The twenty-fourth 007 film, “Spectre,” hits theaters with high expectations that resulted in a hit-or-miss for many viewers.

The film opens up with gorgeous shots of a skeleton clad Mexico City, a Dia de Los Muertos festival. Immediately beginning with thrilling chase scenes, intense fighting showdowns. The scene is filled with high tech guns and gadgets, a staple of the James Bond series.

After a 40 year hiatus, they reintroduced global criminal organization, Spectre. It’s a wild goose chase to track down the head of the sinister organization.

Daniel Craig returns for his fourth performance starring as James Bond, while the leading female role, Madeleine Swann, is played by French actress Lea Seydoux. Other key members of the 007 team are performed by Naomie Harris, who is Moneypenny and Ben Whishaw, who is Q.

“Spectre” premiered in London on Oct. 26 and was released worldwide on Nov. 6. With a budget that ranged from $245 to 300 million, it was the most expensive movie ever produced.

However, while “Spectre” was able to top the Global Box Office with $117.8 million, it failed to surpass “Skyfall,” the previously 007 film. Statewide, “Spectre” reached $73 million, while “Skyfall” peaked at $88.4 million.

This film was produced by Eon Productions, a British company popular for the James Bond series. Despite its obvious success, many critic reviews range from calling “Spectre” one of the best Bond movies ever made, to the worst. Diehard 007 fans and newcomers also share conflicting opinions on the performance of James Bond himself.

“Spectre” being the first 007 movie I’ve seen, left me with good impressions and a taste of the franchise. However, if you are an avid James Bond fan boy, then you may find “Spectre” lacking compared to its more successful counterpart “Skyfall.” Although some could argue that you should not waste your money, if you are looking to get into the 007 series then it is worth giving it a shot.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of action and violence, some disturbing images, sensuality and language.

Running Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes.