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Last Bond Movie You Watched

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  • FoxRoxFoxRox
    Posts: 12,466
    My watch of QOS went as well as possible. It’s definitely a gem in many ways. A shame that SP keeps plummeting.
  • thelivingroyalethelivingroyale
    edited January 2018 Posts: 12,837
    ClarkDevlin wrote: »
    talos7 wrote: »
    I am one of the three people who actually likes the song. Is it perfect, no, but it’s edgy, somewhat disappointed structure reflects where Bond is following the death of Vesper.
    That's why it doesn't suit the film in the slightest because Bond is not following the death of Vesper nor mourning her. It's a song for a nonexistent Bond film where Bond is trying to get over Vesper, and even that wasn't properly shown in QoS as everything seemed almost fine and over.

    I don't think the theme song reflects anything in QoS other than it being Jack White (I like the White Stripes but terrible choice for Bond, a Bond theme needs a strong melody) and them not having a lot of time after Amy Winehouse dropped out. Saying it's disjointed because it reflects Bond's emotional state is definitely reading too much into it imo. If you'd gotten White for any other Bond film you would have ended up with a similar sound.
  • Creasy47Creasy47 In Cuba with Natalya.Moderator
    Posts: 40,968
    I will eventually rally more and more of you to the side of appreciating the underrated gem that is QoS. "Bourne editing" and a "title that doesn't make sense" seem to be the only things holding people back from enjoying themselves more with this one.
  • FoxRoxFoxRox
    Posts: 12,466
    Title doesn’t bother me. Some of the editing can be off-putting, but it is exaggerated how much of a problem it is. Definitely a gem of a Bond film. Glad I came around to like it more again. Right now, the Craig era for me goes:

    1. CR (great)
    2. SF (great)
    3. QOS (good)
    4. SP (mediocre)
  • 0BradyM0Bondfanatic70BradyM0Bondfanatic7 Quantum Floral Arrangements: "We Have Petals Everywhere"
    edited January 2018 Posts: 28,694
    @FoxRox, yes, come to our side...that's it, come just a little closer...there you go.
    source.gif
    Now all a few others and I have to do is brainwash convince you about SP and we're off to the races. >:)
  • FoxRoxFoxRox
    Posts: 12,466
    0BradyM0Bondfanatic7 wrote: »
    @FoxRox, yes, come to our side...that's it, come just a little closer...there you go.
    source.gif
    Now all a few others and I have to do is brainwash convince you about SP and we're off to the races. >:)

    I used to like SP a lot more. It just kind of feels stale though the more I watch it. It has its moments but I've come to the conclusion it's Craig's weakest, with ease.
  • 0BradyM0Bondfanatic70BradyM0Bondfanatic7 Quantum Floral Arrangements: "We Have Petals Everywhere"
    Posts: 28,694
    @FoxRox, I think SP is Dan's weakest too, but still love so much about it. I love all of this current era, so one has to go last. Just like how I have to rate The Dark Knight Rises as last when I rank Nolan's Batman films despite all of them being high up on my list of my favorite films of the last twenty years.
  • FoxRoxFoxRox
    Posts: 12,466
    0BradyM0Bondfanatic7 wrote: »
    @FoxRox, I think SP is Dan's weakest too, but still love so much about it. I love all of this current era, so one has to go last. Just like how I have to rate The Dark Knight Rises as last when I rank Nolan's Batman films despite all of them being high up on my list of my favorite films of the last twenty years.

    I wish I liked it as much as I used to. Dark Knight Rises is better IMO. SP will probably not hit the bottom of my ranking, but it has definitely slipped.
  • talos7talos7 New Orleans
    Posts: 8,205
    While I do like the song, I don’t think it’s specifically paced to reflect anything in the film; for me how it does is absolutely my personal viiew as to how it does.
  • bondjamesbondjames You were expecting someone else?
    Posts: 23,883
    talos7 wrote: »
    While I do like the song, I don’t think it’s specifically paced to reflect anything in the film; for me how it does is absolutely my personal viiew as to how it does.
    I'm quite happy with the pacing of the song even though I don't like it. There is a disjointed quality to it which in my view matches the frenetic editing and pace of the earlier part of the film. They may have not planned it that way, but it all comes together quite nicely artistically from my perspective.
  • 0BradyM0Bondfanatic70BradyM0Bondfanatic7 Quantum Floral Arrangements: "We Have Petals Everywhere"
    Posts: 28,694
    Are we talking about AWTD here?
  • Andi1996RueggAndi1996Ruegg Hello. It's me, Evelyn Tremble.
    Posts: 2,005
    Another Way To Die fits QoS perfectly.

    Both make me feel queasy for three and a half minutes.

    Both represent all that I find wrong with todays "music" and films.
  • bondjamesbondjames You were expecting someone else?
    Posts: 23,883
    I was talking about AWTD. I also think it fits the film perfectly. Just not a fan of it, but I can't argue that it's a good match for QoS.
  • 0BradyM0Bondfanatic70BradyM0Bondfanatic7 Quantum Floral Arrangements: "We Have Petals Everywhere"
    Posts: 28,694
    I don't mind it, but I don't think it's the best either. Mid to bottom tier, depending on my mood, but I think there's worse songs for sure. I mostly love the instrumental, and that's a big reason why I enjoy it on loop. I think its sound goes well with Arnold's score, and it has a nice kick to it that is built up to across the song that makes for a satisfying climax.

    The only thing I'd change is not having Keys and White singing the duet so often. I don't think their voices naturally work together and sometimes the sounds clash, so I'd just have one of them singing it, or have them hand off in solos until Keys takes the final notes as she has the more arresting voice.
  • bondjamesbondjames You were expecting someone else?
    Posts: 23,883
    It's precisely that clashing and unseamless nature which I think works for the film because it matches what seems to be happening on the screen in the earlier part of the film. I recall being somewhat disoriented and confused by the pacing, editing and hopping from location to location upon first viewing until the film reached Austria, and on subsequent viewings I realized the song helped to accentuate and complement that perspective.
  • 0BradyM0Bondfanatic70BradyM0Bondfanatic7 Quantum Floral Arrangements: "We Have Petals Everywhere"
    Posts: 28,694
    @bondjames, I don't really connect to the design of the song to the film, like @talos7, but that's interesting on your side.

    I do think the lyrics of the song are a great lead in to what the film is about, warning that you can't trust anyone and that danger is lurking on every corner. Suitable for a film that is paranoia driven, where Quantum are revealed out of nowhere and Bond is left wondering who is and isn't compromised, like the Americans and his own government.

    I always like when the Bond songs mirror the actual content of the film they're leading into, which isn't always the case. I think each Craig film has done so, and that's made me happy. Not to say it's a requirement, but it's a nice touch.
  • bondjamesbondjames You were expecting someone else?
    edited January 2018 Posts: 23,883
    @0BradyM0Bondfanatic7 I've mentioned this before, but I hear certain similarities to YKMN in the AWTD sound, but just less melodic (the first 5 or 6 seconds of the tracks in both cases for instance). I'm not musically trained so can't quite explain what I sense when listening to it, but it sounds almost like a mangled and harder version of the earlier song in places - almost like it's been put through the wringer. Whether deliberate or not, I think that works to complement the pace and tone of the film prior to Austria, which is very different to CR, & far more intense while also being a continuation. The vocal delivery mismatch between Keys and White also helps to convey that jagged and almost awkward quality. This is a film that starts off with a very visceral car chase after all, and continues with a few other quite fierce action sequences in the first 15 minutes, so it all hits my senses in a similar fashion.

    I agree that lyrics (and delivery) matching the film content is a nice touch.

    I've found that when I normally like a song for a Bond film, I also like the film a lot, and vice versa. There are exceptions of course, but not that many.
  • 0BradyM0Bondfanatic70BradyM0Bondfanatic7 Quantum Floral Arrangements: "We Have Petals Everywhere"
    Posts: 28,694
    @bondjames, the song is definitely very announcing like YKMN is, building up to an explosive sort of message, and the pacing of it is quick in places for sure. It does work well just coming off a wild car chase and the song also plays into the first shots we get in the film post-PTS, which is of the horse race in Italy. So the quick pace and wild sound of the song is sandwiched between two sequences of film that are very speedy and wild in their own right. Could very well be intentional.

    I've never noticed a correlation between liking a song and the film it leads into, but having a song I like leading into a Bond film is much better than one I don't like. After openings like YKMN in CR I'm pumped for the rest of the film once that final shot of Dan approaching the frame comes, so the songs that lead into the post-PTS content can effect your mood and anticipation depending on how you feel about it. Vice versa, if a film song drains me, I'm off to a bad start with the film.

    GF is another great example of a song leading into a film, as that song while not being lively or arresting is very intriguing and the sort of horror tale it paints lyrically around Auric entices you to go into the film with that sort of macabre warning from Bassey ringing in your head. Very effective linkage between song and visuals, especially when the titles finish with the gorgeous Margaret Nolan dead and glowing with fire. Sends a very clear message, and grabs you as the song finishes with those high notes.
  • Andi1996RueggAndi1996Ruegg Hello. It's me, Evelyn Tremble.
    Posts: 2,005
    If anything then after that pts the theme songs should have been something that doesn't even disturb more.
    I remember after the titles I was already tempted to stop the film when I saw it the first time.
    I was already too much into Bond though by then to really stop it.
  • thelivingroyalethelivingroyale
    Posts: 12,837
    I don't think it's a terrible song but I do think it's a terrible James Bond song (probably a toss up between that, TND and DAD for the worst? I'm not very keen on FYEO either to be fair). Does fit the film but QoS is the weakest of the lot for me so I can't say that's a compliment.
  • Andi1996RueggAndi1996Ruegg Hello. It's me, Evelyn Tremble.
    Posts: 2,005
    FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE - my third time

    Another great watch. Everything after the train is still pretty meh though, except for the short segment with Blofeld and Klebb, plus the hotel room scene.

    Kerim Bey carries the film, the actor is beyond perfect for the role. After he's gone, the film loses its bite considerably. Of course his death is needed, just saying.

    Still, it's one good Bond film and the 60s never let me down.

  • FoxRoxFoxRox
    Posts: 12,466
    Casino Royale

    Can’t comment much now because I’m very sick and need to get some rest, but CR was awesome as always. Remains my favorite as expected; I love pretty much everything about it. Have my doubts Bond will ever be this great again.

    2018 Bondathon Ranking
    1. Casino Royale
    2. Skyfall
    3. Quantum of Solace
    4. Spectre
  • 0BradyM0Bondfanatic70BradyM0Bondfanatic7 Quantum Floral Arrangements: "We Have Petals Everywhere"
    Posts: 28,694
    @FoxRox, whenever people comment that CR is where Craig's era peaked, my first thought is always, "Yeah, well, that's where modern Bond peaked too!"

    If we get anything that does what that film did again, my oh my are we a blessed sort!
  • Andi1996RueggAndi1996Ruegg Hello. It's me, Evelyn Tremble.
    Posts: 2,005
    Quantum of Solace

    you can scroll down to the latest, rather big post, or read ahead.... or both ;)

    https://www.mi6community.com/discussion/1117/quantum-of-solace-appreciation-thread-we-found-a-better-place-to-meet#latest

    The third time I saw the film and it was a delight. Finally I can see past the hideous parts of the film. They are still there, and won't ever go away, but at least a great majority of the film is actually really surprisingly good.
    It will be a chore to rank this. I can't just ignore what's there on the screen but I can of course judge the film by its overall enjoyment level. And I will.
  • FoxRoxFoxRox
    edited January 2018 Posts: 12,466
    Die Another Day

    Boy this was painful to watch following the great CR. DAD is just so disappointing; Brosnan deserved better. It’s probably the single most corny Bond film, and post-North Korea, hard for me to take anything seriously. Maybe I shouldn’t, but even when I try not to, the silliness rarely entertains me.

    What’s good? Well, Brosnan isn’t too bad. The PTS is fine, and it’s watchable up through the sword fight. But the bad outweighs the good unfortunately. The CGI is awful, the acting is the worst in any Bond film, the title song is bad, the action is rarely any good, the villains are average at best, the Bond girls are bad, and it’s just uninteresting for most of the way. The series obviously needed CR after this, because for the bulk of it, DAD certainly is a silly disaster. For me, not an enjoyable disaster as some say it is for them.

    I’ve tried it many times, but my opinion of DAD only seems to keep getting worse. Maybe someday it will reverse, but I don’t see that coming anytime soon. Hoping TWINE can be a little better for me next, which still usually ranks near the bottom of my list. Going backwards is definitely better when it comes to the Brosnan era...

    2018 Bondathon Ranking
    1. Casino Royale
    2. Skyfall
    3. Quantum of Solace
    4. Spectre
    5. Die Another Day
  • FoxRoxFoxRox
    Posts: 12,466
    The World Is Not Enough

    TWINE, like SP, is a Bond film that has been continually slipping in my ranking for some time now. They are very close in quality for me as well as of now, featuring some really good stuff, but also being dragged down by some not-so-great stuff. This was still a welcome step-up from DAD last night.

    The PTS is good but really long. Brosnan's performance is mostly good, but sometimes a little off in certain moments. Elektra King is a great Bond villain and Bond girl, and really helps give the film a boost. Judi Dench is great as always playing M, and the supporting cast in general does a pretty good job, with the exception of... Denise Richards as Christmas Jones. One of the absolute worst Bond girls, and unfortunately does a number on the film's quality. Ugh... take her out of it, and it gets a lot better. Robert Carlyle isn't bad as Renard, but the villain is really not all that interesting, especially with Elektra in the picture. The return of Valentin was terrific, and Desmond Llewelyn's last scene as Q is simply wonderful.

    Soundtrack is fine, and the title song is alright too (both middling I suppose). The action is a mixed bag; I really enjoy some of it (the PTS, the caviar factory) and other moments felt bland (ski chase, climax). I think had certain things been tweaked, such as removing Christmas (or at least changing the actress), giving Renard a little more, and getting more creative with some of the action, this could have been nearly top-tier Bond. The story is pretty good, and some of the elements are pretty neat. It is bogged down by some stuff, and scenes in the second half can be sort of dull too, but it has its moments. Like SP, it was an up-and-down ride, but for the first time ever, I have decided to give TWINE the edge over Craig's latest outing. Another upset early in this year's Bondathon!

    2018 Bondathon Ranking
    1. Casino Royale
    2. Skyfall
    3. Quantum of Solace
    4. The World Is Not Enough
    5. Spectre
    6. Die Another Day
  • bondjamesbondjames You were expecting someone else?
    edited January 2018 Posts: 23,883
    FoxRox wrote: »
    Like SP, it was an up-and-down ride, but for the first time ever, I have decided to give TWINE the edge over Craig's latest outing. Another upset early in this year's Bondathon!

    2018 Bondathon Ranking
    1. Casino Royale
    2. Skyfall
    3. Quantum of Solace
    4. The World Is Not Enough
    5. Spectre
    6. Die Another Day
    Very interesting changes. I still have SP above DAD & TWINE, even though they're all at the very bottom of the pile in my rankings along with AVTAK. Shame that 3 of the last 6 films are the very bottom of my list.
  • FoxRoxFoxRox
    Posts: 12,466
    bondjames wrote: »
    FoxRox wrote: »
    Like SP, it was an up-and-down ride, but for the first time ever, I have decided to give TWINE the edge over Craig's latest outing. Another upset early in this year's Bondathon!

    2018 Bondathon Ranking
    1. Casino Royale
    2. Skyfall
    3. Quantum of Solace
    4. The World Is Not Enough
    5. Spectre
    6. Die Another Day
    Very interesting changes. I still have SP above DAD & TWINE, even though they're all at the very bottom of the pile in my rankings along with AVTAK. Shame that 3 of the last 6 films are the very bottom of my list.

    I expected SP to stay above TWINE, and they are still pretty close, but I think just how disappointing SP was my last watch sealed the deal, while TWINE was a little bit better than usual. I might even watch TND later today if I have time. I’d expect that one to be above TWINE but below QOS.
  • FoxRoxFoxRox
    Posts: 12,466
    Tomorrow Never Dies

    Back in the day, TND used to rank near the very bottom of my list, but it has managed to go up a few spots over the years. A mostly good viewing today helps keep that positive trend going. That weak climax does hurt, but there's still plenty of good stuff to enjoy in it.

    Brosnan himself is at the top of his game IMO; a really cool, confident Bond performance throughout here. Wai Lin is a great Bond girl, and Paris was alright. Elliot Carver isn't a favorite villain of mine, but he still works for the movie. Stamper I really don't care for much. Kaufman, despite having just one scene, is the best of the baddies - a very memorable and awesome character. The action is consistently great until the climax, where I'm just waiting for the film to come to an end. My personal favorites would be the motorcycle and remote control car chases - fun stuff.

    The biggest problem I have is that it can feel too by-the-numbers, and has some trouble setting itself apart in particularly great/unique ways. The news focus isn't so bad, but I felt like they could have tried to give it a couple more unique characteristics. Of course, it also has a weak finale, which plagued all of Brosnan's films save for GE. With TND, there isn't a lot that is particularly wrong, but also aside from Brosnan, Wai Lin, and the action, not a lot particularly amazing. What we end up with is a pretty decent Bond film, but like all Brosnan's post-GE films, could have been better. It's certainly a step-up from TWINE and DAD, but I'm even more excited for GE tomorrow.

    2018 Bondathon Ranking
    1. Casino Royale
    2. Skyfall
    3. Quantum of Solace
    4. Tomorrow Never Dies
    5. The World Is Not Enough
    6. Spectre
    7. Die Another Day
  • FoxRoxFoxRox
    Posts: 12,466
    GoldenEye

    My favorite of the Brosnan era, quite easily, and also ranks as one of my favorite modern Bond films and one of my favorite Bond films ever. It’s not perfect, but it’s such a fun ride. It’s hard for me to be objective with this one since it’s such a personal favorite, but it seems to be a fairly beloved Bond film.

    Brosnan does a good job in most of his scenes. I think I decided I prefer this and TND both in general and for his Bond performances. The PTS is one of the series’ absolute best, and the film has some of the best action in the whole series too. Natalya and Xenia are memorable Bond girls, the latter plus Alec also making for great villains. The first few scenes after the PTS and the soundtrack are the weakest aspects, but they pick it up well soon. It’s definitely dated a bit, but mostly in enjoyable ways. It’s got the maybe the best climax of the modern Bond era too.

    There’s a lot more I could say, but I’ll keep it fairly brief. GE has always been one of my favorite Bond films, and that’s not changing. It’s the only great Bond that Brosnan got, but it holds an important and special place in the Bond canon. It has a few issues, but none of them much hurt my love for the film. Great stuff - super fun and rewatchable.

    2018 Bondathon Ranking
    1. Casino Royale
    2. Skyfall
    3. GoldenEye
    4. Quantum of Solace
    5. Tomorrow Never Dies
    6. The World Is Not Enough
    7. Spectre
    8. Die Another Day
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