For the most part, I thinkNo Time to Diewas a really strong final chapter for Craigs 007.
It has some gorgeously shot, creatively staged action sequences.
I think Craig gives an Oscar-caliber performance in his final outing as Bond.
The movie is well-paced, too, so it mostly holds up on a rewatch.
But theres one thing from the opening act that still bugs me.
After arresting Blofeld, Bond takes a much-needed vacation to Matera withreturning love interest Dr. Madeleine Swann.
Custom Image by Milica Djordjevic
Bond races back to the hotel and flees the scene with Madeleine.
But as they make their escape,Madeleines phone receives a celebratory call from Blofeld.
Bond puts two and two together andassumes that Madeleine is in cahoots with Blofeld.
No Time to Die follows James Bond, who has left active service and is living in Jamaica. His peace is disrupted when CIA operative Felix Leiter requests his help in rescuing a kidnapped scientist, leading Bond to confront a dangerous villain equipped with advanced technology. Released in 2021, it continues the Bond saga.
He thinks she encouraged him to go to Vespers grave so hed walk right into SPECTREs ambush.
But he doesnt, even for a second, entertain the idea that his arch-nemesis might be deceiving him.
He doesnt, even for a second, entertain the idea that his arch-nemesis might be deceiving him.
He became so capable by maintaining a healthy skepticism.
Bond doesnt trust anyone; he second-guesses everything, and he can see trickery coming from a mile away.
He can handle any danger that comes his way.
Every time an assassin tries to sneak up on Bond, hes one step ahead of them.
So, why was he so quick to believe Blofeld and abandon Madeleine?
No Time to Diegrossed $774.2 million worldwide, making it the third highest-grossing Bond movie.
Craigs 007 doesnt have the perfect batting average of his predecessors.
This Bond isnt infallible, like Sean Connery or Roger Moore; he makes mistakes.
Craig is responsible for Bonds first on-screen failure, sincehe failed to stop Raoul Silvas plot inSkyfall.
But it’s similar to a few previous 007 adventures.
Its similar to the comic misunderstandings that form the basis of episodes of sitcoms likeModern FamilyandEverybody Loves Raymond.
It feels out of character for Bond to trust Blofeld and ignore Madeleines pleas for reason.
It seems more like something the screenwriters needed to happen than something the character would actually do.
This contrived opening act is one of the films biggest flaws.
Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for theirNo Time to Dietheme.
Released in 2021, it continues the Bond saga.
