James Bond “No Time To Die”
James Bond is back!!
We are here for the new James Bond film No Time To Die, the twenty-fifth instalment of the iconic film franchise. As the lights dim and the famously familiar theme music begins rumbling from the cinema speakers, you can feel the anticipation in the air from the audience.
It’s been six years since the last Bond film Spectre, and speculation has been high as to how the fifth and final film in the Daniel Craig era would bring his chapter to a close. Originally slated for a November 2019 release, No Time To Die suffered from multiple delays due to studio complications and the COVID-19 pandemic. The wait is now officially over.
No Time To Die finds James Bond enjoying retirement, living a tranquil life in Jamaica after leaving active service. However, his peace is short lived as his old CIA friend Felix Leiter shows up asking for help. The mission to rescue a kidnapped scientist turns out to be far more treacherous than expected. This leads Bond to reacquaint himself with his Secret Service colleagues while on the trail of a mysterious villain armed with a dangerous new technology.
There are certain elements that fans expect from a Bond film. Stunning locations, cool cars, jaw dropping action scenes and bad guys that want to watch the world burn. And lets not forget the vodka martini (shaken not stirred of course.) It’s no easy feat that 25 films in writers are finding new ways to deliver these elements in fresh and interesting ways, but I’m happy to report that No Time To Die delivers in spades. It’s a fast- paced white knuckle ride from start to finish, with just the right amount of humour and charm to break up the action.
Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, the film pays tribute to numerous Bond films of days past whilst also breaking new ground. The pace is high tempo, the cinematography superb and the supporting cast is absolutely top shelf. Lashana Lynch is introduced as a new 00 agent, Lea Seydoux shines as Bonds love interest Madeline, and Ana De Arms has a brief but wonderful cameo that leaves everybody wanting her to stay a little longer. Ralph Fiennes, Jeffrey Wright, Christoph Waltz and Rory Kinnear all reprise their previous roles from Spectre, and Rami Malek brings his own unique energy to new villain Safin.
No Time To Die is a fitting finale to a wonderful arc for the modern James Bond. The Daniel Craig era of Bond has added more depth to the character than ever before, and refreshed the franchise for the world we live in today. A true blockbuster that deserves the large screen cinematic experience, No Time To Die leaves us looking forward to where the franchise evolves from here.
Movie Review By Sam Phillips