Film Review: No Time to Die

 Film: No Time to Die

Cinema: Hoyts Victoria Gardens

Stars: 4

First off, I will say that my viewing pleasure during this film was disturbed by the person producing the most dreadful of eggy farts in the seat next to me. Seriously, he should have seen a doctor or taken them outside. 

But that over, this, Daniel Craig's latest and probably last outing as Bond is a great addition to the franchised. It has everything you want in a Bond film. Unrelenting action, mind-blowing gadgets, a touch of romance and a touch of humour. He does a great old grumpy bugger - and when you think of it, at 53, Daniel Craig is one of the older Bonds. As somebody the same age as Craig, I have NO IDEA HOW HE GOT THROUGH THE STUNTS! He's allowed to be a grumpy old bugger. )

I will keep this review spoiler free as I know there are a lot of people looking forward to seeing this, but here's the crux of the film. Five years after Spectre, Bond is pulled out of retirement by his old mate Felix (Geoffrey Wright) to have a look into a big problem of MI-6's making. There's been an explosion in a lab making chemical weapons and a Russian scientist has gone missing. Reluctantly, Bond comes to his aid.

There is so many good things about this film. 

First up, how they tie everything together from the last couple of films. There's a return to the start with a nod to Vesper Lynd from Casino Royale. Lea Seydoux, his love interest from Spectre returns, and she has a big secret. 

Of course, the usual MI-6 contacts are there. Ralph Feinnes is as supercilious as ever as M. Ben Wishaw is great as Q, and Naomi Harris is a good, upright, unfawning Moneypenny. But the addition of Lashana Lynch as a new 00 agent that brings a new energy into the mix. And quite a few laughs. 

For the baddies, Rami Malik comes in as Safin, a man on a mission with a link to Madelaine (Lea Seydoux). And all of this appears have something to do with Blofeld (Christoph Waltz, again plaing a deranged nutcase) who's safely locked away in Bellmarsh Prison - or is he?

As with all good Bond films, the action is unrelenting. The scenes in Italy are fantastic, as are the final scenes on the island in the South China Sea. 

And for me, the best thing about this film is the script. Phoebe Waller-Bridge of Fleabag fame had a hand in it, and the sneaky one liners come thick and fast. The film also, unexpectedly, has a great heart to it, as Bond is taken to unexpected places. The film also cashes in on the current pandemic situation. Knowing that work began on this before this COVID crap started makes this almost prophetic in spots. Another diversion is how the film occasionally takes us into Bond's head - like hearing what he can do after being in an explosion. These little touches are great. 

Regardless, I've got through this review without relating a couple of very large plot points which would ruin the film. 

Go see it. It's great fun. And this film will help cement Daniel Craig as one of the best Bonds out there - and I don't think there will be much argument about it. 

Today's song: 

My Favourite Bond Films

 Before I review No Day to Die in tomorrow's post, I'm having a think about my favourite Bond films. 

Don't tell anybody, but I enjoy Bond films. Yes, the early ones are pretty sexist, and yes they are a bit violent, but they're mostly the violence I can tolerate - the bang-bang-you're-dead voilence which generally doesn't mess with your head. I also reckon that whoever the baddies get in for protection, they really could improve their gunmanship. They're TERRIBLE shots. 

My father introduced me to Bond films when I was about eight or nine. Live and Let Die was on the telly. Something gelled. Jane Seymour's Solitaire was a lingering image that took me down the path of reading tarot (Seriously - I was introduced to tarot through a Bond film). There's the epic boat chase and the streets of New Orleans - somwhere I've always wanted to go. And of course there's Paul McCartney's cracking theme song and Roger Moore at his best. Roger Moore always reminded me of my Uncle John. 

 As I grew up, I watched the back catalogue of Bond films. 

I'll admit to being in the Roger Moore camp - I don't mind Connery, but Roger Moore is a bit more polished. Maybe your first Bond is always going to be your favourite. 

And my second favourite Bond is Peirce Brosnan. I know, controversial - but I find he hits the right note between serious and campy - like Roger Moore. 

Though I've never been one for blondes, Daniel Craig is a great Bond too. Casino Royale and Skyfall are my favourites. 

Sure, Bond films have got more violent with age, but some things remain the same. There's always a M and a Q - and of course, Moneypenny - there has to be a Moneypenny - but at least now, Moneypenny isn't fawning over Bond anymore. 

There's the joy of all the technology. And the Aston Martin car, which has lots of gadgets. Oh, and there's the baddies. Kananga (Live and Let Die), Goldfinger, Javier Bardem's Silva was particularly sick, as was Christoph Waltz's Blofeld. Wonderfully sick. People you love to hate. 

I like that the new Bond girls are their own women. Gone are the simpering wrecks and in have come women who can very much hold their own. Bond, it appears, has found a conscience - or maybe he's just getting older. Daniel Craig was 52 when he made No Day to Die - I'd hate to do some of the stunts he was doing. Must have gone through a tonne of radox. But it was worth the view. 

I'll write about what I saw tomorrow. It's a film worth reviewing. 

Ah, Mr Bond. What would we do without you. 

Today's Song:

The Fustercluck

 I had to describe my current job, the word 'fustercluck' comes to mind. It's not like the people I work with are 'cnuts', but things are a bit of a mess. 

Also, as I've got this new, expanded role which means I'm forever putting out fires and dealing with people, when really, I'd rather just be writing. Or doing something else. 

On the upside of this fustercluck of a cnut of a day, there was my regular Thursday personal training session. On the even better side, Cleo put on an 80s playlist. It was awesome. Lots of Talking Heads (Have I ever said how much I love This Must Be The Place). There was some argument over who sang Sisters are Doin' It (Of course it was the Eurythmics with Aretha Franklin) and Jenny Morris came on singing about She's Got To be Loved. 

Cleo brought up the Chantoozies. Remember the Chantoozies? The Chantoozies were great (Isn't that David Reyne on the drums? And I think a friend said she was Tottie Goldsmith's next-door neighbour. And we all that skinny back then?)

Anyway, it's been a hard day and I need to lie on the couch and watch Grey's Anatomy for a bit. 

It's just the way it is as the moment. 

Today's song: 

Another day of it

 I'm sitting down to write. It's the first meaningful thing I've written today and it's 9.15 pm. 

I started work at 8 am. 

I shut the computer down at 6.15 pm. 

There was a mason's rehearsal at 6.30 pm.

I've just got home. 

Today I interviewed two people for a role in the team. One was great, and I hope they will take the job. When I mentioned that Roy Kent was my spirit animal and she knew exactly who I was talking about. With masses of experience, I hope they gets through the second interview. 

The second interview, the candidate wasn't as strong, without the experience of the first one,  but they had a quiet determination about them and came across as a great person - just not the right person for this juob

The notes were written up, singing the praises of the first, and saying nice things about the second person, saying they could be good for a normal business job. 

I really don't like the fact that I have to judge these people. Ah well, joys of a new role. 

Other things that happened was I spent the day wrangling the Compliance department. Wrangling lawyers is like herding cats. That is all I will say. 

And then there was the mason's rehearsal. I managed to get in some dinner after I left work at 6.00 pm and before I left for rehearsals at 6.25 pm. I also read a few pages of my book, luxuriating in my reading chair like a queen. 

And now I am here. Just buggered. 

On the good side of things, the cat launched himself at me for a cuddle when I was sitting on the loo. How can you say no to a cuddle when that happens? 

I think an hour on the couch watching Dopesick will do me good. (it's on Apple TV and it is awesome - Michael Keaton and Michael Stuhlbarg, among some other fantastic up and comers. Worth a watch.) That and lying on my bed of nails for a bit will do me the world of good.

It's just been another day of it. 

Today's song: 

Guilty Pleasure: Travel Guides

After a very long day, I need a bit of guilty pleasure television. 

On my list of things to do there is the following: 

• Do the ironing
• Write some of the novel
• Hoover
• Clean up
• Learn my ritual

And a few other things that could be done. 

Instead, I'm watching a re-run of Travel Guides on Channel Nine. 

I love Travel Guides. They make me laugh. 

I love Kevin and Janetta, the travel snobs. Kevin's wit is dryer than the Sahara. Kevin and Janetta are better off on the luxury trips, but give them their dues, they give everything a go. 

The 'Target Boys' , Kevin, Dorian and Teng are sweet, funny versions of the ugly Australians you often find in Bali. They're always up for anything, relentessly taking the piss out of each other. 

The Fren Family from Newcastle, Mum, Dad, the red-headed son who never smiles and the overly exuberant daughter - they love to find a bargain, or get an upgrade. 

And the rodeo twins from the back blocks of Queensland who are wonderful in the way they're rough  around the edges. 

Over the years, they've had other blow ins, but these guys are the staples. 

And I love them. I love that they make me laugh. 

And they travel around taking in everything with good grace and humour. 

And that is what I am watching tonight instead of doing my chores because it makes me happy. 

Today's Song: 

Back to the Office

There's a sense of mourning, an intangible feeling of sadness, not that anybody has died. 

The bag is packed. The laptop is stowed away in its section of the back pack. In the front pocket, my wallet, the phone charger, a couple of bright red lipsticks, some sunglasses,  a spare mask,  my mason's ritual, a tube of Blistex, some pens... it's the work bag. There are earbuds as well. The good ones that don't need special jack, but the ones Apple supplied with the phone. You expect the work bag to contain these things. 

But I've got out of the habit. 

In another pocket sits my kindle and my running shoes, as I intend to walk home if the weather allows. At the moment, I live in hope. 

In the last pocket there's a couple of shopping bags. 

My work pass and myki are hanging from the bag by a lanyard, it's protective pocket stuck together with gaffer tape. 

My clothes are set out on the chair outside the spare room. Melbourne black. Wide legged black trousers, a black sleeveless t-shirt and oversized black cardigan. I think I'll need the oversized grey cardigan which is sitting next to the back pack. It's going to be another cold one. Black, leather lace up shoes and sockets sit below the clothes. 

My glasses have been cleaned and polished, ready for use. 

Lunch is ready in the fridge - just chicken and salad.  I'll take it in, no willing to see what is on offer in Salmonella Central, the food court in the shopping centre at the base of the building. With any luck, the coffee places are up and running again. I haven't thrown out my coffee cards. On the stove, my coffee is ready in the Italian stove top pot ready to percolate. Having this ready saves me five minutes in the morning. 

I've practiced putting on my eyeliner and mascara over the last few days - I've been out and about and it's been good to 'put my face on' before leaving the house. Working from home, I don't bother. 

The alarm is set for 6.30 a.m. The aim is to beat the crowds on the tram and train, then walk home at night to lessen the chance of running into the virus. Mind you, if you catch it, you catch it. Being fully vaccinated gives me some peace, but I've had a couple of friends and colleagues who have had it - the more you can stay away, the better. It's horrid. 

And sure, we have to check in and wear masks all day in the office. I've got a mask bracket in my back. It keeps the cloth away from your face, making mask wearing a bit more comfortable. 

If my colleague didn't have to go in, I wouldn't be going in. But as she's new, I need to show her around the office. She's keen to get back in, but there are issues, like the fact they're about to do another restack on the floor, and her lack of a working headset. It's all fun.  Also, my colleague who left two months ago needs his personal items collected. That's what the shopping bags are for. Hopefully there won't be much to collect.   Our manager is in Sydney, so she can't do it. There will be only a handful of people in the floor. The mask wearing puts a lot of people off going in. Well, that and COVID, and public transport and traffic and the dodgy food at Salmonella Central. 

I was last in the office on 14 July - four months ago. I wonder if my nice Clinique lipstick is still in my desk drawer. And my collection of chopsticks and pen and Post-It notes. 

I also wonder, after all these preparations, how, for nearly thirty years of my life, I had been making these preparations. There is something to be said for rolling out of bed at 8 a.m., feeding the cat, showering, making a coffee, dressing in a t-shirt and jeans, running a comb over my hair and shoving my feet in a pair of ugg boots or Birkenstocks, depending on the weather. 

It's after all this preparation I see the benefits of working from home. 

Today's song:

Sunday Stealing: Favourites

It could be winter here. It is not, bit it feels like it. A rather nasty East Coast low has settled over the South of Australia and it feels like Winter once again. I'm not complaining, other than my washing can't be dried on the lines downstairs, but the cool is nice. The rain is wonderful, thinks the country girl. But a sunny day would serve us well. 

Good writing weather. 

Questions, as always, provided by Bev at Sunday Stealing:

Name Your Favorite…

    Place:

 I can't name one. Here are a few of my favourite places:

• Silver Sands beach, South Australia
• The Tomb of Edward the Confessor, Westminster Abbey, London
• Toledo, Spain
• The Great Hall, National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
• Cafe D'Lish, Caulfield, Melbourne (Was just there for brunch)

    Color: 

One of the following:

• Pillarbox red
• Cobalt blue
• Teal Green

    Smell:

• Dog's paws first thing in the morning
• Mum's roast lamb
• Juliettes got a Gun Not a Perfume perfume

    Magazine:

I don't really read magazines any more, but I'm fond of Marie Claire. I also like The Monthly, an Australian current affairs magazine. It's got some good, well reported stuff in there. 

    Texture:

Satin ribbon. I have little bits of it around the place. I like to rub my nose with it. Old childhood habit I've never seen the need to get rid of.

    Thing to do when bored:   

• Read
• Watch movies
• Write
• Clean the flat

    Precious stone:

I've never really thought about this. I do like sapphires, but I don't own any. I also like moonstones. I know they've semi-precious, but I find them mysterious. Maybe it's the witch in me. 

    Animal:

I love all animals, but my cat Lucifer is my favourite animal. I really do like cats of all sorts (but I also love dogs too). For more exotic animals, pandas and tigers and lions and red pandas and wombats and elephants are all really good. Love wombats. They are fantastic. Quokkas are cute too. 

    Time in history:

I'm fascinated by the Tudors - the court of Henry VIII and the life - amazing, scary time. 

    Font:

Oh, I am firmly a Times New Roman 12 pitch girl - I can't write in any other font. 

For when I can't use Times New Roman, Garamond and Gothic are fine, but I do like these slightly serifed fonts. They're easy to read. 

    Sound:

Rain on a tin roof is a wonderful sound, particularly after a long hot day when the heat is breaking. Gently breaking wave is another sound I could sit and listen to all day.

    Fruit:

That would be a toss up between mangoes, lychees and strawberries. Mangoes are a most wonderful thing. 

    Vegetable:

My English roots show through here - I love potatoes. For proper vegetables, broccoli, fresh, crisp iceberg lettuce  and sweet potatoes are all wonderful, but I do love potatoes, not that I let myself have them very often as they are best enjoyed with lots of butter. 

    Store/shop:

I don't really have a favourite shop, but I do love visiting really lovely bespoke shops, like the Florentine paper shop down Degraves Street. It is just so beautiful. I'm also fond of craft shops like Lincraft and Spotlight, but I aways walk out with far too much stuff, that I don't need. And Bunnings (Americans, think Home Depot) is a bit of an Australian institution. They even did a Bluey episode on the joys of Bunnings - renamed Hammerbarn. 

    Quote:

"This above all: to thine own self be true. And it must follow, as the night the day. Thou canst not then be false to any man."  Polonius, Hamlet, Act I Scene iii. 

"The lunatic, the lover and the poet are of imagination all compact." A Midsummer Night's Dream, Act V, scene i. 

    Historical figure:

Nelson Mandela - I don't need to say more than that. 

    Letter:

Very fond of the Hebrew Aleph. It's such a strong, generous letter. It means a lot too. I've just come from meeting up with my Kabbalah meditation group, so I'm feeling this one today. 

    Memory:

I have plenty of favourite memories, but one that comes to mind is the two times I've seen David Byrne live on stage. He's incredible. Talking Heads will always make me smile. And sing. I've been to some great plays too. Seeing Ned Beatty, Brendon Fraser and Frances O'Connor in London in a production of A Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and Aiden Fennessy's The Architect come to mind as some of the best performances I've ever seen seen. 

I had an amazing sound healing session with Shervin Boolorian in Bali. He is incredible. 

I have lived a very fortunate life. 

    Dessert:

Oh, that is Creme Brulee all the way. I like to style myself on Amelie. 

    Candy:

As a proud South Australians, I have to say FruChocs. But I am very fond of white chocolate  and Caramilk and Topic bars when I'm in England. 

    Restaurant:

Do I have to pick one? Thing is that after the pandemic, a lot of these restaurants have shut down. I also go to certail restaurant to get one dish - like having brunch at Cafe D'Lish, which we found out today turns 20 tomorrow. I wished Izzey and Morrie mazel tov, strange words to come out of the mouth of a shiksa.

But I love the following places: 

• Quaglinos in London.
• Mejico in Sydney and Melbourne.
• The Vinh Ky down the road for their Dry Chilli Beef - I live in a very Vietnamese area and the food is fresh and plentiful.
• Pretty much any bakery in Adelaide for pasties.
• The Salopian Inn in McLaren Vale.

We are so spoiled for food over here. 

    Language:

I love the French language and wish I read, spoke and wrote it better. I'm also keen to learn more Spanish. It's a fun language - and quite easy to pick up. 

    Thing to learn about:

Anything. I love learning. Don't constrain me. 

    Thing about yourself:

Here are some things I do like about myself:

• I'm unfailingly kind
• I'm reasonably smart
• I love that I have deep green eyes
• And skinny ankles. 

Today's song: