It’s the weekend again, and that means Film Focus. Here’s Mike Laidman with what’s new in local theaters.

Now is the time when the heavy hitters start rolling in. From now until the end of the year there are some huge movies opening, the first of which is this week.

Here is Spectre, the 24th film in a franchise that spans over 50 years, and actor Daniel Craig’s 4th outing as James Bond. Can Spectre top the very well-received Skyfall from 2012? Or will it go the route of Quantum of Solace, and be relegated to the ranks of the ‘not-so-great’ Bond films?

Next up, coming-of-age flick We Are Your Friends, starring Zac Efron. This is the story of a group of buddies making their way in the digital age, doing what they love.

But first, a look at Spectre.

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Mike Laidman

Welcome to another edition of Film Focus. I’m Mike Laidman.

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Spectre (2015, Sam Mendes)
Bond investigates a sinister organization.

A cryptic message from the past sends James Bond on a rogue mission to Mexico City and eventually Rome. He infiltrates a secret meeting and uncovers the existence of the sinister organisation known as SPECTRE. But back in London the new head of the Centre of National Security is questioning Bond's actions and challenges the relevance of MI6. Bond covertly enlists Moneypenny and Q to help him as he works to untangle the web of SPECTRE.

So what is it really like? Well, Craig once again slips effortlessly into the title role. The plot is ambitious, although muddling at times. This is old-school, nostalgic Bond in the new world - something that’s exciting, and a little groan-inducing. But those are good groans, of course. This is a proper James Bond film, after all.

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We Are Your Friends (2015, Max Joseph)
An aspiring DJ looks towards fame and fortune.

Set in the world of electronic music and Hollywood nightlife, We Are Your Friends is the story of an aspiring DJ named Cole, who spends his days scheming with his childhood friends and his nights working on the one track that will set the world on fire. All of this changes when he meets a charismatic but damaged older DJ named James, who takes him under his wing. But when Cole starts falling for James' girlfriend, he must choose between love, loyalty, and the future he is destined for.

What is at first glance just another silly teen movie does have a bit more going for it. It’s well-acted, has some great music (which should be expected for a DJ-film), and, although it has plotlines visible from a mile away, is satisfying enough to merit a viewing if you’re a fan of Zac. This is a final summer blast as the last of 2015’s warmth slips away.