All the way back in 1962, the world was introduced to Agent 007 James Bond, when the debut film ‘Dr. No’ hit cinemas worldwide. For 59 years, the famous spy has been taking down evil corporations, riding the best-looking cars with unique gadgets, and sweeping women off their feet all with class, style, and finesse. Many actors have donned the mantle of 007 beginning with the legendary Sir Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Sir Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and now Daniel Craig.

When Craig was announced as the new James Bond, fans were skeptical of a blonde Bond instead of the usual brown hair, but after his debut as the iconic spy in 2006’s ‘Casino Royale’, fans became instantly receptive after seeing Craig and director, Martin Campbell, bringing something new and unique to the table, by taking a more realistic approach to the films.

Daniel Craig has certainly made a huge impact as the legendary spy in three different decades, even taking part in a very memorable skit with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 Olympic Games in London. His latest performance as 007 is also his last, and 2021’s ‘No Time to Die’ aims to be the final send-off to Daniel Craig.

James Bond and Madeleine Swann (returning from the previous film ‘Spectre’) are enjoying a romantic holiday together in Matera, Italy. They are soon ambushed by assassins but manage to escape in the very familiar Aston Martin DB5. Suspecting that Madeleine played a part in the assassins knowing of his whereabouts, decides to leave her, despite her desperate pleas trying to convince him she had no involvement. Five years later and no longer in active service with MI6, James Bond is enjoying a normal and peaceful life in Jamaica, however, his life never stays normal for long and is cut short when an old acquaintance turns up and recruits him to the CIA.

His latest mission is to rescue a kidnapped scientist but soon finds out there’s much more to this scientist than expected, which leads Bond on many twists and turns, and running into new and old associates from MI6, as they must work together to uncover mystery after mystery. His latest mission becomes personal when a certain person from his past inadvertently gets involved.

The plot to the latest Bond film is something unique and unlike any other 007 films from the past. While his main mission isn’t a whole lot different from everything he’s already done, the main villain Lyutsifer Safin finds a way to make it very personal, something Bond has never faced before, which will have audiences on an emotional rollercoaster and guessing if he’ll actually make it out alive this time. Daniel Craig creates a stellar performance, as he shows a very human and vulnerable side to James Bond, who’s normally best known for maintaining his composure no matter the situation. This version of the famous spy is one that audiences can really sympathise with.

Rami Malek is no stranger to playing methodical and unpredictable villains. His role as Lyutsifer Safin makes great use of his talents, from the way he looks into the eyes of other characters, how he speaks so calmly, to all the subtle details with his body language and mannerisms really make him a terrifying villain. As good as he is in the film, he doesn’t quite hit that mark of being a memorable Bond villain and is easily outshined by Craig’s incredible performance.

What every James Bond movie needs, are action scenes, and ‘No Time to Die’ has plenty of it. From high octane car chases through narrow streets, alleyways, and tight corners in Italy, to shootouts with Bond alongside some badass and strong female characters who really leave their mark in the movie; there are no shortages of exciting, explosive, and adrenaline-pumping action sequences that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats, while also not straying too far from the main plot.

Of course, seeing the classic and iconic Bond vehicle, the Aston Martin DB5 makes another appearance equipped with fancy gadgets and machine guns, is just that extra icing on the cake and a very nice tribute to the James Bond movies of old.

A few familiar faces from past Bond films return including Ben Whishaw as Q and Ralph Fiennes as Gareth Mallory. The most recognisable face however is none other than Dame Judi Dench as M, who can be seen on a portrait paying tribute to the former head of MI6. Debuting in 1995’s ‘GoldenEye’, Judi is actually tied with Roger Moore for the most appearances in a Bond film with seven movies each, more than any actor in the entire franchise.

The famous 007 music is of course back in the movie’s opening credits, with the classic scene of the view looking out of the gun barrel and Bond walking across before shooting at the screen. The movie’s main soundtrack ‘No Time to Die’ by Billie Eilish fits the overall tone of a James Bond film just perfectly. Aged 18 at the time, Billie is the youngest recording artist to write and perform a 007 song, which even won her a Grammy Award in 2020, a whole year before the film’s release (which was delayed due to COVID-19).

Daniel Craig has definitely cemented his place in the rich and long history of 007 films. Long-time fans will either love the series or feel it has strayed a little far from what made it famous, but there is no doubt that the 25th film over 59 years will be one to remember. ‘No Time to Die’ is a fantastic and emotional farewell to Daniel Craig as Bond… James Bond.

Written by: Sammy Hanson