“Welcome James… It’s been a long time. And finally, here we are”!

“Forensics finally released this…” Money Penny declares, pushing a large box with both hands over a table. “What is it”? 007 replies, bemused by her company. “Personal effects they recovered from Skyfall…” She states. “You’ve got a secret… Something you can’t tell anyone… Because you can’t trust anyone…” James Bond lifts up a dated and singed photograph from the box and glares down at it; it shows a man with two boys either side of him, but one boy’s face has been conveniently burnt out…

James Bond is back in “Spectre”, set to be released next year. This first trailer for 007’s latest escapades and after the massive success of its predecessor, it has alot to live up to! Skyfall of course being praised for its very Bond-esque nature in comparison with the complexity of the latter day Bond films, “Casino Royale” and “Quantum of Solace”.

The trailer itself has more in common with those of a modern day horror film trailers : suspenseful, darkly toned, tense music and all ambiguous dialogue throughout; initially, it is hard to distinguish this as a Bond film at all. I am assuming that “Spectre” is supposed to mean something to the more well informed 007 fans out there, but for those who are more accustomed to the comic book action thrills of Brosnan and subtly charming but fast paced narrative Craigs’ portrayal of the iconic character brought in, I am not sure of the dramatic relevance?

Regardless of this, the opening, sweeping shot of the now destroyed MI6 building after the attack in “Skyfall” was certainly an “ooooooh”! moment. In fact the sweeping scenic shots don’t stop there, as there are several more throughout the trailer. Unfortunately, this is the only dramatic thing about the showing, as there are no guns, explosions, car chases or barely dressed ladies in sight! Only an old man, a ring, Craig himself and some snow. But the real draw in, is the character at the end, drenched in shadows and delivering dialogue to Bond himself. “Welcome James… It’s been a long time. And finally, here we are”!

The sneaky insight into what is to come in Bond’s future is certainly an exciting one and for those more ignorant than others to what “Spectre” may be, it is for sure a tale of intrigue. I just hope that it matches the blood pumping, definite British nature of “Skyfall” and less of the unnecessary plot complexity of “Casino…” and “Quantum…” After all; his name is Bond… James Bond.

(I do not own either image in this post)