James Bond fans are in for a treat as the 2015 film Spectre airs on ITV tonight, Saturday 22 August, at 9.35pm. The film is also available to rent on Amazon Prime and Apple TV.
Spectre, the 24th entry in the James Bond series, sees Daniel Craig take on the role of MI6 agent James Bond for the fourth time, once again directed by Sam Mendes. Released in the shadow of Skyfall, the 2012 box office smash, expectations were high, and the film proved a commercial triumph, grossing $880 million worldwide.
Fans praise the film despite mixed reviews
At the time of release, Spectre garnered mixed reviews from critics, and audiences remain divided in their opinions. However, some viewers have shared their enthusiasm on Rotten Tomatoes.
One viewer wrote: "This is actually one of my favourite movies of all time. I know this is often looked at as one of the least great bond movies, but there's just something about it to me that I love. Well-done action, more serious tone, less dialogue... just so good all around."
Another fan commented: "Another Mendes masterpiece! This just keeps getting better. Bond is more exposed, more dramatic, and has a more sophisticated ambiance. Fast-paced, as always. Stellar cast all shine convincingly in character. Again, extremely intelligently written and executed."
Plot and cast details
The film follows Bond as he goes rogue to investigate Spectre, a shadowy terrorist organisation connected to a ring he retrieved from an assassin. Armed with fresh intelligence from Q and Moneypenny, he tracks down former adversary Mr White, promising to safeguard his daughter in return for information leading to the syndicate's leader.
He unearths a global criminal network headed by his adoptive foster brother Franz Oberhauser, known as Ernst Stavro Blofeld. Bond navigates this revelation while battling a bureaucratic takeover of MI6 in London.
The ensemble cast features Christoph Waltz as Bond's nemesis, alongside Léa Seydoux as Madeleine Swann, with Ben Whishaw, Naomie Harris, Dave Bautista, Monica Bellucci, and Ralph Fiennes.
Craig's portrayal praised
One viewer shared their opinion on Craig's portrayal of Bond, writing: "A grand, stylish return to classic Bond swagger - shaken, not stirred. Critics Consensus: Spectre may not match the emotional resonance of Skyfall, but it delivers a lavish, thrilling adventure steeped in the franchise's most iconic traditions. Daniel Craig remains a commanding force as 007 - colder, sharper, and more self-aware than ever."
While critics may not have lavished it with the same level of praise as Skyfall, audiences can't help but feel a surge of excitement at the prospect of watching Bond grace their screens once more.
