England’s most lethal spy is back for another mission that has him infiltrating a malevolent syndicate. Spectre, the latest installment of the James Bond series, was released on November 6th, 2015. Spectre marks the fourth film that Daniel Craig has starred in as James Bond, agent 007 of M16.

Following the events of Skyfall, Spectre begins with James Bond tracking down a criminal in Mexico City during El Día de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead). While chasing the outlaw, the scene transitions into an intense fight on a helicopter; the tangible tension present in this scene ushers in a spectacular opening that immediately captures the mind. Following this, Bond ventures into different locales around the world in order to discover the terrible truth about the dangerous organization known as SPECTRE.

As in Craig’s previous depictions of Bond, his portrayal in Spectre is accurate to the literary character first introduced in Ian Fleming’s novels. Spectre continues the tradition of presenting Bond as a dangerous assassin to be feared and avoided, rather than as an unreasonable spy that exists in earlier characterizations.

Craig’s supporting cast also delivers. Dave Bautista plays Mr. Hinx, a henchman of SPECTRE ordered to kill James Bond. During the course of the film, Bautista says just one word, yet his mannerisms and physical appearance present a chilling tone that causes the viewer to be taken by the dark possibilities of his character. The character of Dr. Madeleine Swann, played by Léa Seydoux, is appropriate, most noticeably observed through her relationship with 007. Not since Casino Royale has there been a relationship as important, and challenging, as this one. Christoph Waltz plays the film’s villain, Franz Oberhauser. Appearing in just a few scenes throughout the entire movie, Waltz shows tremendous potential despite his character’s lack of a sinister tone. A significant flaw in the film stems from this character, however, when Oberhauser’s true motivations are revealed; the reasons provided feel senseless and far-fetched, suggestive of oversight to give more depth to Waltz’s character. Lastly, returning from Skyfall are Ben Whishaw as Q, Naomie Harris as Eve, Ralph Fiennes as M, and Rory Kinnear as Bill Tanner. All reappearing actors are used in ways essential for the plot.

The plot of the film is sound, but fails to surprise viewers. Instead, the movie drags on in the final act, and retreads into derivative territory already seen in other episodes. Despite repetition in certain respects, the action in Spectre is great. Each scene is filmed beautifully which only compliments the terrific choreography. Essential to these scenes are the locales, such as London, Mexico City, Rome and Morocco. Whether it be a helicopter fight, or a chase within the Austrian Alps, the action never disappoints.

While Spectre is an enjoyable film, it does have problems that prevent it from reaching spectacular heights. Regardless, Spectre does possess noteworthy acting and stunning set pieces that inspire. Daniel Craig’s fourth outing as James Bond delivers, as it is a stylish movie that cleverly connects to past films in an entertaining way.