'SPECTRE': Why I'm beyond euphoric about the next Bond movie

Daniel Craig as Bond in Skyfall

As one of the biggest James Bond fans on the planet I would be remiss if I didn't weigh in on the exciting news about the next adventure in the 007 series.

Although we will sadly have to wait until next November to see the new film -- entitled Spectre (more on that in a minute) -- I am almost positive it's going to be great for a plethora of reasons.

First off, I should preface what I'm about to say by making it clear that Skyfall is probably my favorite Bond movie off all time. I'm saying probably because, let's face it, there're several excellent entries in the 40-year plus canon.

But for me, Skyfall brilliantly continued what Casino Royale started (which was derailed by the disappointing Quantum of Solace). Skyfall managed to revitalize this iconic character and almost redefine, while at the same time retaining, all the elements of the series we fans have grown to cherish.

We always took Q, M, the gadgets and the girls for granted, but the Daniel Craig era has given them a backstory and supplied a genuine pathos that wasn't even present during the widely hailed Sean Connery era.

I for one was incredibly relieved to see that the same writing team and director (Sam Mendes) from Skyfall are returning for Spectre. The ending of Skyfall beautifully set the stage for a direct sequel, with Ralph Fiennes taking over the reins as M and Naomie Harris entrenched as the new Moneypenny. And now that the principle cast has been revealed, I'm positively giddy.

Monica Belucci

With all due respect to the very lovely Lea Seydoux (of Blue Is the Warmest Color fame) the Bond girl I am bananas about is Monica Bellucci. She has long been one my biggest celebrity crushes of all time and it's actually rather galling that she hasn't made an appearance in this series before. She is almost a throwback to the days of Ursula Andress and Barbara Bach, without any of the uncomfortable sexism of the olden days. I have no idea what part she is playing or how big it will be. But I can't wait to see her.

The casting of Christoph Waltz is also note perfect. Although, like most Bond productions, the nature of the role the Oscar winner is playing is wrapped in mystery. But I think it's safe to say, considering his track record, he will probably be playing the film's villain.

After Javier Bardem's Oscar worthy turn as the bad guy in Skyfall, I can't think of a better actor to follow in his footsteps. I was also excited to see that David Bautista, who proved to be one of the highlights of Guardians of the Galaxy, is also going to be co-starring in Spectre.

Finally, let's talk title. I'm sure some folks are scratching their head over this one, but die hard Bond aficionados are very familiar with the moniker. SPECTRE, which stands for "Special Executive for Counter-Intelligence, Terrorism, Revenge and Extortion", was a shadow organization which served as the principle villain in a handful of the first Bond movies. The figurehead behind SPECTRE was Ernst Stavro Blofeld, one of, if not the best, 007 bad guy of all time.

It's still unconfirmed whether Blofeld will make an appearance in Spectre, some are even speculating that this will be the Waltz character, but it'll be exciting to see the usually bald-headed, cat stroking villain re-imagined for a new generation.

One of the best things, if not the best thing, about the Bond movies is how they both stick to tradition but also (when they're good) tap into the zeitgeist. With Mendes at the helm, Craig in the lead and the cast of Spectre in place, this action hero's legacy looks secure to me.