[Quick Summary: After Bond leaves MI5, he's drawn back in by the disappearance of a scientist who has stolen "Heracles" that leads to a very personal connection.]
BAD NEWS: I simply did not connect with this film, despite an abundance of top tier writers, beautiful cinematography, locations, action stunts, and actors.
If I had to boil it down, I'd say the story was not fun or as suspenseful as others. With reliance on tech, there was no need for Bond to figure his way out of a corner.
GOOD NEWS: However, there was one fun bit that I did enjoy: Paloma and the Cuba scenario.
First, she's a new agent who is not polished and does not make perfect decisions. She's competent, yet she's still learning on the job and isn't afraid to admit it.
Second, she brought a different energy that was very welcome. She is impatient, eager to get on with things, and we like her all the better for it.
Third, the Cuba scene became more entertaining because I didn't know what to expect from this character. She upends Bond's expectations.
In the scene below, we see the difference she makes:
INT. WINE CELLAR - SANTIAGO BUILDING - NIGHT
Paloma stops at a wine cellar. She takes out a key, nerves still have her shaking as she unlocks the door.
BOND: This your room?
PALOMA (clearly it's not): It's a wine cellar. Okay, come here.
She starts undoing his shirt.
BOND: Don't you think we ought to get to know each other just a little before we...
PALOMA: Oh! No, no, no, no. I'm sorry.
She steps back, unrolls a suit bag she had stowed. It's a tuxedo. He smiles.
BOND: Alright.
PALOMA: You do it.
BOND: Do you min... (signals for her to turn around)
She turns her back. Bond starts to undress.
BOND (CONT'D): This is going to go brilliantly.
PALOMA: I know. (smiling) I've done three weeks training.
WHAT I'VE LEARNED: Paloma has a very different energy than most agents in this series. She's not jaded or smooth or experienced, and that's fun to watch.
No Time to Die (2021)(undated)
by Neal Purvis & Robert Wade and Cary Joji Fukunaga and Phoebe Waller-Bridge
Story by Neal Purvis & Robert Wade and Cary Joji Fukunaga
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