on. And then there is the addition of having a daughter. His motivation is taken away by being infected and he knows he can never have the life he wants, so makes a sacrifice so that Madeline and his daughter can. And I did well up with We Have All The Time In The World at the end. OHMSS was the last Bond film I watched with my dad before he died and never had the chance to see Daniel Craig in action. All in all, a fitting tribute to the direction and work of DC. Wouldn't say this was his best Bond, would say it is No. 3 behind Skyfall and Casino. I look forward in seeing the new direction of Bond. Fleming killed off Bond in his books, only for him to bring him back from the dead. James Bond will return.