By James Mandell

For those who’ve grown up with Mr. Bond in real time, each new 007 release is a much anticipated event. So the decision comes down to theater or cable, and if you’re a true movie-goer, it’s no contest because you know the chase scenes are going to be much more impactful on the big, big screen.

One of the reasons Daniel Craig is my favorite Bond since Sean Connery is his pouty attitude. He really hasn’t ever seemed very happy about being Bond, outside of making some cute quip about an evil city he’s just exploded, or the female he’s about to mount. Must come from all that licensed killing and the pummeling he gets at the hands of very mean people. And that according to recent interviews, this really may be his last bout as Bond, though when you consider his racking up $2 billion in worldwide box office receipts, there’s likely a pretty persuasive Broccoli in the corner, waving a super-check in slow motion.

In this episode, a very pleasant Christophe Waltz (terrifically terrifying in Inglourious Bastards, not so much here) is ready to… wait for it… take over the world — with a super hi-tech spy network and a silent but deadly corps of military thugs who can drive really fast.

The Girl is French actress Lea Seydoux and she just may be James’ match. And really, if you’re locking horns with MI6, getting the stuffing beaten out of you by guys who just won’t die because, oops, you forgot to KILL them, and haven’t got a friend in the world, save for a very geeky Q, well, you ought to at least choose a hot mate who knows how to handle a pistol and has the wherewithal to save your ass when the going gets tough.

It’s a fun romp, a must-see for fans, and the incredibly expensive production, shot all over the world and rumored to have come in at around $250 mil. It has so much over-the-top set design and destruction that the end credits, which list about a hundred stunt folks alone, simply include a line that says “Thanks to all our electrical crews.” That’s a lotta gaffer tape.

So I’m good. Give me superheroes in designer suits, unscuffed, unscathed; shaken, not stirred. Forever.

Rated PG 13

2 Hours 30 Minutes

Get times and tickets at Fandango.com.

https://youtu.be/qJ3ZNST6NH4

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