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Well both Oddjob and Gobinda make a show of crushing an object infront of Bond after he's exposed the cheating villain;
And so polite with it. He always takes his hat off to a lady!.
Given who he works for, he certainly should be. ;)
1997.
That was the end.
No deliriously crazy-cool BIG Bond movies since, nor ever again, I conjure.
;)
His name is Kabir Bedi. Good henchman, but yes a ripoff.
Heh. Got it bass ackwards.
I think Kamal is a somewhat underrated villain tbh.
"Octopussy? I would like more time to take care of Mr Bond personally"
Saw this double-bill a week ago.I am only now coming back to earth. Double-plus awesome, super amazing.
Hadn't seen Bond this big on screen since showings of DN and GF at the same festival 3 years ago.
These two movies, and presented this big and this loud, you feel like you are on the slopes with Laz and underwater with Sean. Blew me away, and I've seen both these movies zillions of times each including several times in theatre but never this big!!!!!
This was actually my 4th big screen showing of OHMSS, with 3 viewings being in the last few years, the last two showings in pristine digitally restored condition. Amazing.
And this was 5th big screen viewing of TB. First three were back in the day. The last two viewings though were in the past 15 months in perfect digitally restored condition.
But last week's Digital film festival presentations blew the Tiff Bond festival showings of 2012-2013 out of the water. The Tiff showings were darn good, but the cineplex screenings are so much bigger.
This was my ultimate Bond experience of all time. Only now am I settling.
Long live Great Digital film festivals!!! I hope they have more Bond fare next year.
They are a terrific trio, much like Mr. Big, TeeHee and Whisper.
Took in a viewing of this very recently and don't know why it is, but maybe getting a little tired of this now. I still think it's Brosnan's best Bond adventure, it has the best pre titles sequence of them all and a decent theme intro from Garbage, but just didn't captivate enough this time from previous watches. Richards becomes irritating mighty fast, the Carlyle villain even appeared lackluster and devoid of any interest this time and got damn bored towards the end as Bond is in Istanbul and the submarine scenes, culminating in the nausea of 'Christmas in Turkey' and 'It's getting redder etc'
The overall release would of been fine as Brosnan's last turn as James Bond, but even though Die Another Day was lame, at least he didn't get to leave on the aforementioned nonsense with Richards, that while maybe offered humor to some viewers, this watcher found it not above embarrassing. Great release for some 75 per cent of it's duration, but (as with all Bond titles) not without it's flaws
Casino Royale
I forgot how much I loved this film; so much that I almost watched it again today. At the moment it's in my number 2 spot but I'm thinking of moving it up to number one and moving GoldenEye down to number 2.
I might even say that it's by far one of the better movies I've seen. It's got great acting, action, music, beautiful women, amazing locations, and a great story. I can't understand how anyone can hate this movie. Talking about it makes me want to walk away from my computer and start watching it right now.
Quantum of Solace
Pretty disappointing follow up to CR. I'm not a fan of 'renegade' Bond, which is why QoS and License To Kill rank fairly low on my list. I also find the plot rather mediocre and the editing at times is almost vomit inducing.
One thing I found pretty pointless is the pre-title sequence, it could've been left out entirely. IMHO, the film should've opened with Bond driving up to M's location, getting out of the car, and pulling Mr. White out of the trunk; the next scene would be them interrogating Mr. White. Then the film would go on like it does in the actual movie. The title sequence would start right after the frame of Bond hanging upside down and shooting the bad guy, then the post title sequence would start in London. Side note: the title sequence was pretty bland and the music "Another Way To Die" just isn't that great.
Having said all that I don't hate the film, it just doesn't feel much like a Bond film. Like LTK, you could change the name of the main character and cast Jason Statham in the lead role and it would become your generic action movie.
Skyfall
It gets better and better with each viewing. When I first saw it I wasn't as amazed as so many of you were but now I believe it's somewhere in my top five. An absolute great film for Bond's 50th anniversary. It leaves me hopeful that future Bond films will feel slightly more like the old ones; we have Moneypenny, Q, and a man is M again. It's also great to have another villain that will go down as one of the classic Bond villains, Silva. He's just unforgettable, unique, and Bardem plays him in such a way that makes you actually like the villain.
EDIT: Finished. I'll definitely be ranking this among the official films henceforth. I'm not really sure where I'd put it but I'd say it's definitely earned its spot. I had forgotten almost everything. There's a lot to like here. Sure, there's stuff I don't like and it's not an AMAZING movie, but I really had fun.
With Quantum thats not so much the case. I've come to appreciate the positive elements of that film more (namely the performances), but some of the "stylistic" aspects feel contrived - almost like the director is deliberately trying to be trendy. With the former two the style is incorporated into the action and doesn't draw as much attention to itself. In Quantum it often seems set up and less impressive. The establishing shots at the party are a good example, where we get a close-up of the CD player as well as a couple of obviously staged close-ups of guests.
The script has a few good touches that echo Fleming but overall the final execution is clumsy. The film speeds up, slows down, speeds up and slows down again. Several heavy subjects seem to be competing for attention in a fairly short running time (corrupt governments, revenge, trust, loyalty, poverty) and none really feel adequately explored.
The action (an integral part of a Bond film) isn't as compelling as it ought to be thanks to the obtrusive over-editing.
Not the worst film in the series but certainly one of the least satisfying - hence why it is so low on my list. After Royale this seems a big disappointment. Thankfully its solid cast redeem it somewhat and stop it from being in the bottom three.
FRWL - 10/10
CR - 9/10
QoS - 5/10
That's exactly how I feel about NSNA. It's flawed but it's a fun film with some interesting ideas that's a good send off for Connery. I rank it with the EON films too.
It's certainly a bit more rubbish than the last time I watched it, and Brosnan is still a flat unengaging Bond, but it's very entertaining and a lot of fun. The plot is ridiculous; Johnathan Pryce's villain is even more ridiculous and when Carver says to Paris "You're a terrible liar my dear" we all know he wants to say, "You're a terrible actor my dear."
Still, it's a fun entertaining romp, and while it's not as good as Goldeneye, and nowhere near as the good as TLD and LTK, it's okay. I'd certainly recommend it over most of the Roger Moore films.
Haven't watch QOS for a while, and to be honest it's not a favourite. Ranks 20th in my most recent update. I have to say though I actually enjoyed it much more than I thought I would. The editing is still my biggest issue, but for some reason it didn't bother me as much. The weak story of Bolivia's water supply is another aspect that doesn't help. I know the days of hollowed out volcanoes and the like are past, but it is a boring villainous plot. Daniel Craig gives a good follow up to CR, but it's not as good as a performance as he gave in his debut movie. Director Marc Forster was in my opinion a terrible choice of director. With no previous action movie experience, the producers have seemingly gone for a director who is more well known for his character films, and hoped that he could translate it to a Bond film. Instead we get moments of action followed by overly artsy and pretentious guff. The Tosca scene being a case in point. The lack of ant decent action scenes also lower my enjoyment. Car chase, foot chase, boat chase and plane chase. We've seen them all before, and as hard as it is to be original with such action set pieces, they've all been done much better before. As I said, enjoyed it much better than I thought I would, but Craig is better in CR, and QOS was a poor follow up to that film. Not moving up the rankings for now.
Next up, after getting a slightly greater enjoyment of QOS, I decided I would go back and re-watch CR as I hadn't viewed it in a while. I'm usually put off not because I dislike it (Ranks #5) , but because of the running time. It is a hard film for a family man to view in one sitting with kids running around, needing attention. Which is why I watched it in two parts. I had almost forgotten what a truly awesome film CR is, a stunning debut from Craig, and easily equals Daltons debut in TLD. He IS James Bond in this film, giving the part his all. For several of the major scenes I was reminded of all the shenanigans when the film was in production and the internet was split with pro and anti-Daniel Craig fans. Oh the fun times and endless arguments that that caused. The action set pieces are well spaced and the main plot is utterly absorbing. Whilst a poker game might not be the most stimulating subject, here under the guidance of director Martin Campbell it becomes exciting, dangerous and full of tension. It's a really great part of the film. And where QOS director Marc Forster is a poor choice, I find Martin Campbell to be one of the truly great Bond directors of the series. He clearly understands Bond, and knows what he is doing. One wishes he could return to direct another film in the series someday. The story moves along at a great pace, never leaving one long enough to dwell on a scene, or to become bored. He also gets great performances from his actors. CR contains possibly the best cast in a Bond film ever!
Eva Green has become my new favourite Bond girl. Well written and played to perfection. She's not only very attractive, but she's also believable and intelligent. The same must be said of Mads Mikkelsen as LeChiffre. Charming, likable, but unpredictable and dangerous. A wonderful villain. The great characters and casting are a major plus for CR.
I really did enjoy this film, and although the sinking house has in the past seemed an action set piece to far, it does at least tie up the story. And what would a Bond film be without some sort of drama at the end. The final scenes involving Mr.White put it up there with the likes of OHMSS and SF for great Bond endings.
With stiff competition from FRWL, TLD and Majesty's ahead of it, it would be hard for CR to increase it's placing. But fifth spot is certainly nothing to be ashamed of. A wonderful film, with little in the way to complain of. Excellent viewing.
Might have to put Skyfall in later to complete the Craig films, and see if it holds up as well.
As asides, Ouroumov is one of the great henchmen (what a face Gottfried Johns has!) and Xenia's death is the greatest in all of Bond. The sound engineering and production in GE are also superb. All dialogue is crystal clear and the sound dynamics are exactly where they should be.
To even my own surprise, I hadn't re-watched this favorite of mine in a full year, so it was most definitely past due for another viewing. It's good to take some "time off" of Bond movies every now and then, just to ensure that they never grow tiresome; what a shame that would be!
From Russia with Love does seem to carry a graceful aging with it, despite the fact that it was made so long ago. I think that reflects well on the makers of a movie when they can create a production that is truly timeless.
Definitely a thoroughly entertaining Bond entry with many classic elements such as Hunt's editing, Gilbert's directing, Young's cinematography, Barry's music and Ken's sets (the volcano set has to be one of the all-time greats in cinema history).
It does put spectacle above plot though. On occasions I had to remind myself that there was the threat of war, as the film seems more concerned with Japan's (admittedly beautiful) landscape. There's also a few moments of lazy writing such as the unexplained sudden appearance of Aki at Osoto's building, as well as the fact that Bond conveniently has a safe cracker in his pocket when he didn't even know he would be in that office.
I enjoy Connery in the film but I think YOLT is his weakest performance at that point. He just seems to be phoning it in a bit. However Tetsurō Tamba makes up for it as one of Bond's more underrated allies. Likewise Karin Dor is excellent as Helga Brandt and Charles Grey is enjoyable as the stuffy ill fated contact.
At the moment its number 13 on my list, but I may consider moving it up a couple of places. Part of me wants to put it my top 10 as there's so much to appreciate and enjoy, but objectively I can't help but think there are stronger films that should go ahead of it. As it is I think a 7/10 is a fair rating. Parts of it are great but the film is not without its flaws.
It's never a first choice for a Bond watch, but admittedly it's one of the very best entertaining titles the series can offer. Moore didn't go into as much overdrive on humor as some of his other appearances, but on the instances it did occur, it was a pity and an embarrassment in equal measure. It has one of the best pre title sequences of them all, Louis Jourdan makes for a fine main adversary and there's plenty of other characters to offer entertainment such as Berkoff's manic Orlov and the knife throwing twins
It's a shame we never got to see more of Bianca, as she's easily one of the finest looking women the series has to offer and her brief appearances at the very beginning are, in a word - unfortunate
Moore was evidently too old for the part by the time of '83, but he just about held it together and gave one or two memorable moments that Fleming would of applauded. Slowly gaining momentum on the Bond rankings, It would be fair to include it in the top ten and no lower. Just a damn pity that Moore decided to do one more and almost bury the franchise with it, but on it's own, Octopussy works as a fine watch that I've seen more times now that I could possibly care to remember
Indeed it is, good sir! I knew a return to the forum was in dire need- school can only get in the way so long before there is the need for a fresh breath of Bond!
The Living Daylights
In my attempts to slide back into former Bond habits, I decided to watch TLD to keep my slow but steady 007Marathon alive! TLD has always been a source of great personal confusion for me. What I mean is that I seem to never be able to decide if I'm crazy about it or not- when I first watched it way back in late 2009, I thought it was absolutely fantastic. The airbase battle alone had me captivated! In recent years, I've never lost a liking for it, but the strength of it has decreased to the point that in some rankings, I've not included it in my Top Ten, which disturbed me, frankly! Nevertheless, on this viewing, I think I can say that it at least deserves a Top Ten spot, if not solely for the finale in Afghanistan, which is a favorite of mine. Still, TLD has more to its credit than just the concluding half hour. The Cold War/espionage plot, the soundtrack, the characters (yes, even Koskov and Whitaker- not Kara though- she's lame), the locations, and the actions sequences all contribute to make one fine Bond adventure. Also- and what is usually difficult to say for some Bond movies- TLD does a great job of making its viewers feel like they've taken the journey with 007, which is quite an achievement. Overall, I highly enjoy it; perhaps not every scene, but enough of them to make me include it as Top Ten material for the time being.
2014 Bondathon
1. GoldenEye
2. The Living Daylights