Bond is back

The newest addition to the James Bond stable brings with it a storm of controversy, hype, secrecy, media attention, accusations, conspiracy theories and a list of personal gripes as long as the bill for the climactic explosions. In fact, for a movie about a spy, it is somewhat ironic that his name is on everybody’s lips. On the other hand, there rarely seems to be an enemy who doesn’t know James Bond’s entire social history, so perhaps it’s a case of life imitating art. Either way, the popularity of these films tends to make a review rather redundant; I mean, let’s face it, you’re going to see it anyway. But if the decade-spanning franchise is to continue, a post-mortem is controversial, but necessary. Much like the great man himself.