SPECTRE (2015)

James Bond (Daniel Craig) goes rogue in this, the 24th outing of the unending franchise, when a message from the past sends him on a mission that will lead Bond to a final run-in with an organization powerful enough to - literally - control the world.  The pre-credits chase scene, shot in Mexico City, is a breathtaking thrill ride hearkening back to the older, better Bond films - as are other aspects of Spectre, one of the best being a Jaws-like villain in the form of the larger-than-life Dave Bautista.  As M and the 007 arm of British intelligence are shut down for good to make way for modern technology, Bond must work alone to connect the dots of his past in time to stop SPECTRE, the criminal organization of unlimited power that holds some deeply personal stakes for 007 himself.  Not quite Skyfall (though topping that film would be tough), but an action-packed, thrilling, and quite dark installment of the series that more than satisfies. (rated PG-13)  A