No Time To Die

 

        Daniel Craig concludes his five-film arc as superspy, James Bond and goes out with a bang in this final installment. Directed with great authority by Cary Joji Fukunaga, the film has the stunts and action you would expect from a James Bond film but is also filled with more emotion than its predecessors.

        Co-starring with Mr. Craig are Rami Malek, Lea Seydoux, Lashana Lynch, Ben Wishaw, Naomie Harris, Jeffrey Wright, Christoph Waltz, Ralph Fiennes, Ana de Armas, Billy Magnssen, David Dencik, and Rory Kinnear. Mr. Malek is the main villain of the film but doesn't really appear until the third act and when he does, he is underwhelming in the cannon of Bond villains. Ana de Armas (wearing a killer dress) plays a fun and capable CIA agent but unfortunately only appears in one sequence. Lashana Lynch is a new double 0 agent who holds her own with Mr. Craig.

        At almost a three-hour running time, the plot can be overwhelming at times and even a bit confusing (it may help to watch "Spectre" first for a refresher course on reappearing characters). The screenplay (credited to four writers) pays homage to past Bond films with many references that are fun to spot (some easier than others). As with all Bond films, especially of late, the exotic locales can almost be considered characters themselves and in this film, the locations don't disappoint. The cinematography brings out the best in the exquisite scenery.

       Of note is the lack of blood for all the characters killed, and a very chaste Bond who at one point, rather than sleep with a woman, actually shakes her hand. While these points keep things PG-13, the film does have a darker side and is quite vicious at times. Mr. Craig plays Bond as a wounded animal, cornered and more dangerous than ever. Fans won't be disappointed.