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Reviews
Never Say Never Again (1983)
Atrocious unofficial Thunderball remake
Sean Connery returned one last time as bond in 1983 and gave competition to the official Roger Moore bond film Octopussy. Roger Moore took the honors this time as Never Say Never Again is simply atrocious.
From the beginning something seems off. The music is dull. Since it's a remake of Thunderball most fans will be bored by the plotline. Connery himself is decent but even he can't save this mess. His age is highlighted by everyone.
The villain seems disinterested with the proceedings. Everything feels second rate. The action is boring and the stunts mediocre. It's clear where the stunt man stepped in for Connery.
Overall 3/10 atrocious mess is better avoided.
Diamonds Are Forever (1971)
Weak Connery bond film with low budget and campy humor
After the shocking ending of On Her Majesty's Secret Service Sean Connery returned for one last official bond film. The events of the previous bond film aren't acknowledged. Sadly this is Connery's weakest bond film if we exclude the atrocious Never Say Never Again.
The production design is low budget and the locales strictly average. Connery himself is good and helps make the film watchable. There is a good fight in a lift.
Parts of the film are dated and campy with the humor falling flat at times. The stunt work is mediocre this time. An infamous villain of an international terrorist organization makes a comeback yet again for another showdown with bond.
Overall 5/10 Connery's weakest official bond entry.
Spectre (2015)
script with plot holes and few thrills in weakest Craig bond film
Daniel Craig's fourth outing as bond is his weakest film. Sadly even the maligned Quantum of Solace, despite all its problems is a slightly better film because of Craig's acting. But now after 3 films Craig's enthusiasm seems to have dipped and he isn't at his best.
The script is weak and full of plot holes. By re imagining all 3 previous Daniel Craig bond films as part of an ongoing series it diminishes the roles of great villains like Silva played by Javier Bardem in Skyfall.
Spectre suffers from languid pacing. Its action scenes are only sporadically exciting and in the final third the film falls flat. There is very little excitement when bond escapes and destroys the grand lair of the main bad guy. Waltz is surprisingly low key and not used well. Bellucci is good but is sidelined.
Production design is impressive and there is a good fight sequence on a train which pays homage to From Russia With Love.
Overall 5/10 weakest Craig bond suffers due to weak script and few thrills.
Skyfall (2012)
Exciting and artistic with great Javier Bardem
Daniel Craig's third film as bond is a great entry in the series and Craig's best bond outing after Casino Royale. Sam Mendes is an inspired choice as director and produces an exciting yet artistic work.
The film is well acted all round with no weak links. It is well plotted and has great action scenes. The unique climax battle is absorbing. It has a memorable scene featuring a venerable bond vehicle.
The film takes inspiration from The Dark Knight and gives us an almost equally compelling villain. Javier Bardem is terrific as the bad guy and is a worthy opponent for bond. His motivation is interesting as the film gives Judy Dench a meaty role.
Perhaps the only odd thing is how quickly bond has gone from rookie to burnt out in the series!
Overall 9/10 excellent bond film belongs to top tier of bond films.
Quantum of Solace (2008)
Middling bond film with weak script but watchable
Daniel Craig's second outing as bond can't live up to the standard set by Casino Royale. It has lots of faults but is still watchable.
The script is extremely weak and clearly was still a work in progress. The direction by Marc Foster is a bit arty at times. The bad guy is not interesting and neither is his henchman.
The action is a mixed bag. Some of it is pretentious as it is undercut with random scenes. But much of it is extremely frenetic with rapid paced editing. I liked it but it's not for everyone.
Despite the poor script Craig gives it everything and almost pulls it off. He has some somber moments with Olga Kurylenko who is quite good. The theme of revenge and forgiveness is heavy in the film.
The climax with bond and the bad guy is average.
Overall 6/10 watchable but middling bond film with lots of faults.
Casino Royale (2006)
Highly recommended bond film with explosive debut by Daniel Craig
Daniel Craig makes an explosive self assured bond debut in Casino Royale, a reboot of the series. His bond is a heady cocktail of machismo and fiery charisma. The pre credit sequence traces bond's beginning as a rookie agent as he earns his double 0 status and the opening fight is visceral.
Craig and Judy Dench are both very good actors and they have a field day as they verbally spar with each other. The slightly overlong film conspires to make bond meet Vesper played fantastically by Eva Green. The two have great chemistry.
The action scenes continue to impress specially an early parkour chase which is one for the ages. There is a long mid-section with a card game which is punctuated by drama and action. Despite an overlong action climax the film sizzles as the main characters battle betrayal.
The film's closing moments are memorable as the familiar bond theme starts playing.
Overall 10/10 highly recommended.
On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969)
Top tier bond film with memorable ending
George Lazenby's solo outing as bond has risen high in my rankings. The film builds up to a slow reveal of the new bond followed by a great credit sequence. Lazenby is solid if unexceptional and his voice is reportedly dubbed.
The pacing is languid however as this version of bond is quite different from the Connery bond.
Unlike previous flirtations this bond actually does fall for a bond girl played well by Diana Rigg. Telly Savalas is good. The assault on the bad guy's lair is exciting. In fact most of the action scenes are energetic and the stunt work is exceptional.
It is however the famous ending which shakes you and makes the film truly memorable. A better actor might have made this film even better. Still it belongs to the top tier of bond films.
Overall 9/10.
Die Another Day (2002)
Disappointing end to Brosnan era of bond films
This fourth Brosnan bond film is a major disappointment. It ranks as one of the weakest bond films and failed to hold my interest.
After a good opening in north korea which hints at a darker story the strange plotting of the script leaves you scratching your head. There is some questionable plastic surgery of a key character in the film which makes no sense. Over use of shoddy cgi instead of stunt work spoils many scenes. The cartoony action scenes are disappointing.
There is an exciting fencing match which whets your appetite but the rest of the film fails to deliver. Brosnan is ok but the rest of the film isn't!
Overall 4/10.
The World Is Not Enough (1999)
Good Brosnan bond film
The third Brosnan bond film is better than Tomorrow Never Dies but could have been even better. Pierce Brosnan is as usual good and this time the script shows him with his heart on his sleeve. The film could have gone deeper with this but it still does well.
Like a 90s action film there are plenty of action scenes which tend to over shadow the drama. The stunt work is fine specially a lengthy pre credit chase scene but the climax fight is less involving. Some of the action scenes go on too long.
The film reaches its peak before the climax when bond coldly disposes off a main character. Sophie Marceau is good. Robert Carlyle gets a good build up but is underutilized by the script.
Overall 7/10 good Brosnan bond film.
You Only Live Twice (1967)
Weaker Connery bond remains watchable
Bond goes to Japan! The fifth Connery bond film sees a drop in quality but remains watchable. Sean Connery seems a little less enthused and it shows in his performance.
After an interesting pre credit scene the bulk of the film sees bond in Japan as he tries to foil a dastardly plot of a certain infamous criminal enterprise. Here we come face to face with the grand villain of the series. Donald Pleasence is ok but is underutilized.
The production design is grand and the stunt work is very good. The mammoth climax set has been copied/parodied so often that it has lost some of its impact.
A major mis step of the film is the time it spends with trying to make Connery blend in as a native (!) which feels campy and unnecessary to the plot. This segment is also badly outdated.
Overall 6/10 watchable bond film would have benefited from more energy from Connery and better plotting.
Thunderball (1965)
Weaker Connery bond film but still enjoyable
Thunderball is Connery's fourth bond film. Compared to From Russia with Love and Goldfinger this film is certainly weaker but it's still quite enjoyable.
Sean Connery is in peak form with his suave wit and sizzling one liners. The bond girls are beautiful. The production of this film was top notch and no expenses were spared. The pre credit scene with the famous jet pack is fun. The villain is good but slightly underutilized.
However the film is slow paced and takes its time. The underwater fight scenes are beautiful and very impressive for their time but they tend to drag the film. Better editing and a trim run time would have elevated this film.
Overall 7/10.
Goldfinger (1964)
Fun bond adventure with good villain and henchman
The third Connery bond film Goldfinger is thought by many to be his best but I remain partial to From Russia With Love. This is a fun bond adventure.
It is easy to see why so many love this film. It has snappy one liners delivered with aplomb by Connery. The villain is introduced almost too soon but he is very good and his grand scheme is clever. The gadgets get an upgrade in this film. Oddjob belongs to the top tier of henchmen.
There are some dated scenes and the latter half of the film slows down a bit. The climax fight seems generic by today's standards. I found the first half of the film to be superior to the second.
Overall 8/10 worth watching and the first film to create the blockbuster bond 'formula'.
From Russia with Love (1963)
Top notch spy thriller and one of the great bond films
Sean Connery's personal favorite bond film still holds up after all these years. This was for a very long time my preferred bond film until Craig's Casino Royale came out. The film is top notch in almost all departments.
It has a short but suspenseful precredit sequence. Connery is as usual great in the role. The film is well acted all round and has a finely tuned plot. Robert Shaw is Bond's alter ego and his brutal train encounter with Connery is one for the ages.
Some parts of the film haven't aged well but we accept it. Notably the gypsy camp scene with the two duelling girls remains fun but wouldn't be acceptable today.
The overaching story plot of the Connery films appears as a shadowy villain makes a fleeting entrance. Over the next few films we will see this grand criminal enterprise and bond duel it out.
Overall 9/10 one of the great bond films.
Dr. No (1962)
Low tech but engaging spy thriller with charismatic Connery
This is the granddad of all bond films. Some consider it one of the best while others feel it is creaky and dispensible. It's actually quite an enjoyable film with a charismatic Sean Connery making the role his own.
The film feels like a low tech spy thriller with gadgets and fancy stunts absent. Instead we have an interesting plot where Bond ultimately comes face to face with the titular character played well by Wiseman. Connery and Wiseman elevate the film which would otherwise have been rather commonplace.
Production design is engaging but shows it's age. The climax which must have raised the pulses of the audience back then today feels generic and the bad guy's end is a letdown.
Overall 7/10 a good start for bond and an engaging spy thriller.
Tomorrow Never Dies (1997)
Good Brosnan and Yeoh but let down by plotting and main villain
This is a good bond film let down by a weak villain and plotting. It is still very watchable. However after Goldeneye this feels a bit of a letdown.
Brosnan is suave and fits his role well. He appears very comfortable in his second outing as Bind. Yeoh is fantastic in her fight scenes and deserved a larger role.
It is packed with stunt work and action scenes and hardly slows down. Bond fans will enjoy a fun fight in a car park with an impressive bond vehicle.
Unfortunately the plotting is weak. The villain doesn't feel particularly memorable and the second half is weaker than the first and feels a bit generic.
Overall 6/10 middling Brosnan bond film let down by plotting and villain.
The Living Daylights (1987)
Energetic Dalton in watchable but flawed bond film
This film is much better than the preceding A View to a Kill. Dalton is an energetic focused bond and plays his part straight. There is no winking at the audience like Roger Moore. The film does feel too self serious and the bond elements sit uncomfortably with the serious tone.
Action and stunts are good. The precredit scene is a doozy, easily in the top tier for the series. The villains are weak and hammy and they don't go well with Dalton's serious tone almost as if they belong to a campy bond film. The film is over plotted and feels overlong by half an hour. It would gain 1 star easily if it was trimmed and the villains less hammy.
Overall 6/10 watchable bond but has issues.
Licence to Kill (1989)
Not a.bond film but a violent 80s revenge thriller
This is not a bond film as we know it. This is a dark and disturbing 80s revenge film with some elements of bond. I didn't like this film initially but on repeat viewing I admit it is well made.
Dalton plays Bond as extremely cold which suits the film. This Bond is on a mission. We watch because the plotting is strong. The main villain is ruthless but not in a cartoony way. The violence is upsetting and this is not a family friendly film. Humour feels completely out of place in this film.
Stunt work and action scenes are good. The final fight is specially violent as the bad guys get what's coming to them.
Overall 8/10 very violent revenge thriller.
Live and Let Die (1973)
Middling bond adventure in Harlem feels dated
Roger Moore makes an assured debut in this middling bond film. While this is a definite step up from Diamonds are Forever it's not vintage Roger Moore Bond yet.
The strange script has bond battling black baddies and appears rather dated. Moore is suave and has his own charisma which is quite different from Connery. The villains are a cheery bunch and raise the energy level. However the whole thing feels contrived and the climax with the main bad guy is a letdown.
Stunt work is adequate and production design is low budget. The car chases are all right but an annoying sheriff spouting dated clichés feels contrived. Harlem in the 70s is not the most captivating bond locale!
Overall 6/10 watchable but there are better bond films.
A View to a Kill (1985)
slow paced bond film is one of Moore's weakest
This film is one of the weaker entries and gets my vote for least watchable Roger Moore bond film. Moore should have gone after FYEO or OCTOPUSSY (though both films are enjoyable) as he was showing his age even then. But here he just looks too old. Romancing young girls now seems just odd. He's still got charisma though.
The entire film is slow paced and feels tired. The stunt work is ok but Moore is clearly not doing his own stunts. Silicon valley as a bond film setting is simply not exciting enough.
The villains have little to do and Walken and Grace Jones feel wasted. Perhaps the film makers simply needed a fresh start.
Overall 4/10 I was bored but your mileage may vary.
Octopussy (1983)
Campy bond adventure with Moore showing his age
This is a fun bond adventure despite Roger Moore now showing his age. The plotting is strange with the bulk of the film in India and the film starts and ends in eastern europe. Mostly the India segment is an excuse for campy fun with bond romancing pretty women and shooting one liners with ease.
Moore is completely in his element and carries almost the entire film with his smooth charisma. This film is as far from Connery Bond as you can imagine so be aware of that.
The villains are adequate and the stunt work good but not spectacular. The jungle chase is silly with riffs on Tarzan but just about works. The pre credits scene is very well executed and remains a highlight.
Maid Adams is well cast in the titular role and has fine chemistry with Moore as a slightly older bond girl this time.
Overall 7/10 this campy film is very watchable if you like this sort of thing.
Moonraker (1979)
Campy thrilling fun Roger Moore bond only marred by dull climax
This is an unfairly maligned bond film. With the exception of the final 30 minutes which are slightly dull the rest of the film is top notch campy fun. Only the final Star Wars ripoff/tribute feels unnecessary.
Roger Moore is in his element here battling the usual megalomania afflicted villain played rather well by Michael Lonsdale with some dry memorable one liners. Jaws is back again and this time gets an unusual redemption which is fun but campy.
Production design is good overall and the film is packed with thrills and stunt work. A better ending would have elevated this film.
Overall 7/10 specially for lovers of camp bond adventures.
The Man with the Golden Gun (1974)
Middling Bond adventure with great Villain
This a middling bond adventure with a great villain. I wanted to like it more and have a soft spot for it even though there are many better Moore bond films.
The script is just a bit off. It mixes in the usual megalomaniacal villain plot with a suave deadly spy who is very much Bond's equal. Christopher Lee's Scaramanga is an icy Bond villain who is only hampered by a weak script. This time he has most of the gadgets and Moore has to make do with very little. Moore is also a bit ill at ease in the role. He would go on to give supremely confident performances in further films.
The Bond girls are so so and there are some pointless scenes which pad the runtime. Good stunt work is almost ruined by cheesy bells and whistles and an irritating hammy sheriff. Production design is average.
The beginning and the end are the best. The showdown at the end is short but satisfying.
Overall 6/10 watchable.
The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)
Classic Roger Moore Bond adventure film is perhaps his best
This is a classic Roger Moore bond film and for many viewers perhaps his best. Its campy but has just enough seriousness and plot to keep it from becoming a parody. It's not an Ian Fleming Bond but a family friendly spy adventure and specially a big hit for casual bond fans.
The plot as usual has a megalomaniacal villain bent on worldwide destruction. This time the production design is classy but just a trifle too larger than life. It is well paced with hardly any dull spots. The climax is a bit overlong though.
This Bond as played by Moore is the quintessential gentleman spy. He lacks Connery's ruthlessness but has plenty of charm. There are lots of gadgets this time with one of the all-time great Bond vehicles on display this time. And the stunt work is at times breathtaking.
Barbara Bach is pretty and has good repartee with Bond but is slightly one note. A stronger female lead would have made this film even better. The main villain is a bit dull but his henchman Jaws more than makes up for it. Easily in the top tier of Bond film henchmen his silent menacing performance holds the mid-section of the film together.
Overall 8/10 for a fun adventure family friendly bond film.
For Your Eyes Only (1981)
Slow paced spy film with low key and Mellow bond
This is one of those bond films you will either enjoy or be bored. It's not a great bond film as it lacks trademark features of one. But it is a good low key spy thriller with a few overblown moments.
Those who watch bond for excitement and larger than life grandiose plots and campy humour may be disappointed by this entry. It's not very exciting but it holds your interest throughout. The plot has no world conquering villain or spectre. Instead it is a cold war era adventure with bond on the hunt for a device.
This bond is more mellow . He has hardly any gadgets. Roger Moore tones down the campiness and one liners. He is a tired older and wiser bond.
Despite its slower pace and slightly dull villain the film does well in mis directing the viewer as to his identity.
Stunts are ok and much less bombastic.
Overall 7/10 but only if you enjoy this sort of film.
Please Sir! (1971)
4/10 Silly plot and juvenile acting in so so film
Comments
Early 70s British comedy is amateurish
PROS
The actors playing the teachers do a decent job
CONS
Weak acting by the 'students', a silly plot and mostly unfunny jokes make the film feel overlong.
4/10