JASON EVANS' 100-WORD REVIEWS: NO TIME TO DIE

 Too long and convoluted, but 007 is always worth watching

Film Critic Jason Evans is on a mission to tell you everything you need to know about movies in less time than it takes James Bond to sweet talk a lady into his bedroom. Jason’s reviews are exactly 100 words (not 99, not 101). This is his 100 word review of No Time To Die.

The Premise – James Bond (Daniel Craig) is hoping to settle down for a little while with his lover, Madeline Swan (Léa Seydoux). But when some Spectre assassins come after him, Bond figures out that Madeline has been helping them so he leaves her and retires. Five years later, Bond is recruited by the CIA’s Felix Leiter (Jeffrey Wright) to help track down a scientist who has invented a nanobot bioweapon that uses DNA tracking to kill very specific people. As Bond digs deeper into the plot, he realizes that it is connected to his old enemy Blofeld (Christoph Waltz) and to a new criminal powerbroker named Safin (Rami Malek). But the biggest surprise is that Madeline is somehow involved in all of this as well.

The 100 Words –This 160-minute epic has too many twists and turns (having 5+ screenwriters will do that). It is largely dour and the story never really finds its footing. It probably would be better about 40 minutes shorter with fewer mini-missions for James (just don’t get rid of the one with Ana De Armas, she’s amazing). That said, there are several gorgeous action sequences and the all-star cast really gives it their all. This is Craig’s last appearance as Bond and the final act has some strong emotional beats.  Not the best** of the Craig Bond films, but not the worst*** either.

**- Casino Royale, for sure, is the best

***- Quantum of Solace is the worst, but Spectre comes close 

Reach out to Jason Evans on Twitter @JasonDukeEvans