Spectre takes James Bond back to basics but stumbles over story

James Bond, everybody's favourite MI6 agent, is back on the big screen in Spectre.

Daniel Craig reprises for the fourth time his role as 007, after securing his place in Bond history with 2006's Casino Royal, Quantum of Solace (2008), and Skyfall (2012).  

Director Sam Mendes is also back, after he "out did himself with the stunning Skyfall," says CBC's Eli Glasner.

"With Spectre, we're back to basic Bond."

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This time around, Bond is trying to bust a shadowy syndicate of international terrorists. The main villain is Franz Oberhauser, played by Christoph Waltz, while actress Léa Seydoux seduces as the latest Bond girl, Madeleine Swann.

"What's amazing about the Bond franchise is how it's endured," says Glasner. However, "story is where Spectre stumbles."

Watch his full review in the video above. Spectre opens in theatres Friday.