James Bond is back in NO TIME TO DIE. We have been waiting a few years for this one. Studio delays and that pandemic put this one on hold for a bit. But now is the time, finally, for what could be the best Bond yet.
Synopsis: James Bond has left active service. His peace is short-lived when Felix Leiter, an old friend from the CIA, turns up asking for help, leading Bond onto the trail of a mysterious villain armed with dangerous new technology.
This commentary might seem a little vague and spattered with broad descriptions. As always – and especially in a film like this – I feel it vital to go the extra mile to stay spoiler free. There are fun plot twists and character development that is fun to experience fresh.
Craig is a great Bond and despite early concerns, after five films, many would call him their fave. He is certainly a different breed than Moore or Brosnan but we also live in a more woke world. In this latest one retirement has not stolen any of Bond’s steely gaze or spy swagger. Watching him as I snacked on popcorn and m&ms made me rethink my work out regime.
It was fun seeing the cast of characters all together again. These are Bond films but the supporting cast of M (Ralph Fiennes), Q (Ben Whishaw), Moneypenny (Naomie Harris), and Felix (Jeffrey Wright) are also important to the experience. The team is back together in this one to foil a madman (Rami Malek) who has one of the most dangerous weapons yet.
Action abounds as it must in a Bond film. Gadgets, guns, and gravity defying stunts make for an adventurous thrill ride. It helps that they are all virtually impossible. I don’t want to watch Bond doing things I can do myself. No worries there.
I do have questions though. Several. Once more people have seen it I will need to reach out to my friends who deep dive in the Bond culture to see if what I thought was something, actually was. Also, and this is not a spoiler, there is a new character that shows up then goes away just as fast. That was a bummer. Others may have issue with personal elements that are brought to light in this one. I did not mind it.
Safe to say that this is for may reasons my favorite Bond film in a long time. I will rewatch it to see if it hits the same way on second viewing. But for now I am sleeping well knowing that the wait was well worth it.
No Time to Die is rated PG-13. It is just a bit under three-hours. It didn’t feel that long when watching, but I peed first. So maybe do that. We are all excited to get back to the theater and this could be the first real reason to make that leap.
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