Daily Dirt: New 007 film is truly magnificent, memorable; ending is perfect (No spoilers)

Rarely in my movie-going life have I left a theater with such a feeling of approval as I did after seeing “No Time to Die.” If there is such a thing as a perfect film, this may it. Welcome to today’s three thoughts and Vol. 101 of the Daily Dirt:

1. I was finally able to see the new James Bond movie, “No Time to Die.”

Two words: Oh. My.

Admittedly, I was afraid I would be disappointed after hearing about and reading all of the glowing reviews. I was also concerned about the ending and how moving it might be for veteran Bond watchers. Words like “unforgettable” and “emotional” were being used. I took my grandson, Grady, to the theater with me. Grady is a sophomore at Quincy High and an extremely knowledgeable Bond fan despite his age. 

I will not give away any secrets, largely because a film of this magnitude deserves to be fully appreciated by those attending. Knowing the outcome or any secrets would ruin that. I feel all who have been anticipating the new Bond film should not have to endure any spoilers, so read on without worry. What I will say is this:– “No Time to Die” will, at some point, be considered the finest overall Bond film ever. — It’s been a long time since I sat in a theater and those in attendance did not want to leave. This was one of those films.– The final words from Lea Seydoux (a.k.a. Madeleine Swan) are so perfect and so moving I admit I had a tear in my eye. You could have heard the proverbial pin drop in the theater.

If there is one movie you see this year — and have the slightest of interest in this marvelous franchise — I would recommend it be this one. For the record, so would Grady. Daniel Craig’s days as James Bond are now over, but this film further cemented his standing atop the 007 galaxy. Sean Connery, of course, is an extremely close second, but Craig is now — without question — the best Bond ever.

2. My ranking for Craig’s Bond movies:

1. “No Time to Die”: I certainly hope we see more of Ana de Armas (“Paloma”) in future Bond flicks. (One final note about this incredible movie — definitely stay for the final credits so you can hear “We Have All the Time in the World,” sung by Louis Armstrong.)

2. “Spectre” (2015): Sam Smith’s “Writing’s on the Wall” won an Academy Award for best original song.

3. “Casino Royale” (2006)”: This movie will always be remembered for the haunting death of Vesper Lynd.

4. “Skyfall” (2012): The death of “M” (Judi Dench) was one of the saddest Bond moments ever.

5. “Quantum of Solace” (2008): Dominic Greene (Mathieu Amalric) was one of the slimiest Bond villains ever.

3. Here are some more of our favorite people with October birthdays who should bring a smile to everyone:

Richard Dreyfuss: The Oscar-winning actorturns 74 on Oct. 29. His most famous role will always be as Matt Hooper in “Jaws” (1975).

Julia Roberts: Roberts will be 54 on Oct. 28. My two favorite Roberts films are “My Best Friend’s Wedding” (1997) and “Pretty Woman” (1990).

Brad Paisley: The country singer will be 49 on Oct. 28. He’s a great entertainer, but he’s even better on those Nationwide insurance and financial service commercials with Peyton Manning

.And in the gone-but-not-forgotten October birth dates:

Jackie Coogan: Known by most as “Uncle Fester” on “The Addams Family” back in the 1960s, Coogan was born on Oct. 26, 1914. He died in 1984.

Barbara Bel Geddes: She was Miss Ellie Ewing on “Dallas,” and if alive today would have been 99 on Oct. 31. She died in 2005. 

Johnny Carson: For many, he’ll always be the King of Late Night when it comes to talk shows. Carson, born on Oct. 23, 1925, was 79 when he died in January 2005.

Steve Fact O’ The Day
Steve has had a crush on actress Sophie Marceau ever since she appeared in the James Bond movie “The World Is Not Enough” in 1999.

Steve Eighinger writes daily for Muddy River News. He is in training to be the next James Bond.