1 - Quantum of Solace... one of my favourite Bond films and just last night I shocked someone by saying so. He hadn't heard many people like it at all let alone feel it is one of the best. Though I am surprised to see it seems to be getting a little recofnition as time passes.
2 - The Man with the Golden Gun... another personal favourite and I just love the trimmed down simplicity of the film and the great villain of course.
3 - Tomorrow Never Dies - it's not the best Bond film, but it is a good watch.
4 - Licence to Kill... while it has gotten more and more love there is still a stigma against the film that leaves it a tad underrated in my opinion.
5 - The Living Daylights... again, isn't as underrated as 20 years ago, but still does tend to get overlooked. Which is a shame seeing as it is the best Bond film hands down in my opinion.
6 - The World is not Enough - one of the best portrayals of Bond and has one of the best moments. It's not terribly underrated, but I think it gets slightly lost in the shuffle.
Top Ten Bond - 10:Goldfinger 9:Thunderball 8:The Spy who Loved Me 7:For Your Eyes Only 6: Casino Royale 5:The Man with the Golden Gun 4:Quantum of Solace 3:Licence to Kill 2:Goldeneye 1:The Living Daylights
5 - The Living Daylights... again, isn't as underrated as 20 years ago, but still does tend to get overlooked. Which is a shame seeing as it is the best Bond film hands down in my opinion.
You and I see nearly eye-to-eye when it comes to Bond!
And, don't I know you from a certain other forum...? ?:)
5 - The Living Daylights... again, isn't as underrated as 20 years ago, but still does tend to get overlooked. Which is a shame seeing as it is the best Bond film hands down in my opinion.
You and I see nearly eye-to-eye when it comes to Bond!
And, don't I know you from a certain other forum...? ?:)
It's possible. I use this username in several areas, the only two forums that I"m as active as here in
Top Ten Bond - 10:Goldfinger 9:Thunderball 8:The Spy who Loved Me 7:For Your Eyes Only 6: Casino Royale 5:The Man with the Golden Gun 4:Quantum of Solace 3:Licence to Kill 2:Goldeneye 1:The Living Daylights
Octopussy - so many great action sequences with plenty of creative elements
The Living Daylights - receives positive reviews but didn't get the exposure of the others
License to Kill - i like this realistic literary take on Bond
Die Another Day - it's corny but it was a blast the whole way through. not top 10 material but not the worst either.
The World Is Not Enough - had a good story, lots of quality scenes and a different take on the villains
A View to a Kill - okay, this one wasn't so great, but it gets a little too much hate
1. License to Kill. Though, at this forum it doesn't seem to be underrated as much as it is in general. (which I am very happy about, as most members know, this happens to be my personal favorite Bond movie, and I think I explained countless times why. )
2. The man with the Golden Gun, sure it has never been as grand as Goldfinger and Thunderball, and it always gets ranked at the bottom, but this movie has always entertained me from start to finish. And seriously, Roger Moore locking up Goodnight in the closet to shagg Scaramanga's girl, and later tell her 'don't worry darling, you're time will come '... come on! That's plainly hilarious!!
3. Moonraker. Though not one of my personal favorites as well, I do think it is a fun movie. The PTS has some sentimental value to me, as I remember that being my first James Bond expierence. It has silly moments, but I am entertained when watching it.
4. You Only Live Twice. This movie does seem to be ranked pretty low quite a lot of times. Though, not as low as DAD, MR and TMWTGG. I think this movie is PURE entertainment. 60'ies fantasy at it's finest. A villian in a hollow volcano, CLASSIC! The little nelly is awesome, and Connery being bored doesn't bother me as much as others I guess...
I think those are about it for the underrated one's. I think DAF and DAD kind of deserve to be ranked quite low.
Moonraker
Licence to Kill (Among the general public anyway)
The Man with the Golden Gun
Tomorrow Never Dies
On her majesty's Secret Service
A View to a Kill
Given that opinion is very divided on what ranks as one of my favourite Bond films OHMSS has to be the most underrated.
1) OHMSS (Just love this film and close to the book)
2) LTK (Some classic Fleming in this film. More realism than other films)
3) QOS (Has grown on me so much over the last few years. Love the PTS and the darker moments)
4) MR (For all it's faults, Roger still looks great and Jaws is back!)
5) TWINE (Despite Denise Richards and some flaws in the plot and script, I must admit to enjoy watching this every now and again)
Quantum of Solace - This still ranks as one of my top five Bond films; anathema, I know. No other scene gets my heart pounding like the opening car chase between the Aston and Alfa. It is the singular best opening of all the films, imho. But then, I love cars and Italy and Craig and Astons and Alfas and machine gun fire and... Though understated as villains go, Greene, Medrano, and White make for a competent trifecta of badness.
Dr. No - Maybe because it was first, I think this is one of Connery's better performances. As far as Connery goes, his portrayal of Bond seems more closely aligned to the novel characterization of Bond than elsewhere.
On Her Majesty's Secret Service - While I think someone mentioned that OHMSS is ranking fairly high these days, it still seems to be one of the most overlooked Bond films by the rank-and-file. Visually, it is miles beyond the other Bond films of that era. Hunt does a masterful job directing an unknown Lazenby following on the heels of our beloved Connery.
Octopussy - I rewatched this last night and although Moore has one foot in the grave, dresses as a clown, drives cars that are typical 80s fare, Maud Adams (again), and a Faberge egg in a starring role, the film actually holds together quite well. I found myself quite entertained.
A View to a Kill - Over the top, but as others have mentioned...just so much fun! Walken saves the day in this one.
Thunderball - I'm perpetually at a loss as to why this film is disparaged so much. To me, it still has all of the elements that make DN, FRWL, and GF top Bond picks - Connery (as someone else put it) still cares, wonderful girls, exciting locales, and a believable villain.
1. Quantum of Solace - Seems to get slated everywhere I look but I really enjoyed it! I watched it for a second time last Thursday evening and there's a lot of stuff I understood which I didn't grasp the first time around.
2. The World Is Not Enough - Another film I feel is underrated. Definitely my second favourite Brosnan film after Goldeneye. Ok, Christmas Jones may've been a bit lame but I enjoyed Robert Carlyle as Renard and Zukovsky's second outing.
3. Octopussy - I agree the Tarzan swinging from the ropes is the worst thing in a Bond film, ever! But Octopussy is a great movie, great locations like India and Germany. Some decent scenes too.
4. Live & Let Die - I feel LALD doesn't seem to get the recognition it deserves.. great locations, memorable enemies (Mr. Big & Baron Samedi) and the best soundtrack of any Bond film, ever!
5. Moonraker - I love Moonraker... Once again, the locations, Jaws makes a second appearance, Ricky Gervais puts in a top performance as Hugo Drax ) 007 in space.. perfect!
6. A View to a Kill - Roger Moore was getting on a bit but AVTAK is still a top film. MayDay is an iconic sidekick like Jaws, Oddjob. Christopher Walken puts in a top performance as Max Zorin as well.
I enjoy reading articles on the Bond films, however I get discouraged because the Moore era is almost always bashed and put at the bottom of the list. I don't like "Best to Worst" lists anyway because I enjoy all Bond films to some degree.
Anyway, I realized I should search instead for "Most Underrated" Bond films to get a re-evaluation of the Moore era.
"Okay fine, the film has a climax where James Bond goes into space and shoots lasers at the bad guys, but that’s around 10-15 minutes of a 126 minute action picture. The preceding 105 minutes is a brutally efficient, well-paced, and surprisingly dark and violent 007 caper. Roger Moore is oddly grim this time around."
"but the notion that Denise Richards is unconvincing as a nuclear scientist because she looks like Denise Richards has always struck me as deeply sexist."
"It's James Bond vs. Francisca Scaramanga. No SPECTRE, no mad scientists, no gangs of drug dealers in the Caribbean. This movie's strength is its simplicity. The infamous 007 going one-on-one with the world's greatest assassin. The Man With the Golden Gun: Best Bond movie ever? No. An interesting and unique addition to the series? Definitely yes."
I like their list, but their reasoning is not as strong as the Forbes article. They are still missing the point as to why some of these films are actually great.
My current 10 favorite:
1. GE 2. MR 3. OP 4. TMWTGG 5. TSWLM 6. TND 7. TWINE 8.DN 9. GF 10. AVTAK
TND - It's a very solid film with colourful characters, innovative action and awesome Bond music.
TWINE - Moody and atmospheric - a great mix of Fleming's Bond with the cinematic interpretation. One of the most intriguing stories os the series.
AVTAK - Apparently an example of creative bankruptcy, but I don't see it. Often gets discredited because of Moore's age, but it's not that distracting IMO.
FYEO - Strong script, suspenseful and exciting sequences and Bond finally up against the Russians. Very ambient!
DN - Often overlooked because of its smaller budget and being the first in the series but it's one of the best IMO. Tightly scripted and directed, featuring Connery's best performance as Bond, it definitely deserves as much recognition as FRWL and GF.
All the above are classic Bond in my opinion. Shame they get overlooked.
Film: Tomorrow Never Dies | Girl: Teresa di Vicenzo | Villain: Max Zorin | Car: Aston Martin Volante | Novel: You Only Live Twice | Bond: Sir Sean Connery
1. Moonraker- Easy to follow plot and excellent pacing. Darker story. Amazing special effects. Stunning locations, cinematography and Barry score. Hard to imagine why anyone would consider this the "worst" of the series.
2. Tomorrow Never Dies - After getting chewed out for being Bond for the majority of Goldeneye we finally get back to business as usual. Yup, it follows the Bond formula we have seen before in YOLT and TSWLM….. so?
3. AVTAK - Darker and more violent than pretty much all previous Bond films. Fleming-esque with Zorin's morbid WWII backstory. Follows the Bond formula but twists it at almost every opportunity. Overall, a near perfect mix of gadgets/wits and glamour/grit. Bond cooking dinner and then sleeping in a chair is one of my favorite bits in the series. People are still obviously confused by this film. One example: Bond drives a lame, crappy Ford car! Well, that's what a realistic spy would do to blend in!
4. QoS - Fast paced and interesting. Craig delivers the closest portrayal of Fleming's Bond yet. Not sure why this was so quickly regarded as the new "worst ever" aside from the Bourne Identity vibe. I'd much rather watch this over the highly regarded, but overlong, Casino Royale.
5. TMWTGG - Quirky and strange. One of the best villains and iconic golden gun (N64 anyone?) A dashing Roger Moore at his most ruthless and cold. Classic lunch scene with Bond and Scaramanga discussing killing and nature of their occupations.
6. TWINE - Even on lists of "underrated" Bond films this one is still considered a turkey. I've heard fans say the pacing is slightly weird. I've heard it called a soap opera. I've heard Denise Richards does not make a believable nuclear physicist. Hmmmm…okay so is there anything actually wrong with this movie?
Honorable Mention: NSNA - More fun than the clunky and boring Thunderball! Plus, at least they bothered to explain why Bond was at the health clinic.
I don't feel compelled to list OP or LTK because they seem fairly well regarded…at least here on AJB. B-)
Aside from MR and OP being on top, I mainly like his opening statement: "A few years ago, as well as now, the internet was populated with blogs on the best to worst James Bond movies. All 23 of them. One major magazine which I’ll leave nameless included critical summaries on all of them, but once you got past #9, the critic started dumping insults on each title. Over the years, many critics have bashed half the titles, and some of them have unfairly received a bad rap. What’s the point of saying you love Bond if you’re going to trash half the titles?"
My current 10 favorite:
1. GE 2. MR 3. OP 4. TMWTGG 5. TSWLM 6. TND 7. TWINE 8.DN 9. GF 10. AVTAK
Some may be surprised to see OP there, but there are some who just write it off because it's Roger Moore. IMO, the run of FYEO-OP-AVTAK-TLD is some of the most solid and tight Bonds that exits. They're not perfect, but they're very well written, acted and made.
Some may be surprised to see OP there, but there are some who just write it off because it's Roger Moore. IMO, the run of FYEO-OP-AVTAK-TLD is some of the most solid and tight Bonds that exits. They're not perfect, but they're very well written, acted and made.
I believe the 80s are the best decade of Bond behind the 60s and 90s.
Film: Tomorrow Never Dies | Girl: Teresa di Vicenzo | Villain: Max Zorin | Car: Aston Martin Volante | Novel: You Only Live Twice | Bond: Sir Sean Connery
I regard myself as one of the luckiest Bond fans. As I love them all ( sure I have a couple
Of favourites ) but I love the realistic take of CR and the over the top Silliness of DAD
"I've been informed that there ARE a couple of QAnon supporters who are fairly regular posters in AJB."
I, too, enjoy all of the Bond films - yes, even parts of CR, QOS and SP. But if I was to rank the decades:
1. 60s
2. 90s
3. 80s
4. 70s
5. 10s (Despite liking SF more than all of the 70s films, it's brought down by SP)
6. 00s
Film: Tomorrow Never Dies | Girl: Teresa di Vicenzo | Villain: Max Zorin | Car: Aston Martin Volante | Novel: You Only Live Twice | Bond: Sir Sean Connery
Some may be surprised to see OP there, but there are some who just write it off because it's Roger Moore.
I've noticed OP gets written off due to Bond wearing a clown costume. It does sound bad on paper, but if you actually bother to watch the film it's a tense, nail-biting scene. Funny, I've never heard any fans complain about 009 also wearing one. )
My current 10 favorite:
1. GE 2. MR 3. OP 4. TMWTGG 5. TSWLM 6. TND 7. TWINE 8.DN 9. GF 10. AVTAK
Some may be surprised to see OP there, but there are some who just write it off because it's Roger Moore.
I've noticed OP gets written off due to Bond wearing a clown costume. It does sound bad on paper, but if you actually bother to watch the film it's a tense, nail-biting scene. Funny, I've never heard any fans complain about 009 also wearing one. )
6. The Man with the Golden Gun - This film really could have killed the franchise if it wasn't for TSWLM, but that's not to say this film doesn't have great aspects. Although it feels like a low budget action flick, there's something nice about that; both LALD and this move away from glamorous locations and polished looks, and the film uses its Kung Fun exploitation well.
5. Tomorrow Never Dies - The first hour of this film is phenomenal. Brosnan at his best, the Hamburg setting with inventive car chase and news print scene really setting up a great Bond film. Jonathan Pryce is the last good, world domination villains the series had - any good villain after him weren't your classic villain (Le Chiffre and Silva). It didn't change the world, but TND sure is a lot of fun.
4. Moonraker - Stupid, bombastic and loud, MR is still somehow one of the most enjoyable Bond films, with a fast pace, gorgeous locations, a sinister villain, and the best special effects in any Bind film. There's something so 70s about this entry, and whilst the idea of sending Bond to space should have got someone fired, it somehow provides a unique and refreshing setting for Bond, whilst doing what Moore's films did best - adapting to the times, with each of his entries providing a fascinating insight into trends of the times.
3. Octopussy - Seen by some as a return to a silly Bond like MR, OP is far from that; a complicated story about jewellery smuggling, an Afghan prince, a maniacal communist and a circus troupe led by a mysterious woman, OP is really unique among the Bond films. There's something so mysterious about a circus involved in a spy plot, whilst the setting and references to the Berlin divide really give this film a Cold War feel, something the Bond films wouldn't have again until TLD.
2. Licence to Kill - Overlooked by the casual fan, and Dalton often gets mocked for doing two of the blandest Bond films, LTK proves Dalton was anything from bland. A real turn from Glen's previous entries, LTK embraces everything about an 80s action film; drugs, a drug lord, massive explosions and outrageous stunts, whilst still be kept on earth in reality. Although a simple revenge story, there's something so satisfying about seeing Snachez getting burnt to death, whilst Dario's death proves to be the bloodiest since the skiing henchman in OHMSS.
1. A View to a Kill - A re telling of Goldfinger, updated for the 80s with Christopher Walken and Grace Jones as villains, as well as the awesome opening song by Duran Duran, as well as a 57 year old Bond. What's not to love? With Barry's best soundtrack that really embraces both the French (traditional and peaceful) and the American (big and loud) settings of the film, AVTAK is an enjoyable film, that has everything that makes Bind great - great villains, the best Bond, a great soundtrack and overall a feel of not taking itself seriously, and IMO the best way Moore could have left the franchise.
6) Tomorrow Never Dies - fun, solid action-packed outing that is reminiscent of the Lewis Gilbert movies. Michelle Yeoh is great even if she lacks chemistry with Brosnan, I liked seeing Bond meeting an "old flame" which hadn't been done before, and the scene with Dr. Kaufman is unforgettable.
5) Thunderball - Great Bond girls, especially Fiona Volpe, wonderful scenery and I actually like the underwater action. It's also Connery's best performance in the role, and the dialogue and one-liners are top-notch. Perhaps a bit slow and languid, but highly entertaining nonetheless.
4) You Only Live Twice - the best musical score, Japan setting is amazing and the photography is beautiful. Tiger Tanaka is one of the more memorable side characters, and I love the climax in the volcano base. Some say Connery phones it in by I think he does a great job, and Pleasence's Blofeld gets more criticism than he deserves. He's a good villain.
3) The World is Not Enough - Excellent outing with some highly memorable characters, especially Elektra King. Brosnan's performance is nothing short of fantastic and it's great to see Valentin Zukovsky again in an expanded role. The action scenes are incredible, particularly the Thames boat chase.
2) Licence to Kill - One of my personal favorites. Pam Bouvier is the best Bond girl in the franchise by my measure, Robert Davi is phenomenal as Franz Sanchez, and I just love Q in this movie. Seeing him assist 007 in the field never fails to make me smile. The story is simple but gripping, and Dalton bring a fierceness to the role that can't be matched.
1) Moonraker - A fun roller-coaster ride of a movie, if you can stomach the camp which isn't a problem for me at all. Drax just might be my favorite Bond villain, the locations and sets are excellent, and the whole affair is just plain charming. I probably rewatch it more often than any other film is the series, the entertainment value is off the charts
6) Tomorrow Never Dies - fun, solid action-packed outing that is reminiscent of the Lewis Gilbert movies. Michelle Yeoh is great even if she lacks chemistry with Brosnan, I liked seeing Bond meeting an "old flame" which hadn't been done before, and the scene with Dr. Kaufman is unforgettable.
5) Thunderball - Great Bond girls, especially Fiona Volpe, wonderful scenery and I actually like the underwater action. It's also Connery's best performance in the role, and the dialogue and one-liners are top-notch. Perhaps a bit slow and languid, but highly entertaining nonetheless.
4) You Only Live Twice - the best musical score, Japan setting is amazing and the photography is beautiful. Tiger Tanaka is one of the more memorable side characters, and I love the climax in the volcano base. Some say Connery phones it in by I think he does a great job, and Pleasence's Blofeld gets more criticism than he deserves. He's a good villain.
3) The World is Not Enough - Excellent outing with some highly memorable characters, especially Elektra King. Brosnan's performance is nothing short of fantastic and it's great to see Valentin Zukovsky again in an expanded role. The action scenes are incredible, particularly the Thames boat chase.
2) Licence to Kill - One of my personal favorites. Pam Bouvier is the best Bond girl in the franchise by my measure, Robert Davi is phenomenal as Franz Sanchez, and I just love Q in this movie. Seeing him assist 007 in the field never fails to make me smile. The story is simple but gripping, and Dalton bring a fierceness to the role that can't be matched.
1) Moonraker - A fun roller-coaster ride of a movie, if you can stomach the camp which isn't a problem for me at all. Drax just might be my favorite Bond villain, the locations and sets are excellent, and the whole affair is just plain charming. I probably rewatch it more often than any other film is the series, the entertainment value is off the charts
{[]
I have personal issues with MR, but this post may help in me getting over them... -{
Comments
2 - The Man with the Golden Gun... another personal favourite and I just love the trimmed down simplicity of the film and the great villain of course.
3 - Tomorrow Never Dies - it's not the best Bond film, but it is a good watch.
4 - Licence to Kill... while it has gotten more and more love there is still a stigma against the film that leaves it a tad underrated in my opinion.
5 - The Living Daylights... again, isn't as underrated as 20 years ago, but still does tend to get overlooked. Which is a shame seeing as it is the best Bond film hands down in my opinion.
6 - The World is not Enough - one of the best portrayals of Bond and has one of the best moments. It's not terribly underrated, but I think it gets slightly lost in the shuffle.
And, don't I know you from a certain other forum...? ?:)
#1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
It's possible. I use this username in several areas, the only two forums that I"m as active as here in
The Living Daylights - receives positive reviews but didn't get the exposure of the others
License to Kill - i like this realistic literary take on Bond
Die Another Day - it's corny but it was a blast the whole way through. not top 10 material but not the worst either.
The World Is Not Enough - had a good story, lots of quality scenes and a different take on the villains
A View to a Kill - okay, this one wasn't so great, but it gets a little too much hate
AJB007 Favorite Film Rankings
Pros and Cons Compendium (50 Years)
What about TND and TWINE?
Licence to Kill (Among the general public anyway)
The Man with the Golden Gun
Tomorrow Never Dies
On her majesty's Secret Service
A View to a Kill
1) OHMSS (Just love this film and close to the book)
2) LTK (Some classic Fleming in this film. More realism than other films)
3) QOS (Has grown on me so much over the last few years. Love the PTS and the darker moments)
4) MR (For all it's faults, Roger still looks great and Jaws is back!)
5) TWINE (Despite Denise Richards and some flaws in the plot and script, I must admit to enjoy watching this every now and again)
Dr. No - Maybe because it was first, I think this is one of Connery's better performances. As far as Connery goes, his portrayal of Bond seems more closely aligned to the novel characterization of Bond than elsewhere.
On Her Majesty's Secret Service - While I think someone mentioned that OHMSS is ranking fairly high these days, it still seems to be one of the most overlooked Bond films by the rank-and-file. Visually, it is miles beyond the other Bond films of that era. Hunt does a masterful job directing an unknown Lazenby following on the heels of our beloved Connery.
Octopussy - I rewatched this last night and although Moore has one foot in the grave, dresses as a clown, drives cars that are typical 80s fare, Maud Adams (again), and a Faberge egg in a starring role, the film actually holds together quite well. I found myself quite entertained.
A View to a Kill - Over the top, but as others have mentioned...just so much fun! Walken saves the day in this one.
Thunderball - I'm perpetually at a loss as to why this film is disparaged so much. To me, it still has all of the elements that make DN, FRWL, and GF top Bond picks - Connery (as someone else put it) still cares, wonderful girls, exciting locales, and a believable villain.
5. FYEO
4. AVTAK
3. OP
2. TND
1. LTK
I'm going by non bond fan ratings, who talk about FRWL, GF and TSWLM.
#1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
2. The World Is Not Enough - Another film I feel is underrated. Definitely my second favourite Brosnan film after Goldeneye. Ok, Christmas Jones may've been a bit lame but I enjoyed Robert Carlyle as Renard and Zukovsky's second outing.
3. Octopussy - I agree the Tarzan swinging from the ropes is the worst thing in a Bond film, ever! But Octopussy is a great movie, great locations like India and Germany. Some decent scenes too.
4. Live & Let Die - I feel LALD doesn't seem to get the recognition it deserves.. great locations, memorable enemies (Mr. Big & Baron Samedi) and the best soundtrack of any Bond film, ever!
5. Moonraker - I love Moonraker... Once again, the locations, Jaws makes a second appearance, Ricky Gervais puts in a top performance as Hugo Drax
6. A View to a Kill - Roger Moore was getting on a bit but AVTAK is still a top film. MayDay is an iconic sidekick like Jaws, Oddjob. Christopher Walken puts in a top performance as Max Zorin as well.
Anyway, I realized I should search instead for "Most Underrated" Bond films to get a re-evaluation of the Moore era.
Great article on Forbes by Scott Mendelson:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2015/10/08/the-top-5-underrated-james-bond-films/#27fa292055b0
"Okay fine, the film has a climax where James Bond goes into space and shoots lasers at the bad guys, but that’s around 10-15 minutes of a 126 minute action picture. The preceding 105 minutes is a brutally efficient, well-paced, and surprisingly dark and violent 007 caper. Roger Moore is oddly grim this time around."
"but the notion that Denise Richards is unconvincing as a nuclear scientist because she looks like Denise Richards has always struck me as deeply sexist."
What Culture: 5 Most Underrated Bond Movies
http://whatculture.com/film/5-most-underrated-james-bond-movies?page=3
"It's James Bond vs. Francisca Scaramanga. No SPECTRE, no mad scientists, no gangs of drug dealers in the Caribbean. This movie's strength is its simplicity. The infamous 007 going one-on-one with the world's greatest assassin. The Man With the Golden Gun: Best Bond movie ever? No. An interesting and unique addition to the series? Definitely yes."
British Film Institute:
http://www.bfi.org.uk/news-opinion/news-bfi/lists/007-great-underrated-james-bond-films
I like their list, but their reasoning is not as strong as the Forbes article. They are still missing the point as to why some of these films are actually great.
1. GE 2. MR 3. OP 4. TMWTGG 5. TSWLM 6. TND 7. TWINE 8.DN 9. GF 10. AVTAK
TND - It's a very solid film with colourful characters, innovative action and awesome Bond music.
TWINE - Moody and atmospheric - a great mix of Fleming's Bond with the cinematic interpretation. One of the most intriguing stories os the series.
AVTAK - Apparently an example of creative bankruptcy, but I don't see it. Often gets discredited because of Moore's age, but it's not that distracting IMO.
FYEO - Strong script, suspenseful and exciting sequences and Bond finally up against the Russians. Very ambient!
DN - Often overlooked because of its smaller budget and being the first in the series but it's one of the best IMO. Tightly scripted and directed, featuring Connery's best performance as Bond, it definitely deserves as much recognition as FRWL and GF.
All the above are classic Bond in my opinion. Shame they get overlooked.
1. Moonraker- Easy to follow plot and excellent pacing. Darker story. Amazing special effects. Stunning locations, cinematography and Barry score. Hard to imagine why anyone would consider this the "worst" of the series.
2. Tomorrow Never Dies - After getting chewed out for being Bond for the majority of Goldeneye we finally get back to business as usual. Yup, it follows the Bond formula we have seen before in YOLT and TSWLM….. so?
3. AVTAK - Darker and more violent than pretty much all previous Bond films. Fleming-esque with Zorin's morbid WWII backstory. Follows the Bond formula but twists it at almost every opportunity. Overall, a near perfect mix of gadgets/wits and glamour/grit. Bond cooking dinner and then sleeping in a chair is one of my favorite bits in the series. People are still obviously confused by this film. One example: Bond drives a lame, crappy Ford car! Well, that's what a realistic spy would do to blend in!
4. QoS - Fast paced and interesting. Craig delivers the closest portrayal of Fleming's Bond yet. Not sure why this was so quickly regarded as the new "worst ever" aside from the Bourne Identity vibe. I'd much rather watch this over the highly regarded, but overlong, Casino Royale.
5. TMWTGG - Quirky and strange. One of the best villains and iconic golden gun (N64 anyone?) A dashing Roger Moore at his most ruthless and cold. Classic lunch scene with Bond and Scaramanga discussing killing and nature of their occupations.
6. TWINE - Even on lists of "underrated" Bond films this one is still considered a turkey. I've heard fans say the pacing is slightly weird. I've heard it called a soap opera. I've heard Denise Richards does not make a believable nuclear physicist. Hmmmm…okay so is there anything actually wrong with this movie?
Honorable Mention: NSNA - More fun than the clunky and boring Thunderball! Plus, at least they bothered to explain why Bond was at the health clinic.
I don't feel compelled to list OP or LTK because they seem fairly well regarded…at least here on AJB. B-)
This is also a great piece on underrated 007: http://flickminute.com/most-underrated-james-bond-007-movies/
Aside from MR and OP being on top, I mainly like his opening statement: "A few years ago, as well as now, the internet was populated with blogs on the best to worst James Bond movies. All 23 of them. One major magazine which I’ll leave nameless included critical summaries on all of them, but once you got past #9, the critic started dumping insults on each title. Over the years, many critics have bashed half the titles, and some of them have unfairly received a bad rap. What’s the point of saying you love Bond if you’re going to trash half the titles?"
1. GE 2. MR 3. OP 4. TMWTGG 5. TSWLM 6. TND 7. TWINE 8.DN 9. GF 10. AVTAK
Some may be surprised to see OP there, but there are some who just write it off because it's Roger Moore. IMO, the run of FYEO-OP-AVTAK-TLD is some of the most solid and tight Bonds that exits. They're not perfect, but they're very well written, acted and made.
"Better make that two."
I believe the 80s are the best decade of Bond behind the 60s and 90s.
Of favourites ) but I love the realistic take of CR and the over the top Silliness of DAD
1. 60s
2. 90s
3. 80s
4. 70s
5. 10s (Despite liking SF more than all of the 70s films, it's brought down by SP)
6. 00s
I've noticed OP gets written off due to Bond wearing a clown costume. It does sound bad on paper, but if you actually bother to watch the film it's a tense, nail-biting scene. Funny, I've never heard any fans complain about 009 also wearing one.
1. GE 2. MR 3. OP 4. TMWTGG 5. TSWLM 6. TND 7. TWINE 8.DN 9. GF 10. AVTAK
I agree! It's on my list.
TMWTGG
MR
FYEO
OP
AVATK
TWINE
5. Tomorrow Never Dies - The first hour of this film is phenomenal. Brosnan at his best, the Hamburg setting with inventive car chase and news print scene really setting up a great Bond film. Jonathan Pryce is the last good, world domination villains the series had - any good villain after him weren't your classic villain (Le Chiffre and Silva). It didn't change the world, but TND sure is a lot of fun.
4. Moonraker - Stupid, bombastic and loud, MR is still somehow one of the most enjoyable Bond films, with a fast pace, gorgeous locations, a sinister villain, and the best special effects in any Bind film. There's something so 70s about this entry, and whilst the idea of sending Bond to space should have got someone fired, it somehow provides a unique and refreshing setting for Bond, whilst doing what Moore's films did best - adapting to the times, with each of his entries providing a fascinating insight into trends of the times.
3. Octopussy - Seen by some as a return to a silly Bond like MR, OP is far from that; a complicated story about jewellery smuggling, an Afghan prince, a maniacal communist and a circus troupe led by a mysterious woman, OP is really unique among the Bond films. There's something so mysterious about a circus involved in a spy plot, whilst the setting and references to the Berlin divide really give this film a Cold War feel, something the Bond films wouldn't have again until TLD.
2. Licence to Kill - Overlooked by the casual fan, and Dalton often gets mocked for doing two of the blandest Bond films, LTK proves Dalton was anything from bland. A real turn from Glen's previous entries, LTK embraces everything about an 80s action film; drugs, a drug lord, massive explosions and outrageous stunts, whilst still be kept on earth in reality. Although a simple revenge story, there's something so satisfying about seeing Snachez getting burnt to death, whilst Dario's death proves to be the bloodiest since the skiing henchman in OHMSS.
1. A View to a Kill - A re telling of Goldfinger, updated for the 80s with Christopher Walken and Grace Jones as villains, as well as the awesome opening song by Duran Duran, as well as a 57 year old Bond. What's not to love? With Barry's best soundtrack that really embraces both the French (traditional and peaceful) and the American (big and loud) settings of the film, AVTAK is an enjoyable film, that has everything that makes Bind great - great villains, the best Bond, a great soundtrack and overall a feel of not taking itself seriously, and IMO the best way Moore could have left the franchise.
#1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
#1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
5) Thunderball - Great Bond girls, especially Fiona Volpe, wonderful scenery and I actually like the underwater action. It's also Connery's best performance in the role, and the dialogue and one-liners are top-notch. Perhaps a bit slow and languid, but highly entertaining nonetheless.
4) You Only Live Twice - the best musical score, Japan setting is amazing and the photography is beautiful. Tiger Tanaka is one of the more memorable side characters, and I love the climax in the volcano base. Some say Connery phones it in by I think he does a great job, and Pleasence's Blofeld gets more criticism than he deserves. He's a good villain.
3) The World is Not Enough - Excellent outing with some highly memorable characters, especially Elektra King. Brosnan's performance is nothing short of fantastic and it's great to see Valentin Zukovsky again in an expanded role. The action scenes are incredible, particularly the Thames boat chase.
2) Licence to Kill - One of my personal favorites. Pam Bouvier is the best Bond girl in the franchise by my measure, Robert Davi is phenomenal as Franz Sanchez, and I just love Q in this movie. Seeing him assist 007 in the field never fails to make me smile. The story is simple but gripping, and Dalton bring a fierceness to the role that can't be matched.
1) Moonraker - A fun roller-coaster ride of a movie, if you can stomach the camp which isn't a problem for me at all. Drax just might be my favorite Bond villain, the locations and sets are excellent, and the whole affair is just plain charming. I probably rewatch it more often than any other film is the series, the entertainment value is off the charts
Bond: Pierce Brosnan Villain: Hugo Drax Girl: Pam Bouvier
I have personal issues with MR, but this post may help in me getting over them... -{
#1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
1. GE 2. MR 3. OP 4. TMWTGG 5. TSWLM 6. TND 7. TWINE 8.DN 9. GF 10. AVTAK