007: No Time to Die exudes refinery beyond tuxedos and martinis

James Bond has been with us since 1953, starting with the novel Casino Royale, the first of Ian Fleming’s books chronicling the action-adventures of the famed British secret agent. Taking off with Dr No, the first adaptation of Fleming’s 12 007 novels, the spy gamesmanship led to an avalanche of espionage films in the years to follow.

Amassing a horde of copycats and a loyal worldwide following, Eon productions has been making box-office-rocking Bond movies since 1962. Having unleashed a number of Bonds over the decades, Daniel Craig signalled a change in direction for the long-running spy series. Coming at a time when the Bond character needed an overhaul, the beloved series changed course with a deconstruction of its figurehead, casting a steely-eyed blonde rogue in Daniel Craig.

In the 007 reboot of the Fleming novel that started it all, Daniel Craig started on a high with a gut-busting entry into the recognisable film franchise, 2006’s Casino Royale, regarded as one of the best… if not the best Bond film.

Now after Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall and Spectre, it appears that No Time to Die is Craig’s last outing as the influential MI6 agent. Following on from Spectre, this sequel sees Bond return to active service to trail another super villain whose evil scheme finds him ready to release a DNA-targeting toxin upon the world.

Craig is more cold-blooded killer than charming ladies’ man

The title No Time to Die may be more of an indictment on today’s culture than a classic Bond film name but cues another chapter and reinvention on the horizon. Bond has typically been a time capsule reflection and idealisation of masculinity for each era, which is why Craig’s casting and the character’s shifting sands were quite radical back in 2006.

Blonde, physically intimidating and objectified as a sex symbol, Craig’s subsequent Bonds revealed an emotional man whose intelligence and brawn made him a more realistic super spy. Downplaying the character’s status as a ladies’ man, Craig leaned towards cold-blooded killer instinct over charm. Now the casting of Lasana Lynch as Bond’s contemporary is a signal of intent and paves the way for a new chapter.

Less cheese, more art, better music

The 007 series has been trying to get the Academy Awards to take it more seriously in the age of Daniel Craig. Aiming for less cheese and more art, it’s easy to see how Eon productions have steered towards refinement beyond tuxedos, martinis and Aston Martins, collaborating with the Oscar-winning 1917 duo, director Sam Mendes and cinematographer Roger Deakins for Skyfall.

Having often been relegated to nominations for best original song with a slew of brilliant songs from top artists to accompany the iconic opening credit sequence, No Time to Die may not be a radio hit but led to a well-deserved Oscar for Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell’s smouldering classic.

Tweaking the 007 formula with help from Fleabag’s writer

No Time to Die was entrusted to accomplished director Cary Joji Fukunaga, who is probably best known for his work on the influential crime drama series True Detective. He also helmed the hauntingly beautiful Jane Eyre, but it was his work on the timely Beasts of No Nation that stirred even more award season buzz thanks to a strong performance from Idris Elba, who, coincidentally, has been considered to play Bond.

Fukunaga brings his knack for visual elegance and a haunting mood to the latest Bond film, which seethes along tweaking the 007 formula to gently lampoon and honour some of the trademark elements with help from Fleabag’s star and screenwriter, Phoebe Waller-Bridge.

Craig isn’t the only hot act bringing star power to the screen

It’s no secret, No Time to Die is a star-studded affair. Flanking Craig in his final outing are two of the hottest acts right now, playing opposite his Knives Out co-lead in Ana de Armas and Bohemian Rhapsody and Mr Robot‘s secret weapon, Rami Malek.

These exciting talents are the icing on a cake that has come to include series regulars: Ralph Fiennes, Ben Whishaw, Naomie Harris and Léa Seydoux with Christoph Waltz as criminal mastermind Blofeld. Bringing their star quality into play, the old guard keep things steady as the likes of de Armas light up the screen with Malek’s snakey performance adding intrigue to the shadowy criminal underworld.

All the panache and power we’ve come to expect

No Time to Die encapsulates familiar elements that have come to characterise the world of James Bond since 2006’s Casino Royale. Craig doesn’t have to emerge from the ocean to show off his chiseled physique but demonstrates he’s still got it – even if he doesn’t manage to match or top Connery’s (00)7 appearances.

Besides some personal revelations, the introduction of a new 007 and the closing out of Craig’s tenure, No Time to Die features many of the sleek action set pieces and elements that have come to characterise 007 since Casino Royale. From explosions and car chases to Atomic Blonde-style stairwell climbs and evil island lairs, the series has always had panache when it comes to jet-setting, narrow escapes and audacious missions.

The film flexes its fine cast in a greatest-hits send-off

While No Time to Die may be a bittersweet farewell, it moves at a good pace with enough classic Bond and neo-Bond moments to serve fans and signal progress. The latest Bond plays to Craig’s strengths, trying to add more wink-wink fun and wit to proceedings as he jousts and cajoles his nemeses. The film flexes its fine cast and elegantly interlaces sharp action set pieces, offering a broad selection of visually-captivating entertainment while edging the swirling plot line forwards.

No Time to Die may not match the novelty and all-cylinders-firing magic of Casino Royale or cinematic artistry of Skyfall but does offer a worthy greatest hits send off to one of the most iconic Bonds with an exciting hint of what’s to come. Will Daniel Craig return like Sean Connery did after George Lazenby’s one hit wonder? Will Eon productions completely reinvent the character? One thing’s for sure, Bond will return.