Viewing the Videos: Bond. James Bond.

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Some of the most famous words in movies, “Bond.  James Bond,” announce his return in “No Time to Die.” In theaters, no less. Netflix checks in with something warm and fuzzy, “Acapulco,” and the return of Jon Stewart to TV in “The Problem with Jon Stewart.”

It’s Viewing the Videos.

STREAMING

Acapulco (Apple TV+)

Eugenio Derbez is a huge star in Mexico but over the past few series, he has made an impact in English language films here in the United States.

He made his reputation as a comedy actor but showed his strong dramatic skills earlier this year in “CODA,” where he was a thoughtful high school music teacher who helps a student figure out how to deal with her complicated life.

In “How to Be a Latin Lover,” his character had spent most of his life married to a rich old lady, but has to try to make it on his own after she kicks him out.

This time, he again shows his major comedy talent along with a touch of seriousness. The “Acapulco” series from Apple TV+ is the backstory of the Maximo character in “Latin Lover.” He achieves financial success and then in TV show, tells his nephew his story through flashbacks.

There’s sweetness and charm in the story of the young Maximo, working at a luxury resort in Acapulco. Enrique Arrizon is the young Maximo and he brings youthful exuberance and believability to a project that’s a comedy, but also has some life lessons.

Three Palm Trees.

The Problem with Jon Stewart (Apple TV+)

Jon Stewart returns to television with an every-other-week show called “The Problem with Jon Stewart.” There’s a new episode this Thursday on Apple TV+.

Stewart took over “The Daily Show” in 1999 and what had been an entertaining and funny look at pop culture turned into a show that focused more on politics and other news that was still funny. Stewart left that show in 2015.

Now he’s back with a show that’s still funny but focuses on an important issue that also includes studio guests involved in the issue, whether it’s gun control, veterans, or the dangers our democracy faces.

The opening monologue got off to a somewhat rocky start, with the audience slow to respond. Perhaps it’s because it’s a new show, they’re didn’t know what to expect. I’m sure Stewart will work that out.

Stewart brought his brand of humor, but also smoothly and professionally managed a large panel in an intense discussion of burn pits, dumps where the military burned all kinds of waste including things that let off toxic fumes, causing all kinds of problems for members of the military who had to breath those fumes.

Stewart is one of our great social commentators. It’s good that he’s back in a regular forum because he’s entertaining and he has something to say.

Three Palm Trees.

THEATERS

No Time to Die

“No Time to Die” is everything fans could want in a Bond picture (and more since it’s two hours and 43 minutes long and could use some trimming).

But except for that, there’s big, beautiful action all over the world, a couple of excellent villains, Ernst Blofeld, and Ramy Malek as Lyusifer Safin, a romantic interest for Bond, the memorable James Bond theme and much more.

This is Daniel Craig’s farewell performance as Bond in his sixth and final turn as one of cinema’s most iconic characters. His portrayal here is very layered, showing that the presentation of the character has evolved from the novels and the earlier films in the series.

Daniel Craig has made the character his own in the six films he starred in. In this movie and others, he shows the icy persona of the man licensed to kill.

But in “No Time to Die” Bond has retired, leaving behind the life as an operative of British intelligence. But not unlike Michael Corleone, “Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.”

In this case, it’s not family, but it’s friendship. Bond agrees to help save the world again after his friend, CIA operative Felix Leiter, asks him for help.

(Fun Fact: In the first Bond movie, “Dr. No” in 1962, Felix Leiter was played by Jack Lord, who went on to star in something called “Hawaii 5-0”).

Besides the spectacular action, the plot is pretty interesting. The SPECTRE terrorist organization has created a bioweapon that can be genetically altered to affect a single person or persons while not affecting anyone else. It could happen. It leads to the usual showdown between Bond and the villain, the great Rami Malek, who strikes the perfect tone of crazy without overdoing it.

Another mark of the high quality of the work in this movie is the supporting cast. It’s full of actors who could easily star in their own movie. People like Jeffrey Wright as Leiter, Ralph Fiennes as M and Jeffrey Wright is Leiter.

And since Bond has retired, there’s a new 007.  She’s played by British actress Lashana Rasheda Lynch. She’s a tough customer.

FROM THE VAULT

Layer Cake

Daniel Craig (“No Time to Die”) played the unnamed central character in 2004’s hardboiled “Layer Cake.” It’s an excellent version of a man trying to get out of the criminal life in London of the early 2000s.  Grit and sophistication all at once.

HOW WE RATE THE FILMS

Home videos are simply rated recommended or not recommended.

New releases are rated as follows:

Five Palm Trees: Must see

Four Palm Trees: Worth seeing on the big screen

Three Palm Trees: Recommended for home viewing or on the big screen

Two Palm Trees: OK if you’re not paying

One Palm Tree: Skip it. Save your money and your time.

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