Andrea’s Angle | “No Time to Die” – Incredible Action, Craig Perfect
Ever since Daniel Craig took over the role of 007, James Bond, I’ve loved the films and his portrayal of Bond. While he does not fit the archetypes we’ve had prior, I felt he fit the role better than most. So I was looking forward to his final film as Bond and I couldn’t wait to see it in the theater. I was not disappointed. His final film is dramatic with explosive action, beautiful women, intrigue, and mysteries with a conclusion that is in keeping with Bond. While the film is a bit on the long side, the performances are incredible as well.
No Time to Die is the 25th in the “James Bond” series produced by Eon Productions and the fifth film starring Daniel Craig as Bond. Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga from a screenplay by Neal Purvis, Robert Wade, Fukunaga, and Phoebe Waller-Bridge, No Time to Die begins with James Bond (Daniel Craig) leaving Madeleine Swann (Léa Seydoux) after he believes she’s betrayed him. Bond leaves active service and is enjoying a tranquil life in Jamaica until an old friend Felix Leiter (Jeffrey Wright) from the CIA shows up asking for help. He and his partner, Logan Ash (Billy Magnussen) need assistance tracking down a scientist who has been kidnapped by Spectre and has a dangerous new technology. But events become more complicated as a new villain Lyutsifer Safin (Rami Malek) gains the technology. Bond must work with M (Ralph Fiennes), Q (Ben Wishaw), Moneypenny, (Naomie Harris) a new 007 Nomi (Lashana Lynch), and his old flame Madeleine to save countless millions.
One of the best elements of this film is the action. The film is filled with explosive action from car chases, gunfights, infiltration, escapes, and explosions. From the moment the film begins to the end, the movie keeps you on the edge of your seat as you follow the characters from one action-packed scene to the next. And every bit of the action is in keeping with the Bond franchise, fitting the style and presence of previous films, every detail matching what you expect from a Bond film.
Along with the action, the technology offered up also matches the scope of the Bond films. Between the technology behind the weapon to the tools that Q provides Nomi and Bond on their missions, there is no end to the gadgets. Details like these will thrill Bond fans and keep them watching.
What really makes the film, though, is the story which is a great combination of romance along with intrigue and mystery. Bond must reconcile his emotions toward Madeleine in order to work with her but she has secrets that he must find out the truth of as well as figuring out who has the weapon and what they want it for. Bond must explore both his past and hers in order to take on Safin. The film tugs on your heartstrings while the mystery will keep you engaged.
The performances are excellent. Daniel Craig is brilliant in his portrayal of Bond, a blend of pain and caring while also excelling at the action. His performance is the fitting end to his time as Bond. His dynamic with Léa Seydoux is beautiful and heartfelt while her portrayal is touching and loving. I loved the spirited performance of Lashana Lynch as the new 007, giving us a more modern and approachable version. Ralph Fiennes and Ben Winshaw are both dynamic as M and Q while Jeffrey Wright is incredibly engaging as Felix Leitner. Rami Malek is a highlight as a Bond villain, a beautiful blend of madness and pain. Every performance is as good as it gets from an action film.
One of the critiques I do have is the length of the film. The writing seems to want to try and fit in everything in this final film of Craig’s career. While I could not say for certain what would need to be cut, there are two distinct movies inside of one, both the spy film and then the romance with Madeleine. Unfortunately, that makes the film really long to sit through despite the action sequences. The other element I see is that because there is a definite formula to the Bond films, a fan of the series will likely be able to predict most parts of the story, including the very fitting conclusion to the film. However, even with those two critiques, I thoroughly enjoyed the film and I believe fans will love all the details.
If you have been a fan of the series and of Daniel Craig, you will absolutely love the film even with the length. It ends in a very fitting fashion, has all the details that fans love about the Bond films, including a pretty lady or two, and is nonstop action. It will keep you on the edge of your seat and the performances are brilliant by everyone involved in the film. I loved No Time to Die and I think you will too.
Rating: 4 out of 5 car chases.
Official Website: The Official James Bond 007 Website | No Time To Die
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No Time To Die
Genre: Action/Adventure/Thriller
In NO TIME TO DIE, Bond has left active service and is enjoying a tranquil life in Jamaica. His peace is short-lived when his old friend Felix Leiter from the CIA turns up asking for help. The mission to rescue a kidnapped scientist turns out to be far more treacherous than expected, leading Bond onto the trail of a mysterious villain armed with dangerous new technology. NO TIME TO DIE stars Daniel Craig, Rami Malek, Léa Seydoux, Lashana Lynch, Ben Whishaw, Naomie Harris, with Jeffrey Wright, with Christoph Waltz, Ralph Fiennes as “M”, is directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, and produced by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli. NO TIME TO DIE will open exclusively in theaters on Friday, October 8, 2021.
ONE-LINER: James Bond has left active service, but 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.
