

Clearly it was so bad that Hans Zimmer instead decided to base the soundtrack using 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service' all the way. I can't even remember the theme tune, so not even worth my time commenting on. So, to have two films of the same thing is beyond the pale. The chemistry between Bond and leading love interest is about as reactive as a nobel gas. The final scene was just six people in an office with a drink - where on Earth is the rest of the intelligence service in this who film? Clearly 'social distancing' themselves from this mess. For example, instead of controlling missions from a control centre (think Goldeneye), Ralph Fiennes (M) was just in his office with Rory Kinnear, seeming almost low budget. The reshoots have clearly affected how scenes play out. Unfortunately, adding in random comedy lines or moments does not take away how miserable this film is. What appears evident is how the first cut must have felt too gloomy in editing, so the producers brought in Waller-Bridge to lighten it up. One of the things that is known about this film is how the script was rewritten mid/post production, and it shows. To have an Oscar-winning actor and effectively make him a dull two-dimensional side character is a total under use of talent.

The five Craig-era films have spent 15 years moping about the same event which happened back in the first, without really moving on. Along the way there were interesting characters, exotic locations, beautiful women, stylish outfits, new gadgets and the most modern of cars (also fitted with the gadgets). This suave and somewhat-blithe secret agent was solely invested in protecting national security and saving the world from unhinged megalomaniacs. Every story was unique and the next adventure was a whole new mission.

If you think back to one of the classic Bond films you'll remember a much more optimistic, simple and pleasurable experience. There are contradicting styles in the script that leaves the viewer totally confused as to why certain events or decisions are made and no real depth to any of characters that make the story plausible or, well, worth emotionally investing in. It's more reminiscent of a serialised romantic drama or tragedy than that of a spy thriller. This is a very odd film, which feels far too melodramatic and miserable to be a James Bond story.
