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Also, as will please @DaltonCraig007, I'm no barber.
Last Before that: Quantum of Solace.
Somehow i decided that these two attracted me more than others, even though neither are in my favourites (though i really like Qos), and DaD is watchable (as entertainment)
What I noticed this time around was the circularity. During the briefing, M mentions Bond having been in the hospital for six months, which is a reference to Klebb kicking him in the novel FRWL, which of course is attempted again in the very next film.
By the way, having my own Bond marathon... Last movie I stopped at, Licence To Kill.....
Thunderball (1965)
Thoroughly enjoyed it, even if it is maybe a tad over-appreciated on here (its replaced FYEO as no.8 on my list). The cinematography is wonderfully colourful and perfectly fits within a hot Sunday afternoon. Connery is great and the story is relitively simple yet effective. Largo is a decent villain and certainly serves his purpose as a number 2 SPECTRE agent (an assistant to a higher power) - even if he isn't as memorable as DN, Klebb, GF etc.
Likewise Domino, whilst unbelievably gorgeous, is a little bland and occasionally seems more like a copy of Honey Ryder. However Fiona is brilliant and a classic Bond villainess.
I do still have a bit of an issue with the gimicky rocket-pack at the start. It adds little to the film and feels like it was there simply to impress younger audiences in 1965. Whilst John Barry's score is great I've never cared that much for the obscure song by Tom Jones. The ending also feels a rather rushed (I continue to wonder what exactly happened to that man who rescued Domino).
Whilst TB may lack the depth of some of the better films it's nonetheless a classic exotic entry and one which I can watch over and over.
8/10
Tomorrow Never Dies (1965)
After the exotic Thunderball TND was something of a comedown and unfortunately has thus gone down in my rankings (its now number 15). This has nothing to do with Pierce who was great in the part but more the writing and overall presentation. It makes TB look like a masterpiece - which it isn't.
Firstly, TND doesn't look half as colourful as TB. Maybe not as much of a problem if it wasn't a hot afternoon but after that films visual richness TND seems very dark by comparison - despite a few classy shots of hotel rooms.
However, the main weakness is the over-reliance on action and cheesiness. Where TB took time to tell the story TND feels somewhat rushed and uneven by comparison. The product placement is also especially crindge-worthy at times.
There are some strong points though. Pierce is comfortable in the role and carries the film with his smooth confidence mixed with occasional ruthlessness. Jonathan Pryce is great as Elliot Carver and Michelle Yeoh is fine as Wai-Lin.
Overrall a weaker entry but not one of the worst IMO. It still has enough life and re-watch quality to make it a solid flick.
6/10
However, I disagree about TND to some extent. I think it was really colorful, especially with such engaging locations like Hamburg and China, and several interior locations like Carver's news press, Bond's hotel in Hamburg, Carver's China Headquarters, and the amazing Stealth Boat. Also, I really don't think that the story relied on action too heavily. All the action scenes were well placed and necessary, and they did tell the story well, but since it wasn't that complex of a plot, I guess it didn't take as long to tell, leaving much more room for all that beastly action!
In regard to colour, the switch from fancy exotic beaches to the interiors of ships just seemed a lot more noticeable.
One of my favourites GE also has fairly dark cinematography but events all come together far better in that film and it makes for a more satisfying experience overall IMO.
As this was the only Bond film I hadn't seen all the way through I thought Id give it a go.
What a piece of crud! Badly made with its cheap looking sets, cheesey effects and with a star who's more like an ageing dad than a spy. Although Connery is watchable he's far cooler in The Rock 12 years down the line.
What makes this worse is that it was directed by the person who made what many consider to be the best Star Wars film.
I think I may have to watch DAD now - at least that film had more life ;)
3/10
And that wink...
Connery, shame on you.
BAIN123 said:
Badly made with its cheap looking sets, cheesey effects and with a star who's more like an ageing dad than a spy. Although Connery is watchable he's far cooler in The Rock 12 years down the line.
What makes this worse is that it was directed by the person who made what many consider to be the best Star Wars film.
Add in the lack of a gun barrel, title sequence, a rubbish opening, M, Q and Moneypenny being played by different actors, which itself takes me out of the film and it being just a nuff Thunderball remake, it makes me so glad this isn't a real Bond film and it's not in so many ways.
And that wink...
I watched NSNA about two weeks ago, and it was the first time I had seen it. I had never really wanted to give it a chance considering its "unofficial" status and how bad a friend said it was, but two weeks ago I watched it anyway on TV. Man, I wish I hadn't. That movie completely ruined not only Thunderball but Sean Connery, and to some extent, the entire James Bond series! Thank goodness that OP was made and Roger Moore brought things around!
In fact I ended up watching GE for the zillionth time late last night on dvd. That's how a Bond film SHOULD be done :)
I've seen quite a few in the last few days - musn't watch anymore :-S
I must admit NSNA does have a "so bad its funny" kind of quality but on the whole its just poor with a capital P.
In fact I ended up watching GE for the zillionth time late last night on dvd. That's how a Bond film SHOULD be done :-)
Exactly! GoldenEye is my favorite Bond movie, and it has everything to call it the best of the best! I think many people disregard it as being too set on Timothy Dalton as 007, and that Pierce Brosnan wasn't adequate. Well, quite the contrary, because Brosnan was at his best in GE! Yes, the movie was set more for Timothy Dalton, but come on, he had already left and Brosnan was much more than a suitable replacement! Also, people complain about the pace of the movie and a lack of eye-popping locations. I really don't get that. The locations used in the movie were the perfect choices for the story itself, and the pace of the movie keeps me entertained all the way through, unlike that of OHMSS, which is dead slow in the middle.
So many characters could have just been anyone, such as Felix and "Moneypenny"...
@All of you guys: I have the complete opposite opinion of NSNA: I think it's great. Sean Connery looks fit and like he's taking the role seriously. Fatima Blush's character is excellent, Klaus Maria Brandauer gives a great performance as Largo--and has more dimension to his story than TB's Largo, and Max Von Siddow was a convincing Blofeld. The locations are all nice. I particulary like the Tears of Alla set--looks like something out of Indiana Jones. The action was entertaining with the fight in the clinic and the bike chase. I notice a lot of Bondian moments in the film too, such as when Bond has the host hold his cigarette case still, convincing him it's a bomb. Sure it lacks the style and feel of EON Bond, but to me a GunBarrel doesn't make or break a movie. I rewatched this film about two months ago and was really pleasantly surprised.
Which is exactly why I don't like it. That point makes it even worse and so not Bondian. It bored me. This one being the prime example. One of the worst fights I've ever seen in a film. Connery is a joke.
I'll give you that. I like it too. Though I'd have rather had Bond in a car. I love that too. The second best moment in the film right after Bond dumping the gun in the champagne bucket. Anyway, EON missed a trick with this one. It's not just the gun barrel, so all our other points made so far.
The end of a happier note I couldn't believe Bond beds for women in the film! The joint highest with A View To A Kill.