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Nice! I love the use of Majesty's at the end.
Yesterday I viewed Thunderball to conclude my mini Bondathon - I've been watching, over the past few weeks, each actors fourth 007 film.
The Vulcan concealment scene almost kills the pace of the film, stone dead. Luckily the movie does everything it can to make up for the slight lack of pace, even if it's too bloated to really succeed. Still an eye popping feast for the eyes and ears.
I really enjoyed this method, and much to my surprise, Moonraker can out really well.
I'm going to give the Bond movies a rest for a bit in order for my full Bondathon, based on the results to this particular game - *cough - shameless plugging - cough*
http://www.mi6community.com/index.php?p=/discussion/8492/rate-the-various-categories-the-films-2016-this-week-for-your-eyes-only-1981#latest
By the way, I watched FYEO yesterday. Great film. I will always love it. Ok, as in almost all Bond films there are a few annoying elements (Bibi), but on the other hand, lots of great stuff and one of the best Bond plots.
Gilbert's previous two films also had some fantasy elements to them, but by the time we get to the space station we have arrived at Cloud Cuckoo Land. I can roll with it though, for the most part. It's just that there's an awful lot of grinning in this film, by everyone except Drax it would seem. And they really made some unfortunate choices with Jaws, didn't they? Thankfully, there is enough good to overcome the absurd moments that pop up from time to time. I just wish Chang hadn't of exited so soon.
Despite the positive experience, MR has actually dropped in my rankings. I enjoyed the Hamilton films so much this time around that they've knocked some of the "old reliables" out of their usual places. It's really shaken things up around here, let me tell you.
70's Rankings
1) TSWLM
2) LALD
3) TMWTGG
4) DAF
5) MR
Spectre
The Bond Blofeld connection is still a big stumbling block. They mean for it to be dramatic, but it feels like it's been done to death elsewhere. Another big problem I have with Spectre, is Sam Smith's high pitched wailing through the title track. I now either hit the mute button or fast forward through the titles. Not forgetting the fading out of the gun barrel to 'The Dead Are Alive'. By hiring Mendes, EON might not want to pull in the reigns, in which case, don't hire luvvie directors like him. What was it last time, the gun barrel would have ruined his opening shot (which was nothing special), what was his excuse this time? Maybe next time they'll get it right. I like how the gun barrel theme warms up during the studio logos. Keep that aspect of it, but give us the full gun barrel next time, please.
It's not all bad, this is by far and away, Craig's most classically Bondian film. The first time that I watched Spectre (which was on dvd), and watched Bond step out onto the balcony, accompanied by the Bond theme (hello again, old friend, long time no hear) in full swing during the film*, I had a feeling that this was going to be a different kind of Bond film from the Craig era.
*Excluding the end credits.
My 1996-2016 20th Anniversary Bondathon
1. Spectre
I had a pretty good time with this one last night, which is reassuring because it's a film that I sometimes enjoy, and but also one that I find a bit dull and difficult to get through.
The pretitles in particular has improved in my estimation. I like how the cowbell gunbarrel opens nicely to a sombre Moore walking towards Tracy's grave. His look is very serious here, and it hints that this film will be quite different to its predecessor. I enjoy the subsequent encounter with Blofeld too, although the disco score is a bummer.
The scenery at Cortina is magnificent, and beautifully captured by Glen and Alan Hume. I actually think that this is Glen's most appealing film visually, and the one most similar to its esteemed predecessors in visual splendour. After this one, I noticed Glen's films became a bit cheaper looking, but that criticism certainly cannot be leveled at FYEO.
I really like the ski chase (which has superb stunt work), the keelhauling sequence and the mountain climb. I also have a new found appreciation for the Citroen chase. I've never liked that bit before, mainly on account of the disco score, but I now realize that it's marvelously edited.
The parts I don't like include the submarine sequence (booooring, and goes on for far too long). The fight with the chap in the JIM suit and the later confrontation with the geek in the mini sub are as dull as dishwasher. I also don't like the hockey fight and the finale atop the mountain (although the climb up is excellent). I'm not a fan of the entire Countess Lisl section either, and if it was up to me, I'd edit that out. Even the casino scene which introduces her is a bit dull for a Bond film, with subdued colours. Having said that, it's quite realistic, with a smoke filled air to it.
This film is never able to crack my top ten on account of the negative parts, which is a pity, because it's a highly entertaining film in places, and marks a welcome departure in style for Moore after the OTT MR. As has been said by others many times, a Barry score would have probably made all the difference.
Enjoyed it, as with the 3 previous viewings.
Craig does seem more one-note in this one.
I am probbaly the only one who really likes the underwater scenes. I understand your complaints but I find the sequence to be quiet intense and I really feel the danger since they are so far beneath the surface and they only have little time. I think it is also amazing how they filmed it. I never noticed that the many of zhe scenen are actually not filmed under water. Looks extremely real to me.
Having in mind the criticism for Thunderball, I guess underwater scenes are in general not really appreciated by Bond fans. But I have always really liked them in TB as well as in FYEO.
I agree that all the underwater scenes in FYEO are very well filmed. There is a realism to much of the action scenes that's refreshing, and everything is crisp and clear.
Always been a fan of this one, but damn, did I really, really enjoy myself with this viewing, for some reason, particularly the bits with Kamal Khan. I don't know what it was exactly, but his sliminess and scheming worked incredibly well in this viewing.
I think he is actually my favourite villain.
He's always been one of those "background" villains that I never talk about or share my thoughts on, but I guess this viewing tonight made it click how much I do enjoy him. Very conniving. I really like the moment in Octopussy's room when Bond appears and Kamal requests another opportunity at ending 007's life.
I love Orlov, as well: pouty when he doesn't get his way, and the big smile on his face once Bond figures out the plan is great; he's overly cheerful at how "foolproof" it is.
Yes, Orlov/Khan as a villainous duo is only rivalled by Trevelyan/Ourumov.
I agree on Jourdan - cool, slick, and a perfect villain for Moore's Bond.
Been a couple years since I last watched this one. Hands down and without hesitation this remains my number one just for the shear fact it is so much fun. Sean Connery is cool as f*** in GOLDFINGER. The way he suavely and effortlessly breaks into Goldfinger's suite by snagging the keys from the hotel housekeeper is the shit. It only takes him a second to find the right key as well, while anyone else, would have fumbled around nervously. SEAN IS THE MAN! There are countless moments of Sean coolness throughout GOLDFINGER.
Like DR NO, I love the simplicity in this entry. Compared to later films, it remains relatively low-key with minimal globe trotting. Certainly the blueprint for the more extravagant films, but keeps the ridiculousness in check. The action is minimal as well, which IMO works in it's favor. Had this been done, say in the Brosnan era, the golf sequence probably would have been replaced with yet another tacked on casino scene and followed by some sort of chase/explosion. I love the Bond films that have 007 gamble outside of Baccarat or chemin de fer. The backgammon scene in OP for example.
The dialogue during the golf sequence is timeless.
I know some fans place this one lower in their ranking with Bond locked up throughout the second half- very little action- not quite as close to the novel as FRWL, but these elements never bothered me. I actually like the scenes at Goldfinger's Kentucky ranch with the gangsters. I love the sequence with Bond sneaking around Auric Enterprises at night. Love to see more of that in a future entry. Has Dan even had a scene like that?
One thing, though- what's with the back pack? Did May pack James some lunch before he went on assignment?
I enjoyed this viewing immensely today and will probably be humming Barry's score all night.
GOLDFINGER:
I hadn't watched this for a couple of years. Connery absolutely nails this film could probably be my favourite performance from any of the Bonds. He is urgent, but calm. Playful but dangerous. And only Connery in this form can really make the often discussed 'bond as captive' work. I really love the first third of Goldfinger and then it takes a dip for the middle third and then comes home strong from the dawn raid onwards. The PTS is fantastic - really is top five PTS for me. It has sneaky bond, seductive bond, fighting bond and clever bond all in the space of five minutes. Along with Klebb and Grant I'd say Goldfinger and Oddjob are the best villain-henchman combinations in the series. I know it's become de rigueur to slam on this film - or at least to claim it is over praised. But I think is actually a wonderful film in many ways and I can see how it captivated audiences in 1964. I think it stands head and shoulders above anything else Connery would do after it in the franchise. This feels like a new era of the genre - as much as I love DN and especially FRWL (my favourite), GF feels like a step up in style and ambition. It is the franchise brimming with confidence and enjoyment.
Entertaining and well-paced as always, really need to make a point of incorporating this into future Bondathons.
She probably packed his lunch and combed forward his hair during the Quantum of Solace assignment.
God what a brilliant brilliant brilliant film.
the positives: Dalton being an absolute bad ass Robert Dalvi being brilliant as Sanchez I mean Desmond Llewellyn is brilliant as q the score is great the pacing is great the locations are great.
the negatives: Nothing well I hate the title song but meh.
1. Quantum of Solace
2. Licence to Kill
3. From Russia with love
4. For Your Eyes Only
5. On her Majesties Secret Service
6. Live and let die
7. Skyfall
8. Goldeneye
9. Spectre
10. Dr. No
11. Thunderball
12. The Spy Who Loved Me
13. Goldfinger
14. You only live twice
15. The man with the golden gun
16. Diamonds are forever
17. Moonraker
18. Casino Royale 1954
19. Casino Royale 1967
I always forget that, thanks for the reminder.
This has always been a fun movie in my mind, but it's been at least 6 years since I watched it full through and WOW, this movie is a huge mess!!! I mean, this is less a movie than it is an amalgamation of scenes that very loosely connect into a narrative story. I see now that the film makers had a very difficult time making a new Bond actor, and a black exploitation film work all at the same time. J. W. Pepper it the least of this films problems. As an American, who finds Pepper a major anti-american disgrace, I still find Rosie Carver to be a major problem mcguffin in the film who accomplishes nothing and wastes time needlessly. The saving graces are Moore as Bond, Seymoure as Solitare, and Kotto as Kananga. Without them, this movie would be nothing, and if it had been more about them, and less about needless action stunts, this movie could have been great.