Director Cary Fukunaga brings back the tight filmmaking Bond fans remember, living up to its critically acclaimed predecessors.
Clocking in at 2 hrs and 43 minutes, it may throw a lot of viewers off, perhaps even driving them away. However, rest assured that each minute of the film is utilized in the best possible way, never leaving a boring moment or a scene go too long.
After the underwhelming Spectre, it was up to Director Cary Joji Fukunaga to deliver a film that could encapsulate what a Bond film was. In No Time To Die, Fukunaga directs the veteran actors with ease, bringing out some of their best performances.
The acting was great, there isn’t even anyone specific to call out. Rami Malek plays a mysterious villain, delivering a performance reminiscent of Anthony Hopkins in Silence of the Lambs. Daniel Craig does what he does best, being a womanizing veteran agent with a smart mouth.
One thing to be said about his performance is how well he played a man who accepts his aging. The writing for this Bond is perhaps one of the most introspective I’ve seen since Logan, perhaps even topping Hugh Jackman’s final wolverine act.
Finally, what’s really to be praised here is the use of comedy, allcredit due to Phoebe-Waller Bridge. The Emmy-winning writer made sure to include subtle comedy, not just for the sake of comic relief but to help drive the plot forward.
Without giving too much away, I would consider this a necessary final installment, one that Bond fans will appreciate and leave satisfied. Be wary, the film has an emotionally-charged finale that would make even the toughest secret agents shed a tear or two.
No Time to Die releases only in theaters Friday, October 8.