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James Bond News • James Bond Articles • James Bond Magazine
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Casino Royale
On Her Majesty’s Secret Service
Licence to Kill
From Russia With Love
The Man With The Golden Gun
For Your Eyes Only
Quantum of Solace
The Living Daylights
The World Is Not Enough
Diamonds Are Forever
Casino Royale
On Her Majesty’s Secret Service
Licence to Kill
From Russia With Love
The Man With The Golden Gun
For Your Eyes Only
Quantum of Solace
Tomorrow Never Dies
The Living Daylights
The World Is Not Enough
Diamonds Are Forever
Dr No 1962 ( "Are you looking for shells?" "No. I'm just looking" )
You Only Live Twice 1967 ( "He wouldn't touch that horrible woman, would you?" "Heaven forbid")
Octopussy 1983 ("Moneypenny, you become more beautiful every day" "I'm over here" "But of course you are")
The World Is Not Enough 1999 ( "I've got to get it back, or someone's gonna have my ass" "First things first")
Moonraker 1979 ("Can you think of a reason why we can't go for a drink after?" "Not immediately, but I'm sure I shall")
For Your Eyes Only 1981 ( "He thinks I'm still a virgin" " Yes well, get your clothes on..and I'll buy you an ice-cream")
The Living Daylights 1987 ("We're free" "Kara, we're in a Russian airbase in the middle of Afghanistan" "Well, at least we're together")
Goldfinger 1964 ("My name is Pussy Galore" "I must be dreaming")
Licence To Kill 1989 ( "Felix is still in the study and we've got to cut the cake" "I'll do anything for a woman with a knife")
Live And Let Die 1973 ("Is there time for lesson number 3?" "Absolsutely darling, there's no sense going off half cocked")
The Man With The Golden Gun 1974 ("I approve" "You do?" " Oh not the wine; the frock! Tight in all the right places and not too many buttons" )
Spectre 2015 ("You shouldn't stare like that" "Well, you shouldn't look like that")
Tomorrow Never Dies 1997 ("Every now and then, you get to work with a decadent agent of a corrupt Western power" "And they say Communists don't know how to have fun")
From Russia With Love 1963 ("Will you make love to me when we are back in England?" "Day and night..now go on about the mechanism")
Quantum Of Solace 2008 ("Bond, if you could possibly avoid killing every possible lead it would be greatly appreciated" "Yes ma'am..I'll do my best" )
Thunderball 1965 ("Haven't you had enough exercise for one evening?" "Mm, funny you should say that")
A View To A Kill 1985 ( "Quiche Des Cabinet" "Sounds interesting. What is it?" "An omelette")
Skyfall (2012) ( "Can you kill him?" "Yes!" "Will you?" "Someone usually dies")
Die Another Day (2002) ("You'd better stay here and keep up the charade of being lovers" "Alright. I must say I admire your restraint. You were here a full two hours before anything blew up")
On Her Majesty's Secret Service 1969 ( "Suppose I were to kill you for a thrill?" "I can think of something more sociable to do")
Diamonds Are Forever 1971 ( "What can I bring you back from Holland?" "A diamond...in a ring?" "Would you settle for a tulip?" "YES" )
Only TSWLM, GE and CR left.
Adam is a legend. Gilbert isn't.....he was actually quite clueless when it came to the 'character' of 007.
Sure, Gilbert didn't give us the most thoughtful of Bond movies - could you blame the director? - but his eye for a shot and his craftmanship is quite superb.
Even Hunt?
Hamilton also teamed with fellow Bond alum Chris Wood for the Remo Williams movie which is another big feather in his cap.
Young and Hunt were probably the best hardcore Fleming interpreters.
Gilbert of course added a level of spectacle to the proceedings.
Things kind of leveled off with Glen but I think it's been a bit of a mess since Cubby passed, with the exception of Campbell's two efforts.
Actually I'd say Spottiswoode andApted were passable adequate. Tamahori was hit and miss.
While Forster and Mendes fugettaboutit!!
The only time she came out of her apparent comatosed state was when she was wet through at the end of the film with water cascading around her and she apparently reacted with genuine shock and surprise.
Dr No 1962 ( "Are you looking for shells?" "No. I'm just looking" )
You Only Live Twice 1967 ( "He wouldn't touch that horrible woman, would you?" "Heaven forbid")
Octopussy 1983 ("Moneypenny, you become more beautiful every day" "I'm over here" "But of course you are")
The World Is Not Enough 1999 ( "I've got to get it back, or someone's gonna have my ass" "First things first")
Moonraker 1979 ("Can you think of a reason why we can't go for a drink after?" "Not immediately, but I'm sure I shall")
For Your Eyes Only 1981 ( "He thinks I'm still a virgin" " Yes well, get your clothes on..and I'll buy you an ice-cream")
The Living Daylights 1987 ("We're free" "Kara, we're in a Russian airbase in the middle of Afghanistan" "Well, at least we're together")
Goldfinger 1964 ("My name is Pussy Galore" "I must be dreaming")
Licence To Kill 1989 ( "Felix is still in the study and we've got to cut the cake" "I'll do anything for a woman with a knife")
Live And Let Die 1973 ("Is there time for lesson number 3?" "Absolsutely darling, there's no sense going off half cocked")
The Man With The Golden Gun 1974 ("I approve" "You do?" " Oh not the wine; the frock! Tight in all the right places and not too many buttons" )
Spectre 2015 ("You shouldn't stare like that" "Well, you shouldn't look like that")
Tomorrow Never Dies 1997 ("Every now and then, you get to work with a decadent agent of a corrupt Western power" "And they say Communists don't know how to have fun")
From Russia With Love 1963 ("Will you make love to me when we are back in England?" "Day and night..now go on about the mechanism")
Quantum Of Solace 2008 ("Bond, if you could possibly avoid killing every possible lead it would be greatly appreciated" "Yes ma'am..I'll do my best" )
Thunderball 1965 ("Haven't you had enough exercise for one evening?" "Mm, funny you should say that")
A View To A Kill 1985 ( "Quiche Des Cabinet" "Sounds interesting. What is it?" "An omelette")
Skyfall (2012) ( "Can you kill him?" "Yes!" "Will you?" "Someone usually dies")
Die Another Day (2002) ("You'd better stay here and keep up the charade of being lovers" "Alright. I must say I admire your restraint. You were here a full two hours before anything blew up")
On Her Majesty's Secret Service 1969 ( "Suppose I were to kill you for a thrill?" "I can think of something more sociable to do")
Diamonds Are Forever 1971 ( "What can I bring you back from Holland?" "A diamond...in a ring?" "Would you settle for a tulip?" "YES" )
The Spy Who Loved Me 1977 ("You're not taking advantage of me, are you?" "Why the thought never crossed my mind" )
So kicking things off with DR. NO
Although I don't quite enjoy it as much as some, there's no denying that DR. NO has unparalleled style and charm. It's always refreshing to watch this film after watching succeeding entries as it the 'purest' Bond film, one with very little action: it's refined and succinct. The cast is terrific; Connery performance is definitive Bond (although I prefer him in FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE), Wiseman is excellent as the calm yet unnerving titular villain and Andress is stunning as Honey Rider. The score is where the film falters and it goes without saying that it would have benefitted greatly from having Barry do the score rather than Norman's dated even for the time and frankly blaring effort.
MayDay's Summer 2016 Bondathon:-
-Dr. No (1962)
Inside Dr. No
Next up- FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE
Eternally in my top five. A sensational effort. Whereas DR. NO is a little rough around the edges, FRWL is the closest to the perfect Bond film we'll get (along with OHMSS), although I think I personally prefer the latter and a couple other entries over FRWL (this could change, however, as the top five usually fight it out). Everything is on form, from Barry's debut score, to Connery's superlative performance; from Bianchi's sensual performance as Tania, to the trio of excellent villains in Grant, Klebb and Blofeld. No complaints from me apart from a few quibbles- the strange oscillating Bond theme while Bond is checking his hotel room for bugs and the unnecessary helicopter chase.
Next up- Gooooooooooldfingah
MayDay's Summer 2016 Bondathon:-
-Dr. No (1962)
Inside Dr. No
-From Russia with Love (1963)
Inside From Russia with Love
Yep. I don t have that one or the next three.
Indeed they are, those made for a nice add-on after the movie. Been trying to check out some of the special features after certain Bond movies lately, mostly by watching those.
Yes, it's a damned shame. Most of Eon's output these days in terms of bonus features and content is risible.
Ah well.
Looking forward to the rest of your Bondathon @MayDayDiVicenzo
This film is so damn cool. In fact, I think only THE SPY WHO LOVED ME rivals GOLDFINGER in terms of the coolness factor. Whether it's Connery's suave and assured performance as Bond, Barry's metallic and brassy score, Adam's inspired sets or the countless iconic scenes that are present throughout, GOLDFINGER oozes confidence (it knows what it is and doesn't try to be anything else- a wonderful piece of nonsense, in the words of Guy Hamilton) in every element and it still holds up incredibly well today. I prefer FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE, but both GF and FRWL remain my favourites of Connery's era; they're both legendary and are likely to maintain their position in my top five.
MayDay's Summer 2016 Bondathon:-
-Dr. No (1962)
Inside Dr. No
-From Russia with Love (1963)
Inside From Russia with Love
-Goldfinger (1964)
The Making of Goldfinger
I still love this exchange:
"You know, he kills little girls like you"
"Little boys, too"
And with three of my favourite Bond films recently viewed, I'm sure my ranking's are likely to change. The three films being, Casino Royale, The Living Daylights and On Her Majesty's Secret Service.
Casino Royale continues to please. Not only is it a great debut from Daniel Craig, it's also a very good Bond film. Excellent story, great villain and leading lady. Probably Martin Campbell's best Bond film. Even though GE was good, I think CR trumps it. I still don't really like the sinking house finale, but it's certainly not terrible. Very good ending with the capture of Mr.White and the "Bond. James Bond." line as the Bond theme plays us out.
The Living Daylights has been one of my firm favourites since I first saw it back in 1987.
Timothy Dalton is an excellent OO7, and like Lazenby, it's a pity he didn't make a few more. His debut is a standout as far as I'm concerned. For me it's got the right blend of spy thriller, and action adventure. The weakest link coming from the rather bland villains. Though Necros is at least menacing. A lovely score from John Barry and a superb supporting cast, keep this film in the top five for me.
On Her Majesty's Secret Service continues to amaze me. From the first time I saw it on my 11th birthday to this most recent viewing, it's a film that captivates me, and I'm totally taken along for the wonderful ride. George Lazenby might not quite have the acting prowess of Connery, Dalton or Craig. But his also not as bad as some would have you believe. If anything his human and vulnerable side help this film. It also helps when one of Ian Fleming's best stories is filmed almost as written, and with an excellent leading lady and imo the best Blofeld we've had in Telly Savalas, you're on the right foot.
The action is still impressive. I have no idea how that stuntman ski's on one ski. And then there's the killer ending. Still gets me even though I know what happens. I just can't help feeling emotion as Bond cradles Tracy in his arms as his voice conveys his pain. Full credit to Lazenby for this most impressive scene.
And so now there are only three films left to be viewed...
Spectre, Octopussy and Dr.No.
Current ranking's
1. On Her Majesty's Secret Service
2. From Russia With Love
3. The Living Daylights
4. Casino Royale
5. Goldfinger
6. The Spy Who Loved Me
7. Thunderball
8. For Your Eyes Only
9. GoldenEye
10. Live And Let Die
11. Licence To Kill
12. You Only Live Twice
13. Skyfall
14. Diamonds Are Forever
15. The Man With The Golden Gun
16. Moonraker
17. Die Another Day
18. Tomorrow Never Dies
19. A View To A Kill
20. Quantum Of Solace
21. The World Is Not Enough
I usually don't care for Thunderball. Coming after the exemplary first three films, it is with Thunderball where the flab starts to creep in. However, I found myself having good fun with it this time around owed largely to the witty dialogue, Connery's stellar performance (my opinion of his performance in this film has made a complete U-turn- he is just as good in this film as he is in the first three, imo) and the many classic scenes dotted throughout the film (the SPECTRE meeting, the Shrublands scenes, any scene with Fiona Volpe, the underwater finale, the fight with Bouvar...) Barry's score really elevates the film, too, his scoring of the underwater sequences is superb.
I still think the film is a little bloated, however. I think a good deal could have been shaved off, mainly the unecessary underwater sequences in the first half (hiding the Vulcan, for example), as well as that awful climax on the Disco Volante (shame, because the fight is really quite excellent). The other weak elements are the lead villain in Largo and lead Bond girl in Domino, both of whom are incredibly bland. The only time I think Largo gets to shine is the Baccarat game with Bond and his attempted torture of Domino.
Ultimately, I think it is a upper-middle of the pack entry- lots of fun to be had, but overlong.
MayDay's Summer 2016 Bondathon:-
-Dr. No (1962)
Inside Dr. No
-From Russia with Love (1963)
Inside From Russia with Love
-Goldfinger (1964)
The Making of Goldfinger
-Thunderball (1965)
The Making of Thunderball
Rank order-
-FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE
-GOLDFINGER
-THUNDERBALL
-DR. NO
You Only Live Twice, along with the other Gilbert entries, is technically perfect. The three elements that make this film are Ken Adam's sets (the best in cinema history, imo), Barry's exotic and beautiful score and Young's lush cinematography. For these reasons alone, You Only Live Twice is elevated above the bottom dwellers of the series. The film's main problem lies in its script (the film stalls when it gets to the ninja training school, not to mention that the training is inconsequential in the scheme of things, as well as the disguise) and Connery's uninterested performance (I've detailed specifics in a past review of YOLT). Pleasance is serviceable as Blofeld (but is perhaps the weakest incarnation of the character along with Waltz), and the lead Bond girls in Aki and Kissy are charming, if a little bland. Nonetheless, You Only Live Twice is laden with wonderful visuals and is ceaselessly inventive and innovative, and its always a joy to revisit this film.
MayDay's Summer 2016 Bondathon:-
-Dr. No (1962)
Inside Dr. No
-From Russia with Love (1963)
Inside From Russia with Love
-Goldfinger (1964)
The Making of Goldfinger
-Thunderball (1965)
The Making of Thunderball
-You Only Live Twice
Inside You Only Live Twice
Rank order-
-FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE
-GOLDFINGER
-THUNDERBALL
-YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE
-DR. NO
I watched them in order of release. Casino Royale remains my all time favorite Bond film. The remainder are so close together it's a toss up. I love all in this group.
Still my favourite after maintaining first position for nearly 4 years now. The only thing that has changed is that I think my favourite Connery and Moore entries (FRWL/GF and TSWLM/FYEO respectively) are starting to catch up with it (it's not a case of OHMSS "worsening", just the latter films improving). There's nothing to be said that I haven't said already about this superlative film. It's always a pleasure to sit down and spend two and a bit hours with this film.
MayDay's Summer 2016 Bondathon:-
-Dr. No (1962)
Inside Dr. No
-From Russia with Love (1963)
Inside From Russia with Love
-Goldfinger (1964)
The Making of Goldfinger
-Thunderball (1965)
The Making of Thunderball
-You Only Live Twice (1967)
Inside You Only Live Twice
-On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969)
Inside On Her Majesty's Secret Service
Rank order-
-ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE
-FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE
-GOLDFINGER
-THUNDERBALL
-YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE
-DR. NO