Tell us all about your BONDATHON

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  • MayDayDiVicenzoMayDayDiVicenzo Here and there
    Posts: 5,080
    Birdleson wrote: »
    I agree. The massive, straight marathon would only work with a group of Bond lovers. Someday maybe we can set up several simultaneous such marathons around the globe through this site.

    Count me in!
  • NicNacNicNac Administrator, Moderator
    Posts: 7,582
    Bondathon (in viewing order)

    The World Is Not Enough
    The Spy Who Loved Me
    Dr No
    Octopussy
    You Only Live Twice
    Casino Royale
    Moonraker
    The Living Daylights
    Die Another Day
    From Russia With Love
    For Your Eyes Only
    Diamonds Are Forever
    A View To A Kill
    Quantum Of Solace
    Thunderball
    GoldenEye
    _______________________________________________________________________

    Since my last update I have added two more to my viewing delight. Thunderball, with Connery in cracking, laid back form. As usual by the end I was feeling slightly sea sick, but TB has so much to enjoy - not least the bevy of outstanding beauties.
    GoldenEye lacks the lush, exotic appeal of TB, but it certainly has it's moments (especially when Robbie Coltraine is on the screen).

    Up next is The Man With The Golden Gun, and then the last 6 films will be one for each actor. It would be nice to watch them in one session.....I doubt it will happen but you never know.
  • Posts: 1,970
    Well starting tonight I start my annual summer Bond marathon. I will watch all 23 films from today going all the way until the end of August and for the first time ever of me being a Bond Super fan I will watch all 23 films in order. Starting with Dr. No and ending with Skyfall. I have never watch the films in order before.
  • NicNacNicNac Administrator, Moderator
    Posts: 7,582


    The World Is Not Enough
    The Spy Who Loved Me
    Dr No
    Octopussy
    You Only Live Twice
    Casino Royale
    Moonraker
    The Living Daylights
    Die Another Day
    From Russia With Love
    For Your Eyes Only
    Diamonds Are Forever
    A View To A Kill
    Quantum Of Solace
    Thunderball
    GoldenEye
    The Man With The Golden Gun
    _______________________________________________________________________

    dreading TMWTGG I must admit. Not in the mood. However, despite many viewings over the years I only really noticed today just how good Roger Moore was in this film. Probably his most impressive performance in the role of Bond.

    Well, it's six films left. GF, OHMSS, LALD, LTK, TND, SF. One for each Bond star. Tempted to try it one sitting.......

  • MooseWithFleasMooseWithFleas Philadelphia
    Posts: 3,368
    @Birdleson I've managed to avoid Bond fatigue but always worry about hitting a wall. When I think I may be watching the films too much, I'll vary it up. Try a marathon watching just the director's commentary. It is definitely a different perspective and you can watch it more non-nonchalantly with drink in hand as if you are invited to the conversation taking place.

    Make an evening out of it, instead it just being around the film. I'll sometimes make a new drink or new meal themed around the film I'm watching. I'm now finding that I don't even remember viewing the film except for a new couple subtle parts I pick up but still get that elated feeling from the night's events. I'm currently up to OP in my marathon and there are times where I feel I get even more enjoyment now out of watching then my first time through.

    I'm going through the novels now which is also a different perspective and gives me a different viewpoint for the films.

    Maybe I should start posting my experiences here :p
  • NicNacNicNac Administrator, Moderator
    Posts: 7,582
    What I have noticed in my Bondathon is that the films I generally am dreading (seen 'em so many times and not really very high in my estimation), are the ones I relaxed with and as a result actually enjoyed much more than I have previously.
    TWINE
    TMWTGG
    DAF
    These three particularly I wasn't looking forward to but in a state of relaxed resignation I enjoyed them.

    No such luck with AVTAK and DAD but maybe next time. ;-)
  • DaltonCraig007DaltonCraig007 They say, "Evil prevails when good men fail to act." What they ought to say is, "Evil prevails."
    Posts: 15,713
    This weekend I will start a new Bondathon. Can you guys give me some ideas on what to focus on this time? Be it making lists of some particuliar occurences throughout the series, or general elements of every outing to analyse more closely? The last time I focused on the Bond actors' performances. I am all ears to any suggestions! :-c
  • edited June 2015 Posts: 11,189
    I watched MWTGG again yesterday for fairly obvious reasons and it occurred to me that, despite the impressive location, the film doesn't feel particularly grand. All the 60s films had an "epic-ness" to them and were, on the whole, fairly well crafted.

    Golden Gun feels sloppy like it was rushed out. Same goes to DAF and LALD to a lesser extent.
  • DaltonCraig007DaltonCraig007 They say, "Evil prevails when good men fail to act." What they ought to say is, "Evil prevails."
    Posts: 15,713
    Birdleson wrote: »
    How about dialogue? In my mind the dialogue started slipping significantly after DAF. Over time the humor became more base and juvenile. Also, after OHMSS, the plots became looser and there was less thought put into what the actual mission/problem entailed. Both of these things have improved greatly in the Craig years.

    Thanks @Birdleson, I will pay close attention to the quality of the dialogue and will see how the mission/problem in hand in each outing is handled/explained.
  • WalecsWalecs On Her Majesty's Secret Service
    edited July 2015 Posts: 3,157
    Watched DAF and I admit it is surprisingly entertaining (I even laughed out loud a couple of times), although this is definitely my least favourite Connery's performance as Bond. Blofeld however was ridicolous, and I like to think that the one in the movie was not really Blofeld but his clone, and the real one will get killed off in FYEO's pts.

    Ranking:
    1. OHMSS
    2. FRWL
    3. DN
    4. GF
    5. TB
    6. CR '54
    7. YOLT
    8. CR '67

    Next week: Live and let die.
  • NicNacNicNac Administrator, Moderator
    Posts: 7,582
    In viewing order..

    The World Is Not Enough
    The Spy Who Loved Me
    Dr No
    Octopussy
    You Only Live Twice
    Casino Royale
    Moonraker
    The Living Daylights
    Die Another Day
    From Russia With Love
    For Your Eyes Only
    Diamonds Are Forever
    A View To A Kill
    Quantum Of Solace
    Thunderball
    GoldenEye
    The Man With The Golden Gun
    Goldfinger
    _______________________________________________________________________

    Goldfinger is a complete and total treat, in every department. I just can't come up with enough superlatives and I won't even try. It has lost much appeal especially among younger Bond fans, but maybe that's because they weren't around in 1964 when Bondmania was at its height and Goldfinger hit the cinemas. It must have been something special.

    Yes it dips some where in the middle, but when it does there is always Sean Connery, one of cinemas most charismatic actors, to watch with complete admiration.

    Next up, On Her Majesty's Secret Service.

  • DaltonCraig007DaltonCraig007 They say, "Evil prevails when good men fail to act." What they ought to say is, "Evil prevails."
    Posts: 15,713
    After a bit of a delay I am starting my new Bondathon tonight. As per @Birdleson's instructions, I will look closely at the dialogue and how each mission is handled. I will try to remain objective and will disregard whether I like an outing or not, so I may have some negative things to say about films that are high in my ranking.
  • MurdockMurdock The minus world
    edited June 2015 Posts: 16,351
    Tonight I am starting a Bondathon. However, I will be swapping the order with OHMSS and DAF. So I'll watch all of Connery's, Lazenby, Moore ect. So be ready for...

    MURDOCK'S BONDATHON
  • NicNacNicNac Administrator, Moderator
    Posts: 7,582
    In viewing order..

    The World Is Not Enough
    The Spy Who Loved Me
    Dr No
    Octopussy
    You Only Live Twice
    Casino Royale
    Moonraker
    The Living Daylights
    Die Another Day
    From Russia With Love
    For Your Eyes Only
    Diamonds Are Forever
    A View To A Kill
    Quantum Of Solace
    Thunderball
    GoldenEye
    The Man With The Golden Gun
    Goldfinger
    On Her Majesty's Secret Service
    _______________________________________________________________________

    The 60s ends with this spanking entry. Apart from some excessive underwater sequences in Thunderball the 60s, for me, is near on faultless.

    Lazenby is a perfectly good replacement for Connery and where many on here think a third Dalton was the great missed opportunity, I believe the second Lazenby was the greatest of all missed opportunities. He seems to get the subtleties of film acting, and apart from a few miss timed line deliveries he knocks the ball clean out of the park.

    The editing is ahead of it's time, the direction is opulent and endlessly glamorous. The action still exciting after over 40 years.

    Next up - Live And Let Die
  • MurdockMurdock The minus world
    edited June 2015 Posts: 16,351
    I've finally started my Bondathon. I haven't watched a Bond film in a while and since i'm visiting the beach tomorrow, I was just hankering for a Bond fix to go until I reach SPECTRE.

    Dr. No.
    I haven't watched this film in quite a while. I really love the Bluray, It's truly magnificent. Dr. No is an example of filmaking at it's finest. Full of vibrant colors and a great atmosphere. I felt like I was all the places Bond visited. I really love how the film is lacking the usual element's we've grown accustom to in Bond films over the years. It's so unique and I enjoy the film even more for it. I also love how pulpy it is. It's a raw film that's always in your face. Nothing drew my attention away. I was looking for new things I hadn't noticed before in previous viewings so I got to absorb so much more.

    Dr. No also has one of my favorite Gunbarrel sequences. I love the use of weird radio signal sound effects as Cubby and Harry's name appears in the dots, then were introduced to the Gunbarrel itself. And once the gun has shot, the Bond theme kicks in at maximum overdrive. I love it every time. This film is a gem and a joy to watch. I appreciate it even more. I couldn't find anything wrong with the movie. Even Monty Norman's score has grown on me a bit. It's still strange in some places but it adds to the uniqueness of the film.

    MURDOCK'S BONDATHON RANKING.
    Dr. No.
  • Posts: 11,189
    85 minutes would be a little too short for a full length Bond film I think.
  • Mendes4LyfeMendes4Lyfe The long road ahead
    edited June 2015 Posts: 8,392
    Birdleson wrote: »
    If it was immaculate, it would be preferable to one that is over two hours pong and filled with fluff.

    I am not sure about this. I think I would not get my moneys worth if it is under 2 hours, even if the quality is less for it. I'd rather have more, personally. Then again I have always been a long drink sort of guy.

  • Posts: 11,189
    I think a Bond film should be at least 100 minutes.
  • Mendes4LyfeMendes4Lyfe The long road ahead
    Posts: 8,392
    BAIN123 wrote: »
    I think a Bond film should be at least 100 minutes.

    Could SPECTRE really be the longest bond?
  • ThunderfingerThunderfinger Das Boot Hill
    Posts: 45,489
    Birdleson wrote: »
    I just finished OCTOPUSSY. I still don't get why it is so beloved. Moore is very good, when given the chance, the plot is weightier than most from this era, and there are a few scenes that I look forward to, but the silliness is overwhelming. And these are the worst hand-to-hand combat scenes in the franchise.

    If this came after MR, it would have been a very satisfying film, but coming after the brilliant FYEO, it was just a major disappointment.
  • suavejmfsuavejmf Harrogate, North Yorkshire, England
    Posts: 5,131
    Birdleson wrote: »
    I just finished OCTOPUSSY. I still don't get why it is so beloved. Moore is very good, when given the chance, the plot is weightier than most from this era, and there are a few scenes that I look forward to, but the silliness is overwhelming. And these are the worst hand-to-hand combat scenes in the franchise.

    If this came after MR, it would have been a very satisfying film, but coming after the brilliant FYEO, it was just a major disappointment.

    Yep.
  • MurdockMurdock The minus world
    Posts: 16,351
    It's finally time for the second entry in my Bondathon this time with FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE. While I enjoyed the movie very much, there's just something about it about to me that makes it feel inferior to Dr. No. I just can't put my finger on it. not saying it's bad but I find Dr. No to be the superior film. Next up is GOLDFINGER.

    MURDOCK'S BONDATHON RANKING
    Dr. No
    From Russia With Love
  • Posts: 1,970
    Just finished OHMSS this past Sunday for my summer long Bond marathon. Im watching all the films in order across the summer.

    I have to say ever since I read the book YOLT every time i watch the movie i cringe and just dislike it more and more. One of the biggest fuck ups in the franchises history was doing YOLT before OHMSS and messing up that wonderful story fleming wrote
  • RC7RC7
    Posts: 10,512
    Birdleson wrote: »
    I still love FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE, but I preferred DOCTOR NO.
    Birdleson wrote: »
    A VIEW TO A KILL I think it is a better Bond film than it gets credit for.

    Agree and agree.
  • edited June 2015 Posts: 11,189
    I know I'm probably nit-picking but I knew that something wasn't right with AVTAK after seeing Bond and Stacey emerge from a blazing fire in City Hall with fully styled hair and make-up.

    (That and Dr Mortimer's demise is like something out of Road Runner.)
  • NicNacNicNac Administrator, Moderator
    Posts: 7,582
    Nice assessment of TND @Birdleson
  • chrisisallchrisisall Brosnan Defender Of The Realm
    Posts: 17,789
    Birdleson wrote: »
    @chrisisall will be happy to hear that for the first time ever TOMORROW NEVER DIES (1997) has actually improved upon further viewing.

    =D> A fair and excellent review sir! \m/
  • MurdockMurdock The minus world
    Posts: 16,351
    Continuing on with GOLDFINGER.The film is enjoyable. But My opinions on it haven't changed much. The flaws aren't as apparent. I thing the film is great up until after the Laser scene. But it's not so bad. Goldfinger goes from smart and menacing to a buffoon by the end. Other than that a good watch. This is the film that inspired all those knockoffs.

    MURDOCK'S BONDATHON RANKING.
    Dr. No
    From Russia With Love
    Goldfinger
  • Creasy47Creasy47 In Cuba with Natalya.Moderator
    Posts: 40,960
    RC7 wrote: »
    Birdleson wrote: »
    I still love FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE, but I preferred DOCTOR NO.
    Birdleson wrote: »
    A VIEW TO A KILL I think it is a better Bond film than it gets credit for.

    Agree and agree.

    Agreed, as well. DN always stands out as slightly better than FRWL to me, and AVTAK has always held a special place in my heart.
  • chrisisallchrisisall Brosnan Defender Of The Realm
    Posts: 17,789
    DN is an under appreciated all time classic.
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