‘No Time to Die’ Movie Review: The Perfect Ending for Daniel Craig

It feels like forever I’ve been waiting for No Time to Die. And I know that feeling is shared amongst the entire Bond fanbase.

The latest Bond film was originally supposed to release in March of 2020, but due to COVID, the release date got pushed back multiple times. However, the day has finally come. And the No Time To Die release date is tomorrow, October 8, 2021!

It’s no secret that this is Daniel Craig’s last time in the iconic role of James Bond, so what can we expect from this movie? First, let’s start with the official description and trailer, and then I’ll dive into what I liked and didn’t like with the film.

Official Description

Bond has left active service and is now living a quiet life in Jamaica. However, his peace is short-lived when his old buddy, Felix Leiter, from the CIA turns up asking for assistance. The mission to rescue a kidnapped scientist reveals itself to be far more dangerous than initially thought, which leads Bond onto the trail of a mysterious villain armed with dangerous new technology.

No Time To Die Trailer

No Time to Die Review: What I Liked and Didn’t Like

As with every Bond movie, the stakes have never been higher. And director Cary Joji Fukunaga does a fantastic job at making sure you feel that with this title.

The film starts post-Spectre. After infiltrating Ernst Stavro Blofeld’s operation, Madeleine Swann (Léa Seydoux) and Bond are off the grid traveling in Italy. Starting with an impressive opening sequence, filmed in the stunning Matera, Italy, the tone for the film is set – and it rarely slows down.

While I’m sure some critics will disagree, one of the things I loved most about this movie was that it wasn’t focused on moving the franchise forward. Instead, it focuses on celebrating what has been. Sure, at some point in the future, we’ll have a new 007, but for now, we get to truly celebrate Craig’s time in the role. Not to mention there are dozens of little easter eggs and throwbacks to previous Bond movies that surely will elicit a smirk or two.

With a run time of 2 hours and 43 minutes, this is the longest Bond film to date. But the film spends that time wisely. This is after all, a BIG movie. And I’m not just referring to the run time.

This is the first Bond movie shot in IMAX 15/70MM cameras, and it’s absolutely stunning. There’s no doubt that this one will dominate the IMAX screens for the next two weeks until the release of Warner Brother’s Dune later this month.

My only major complaint is the villain, Safin, played by Rami Malek. Rami did all he could with the role, but ultimately Safin feels underdeveloped. Not once does he feel truly evil or menacing. And once we learn his motivations, the mystery around him is gone.

That aside, this is truly a great Bond film. Regardless of it being Craig’s last time in the role. It’s the perfect storm of romance, charm, action, explosion, cool tech, witty one-liners, heartache and betrayal from beginning to end. And that’s all I’ll say for now, no spoilers here.

Overview

Fans have enormous expectations for this film. And it delivers. No Time To Die couldn’t have been a more satisfying end to Daniel Craig’s time as 007. From Casino Royale until now, he’s tackled these films with charm, wit, and style. Ultimately, he’s humanized a character that seemed untouchable.

And for me, he’ll always be James Bond. Not to mention, my vote as the best actor to have ever stepped into the role. He’s done an incredible job with this character over the last fifteen years and raked up some seriously impressive box office records in the process. 

If you’re a fan of Bond or just damn good movies in general, get yourself to the theater to see this one. There’s “no time to wait.”

(You didn’t seriously think I wasn’t going to make a pun with a movie title like this one, did you?) 😉

Once you’ve seen the movie, head back here and share your thoughts! And note that the comment section below may contain spoilers.

No Time to Die Review:

Grade: A