Lisa Johnson Mandell’s No Time to Die review says it’s not perfect, but is still a satisfying send-off to Daniel Craig in the mercurial role of James Bond.

There’s so much to write about this pre-ordained blockbuster that has become the biggest hit of the year even before it opens in the U.S., it’s hard to know where to be begin.

Pretty much everything you’ve heard about it, and there’s been an outrageous amount of hype, is true. Yes, it is Daniel Craig’s absolutely, positively last outing as James Bond, and yes, there are sly nods to who could be his replacement.

And yes, it does indeed clock in at two hours and 43 minutes, not all of them riveting. The opening credits, however, do rank among the franchise best, if Billy Eilish’s moody, monotonous song doesn’t.

But no, in my book, it is not one of the best overall films in the franchise. While there are some great moments, it’s impossible to sustain chase scenes and fist fights and love making and villain ‘splaining for such an extended amount of time. No offense to director Cary Joji Fukunaga, (Beasts of No Nation, Jane Eyre). It would be a challenge for any director.

To get maximum enjoyment out of No Time to Die it’s important to realize that this is not one of those classic James Bond films that stands on its own. Since this film is a nod and tribute to Craig’s previous body of Bonding, you might want to do a quick review of his work (a glance at Wikipedia will do). You’d also be extremely well-served if you look up Vesper from Skyfall, and Oberhauser from Spectre, if you want to avoid some confusion.

And if the somewhat serpentine plot still befuddles you, worry not. You eventually realize none of the intricate details that puzzled you really matter.

One of the brightest highlights of the film (and there are many) is the introduction of Ana de Armas, who played so well against Craig in Knives Out, as ‘rookie’ agent Paloma. God she looks great shooting up a ballroom full of baddies in a red satin evening gown. I would have loved to see more of her, and hope she’ll pop up again in the future.

I also would have liked to see more of Rami Malek as evil villain (is there any other type?) Safin, who shows up far too late in the film.

For the most part, the casting was fine— Ben Whishaw as Q, Naomi Harris as Moneypenny, Jeffrey Wright as Felix and Ralph Fiennes as M are back, and fun to watch, as always.

But the one false casting move, which could be considered the film’s biggest flaw, is the casting of Léa Seydoux as the love of Bond’s life. This is one instance where looking ten years younger does not work in an actress’s favor. Her chemistry with Craig is simply not convincing. I’d buy her as Bond’s kid sister, or maybe his favorite niece, but not the woman he’s willing to go to the mat for.

Without the necessary chemistry, it’s hard to believe in Bond’s aging, love-struck, vulnerability, which is so essential to the plot. Still, No Time to Die is capable of eliciting tears from even the most passive Bond fans, and is a satisfying send off to Daniel Craig in the mercurial role.

Rating: PG-13

2 Hours 43 Minutes

If this No Time to Die review makes you want to dash out to see it, find times and tickets at Fandango.com.

Lisa Johnson Mandell’s No Time to Die review says it’s not perfect, but is still a satisfying send-off to Daniel Craig in the mercurial role of James Bond.