The tale this time out is a continuation of the storyline that has underpinned all the Daniel Craig Bond movies. When Casino Royal launched back in 2006, it introduced a much more visceral 007. It began at his inception and featured his first kill. Then throughout successive films, his character weathered huge loss and discord with the realities of his chosen profession.

It’s always been the threat to the world at large that powered his immense sense of King and Country and drove him back into active service. Even the desperate loss of his mother figure M didn’t prevent him from the inescapable call of duty. The stakes are very high this time and even after an almost crippling loss of love he is back and fully committed to stay the course.

There are no films in the entire 007 franchise that feature more ferocious action than No Time To Die and it’s a good thing as the actual story and events that drive the character’s actions are ever so murky. The big bad this time played by Rami Malek is never fully developed as the majority of the focus is placed on Bond’s ultimate fate. Long-time fans will find much to like here though and newbies can just revel in the amazing action pieces, beautiful locations and cool gadgets.

Rob Hudson
www.facebook.com/UniversalPicturesAU/

His peace is short-lived when his old friend Felix Leiter from the CIA turns up asking for help.

The mission to rescue a kidnapped scientist turns out to be far more treacherous than expected, leading Bond onto the trail of a mysterious villain armed with dangerous new technology.

Starring Daniel Craig, Rami Malek, Léa Seydoux, Lashana Lynch, Ben Whishaw, Naomie Harris, with Jeffrey Wright, with Christoph Waltz and Ralph Fiennes as “M”. No Time To Die will be released in Australian cinemas November 12th, 2020!
www.facebook.com/UniversalPicturesAU

The feeling lingers that they started with an overall direction for the Craig films but ended up taking too many diversions along the way. Some of the reveals are far from the surprise the filmmakers intended. Also extending the realism and casting Bond as more human and less the gadget guy has worked with only half of the four films. This sombre realism worked well with Casino Royale and Skyfall, less so with Quantum of Solace and Spectre.

Even though Craig is contracted for one more film in the franchise, there is a feeling of finality that is hard to shake. It starts with the opening credits that make far too many references to previous characters and extends to the more than ample number of scenes when Bond just seems resigned to his fate. Can’t the guy ever catch a break?

In a strange way, the film demands another viewing as you get over the slightly disappointing way the story unfolds first time around. There might be some detail or nuance that becomes apparent second time around that will make the experience richer. It also might be in the producers interest to agree to Craig’s stated preference to call it a day after the forth. Here’s to hoping that they are brave enough to really shake up the franchise with both storyline and casting next time around.

Rob Hudson
www.facebook.com/SonyPicturesAUS

Judges, from the marketing teams of MGM, Universal Pictures International and United Artists Releasing, are looking for artwork that is ‘unique, eye-catching and undeniably Bond’. Inspired by the Daniel Craig Bond films, the work must celebrate the design legacy of the franchise and will be judged on creativity (30%), originality (30%) and overall understanding of the theme (40%).

Selected creators will receive prize money and feedback on their submission from a local creative agency, as well as career advice to encourage the next generation of artists and creatives into the industry.

Participants must submit their entries by 6pm on 16th January 2020 (GMT), with the selected creators announced early March next year. Further information can be found online at 007.talenthouse.com

No Time To Die, will be released in Australia on Wednesday April 8, 2020 through Universal Pictures International.
www.facebook.com/UniversalPicturesAU

The mission to rescue a kidnapped scientist turns out to be far more treacherous than expected, leading Bond onto the trail of a mysterious villain armed with dangerous new technology.

In cinemas April 8, 2020,
www.facebook.com/UniversalPicturesAU

Check out director Cary Fukunaga, Daniel Craig (James Bond #007), Jeffrey Wright (Felix) and Lashana Lynch (Nomi) in this behind the scenes look at our recent Caribbean filming.

Bond 25 will be released in Australian cinemas April 2020!
www.facebook.com/UniversalPicturesAU

Metro Goldwyn Mayer will release the 25th James Bond feature film domestically through their United Artists Releasing banner on April 8, 2020; through Universal Pictures International and Metro Goldwyn Mayer in the UK and internationally from April 3, 2020.

Director, Cary Joji Fukunaga confirmed the returning cast, Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris, Rory Kinnear, Léa Seydoux, Ben Whishaw, Jeffrey Wright and introduced Ana de Armas, Dali Benssalah, David Dencik, Lashana Lynch, Billy Magnussen and Rami Malek.

Bond has left active service and is enjoying a tranquil life in Jamaica. His peace is short-lived when his old friend Felix Leiter from the CIA turns up asking for help. The mission to rescue a kidnapped scientist turns out to be far more treacherous than expected, leading Bond onto the trail of a mysterious villain armed with dangerous new technology.

The 007 production will be based at Pinewood Studios in the UK, and on location in London, Italy, Jamaica and Norway.

Wilson and Broccoli commented, “We’re thrilled to return to Jamaica with Bond 25, Daniel Craig’s fifth instalment in the 007 series, where Ian Fleming created the iconic James Bond character and Dr No and Live And Let Die were filmed.”

Written by Neal Purvis & Robert Wade, Scott Z. Burns with Cary Joji Fukunaga and Phoebe Waller-Bridge, other members of the creative team are; Director of Photography Linus Sandgren, Editor Tom Cross and Elliot Graham, Production Designer Mark Tildesley, Costume Designer Suttirat Larlarb, Supervising Stunt Coordinator Olivier Schneider, 2nd Unit Stunt Coordinator Lee Morrison and Visual Effects Supervisor Charlie Noble. Returning members to the team are; 2nd Unit Director Alexander Witt, Special Effects and Action Vehicles Supervisor Chris Corbould and Casting Director Debbie McWilliams.

Spectre, the 24th James Bond film, was a global box office hit, opening #1 in 81 territories around the world, including the U.S., and earning $880 million at the global box office. The film broke a new all-time box office record in the UK with the biggest seven-day opening of all time at $63.8 million. Skyfall, the 23rd film in the series, earned $1.1 billion worldwide.

www.facebook.com/JamesBond007AUS

The feeling lingers that they started with an overall direction for the Craig films but ended up taking too many diversions along the way. Some of the reveals are far from the surprise the filmmakers intended. Also extending the realism and casting Bond as more human and less the gadget guy has worked with only half of the four films. This sombre realism worked well with Casino Royale and Skyfall, less so with Quantum of Solace and Spectre.

Even though Craig is contracted for one more film in the franchise, there is a feeling of finality that is hard to shake. It starts with the opening credits that make far too many references to previous characters and extends to the more than ample number of scenes when Bond just seems resigned to his fate. Can’t the guy ever catch a break?

In a strange way, the film demands another viewing as you get over the slightly disappointing way the story unfolds first time around. There might be some detail or nuance that becomes apparent second time around that will make the experience richer. It also might be in the producers interest to agree to Craig’s stated preference to call it a day after the forth. Here’s to hoping that they are brave enough to really shake up the franchise with both storyline and casting next time around.

Rob Hudson
www.007.com