Rami Malek's character made no sense and was effectively 'cardboard'.Maybe the large screen helps amplify how good the camera-work quality really is. Nothing worse than being told that a size-0 model can boot a 'pro-wrestler' sized henchman across the room and forced to accept it. She was physically imposing enough to be believable as another 00 Agent and is a good actress. The 'alternative' 007 was actually a good character.Still, having actually enjoyed Skyfall (which subsequently seems like the odd one out in series) and having waited years since the last (thank you Covid-19), I accepted an invite to a pre-screening. He should be stealth, intelligence and subterfuge, with only action and violence where necessary. What is also forgotten is than Bond is a secret agent, not a frontline commando - aka John Rambo. I refuse to believe than anyone with his psychological and unstable emotional profile would ever be drafted in as a 00 Agent. His Bond seems more like a 'prima donna' that leaves, sulks and refuses to help more times than a French trade union. The five Craig-era films have spent 15 years moping about the same event which happened back in the first, without really moving on. Along the way there were interesting characters, exotic locations, beautiful women, stylish outfits, new gadgets and the most modern of cars (also fitted with the gadgets). This suave and somewhat-blithe secret agent was solely invested in protecting national security and saving the world from unhinged megalomaniacs. Every story was unique and the next adventure was a whole new mission. If you think back to one of the classic Bond films you'll remember a much more optimistic, simple and pleasurable experience. There are contradicting styles in the script that leaves the viewer totally confused as to why certain events or decisions are made and no real depth to any of characters that make the story plausible or, well, worth emotionally investing in. It's more reminiscent of a serialised romantic drama or tragedy than that of a spy thriller. This is a very odd film, which feels far too melodramatic and miserable to be a James Bond story.

No time to die poster