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Finished the Daniel Craig part of my Bondathon last night with QoS. It’s a film I’m a bit uncertain how much I really like, but it’s at least a dynamic, fast-paced adventure that has something to offer in the action department.
I really enjoy the PTS; the editing doesn’t bother me too much, as this is a good car chase (in contrast to the SP one). It sets up the film nicely, and the scenes that follow are entertaining. What happens throughout the film is a bit "hit and miss" though.
I like the plot; it’s a bit different perhaps, but it certainly makes the film feel current with its environmental angle. Dominic Greene is the right kind of villain for this story, but I don’t feel the character has time to be properly developed throughout the short run time of the film. The same can be said of Camille, which feels like a character that could’ve been explored further if there was time for it. On the other side, it’s a film that doesn’t dwell with anything – it’s constantly pushing itself forward, and that’s something I like. After the more plot and story heavy CR, it’s a bit refreshing in a way that we got this "fresh breeze" of a film that’s just… something else.
Again, QOS is – and has always been "hit and miss" for me. That makes it difficult ranking it among the best, but it’s certainly a decent Bond film. Perhaps the Craig film I’m likely to pick out of the shelf most often.
Updated ranking with QOS included:
1. Thunderball
2. On Her Majesty's Secret Service
3. From Russia with Love
4. For Your Eyes Only
5. The Spy Who Loved Me
6. Goldfinger
7. Octopussy
8. Live and Let Die/Diamonds Are Forever
10. Goldeneye
11. Dr. No
12. Casino Royale
13. The Man with the Golden Gun
14. Licence to Kill
15. The Living Daylights
16. Quantum of Solace
17. The World Is Not Enough
18. A View to a Kill
19. You Only Live Twice
20. Moonraker
21. Tomorrow Never Dies
22. Die Another Day
23. Skyfall
24. Casino Royale (1967)
25. Spectre
This leaves me with NSNA, a film I still only own on VHS. As my VHS player doesn't work anymore, I need to get NSNA somehow. I'll most likely just download it digitally for now to finish the Bondathon, and buy a Blu-ray or DVD copy later.
I must admit that this was the first time watching the film (including upon theatrical release) where I wasn't troubled by the editing. I somehow managed to process almost everything in the rooftop foot chase. Of course it still requires more of your attention than any competently edited action sequence... But today I'll allow it.
The scenes between Craig and Wright are perfect in this film. Whoever wrote the brief discussion at the bar gets my respect. I just love the cynical banter and playful jabs they give each other. Both actors also seem to suit this kind of writing imo and I hope they continue on with it for Bond 25. Speaking of which, I wonder how Felix will end up luring Bond back into action. Perhaps reminding him of this moment?
All in all I thoroughly enjoyed QoS. In fact, with tonight's passable editing and recent knowledge that Wright's Felix will be a vital part of Bond 25, I'm willing to momentarily put the film above SPECTRE. Yes, you heard correctly: QoS is better than SP. Thought I'd never have to say that, but there you go.
Infinitely better, I don't think you'll find that many wouldn't agree with that so not a controversial opinion at all.
SPECTRE's stock continues to slump and if B25 knocks it out the park, I've a feeling that it will stick out as the worst film easily of this era.
Bond 25 being great will not improve the standing of SP whatever element it takes of it and improves, the genie is out of the lamp and it's not going back in.
Couldn't argue with that.
Just finished watching NSNA, and felt the need to write a review straight away. It's been a long time since I watched NSNA – so long that I've only ever owned it on VHS, until I bought it through Google Play yesterday. It was interesting sitting down to watch a Bond film I had few memories from at all, and even more interesting since it's a Connery film!
I remember being a bit indifferent to NSNA when I watched it as a kid; the main reason being that NSNA is noticeably different to the EON films. And it did feel different watching it again today as well. There's no familiar cast except an older Connery, and no gunbarrel of course. Not negative on paper, but it's still a factor watching the film.
Being a fan of TB, I quite like the plot and how it develops throughout the film. Klaus Maria Brandauer is a good Maximillian Largo, while Kim Basinger is quite forgettable as Domino (Petachi). Barbara Carrera steals every scene in her portrayal of Fatima Blush. She's so OTT and flamboyant that I couldn't help but chuckle more than a few times! The rest of the supporting cast doesn't add anything IMO, and you'd expect Max von Sydow as Blofeld and Edward Fox as M to elevate the film a few notches. Unfortunately they both have limited screen time, and have little to work with. Rowan Atkinson as Nigel Small-Fawcett gives the film a bit of added comic relief though.
The highlights of the film are all mainly in the first half. The casino sequence (including that very odd looking video game) and the car chase with Bond on the Q-branch motorbike a couple of them. The second half – after Bond's final confrontation with Fatima Blush, doesn't quite manage to keep me as interested, unfortunately. There are some interesting scenes, but nothing that noteworthy.
All in all, I feel NSNA is an uneven movie experience, but being a Sean Connery film there's still a lot to like. As it's not an EON film it does make it difficult to rank the film, but it's far from the worst.
Updated ranking with NSNA included:
1. Thunderball
2. On Her Majesty's Secret Service
3. From Russia with Love
4. For Your Eyes Only
5. The Spy Who Loved Me
6. Goldfinger
7. Octopussy
8. Live and Let Die/Diamonds Are Forever
10. Goldeneye
11. Dr. No
12. Casino Royale
13. The Man with the Golden Gun
14. Licence to Kill
15. The Living Daylights
16. Quantum of Solace
17. The World Is Not Enough
18. A View to a Kill
19. You Only Live Twice
20. Moonraker
21. Tomorrow Never Dies
22. Never Say Never Again
23. Die Another Day
24. Skyfall
25. Casino Royale (1967)
26. Spectre
This concludes my 2019 Bondathon. I'll likely rewatch a few selected films throughout the year, and make a final ranking sometime in December. I have a feeling there might be a few films that switches places, and I need to land a decision on which film to place highest in the ranking out of LALD and DAF.
I definitely expected the Bondathon to last longer, but as I had the time and opportunity, it was fun to watch them i quick succession. I usually watch films like TB, FRWL, FYEO, GF, DN and DAF each summer, and plan to do the same thing this year. So even if I've watched them all already, the ranking might still change a little.
Me too. Every film since DAD had a honeymoon phase and the only one that stuck was CR
Just finished a very entertaining viewing of TLD. The latter half still doesn't feel as good as the first half, but the wonderful action sequences certainly goes a long way to weigh up for the weaker parts.
The thing that was most apparent this time around – apart from the brilliant John Glen action – is that TLD is wonderfully edited. No scene feels too long, and I'm a bit impressed what they manage to include in the 130 min runtime. This makes quite the difference to the current era, where the two latest films feel incredibly bloated in comparison. I wasn't appreciative enough of this watching the film earlier this year, and I've edited my 2019 ranking slightly. I'm curious where LTK will end up on second viewing!
1. Thunderball
2. On Her Majesty's Secret Service
3. From Russia with Love
4. For Your Eyes Only
5. The Spy Who Loved Me
6. Goldfinger
7. Octopussy
8. Live and Let Die/Diamonds Are Forever
10. The Living Daylights
11. Goldeneye
12. Dr. No
13. Casino Royale
14. The Man with the Golden Gun
15. Licence To Kill
16. Quantum of Solace
17. The World Is Not Enough
18. A View to a Kill
19. You Only Live Twice
20. Moonraker
21. Tomorrow Never Dies
22. Never Say Never Again
23. Die Another Day
24. Skyfall
25. Casino Royale (1967)
26. Spectre
A beautifully made Bond film. John Glen's best. Pure Fleming.
That'll be FYEO for me, but TLD is a great one too!
Watched these three through the weekend and tonight. All as enjoyable as I usually find them, however I'm starting to find the same enjoyment of TMWTGG as I used to as a kid. It makes a jump in my ongoing 2019 ranking because of this:
1. Thunderball
2. On Her Majesty's Secret Service
3. From Russia with Love
4. For Your Eyes Only
5. The Spy Who Loved Me
6. Goldfinger
7. Octopussy
8. Live and Let Die/Diamonds Are Forever
10. The Living Daylights
11. Goldeneye
12. The Man with the Golden Gun
13. Dr. No
14. Casino Royale
15. Licence To Kill
16. Quantum of Solace
17. The World Is Not Enough
18. A View to a Kill
19. You Only Live Twice
20. Moonraker
21. Tomorrow Never Dies
22. Never Say Never Again
23. Die Another Day
24. Skyfall
25. Casino Royale (1967)
26. Spectre
Despite the rest of the public not being ready to handle a more Fleming-esque Bond, I was definitely ready. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed Sir Roger as Bond, however, as he aged, I was ready for another actor to take on the role and Dalton was the perfect choice, in my opinion.
As for the most recent Bond film I have watched, it was today and the film was Quantum of Solace. As maligned as QOS has been in the community, I truly have enjoyed it more with each new viewing. I liked Olga Kurylenko's character quite a bit and Craig seems to carry a lot of anger in the film, which reminds me of Dalton in License to Kill. The rest of the cast were bloody good too, especially Jeffrey Wright and Giancarlo Giannini as Leiter and Mathis, respectively. The only casting that I question is Anatole Taubman as Elvis. There was not a shred of menace in his characterization as the henchman for my taste. I must admit that I do enjoy a good revenge plot and when Camille took Medrano down it was particularly satisfying to see.
Overall, if there is one thing I would change it is to slow down some of the fast editing cuts to make it a bit less of an MTV music video, but, nothing is perfect in this world, is it?
I agree, 100%! QOS is a far better film than most think.
Not one of my favorites but still quite enjoyable. Yes, in some part of the movie Moore looks too old but his style and commitment makes you forget about that. Zorin, Dr. Mortner and May Day are a great bunch of baddies. Loved the sequences at Zorin mansion. Loved all the action set pieces, beside the PTS. I hate when the PTS is not related to the main plot. It's something I don't like. Neither I like when at MI6 are left wondering where is 007, when turns out to be always in the same "spot". It's just stupid.
Quite enjoyable in a silly way, great performances by Walken, Jones and MacNee.
I do find it odd that Bond is dispatched to investigate the leak of microchip designs from Zorin Industries only to spend the first third of the film investigating Horse race rigging.
But the pts is related to the main plot. Bond finds the OO agents body with a microchip inside a locket, and the chase is on. I also watched AVTAK at the weekend, it really is a Bond movie you have to be in the proper mood to watch. Still think Zorin and May day are a great double act, and the finale with the skyship is well staged, but it has to be said Moore looks really old and creaky, and that fire engine chase, meant to be the action highlight, is terrible!
I absolutely love it. :-D
No real crimes committed here, just the usual suspects. The Gypsy Camp scenes always drag a bit for me. The shootout just doesn't always work for me. The boat chase is another repeat offender, as is the silly wave with the back projection at the end. All things considered, very minor gripes indeed.
I was a bit awestruck with Connery's performance. As much as I love the other actors, and I adore Roger, it's hard to put anyone above Sir Sean in his first four outings. Loved the little touches such as his reflexes when Sylvia tossed his shirt and he quickly grabbed it before it hit the ground. Likewise, the backwards grab when Kerim threw him the flashlight.
He had the perfect combination of style, rugged good looks, athleticism, sense of humor (which is vastly underrated by the way), intelligence and grace. Just look at the way he moves and how he wears those suits. Sure, the hairpiece is dated, but beyond that he's perfect. Anyway, I'm not telling you anything you don't already know. George tried to look like him. Roger was wise not to imitate him. Tim, Pierce and Dan all idolized him but found their own way. Connery is still the benchmark.
John Barry's first effort sounded completely natural and added great atmosphere. The Blofeld scenes were fascinating, as we learn how the inner mechanisms of SPECTRE operate. I love the fighting fish analogy, but am I missing a hole in the wall that he is supposed to go through to eliminate the survivor?
I didn't even touch on Shaw's masterful performance. I was impressed when he denied Bond the chance for a last cigarette. Blofeld take notes. Is he Bond's best adversary? Certainly in the conversation. I would be remiss not to mention the similarities to Craig's Bond. Hopefully he doesn't look too much like an "old man" for Bond 25.
I enjoyed myself, in part because it was fun to show my new bride, with whom I am binge-watching old seasons of 24, how it significantly inspired the set up of season 6.
You are absolutely right. I watched AVTAK and OP back to back and I don't know why but I wrote this thing about the PTS thinking about OP while actually speaking about AVTAK. XD
I rank OP like #3 or 4 out of 7 in the Moore entries. Beside the movie itself, I think is one of the best performances by Sir Rog as 007. I hated the jungle hunting scene, never liked Orlov or the fact that the movie has basically two finales. Also the PTS, which adds nothing to the plot even if the stunts are good as always. But I like the girls, the classy and exotic flavour of the movie, Q's active role, Khan & Gobinda, the circus imagery and obviously the floating island filled with babes.
Forgettable entry. Really liked it at first. Was just happy that another Bond was released at the time. Was the last movie in my marathon last week.
So true! I just love LTK. He really deserved his third outing, aka The Property of a Lady, but people didn't connect with his (amazing) romantic yet more violent Bond.
I rewatched MR, man that was painful...