Best 007 outing to show a friend

Sir_Hugo_DraxSir_Hugo_Drax Beneath the Flat Stone Posts: 40MI6 Agent
in The James Bond Films
So, like most of us, I have been a lifelong Bond fan, and this is well know by my friends, but through some error of my own my best friend has never seen a James Bond film all the way through (perhaps disjointed snippets when we were young). :o I know right?! So I've finally taken it upon myself to expose him to the glorious world of Bond for the first time. That being said, I have no idea where to begin. Naturally, you would suggest I should go from Dr No and work my way through, right? That'd be great but I know my friend and he doesn't quite 'get into' older films (but I SWEAR ON MY LIFE he's a great guy despite this :p ). I could still go ahead and show him them anyway but I really want him to like them as I do, so I want to show him a quintessential, newer (about late 80s onward) Bond film to really knock his socks off.

In particular (although I want any suggestions you think suitable) I have been drawn to Goldeneye (for that classic yet newer feel) or Casino Royale (for that gritty, modern feel). That being said Goldeneye has an awful, not very Bond-esque, soundtrack that I could see detracting from a first encounter with the world of Bond - gotta have that Bond music. And Casino Royale, although brilliant, doesn't have all the classic 007 elements in it. Surely I'm not the only one here that's had to introduce his or her best friend to Bond for the first time. Your opinions and suggestions would be greatly appreciated. -{
Then he looked again at Bond and spoke very quietly, the red moustache lifting slowly from the splayed upper teeth.
"I should spend the money quickly, Commander Bond," he said.
Then he turn away from the table and walked swiftly out of the room.
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Comments

  • Napoleon PluralNapoleon Plural LondonPosts: 10,486MI6 Agent
    You're on a hiding to nothing mate. (BTW, other people will reply to your posts other than me, I'm just having a very bored day today... :)) ) Cos, from the late 1980s onwards, classics are thin on the ground and GE and CR are about the only ones really. TLD aint bad but humourless and Dalton is an acquired taste, then you have the hiatus of several years, then Brozzer's diminishing returns entries. I like TWINE, but it aint aged well.
    "This is where we leave you Mr Bond."

    Roger Moore 1927-2017
  • 7700777007 Posts: 502MI6 Agent
    Casino Royale. /thread.


    Classic elements are overrated.
  • PeppermillPeppermill DelftPosts: 2,860MI6 Agent
    Maybe a bit too old for your friend (1977) but I think The Spy Who Loved Me is a classic, must-see Bond movie.
    1. Ohmss 2. Frwl 3. Op 4. Tswlm 5. Tld 6. Ge 7. Yolt 8. Lald 9. Cr 10. Ltk 11. Dn 12. Gf 13. Qos 14. Mr 15. Tmwtgg 16. Fyeo 17. Twine 18. Sf 19. Tb 20 Tnd 21. Spectre 22 Daf 23. Avtak 24. Dad
  • zaphodzaphod Posts: 1,183MI6 Agent
    Although older, I would go for OHMSS. Pure Fleming, great locations, superb soundtrack and great mix of action and story. Others may argue with good justification that it's an anomaly due to Lazenby and down beat ending, Bond getting married, Kilts...

    However so much of it is exactly what makes a good Bond Film special.
  • PredatorPredator Posts: 790Chief of Staff
    Napoleon Plural wrote:
    You're on a hiding to nothing mate. (BTW, other people will reply to your posts other than me, I'm just having a very bored day today... :)) ) Cos, from the late 1980s onwards, classics are thin on the ground and GE and CR are about the only ones really. TLD aint bad but humourless and Dalton is an acquired taste, then you have the hiatus of several years, then Brozzer's diminishing returns entries. I like TWINE, but it aint aged well.

    ^ This.

    It also depends on the type of person they are and what you think they like. Do they like gritty thrillers (in which case, they have no excuse for at least trying a Bond film), or overblown Hollywood actioners, or clever interpersonal films?

    If I were to go back in time and impress me, I'd look for something as well shot and with a great soundtrack. Something with some level of intellectual stimulation, but grounded and taut: From Russia With Love.

    In truth though, you can't go far wrong with Craig's Casino Royale
  • Napoleon PluralNapoleon Plural LondonPosts: 10,486MI6 Agent
    Cheers Pred. OHMSS, I do have a problem with. It hasn't aged badly at all and looks most like a modern movie, Bourne-style editing and fisticuffs. But... one member here said how he showed it to his wife and about 20 mins in she said, okay I'm bored now. I can guess which scene, when he's about to meet Draco. Zzzzzzzz.... No real action for 90 minutes! Then very repetitive snow action. And non-fans do have a problem with Lazenby, his manner is toe curling at times and he can't do the jokes.

    Face it. All the Bond films are basically crap. :D
    "This is where we leave you Mr Bond."

    Roger Moore 1927-2017
  • zaphodzaphod Posts: 1,183MI6 Agent
    Napoleon Plural wrote:
    Cheers Pred. OHMSS, I do have a problem with. It hasn't aged badly at all and looks most like a modern movie, Bourne-style editing and fisticuffs. But... one member here said how he showed it to his wife and about 20 mins in she said, okay I'm bored now. I can guess which scene, when he's about to meet Draco. Zzzzzzzz.... No real action for 90 minutes! Then very repetitive snow action. And non-fans do have a problem with Lazenby, his manner is toe curling at times and he can't do the jokes.

    Face it. All the Bond films are basically crap. :D

    Agreed that when looked at as a whole there are very few complete gems. FRWL stands out. As a fan I love them for their faults and many have scenes and elements that outweigh the slip ups and lapses in Judgement. CR is also one of the most coherent and consistent. The only proviso is that DC although very good here is a deviation from the majority of incarnations in terms of look of what had preceded him.
  • Napoleon PluralNapoleon Plural LondonPosts: 10,486MI6 Agent
    Another problem Sir Hugo, is that of course most of us on this board don't have friends.... :D
    "This is where we leave you Mr Bond."

    Roger Moore 1927-2017
  • thesecretagentthesecretagent CornwallPosts: 2,151MI6 Agent
    If they are going to like Bond they would have seen one of them by now, or seen enough snippets to have arroused curiosity. You are on a hiding to nothing and I wouldnt bother if I were you. Sorry, but I've travelled through third would countries and had locals say "ah, you from England, just like James Bond!" if some guy in a bamboo hut in Indonesia has seen a Bond film, then your friend should have by now... :#

    Failing that - Goldeneye would be a very good choice. ;)
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  • PredatorPredator Posts: 790Chief of Staff
    Napoleon Plural wrote:
    Face it. All the Bond films are basically crap. :D

    :))

    Why would I be here if they were any good ... I wouldn't be able to drag myself from their perfection!
  • welshboy78welshboy78 Posts: 10,326MI6 Agent
    edited January 2012
    Wow interesting thread!!

    If your not a Bond fan from the start then I would say it rules out basically the whole Roger Moore films. I mean cheesy camp humour, over the top stunts, pulling birds that are a third his age lol. Even the Moore classics such as The Spy Who Loved Me would come across as cheesy, especially the lair and villain. Us Bond fans prob look ridiculous from the outside :))

    Daltons films maybe worth a shot though some parts look dated also and the films can be slow moving forward, could bore him a little.

    Brosnan - hmm Goldeneye would prob be the only option!

    I honestly think your best bet is to go for Casino Royale as it will be easy for him to watch since he is used to modern films (regardless how people view Craig as Bond it will always be a classic Bond film down the years due to the fantastic script/plot and great ruthless DC).

    Either that go straight into the deep end for a Classic Connery Bond movie with all the elements of Bond such as the cars, villains, birds and gadgets. In this case I would go for Goldfinger, not too serious but has everything!

    Personally I would start with Casino Royale (it is the first Bond story anyhow) and if he enjoys that then maybe introduce him to how it all started with the Connery classics such as Dr No, From Russia With Love, Thunderball or Goldfinger.
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  • Mr BeechMr Beech Florida, USAPosts: 1,749MI6 Agent
    Casino Royale!

    Once you get him hooked on a relevant one, he will both want to see Skyfall in theaters and will be more receptive to seeing Brosnan and then maybe the occasionally Connery. I think Casino Royale is the easiest place to start because it doesn't show age yet.

    Otherwise, I'd go for a Brosnan film.
  • matt691matt691 Posts: 29MI6 Agent
    ^ I agree, especially if they can't get into very old films like Dr No.

    Especially like you say getting into the latest films one after another would be an option.
  • Mr MartiniMr Martini That nice house in the sky.Posts: 2,709MI6 Agent
    It's too bad you friend can't get into the older movies. I'd suggest Goldfinger.

    But since it's newer movies he likes I would suggest TWINE. A unsuspecting Villain (Electra), a crazy henchman (Renard) and good plot. Some cool action sequences to.
    Some people would complain even if you hang them with a new rope
  • Sir_Hugo_DraxSir_Hugo_Drax Beneath the Flat Stone Posts: 40MI6 Agent
    edited January 2012
    Cheers guys, this has been great so far.

    I'm seeing quite a lot of CR, GE, TWINE and even TLD. Thanks these are great suggestion from this era. As for some of the older ones, I know it's a shame I can't start there but I'll try to get around to showing him them after (perhaps in glorious BluRay to distract him from their age :P ). And although I'd love to show him OHMSS as zaphod said, I feel it's a bit of a dark horse. Great standalone film, but within the Bond series (considering the majority around it) a bit strange, especially if you're coming into it. We Bond fans truly appreciate it because of it's accuracy to the novel and that element would be lost on my friend.
    thesecretagent wrote:
    If they are going to like Bond they would have seen one of them by now, or seen enough snippets to have arroused curiosity. You are on a hiding to nothing and I wouldnt bother if I were you. Sorry, but I've travelled through third would countries and had locals say "ah, you from England, just like James Bond!" if some guy in a bamboo hut in Indonesia has seen a Bond film, then your friend should have by now... :#

    Failing that - Goldeneye would be a very good choice. ;)

    Yeah I know he should have seen one by now, and he has seen bits (the closest I ever got was snippets of DAD I think it was - no wonder he never came back :P ) but that was a lifetime ago it would seem. He is interested, I should have explained. I hate to cram things down peoples throats, including my interest in Bond, so I guess I never attempted to get him into it back in the day. I would make reference, he would play along from what he knew about the series (the cliche sorta stuff lol) and it worked somehow. We were talking recently and he said "you know, I wouldn't mind actually seeing a Bond film one day". My mouth watered at this subtle hint and here we are. So he is interested more or less, I won't be binding him to a wicker chair and forcing him to watch.

    I'm gonna have to consider these options, he's down south with family and gets back in about a week, so I've got some time. -{
    welshboy78 wrote:
    Wow interesting thread!!

    Thanks man, you have an interesting reply. Love the analysis. Greatly appreciated.
    Napoleon Plural wrote:
    Another problem Sir Hugo, is that of course most of us on this board don't have friends.... :D

    lol :D
    Then he looked again at Bond and spoke very quietly, the red moustache lifting slowly from the splayed upper teeth.
    "I should spend the money quickly, Commander Bond," he said.
    Then he turn away from the table and walked swiftly out of the room.
  • James SuzukiJames Suzuki New ZealandPosts: 2,406MI6 Agent
    getting someone into bond is hard, i've tried but failed on many occasions. the problem is that people have a certain idea on something and keep to it. I.Ethey've seen the worst Bond film like NSNA or AVTAK and think all Bonds are like that. The best is to not sound like your pushing the bond film in, unless they really want to watch it. make it sound out of the blue, let them choose possibly or insist that you have one they would enjoy the most. Don't choose one which is Fleming like all that, that will just confuse them, choose one which has good action, gets into the action quick (not counting the pre-title). Choose one which has a good plot as well. Quatnum is not a good choice. License to kill is good, but maybe one which has more of the bond formula.
    Casino Royale has been mentioned, and that would be good. goldeneye, TLD, but as mentioned a bit slow moving. Twine, or maybe even FYEO, I know a bit old, but that one is a personal fav, and I know a guy who sounds like your guy, who enjoyed it.
    “The scent and smoke and sweat of a casino are nauseating at three in the morning. "
    -Casino Royale, Ian Fleming
  • Sir_Hugo_DraxSir_Hugo_Drax Beneath the Flat Stone Posts: 40MI6 Agent
    Not a bad idea actually. FYEO has potential competing with the others mentioned, it has some nice pacing and character (which is the only think he doesn't seem to give older movies much credit for - in some cases he's right) plus not an overwhelming number of 'cross your legs and bury you face in your palm' pun moments Moore is known for; though I might have to explain "I'll buy you a delicatessen! In stainless steel" which'll be hard because not even I understand it. :p I might have to crack out the DVDs and re-watch all these choices soon just to help, you guys are making really great suggestions. -{

    I guess the daunting thing about this, despite it being my best friend's first real impressions of 007 of course, is having to weigh up and scrutinise elements in all the films that I'm so accustomed to so that they don't appear odd or tarnishing to fresh eyes. I remember I showed him a well cut fan-trailer for TMWTGG with some intense Bond music and he got a completely different idea of the film suggesting that a gritty, adrenaline-pumped showdown between Bond and 'the Man with the Golden Gun' is what it seemed to be aiming for. Imagine if I showed him. I think any way I end up going with this his overall reaction will be quite interesting. :)
    Then he looked again at Bond and spoke very quietly, the red moustache lifting slowly from the splayed upper teeth.
    "I should spend the money quickly, Commander Bond," he said.
    Then he turn away from the table and walked swiftly out of the room.
  • VandrellVandrell London, EnglandPosts: 324MI6 Agent
    Go with Casino Royale, follow it up with QOS then Thunderball. Thats what I did!

    I like the bond films and books but wouldnt consider myself a "mega fan" like most on this site. I have a few Bond films in my collection but not all of them as I consider myself a Film fan first and a bond fan second and there is no way i could bring myself to spend money on likes of Moonraker (its precence alone in my collection would make the other films throw up!).

    Anyhow back to the point. My wife had only seen bits of Bond films until recently when we sat down and watched Casino Royale which she loved!! Once I told her there was a sequal of sorts she couldnt wait to see QOS which she also liked. From there I decided on Thunderball as although its old, it doesnt look it. She enjoyed that one too so i think we are moving onto LALD next. She even asked why CR and QOS had no gadgets!
  • Mr BeechMr Beech Florida, USAPosts: 1,749MI6 Agent
    Vandrell wrote:
    Go with Casino Royale, follow it up with QOS then Thunderball. Thats what I did!

    I like the bond films and books but wouldnt consider myself a "mega fan" like most on this site. I have a few Bond films in my collection but not all of them as I consider myself a Film fan first and a bond fan second and there is no way i could bring myself to spend money on likes of Moonraker (its precence alone in my collection would make the other films throw up!).

    Anyhow back to the point. My wife had only seen bits of Bond films until recently when we sat down and watched Casino Royale which she loved!! Once I told her there was a sequal of sorts she couldnt wait to see QOS which she also liked. From there I decided on Thunderball as although its old, it doesnt look it. She enjoyed that one too so i think we are moving onto LALD next. She even asked why CR and QOS had no gadgets!

    That is a good order. Thunderball is fantastic of the classics. If he is really opposed then just go with more recent Brosnan, but Thunderball is an excellent Connery choice.
  • welshboy78welshboy78 Posts: 10,326MI6 Agent
    Mr Beech wrote:
    That is a good order. Thunderball is fantastic of the classics. If he is really opposed then just go with more recent Brosnan, but Thunderball is an excellent Connery choice.

    I agree, great location and THOSE DAMN WOMEN!! :D
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  • VandrellVandrell London, EnglandPosts: 324MI6 Agent
    edited January 2012
    You could try getting him in the mood with this film:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aT8lJEgEuTk

    8-)

    EDIT: Beware, this video contains bad language.
  • Napoleon PluralNapoleon Plural LondonPosts: 10,486MI6 Agent
    Actually, I did find that funny... :D
    "This is where we leave you Mr Bond."

    Roger Moore 1927-2017
  • James SuzukiJames Suzuki New ZealandPosts: 2,406MI6 Agent
    tell us what your final decision is
    “The scent and smoke and sweat of a casino are nauseating at three in the morning. "
    -Casino Royale, Ian Fleming
  • HardyboyHardyboy Posts: 5,912Chief of Staff
    I always show Goldfinger to first-timers. . .to me, it's the definitive Bond film, with all the right elements (comedy, drama, suspense, sex, sci-fi) in equal doses. Usually the way the person responds to this film tells you how they'll feel about James Bond on the whole.
    Vox clamantis in deserto
  • Mr MartiniMr Martini That nice house in the sky.Posts: 2,709MI6 Agent
    Might want to put a warning tag on that for the language. Or at least a Use Headphones if your at work warning.
    Vandrell wrote:
    You could try getting him in the mood with this film:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aT8lJEgEuTk

    8-)
    Some people would complain even if you hang them with a new rope
  • Sir_Hugo_DraxSir_Hugo_Drax Beneath the Flat Stone Posts: 40MI6 Agent
    Vandrell wrote:
    You could try getting him in the mood with this film:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aT8lJEgEuTk

    8-)

    lol I love that song. :D
    Mr Beech wrote:
    Vandrell wrote:
    Go with Casino Royale, follow it up with QOS then Thunderball. Thats what I did!

    I like the bond films and books but wouldnt consider myself a "mega fan" like most on this site. I have a few Bond films in my collection but not all of them as I consider myself a Film fan first and a bond fan second and there is no way i could bring myself to spend money on likes of Moonraker (its precence alone in my collection would make the other films throw up!).

    Anyhow back to the point. My wife had only seen bits of Bond films until recently when we sat down and watched Casino Royale which she loved!! Once I told her there was a sequal of sorts she couldnt wait to see QOS which she also liked. From there I decided on Thunderball as although its old, it doesnt look it. She enjoyed that one too so i think we are moving onto LALD next. She even asked why CR and QOS had no gadgets!

    That is a good order. Thunderball is fantastic of the classics. If he is really opposed then just go with more recent Brosnan, but Thunderball is an excellent Connery choice.

    As for my decision, I'm not 100% and I still have time before he gets back into town next week, but I think you're right. I'm starting to lean towards Casino Royale. It seems to be one of the most agreed upon suggestions and Vandrell, I think your story about showing your wife is good proof of this method. Again, it's not definite but I think I'll go CR, QoS and if those interest him (I don't wanna blitz him with Bond if it doesn't interest him - I think it might though :) ) I'll probably go GE (ease him into the older ones), TLD and on to some of my other favourites from the series. No point in showing him stuff like TMWTGG, DAF or DAD unless he really insists - considering even most fans find those hard to swallow. :))
    Then he looked again at Bond and spoke very quietly, the red moustache lifting slowly from the splayed upper teeth.
    "I should spend the money quickly, Commander Bond," he said.
    Then he turn away from the table and walked swiftly out of the room.
  • BlackleiterBlackleiter Washington, DCPosts: 5,615MI6 Agent
    Never seen a Bond film??? First of all you need to find some new friends! :)) Seriously, though, I agree wholeheartedly with Hardyboy. Despite your friend's aversion to "old" movies, I would take a chance and start with Goldfinger or perhaps From Russia With Love to show your buddy what really got the cinema Bond craze rolling.
    "Felix Leiter, a brother from Langley."
  • Mr BeechMr Beech Florida, USAPosts: 1,749MI6 Agent
    Blackleiter wrote:
    Never seen a Bond film??? First of all you need to find some new friends! :)) Seriously, though, I agree wholeheartedly with Hardyboy. Despite your friend's aversion to "old" movies, I would take a chance and start with Goldfinger or perhaps From Russia With Love to show your buddy what really got the cinema Bond craze rolling.

    In my film class, the teacher asked who hadn't ever seen Star Wars. He was shocked by how many and changed the curriculum so that we could watch Star Wars instead of Jaws. I'm beginning to think he should have asked about Bond, too!
  • Sir_Hugo_DraxSir_Hugo_Drax Beneath the Flat Stone Posts: 40MI6 Agent
    Blackleiter wrote:
    Never seen a Bond film??? First of all you need to find some new friends! :)) Seriously, though, I agree wholeheartedly with Hardyboy. Despite your friend's aversion to "old" movies, I would take a chance and start with Goldfinger or perhaps From Russia With Love to show your buddy what really got the cinema Bond craze rolling.

    Yeah I know it's shameful lol. If nothing else at least he'll be educated by the experience. :p
    And I feel dirty for saying this but I don't know if Goldfinger or From Russia With Love will have enough 'pull' to get him into it for his first time (forgive me for saying such a thing). But you're right, they're quality Bond films and should be considered. Any excuse to whip out the DVDs.
    Mr Beech wrote:
    In my film class, the teacher asked who hadn't ever seen Star Wars. He was shocked by how many and changed the curriculum so that we could watch Star Wars instead of Jaws. I'm beginning to think he should have asked about Bond, too!

    That'd make my job a lot easier. :))

    And can I just say, being new here, you guys have been a great help and even if my best mate doesn't get into Bond like I do, at least I've found a fantastic place to Bond-out every now and then. -{
    Then he looked again at Bond and spoke very quietly, the red moustache lifting slowly from the splayed upper teeth.
    "I should spend the money quickly, Commander Bond," he said.
    Then he turn away from the table and walked swiftly out of the room.
  • Napoleon PluralNapoleon Plural LondonPosts: 10,486MI6 Agent
    Be careful mate, be very careful.

    I joined ajb during the making of DAD, still here, never torn myself away. :#
    "This is where we leave you Mr Bond."

    Roger Moore 1927-2017
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