No Time to Die (12A) |Close-Up Film Review
Cast: Daniel Craig, Rami Malek, Lea Sedoux, Lashana Lynch, Ben Whishaw, Naomie Harris, Jeffrey Wright, Christoph Waltz, Ralph Fiennes, Ana de Armas, Rory Kinnear, David Dencik
Review by Carlie Newman
This is the last outing for Daniel Craig as James, and naturally there is lots of action, saucy dialogue and dramatic happenings! Not so much casual sex as previously as we are shown more of Bond’s heart this time.
The story shouldn’t bother you too much – it has the usual absurdities, but we need some kind of tale to hang all the spectacular stunts on! There is a prelude showing a traumatic incident in the life of Dr Madeleine Swann (Lea Seydiux) who is in a close relationship with James.
The main story is about a sinister plot afoot which Bond – who has left active service – is called upon to deal with. M (Ralph Fiennes) is using a dubious scientist to develop ‘Heracles,’ a biowarfare scheme. In prison now is Blofeld (Christopher Waltz) who, in fact, is directing the sinister plan from his prison cell. Rami Malek plays another of the villains, with a suitably evil look! Lashana Lynch plays a new Agent, bizarrely called 007. And there is a small but delightful cameo from Ana de Armas as Paloma who helps Bond in Cuba.
But really it is the elaborate set pieces of action and amazing stunts that we look for. The film is rather too long, but director, Cary Fukunaga, has given James Bond plenty to do in his pursuit of the villains. Craig is excellent once again and brings a good deal of British understatement to his scenes. Go see!
