Movie Review - No Time to Die

No Time to Die ** (out of 5) (PG-13) Daniel Craig - the seventh* portrayer of James Bond - ends his run in the longest, and possibly dullest entry in the franchise. Long gone is the womanizing character of the early decades showing 007's cinematic adventures. Craig has been more grim than his predecessors throughout his quintet, but his finale adds serious moping over lost loves - one from the last film, and a new one (Lea Seydoux), who lets him down at the beginning of this tale. The retired 007 is lured out of retirement for one more tilt against the recurring windmill of SPECTRE.

That requires the participation of the ninth actor to play Felix Leiter (Jeffrey Wright), and the sixth each to fill the roles of Blofeld (Christoph Waltz), M (Ralph Fiennes), Q (Ben Whishaw), and Miss Moneypenny (Naomie Harris). It also takes us to the customary array of exotic locales (one requiring a tuxedo, of course) and a version of the classic supervillain’s massive secret lair for the climactic action sequence. The only missing element is that the minions therein have graduated from jumpsuits to SWAT-like uniforms.

Whenever there’s an action scene, the film lives up to tradition. Director Cary Joji Fukunaga, a newcomer to the Bond universe, handles those impeccably. But the script, and Bond’s dour mood weigh the product down with their bulk. Too much dialog; too many long, mournful stares into the distance. That makes the brief screen time for Ana de Armas stand out even more for the lightness and energy she brings to assisting James in one of his globe-trotting destinations. The same cannot be said for the inheritor of the legendary 007 designation (Lashana Lynch) after his retirement. She brings the smarts and toughness to the role of Nomi, but shows none of the range or charisma needed to star whatever films are yet to come.

Franchise fans will need to see this just because of its place in the long, distinguished history of Ian Fleming’s iconic hero on our screens. Just be sure to set your mood for a Bond with the blues, and prepare your bladder for 163 minutes of its biggest Bond-related challenge. With those caveats, you should be able to enjoy Craig’s farewell to this glamorous stage of his career.

* That count includes David Niven in the 1967 spoof version of Casino Royale.

(In theaters 10/8/21)