The mission that changes everything begins...
No Time to Die is a 2021 spy film directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, written by Neal Purvis, Robert Wade, Cary Joji Fukunaga, and Phoebe Waller-Bridge, produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Eon Productions, and distributed by Universal Pictures and United Artists. It is based off of Ian Fleming's 007 novels. The film stars Daniel Craig and Léa Seydoux. It was nominated for and won Best Original Song, while also being nominated for Best Visual Effects and Best Sound. This is the twenty-fifth film in the James Bond franchise, being the fifth and final in the Daniel Craig era. It was preceded by Spectre.
"James Bond. History of violence. License to kill. Vendetta with Ernst Blofeld. In love with Madeleine Swann. I could be speaking to my own reflection." - Lyustifer Safin
Plot
After years of service, James Bond finally decides to retire and live his life off the grid. Five years into his retirement, Bond is recruited by a friend to help track down a missing doctor who carries a dangerous weapon that could threaten millions. As Bond starts to investigate, he realizes that this mission is much more dangerous and personal than he knew.
My Favorite Part of No Time to Die
No Time to Die serves as a great send-off to Daniel Craig's version of 007.
Craig's character has always been about working alone and not being able to trust anyone. In Casino Royale, he was betrayed by Vesper, which set him on this path of no trust and doing everything himself. No Time to Die does an incredible job of capping that arc off. It does something slightly different with the character of James Bond. He isn't as cocky and confident. He feels a little more reserved in this movie, but it totally worked for me. The way that they finish his character off is done really well, and I think that was the most important thing for this movie to do.
My Least Favorite Part of No Time to Die
If you read the info blurb under the poster, you will find out that this movie was written by four people. And you can feel that. It's not that this movie is overstuffed, but it feels inconsistent, especially when it comes to Safin, the villain. The plot involving him can get convoluted at times. There are lines of dialogue that set something up that isn't paid off later in the movie. Character motivations just randomly switch in the middle of the movie. It was really frustrating, because I enjoyed the movie for the most part, but these random character switches and convoluted plotlines are holding back this movie from being easily one of the best Bond movies.
Why No Time to Die Works
I think it's safe to say that Daniel Craig is the best 007 that we've had in a while, and No Time to Die concludes his saga in satisfying fashion. Good characters, fun action and thrills, and a solid send-off for Craig himself overshadow some bad screenwriting and loose storytelling. It's not one of the best Bond movies. It's not great. But it's a fun time. If you are a James Bond fan, you will enjoy this movie. It's good.
Final Thoughts and Score
While No Time to Die certainly could've been better, it's a solid finish for Daniel Craig's run as 007, capping his era off with great thrills and action alongside the best version of James Bond I've ever seen.
I will go Savory here. Age range is 8+.
SWEET N' SOUR SCALE
Sweet (Great)
Savory (Good)
Sour (Bad)
Moldy (Terrible)
"No Time to Die"
Fun Factor: 8/10 Acting: 8/10
Story: 6/10
Characters: 8/10
Quality: 7.5/10
Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga
Rated PG-13 for moderate violence and action, disturbing themes and images, suggestive material, language, thematic elements
Released on October 8, 2021
2 hours and 43 minutes
Daniel Craig as James Bond
Léa Seydoux as Madeleine Swann
Rami Malek as Lyustifer Safin
Lashana Lynch as Nomi
Ralph Fiennes as M
Ben Whishaw as Q
Naomie Harris as Eve Moneypenny
Jeffrey Wright as Felix Leiter
Billy Magnussen as Logan Ash
Christoph Waltz as Ernst Stavro Blofeld
David Dencik as Dr. Valdo Obruchev
Rory Kinnear as Bill Tanner
Ana de Armas as Paloma
Dali Benssalah as Primo
Lisa-Dorah Sonnet as Mathilde