‘No Time to Die’ Review – An Explosive End to an Era
No Time to Die is Daniel Craig’s final entry as Bond, James Bond. For those who don’t know him, James Bond is originally from books by Ian Fleming. He’s been played by numerous actors over the years but Daniel Craig is the most recent one.
After SPECTRE, his future as the character was unclear. It wasn’t until Daniel went onto The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. He announced he’d return one last time as the British spy.
And it’s good that he did.
No Time to Die also brings back Ben Whishaw, Naomie Harris, Léa Seydoux, Ralph Fiennes, Rory Kinnear, Jeffrey Wright and Christoph Waltz.
Take a look at a trailer for the movie below:
While old faces return, the movie also introduces new ones. Lashana Lynch portrays Nomi, the new 007. Even though No Time to Die is about James Bond, you’d be forgiven for thinking Nomi’s at its centre. That’s nothing to do with the story but rather Lashana’s portrayal. In a franchise that used to be a boys club, she stands out as a fierce, clever and witty character.
Every Bond movie has its Bond Girl, but it’s hard to justify that being the case in this one. Nomi certainly isn’t. You could argue it’s Madeleine Swann since that’s who she was in the last movie but she’s no damsel, and she might be the only person to make Bond settle.
Some people may say Ana De Armas’ Paloma is a Bond Girl. Yet, she too has her own agency and doesn’t shy away from a fight. Paloma is a contact working for the CIA and she’s one of the funniest characters in the movie.
However, don’t count her out just because of her humour. For the small-time she’s in No Time to Die, Ana De Armas steals the scene with her vulnerable, funny and kickass portrayal. I wouldn’t be surprised if most people leave the movie wanting to see more of Paloma.
I know I would.
James Bond is known for his villains. One of his biggest enemies is Ernst Stavro Blofeld. Christoph Waltz returns in the role, along with SPECTRE, but he isn’t alone. Someone else is calling the shots and has his sights set on everyone.
If there’s one thing the Daniel Craig Bond movies have done well it’s in the villain department. Rami Malek’s Safin is no exception. From the moment he comes on-screen he’s portrayed as a terrifying figure you’d see in a horror movie.
It’s also hard to fully hate him, no matter how despicable he gets, because of the layers given to him. One thing is sure, Safin’s not a force to reckoned with.
No Time to Die isn’t your regular Bond movie. It has the action, it has the quips and the spectacles, but it also has a lot of heart. That’s not to say other movies haven’t. The Daniel Craig versions have always focused more on a more emotive side of James Bond.
This one only increases it.
Daniel Craig shines in his last outing. He carries the role with authority and heart. His deadpan humor is at the top of its game and it reminds us why he is one of the best castings in cinema history.
Daniel Craig also portrays Bond’s vulnerable and emotional side with a subdued and authentic performance. This forces the audience to see a new side to the character. Furthermore, it gives Daniel Craig’s best performance as James Bond and makes us wish he wasn’t leaving the role.
No Time to Die is a complex, emotional, action-packed thrill-ride that leaves you on the edge of your seat until the credits. Cary Joji Fukunaga directs a phenomenal Bond movie audiences will remember for a long time to come.
A mention also needs to go to Neal Purvis and Robert Wade for their story and script.
Moreover, you can tell Phoebe Waller-Bridge was part of the writing team. The sardonic witty humour is a staple of her writing whether it’s Fleabag or Killing Eve.
No Time to Die releases in theatres Friday the 8th of October. However, it releases today in the United Kingdom.
