Delayed first by production issues, then by COVID-19 closing the cinemas, this latest James Bond film arrives nearly two years later than originally planned. It has to be said that it is emphatically worth the wait. It also marks the end of Daniel Craig’s run in the role, and unlike the other incarnations of the suave British spy, his movies can be considered a self-contained unit. Whilst there have been a few lows, most obviously in some parts of Quantum of Solace, the standard has been remarkably high, and I think he now edges out Sean Connery as my favourite Bond.
At the start of No Time to Die, James is visiting Italy with Madeleine (Lea Seydoux). On a visit to the grave of Vesper Lynd, the lover who betrayed him in Quantum of Solace, an attempt is made to assassinate him. Believing that Madeleine was involved in the attack, he splits up with her. Five years later, he is retired, living in Jamaica when his old friend from the CIA, Felix Leiter (Jeffrey Wright) contacts him needing help, and James is once again trying to thwart a megalomaniac villain who wants to decimate the world’s population. This time, however, he has to work with his replacement as 007, Nomi (Lashana Lynch) and come to terms with a personal crisis.
There is lots to enjoy if you are an enthusiast of the traditional Bond movies. There is an exciting pre-credits sequence and an explosive climax, but the highlight is a stunning section set in Cuba where James teams up with supposed novice agent Paloma played by the fantastic Ana de Armas. It is an effortless mix of full-throttle action brilliantly choreographed by director Cary Joji Fukunaga, and some marvellously funny dialogue. In fact, this film probably has the most laughs of any of Craig’s, especially in his interactions with M (Ralph Fiennes). I assume that is because of the influence of co-writer Phoebe Waller Bridge. But, with this being the longest ever film in the franchise, there is also plenty of time to delve into Bond’s psyche and backstory, giving Craig a real chance to flex his acting muscles, and to show that he is the finest actor to have played the part.
Reading and listening to other reviews, there have been two main criticisms. Firstly, Rami Malek’s villain is not very good. That is something that seems to have been levelled at almost every bad guy since I can remember the films getting released. In truth, the classic Bond villains of this type do feel a touch dated but are required for the stories that are being told.
The second is the dramatic ending. That one is hard to discuss without spoiling the movie. I think, though, it works in bringing both a logical end to the Craig film series and to this individual movie, especially with the nods to On Her Majesty’s Secret Service that are made throughout.
It does leave one main question. What next for the franchise? There is scope for a 007 spin off as Lynch is great in the part. But, more likely, it will be a hard re-boot with all the main roles re-cast. That will mean a new M and a new Q, and the excellent Ben Wishaw has already indicated that this will be the last time he plays the tech/gadget whiz. I will be particularly sad to see Naomie Harris replaced as Moneypenny, as she has really made the part her own to an extent that it will be jarring to see someone else in the role.
That, though, will be a few years down the line, but in the meantime No Time to Die will definitely bear repeat viewings.
Rating: 9 out of 10