This is my "spoiler-free" review", and for those interested in discussing some particular points I'll be posting a spoilerful review in the right subforum, so be warned
Just a few random feelings and first impressions...
The 50th anniversary homage is very well done, nothing too ham-fisted. Much credit to the writers!
The story arc is good, although I could complain that it's a bit same-old same-old - others might rightfully argue that "same-old, same-old" is part of Bond's appeal.
Javier Bardem gives a really outstanding performance, it's safe to say he's already up there with the best. Daniel Craig is as good as usual. The Bond Girls give a nice performance too, although I'm sorry Miss Marlohe did not get more screen time.
There is classic Bond humour in this film, I am sure many of us will appreciate that. Good lines, nothing too cheesy, very nice alchemy between the actors.
Overall impression: this is good. Definitely. My mind was not blown, but it rarely is, I must say. Most Bond films grow on me with time. The action scenes are good and impressive, although no hand-to-hand fight really got me on the edge of my seat like the crane or the stairwell ones in CR for instance.
One thing I regret is that the locations seem to be underused - some of them at least - used just as a scenery, easy come easy go. It's not always the case though, and underused or not they are wonderfully filmed. Maybe some are just a scenery, but what a beautiful one!
I believe this is one of the most carefully written Bond films, not only because of the 50th anniversary nods. I am assuming that it will age well on the shelf, and stand the test of multiple viewings by the overanalyzing nerds that we are
This film is much about imperfection, and the struggle to live with it and overcome it. Many characters act in a reckless or downright stupid way, but in the end they do their best, do not yield and make up for that.
