‘No Time to Die’ is a Worthy Finale for Daniel Craig’s James Bond – Spoiler Free Review
No Time To Die ties up loose ends and gives Daniel Craig a solid, but imperfect, final act.
This movie is not lacking in action – there are gun fights, fist fights, car chases, and plenty of explosions. It was awesome to see the chase filmed in Italy on a big screen. It did not matter how many times I saw them in trailers, I still internally cheered for Fast Eddy Edmondson’s motorcycle jump and that full 360 spin of Bond’s Goldfinger era DB5. Director Cary Joji Fukunaga takes the action to interesting places that take full advantage of atmosphere and environment that keep things exciting. You will not be let down in this department.
This movie shows James Bond in ways we haven’t seen before. Craig’s take on the character has always been very human – showing both the physical and mental damage his profession has inflicted on him. His Bond is not a superhero. The character has been allowed to evolve with age and experience (both Bond’s and Craig’s). No Time to Die gives us more of that with his continued involvement with Dr. Madeleine Swann, his reaction to the new 007, and the loss of some important people in his life. This may be the most emotionally vulnerable we’ve seen Bond.
This is still a Bond movie, though. The quips, the characters, and the gadgets are all there. There have been some reviews out that don’t think it’s Bond enough, but I think it’s a good balance with the deeper story being told.
via 007.com
It’s also filled with women who can really kick ass. There aren’t defenseless damsels in distress in this movie. Lashana Lynch’s 007 oozes ‘don’t screw with me’ confidence, and her ability to handle MI6’s wide range of special equipment is exactly what you want to see in a high ranking agent. CIA agent Paloma’s (played by Ana de Armas) humor, high kicks, and aptitude with large firearms are a major highlight that I wish they give us more of.
via 007.com
Like its protagonist, No Time to Die isn’t perfect. It could do with a 15 minute trim off run time because it needlessly meanders in parts. There are some changes to the story and casting that would improve internal logic (that I can’t get into without spoiling). It also requires a little homework. To get a full grasp on what’s going on a recent viewing of Spectre really helps (you do have time to do this before hitting the theater – it’s currently on rotation on FX and available via VOD).
Overall this is a good end to Craig’s turn as the iconic spy, and the evolution he’s gone through over the five movies. If you’re a Bond fan and you feel safe, go see it in the theater. It’s a great ride with some unexpected turns. I’ll have a spoiler filled review next week that will include a chat about the movie with the film buffs at One of Us about what we liked and hated.
No Time To Die hits theaters September 30th in the UK and October 8th in the US.
