The last we saw of James Bond, it was in 2015’s Spectre, an altogether disappointing affair that seemed to have more interest in looking backward than forward. It’s been a long road to get to the follow-up film, No Time to Die, not least because the release of the 25th official 007 movie was delayed 18 months due to the pandemic. But if that time between movies accomplished anything, it was to ensure the filmmakers didn’t repeat the mistakes of their predecessors.
The film finds Bond (Daniel Craig, for the final time) living in semi-retirement bliss with Madeleine (Lea Seydoux), his love interest from Spectre. He gets drawn back in to the spy life after an unexpected attack, finding an MI6 that’s at once familiar and drastically different. People like M (Ralph Fiennes), Q (Ben Whishaw), and Moneypenny (Naomie Harris) are still in charge, but an agent named Nomi (Lashana Lynch) has usurped Bond’s position in more ways than one.
Bond and Nomi essentially team up to find the source of the attack, which could be the imprisoned Blofeld (Christoph Waltz) somehow pulling strings from behind bars, or the mysterious Lyutsifer Safin (Rami Malek), who also has a connection to Madeleine. With help from American agents Felix Leiter (Jeffrey Wright) and Logan Ash (Billy Magnussen), they unfurl a plan that’s as dastardly as expected in a 007 film.
Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga and written by Fukunaga, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and longtime Bond writers Neal Purvis and Robert Wade, the film is sprawling, not just in the number of locations it visits but in sheer length, clocking in at 163 minutes. It’s a lot to take in, but the filmmakers keep things relatively focused, taking the story in a straight line instead of veering off into unnecessary tangents. It appears as if they wanted to give Craig as big a farewell as possible, and he gets many showcases throughout the film.
Even more so than usual, however, Bond shares the spotlight. The series has always given the character a female costar, usually as a love interest, but this time around the women are much more empowered. There’s much speculation whether the character of Nomi will take over Bond’s mantle, but regardless of whether that happens, she more than holds her own in the action department in this film. Ana de Armas shows up in a brief but impactful appearance as Paloma, a Cuban agent who assists Bond in his visit there.
The action scenes are plentiful but not as breathtaking as in past films. Fukunaga and his team take their time getting to any significant sequences, with the opening credits coming a good 30 minutes into the film. Craig is as unflappable as ever, although the scenes don’t call for him to do quite as much as in past films. Bond’s famous gadgets only come into play a few times, but his dry wit while the action is going on is as present as ever.
Opinions will differ, but for my money, Craig has made for a great Bond, making him brawnier than previous iterations but equally as suave and charming. The supporting cast are all fantastic, especially the standbys of Fiennes, Whishaw, and Harris. While the villain characters still don’t pop as much as they should, both actors are good, even Malek, whose acting style is an acquired taste.
The James Bond/007 series has been the most enduring property in movie history, and it will be interesting to see what direction it goes in now. No matter what filmmakers do, they’ve given Craig a great send-off in No Time to Die, even if it’s not as spectacular as some of his earlier entries.
---
No Time to Die is playing now in theaters.
Daniel Craig in No Time to Die.
Festival style has evolved over the past few years. Attendees used to dress according to the mood of the festival; now it's about fitting the mood of your favorite headlining artist. Paulina Valencia and Maria Julia showed up to Day One ready to party with Charli XCX. Photo by Kenn Box
Despite the unusual weather, Elena Hobbes managed to make a classic boho outfit work with some practical footwear. Photo by Kenn Box
If you couldn't tell from the first few images, sequins were all over the festival grounds. Caeil Hwang styled herself in an asymmetrical sequined top and some moto boots with a western flare. Photo by Kenn Box
If you remember the 2000s, then you'll remember the Canadian tuxedo was a style staple. Flash forward two decades and it seems to have made its return, now with a more modern and structured fit. Maria Dupont styled herself in her best denim set for the utmost comfort. Photo by Kenn Box
Christian Hatley showed up to Day Two of the festival prepared and stylish. Photo by Kenn Box
Bringing the mid-2020s party girl vibe, Nidhi Kashyap's look is not only trendy but functional.Photo by Kenn Box
Camo and baby pink is always a cute pair! Deanna Harris is throwing it back to the Y2K era with her cropped graphic tank top and mini skirt. Early 2000s meets country chic in this look. Photo by Kenn Box
It's easy to focus on recreational festival-goers' style, but what about those there to work? Photographer Ryder Cavazos showed up to take some photos in style this year. Photo by Kenn Box
ACL Fest fashion has always had a hint of playfulness to it. Kenley Dunawai sported a South Park mini skirt paired with a black tank top. Photo by Kenn Box
Festival-goers don't need to reach out for Coachella and Marfa; Austin has its own sense of style. Luke Bame's camo shorts and fur vest are a prime example of what Austin's youth are wearing currently. Photo by Kenn Box
"Whismy" is a word that's been trending for quite some time now, and it's the perfect one to use for Audrey Dahlkemper's ACL Fest fit, from her printed rain boots to the tulle skirt.Photo by Kenn Box
Neutral tones are here to stay. Sara Chaney rocks a pair of sturdy Doc Martens to help her trek through the muddy grounds.Photo by Kenn Box
Vintage pieces are a staple in Austin. Andrew Silvas was seen sporting a vintage graphic tank and a classic pair of denim pants on Day Three of the festival. Photo by Kenn Box
Carrington Joseph puts a fun twist on the denim trend with her denim vest. Of course, the look isn't complete without her beaded accessories. Photo by Kenn Box
Negin Nekoonam is the effortlessly cool girl in her white dress accessorized with mud.Photo by Kenn Box
The psychedelic rave combo is one of the best subcultures in ACL Fest street style. Jamison Schilling had the defining countercultural look — though it may become mainstream as the festival begins to book more rave-friendly DJs. (And how about that muddy ombré effect?)Photo by Kenn Box
Graphic tees, camo, and Hunter boots formed a combo seen all over the grounds. Hayley Sherman was spotted wearing all three in the most stylish manner. Photo by Kenn Box
Comfort was key this year. Chantel Smith managed to style comfortable pieces into a cohesive and unique look. Photo by Kenn Box
Trucker hats are making big waves in fashion at the moment. Arden Loss is seen wearing an "I Heart Hot Dads" trucker hat paired with a floral babydoll dress. Photo by Kenn Box
The best festival fits make good use of accessories, and Ashley Galvan is the queen of accessorizing. Photo by Kenn Box
For Baylee Tincher and Peter Jones this year, style was about attitude and performance.Photo by Kenn Box
The protective footwear micro-trend will go down in ACL Fest history.Photo by Kenn Box