For all the flak Roger gets about being too old in AVTAK, I have to say he looks in better shape than FYEO and OP.
There are 5 main things that prevent AVTAK from being a near-perfect Bond film:
1. California Girls.
2. Poor stunt doubling in Paris
3. The goofy warehouse fight and awful track-suit.
4. Meeting with Pola Ivanova is near pointless. Could have easily been cut.
5. The firetruck chase is very poor. (Turns out Stacy is an awesome driver though)
The rest of the film is pretty amazing though. I am still puzzled how it got a reputation for being THE worst Bond film.
I agree. I think he looks really fit in AVTAK - slim and suave. The only scene where he looks quite old is when he's driving behind Stacey in the sun.
Your list of AVTAK cons is about right too. I also find the finale drags slightly in the mine - but it's still well done and ends very well (Mayday/Bond teaming up).
Introduced another friend to Bond today. Just finished Dr. No. He enjoyed it and gave it an 8. Sooner rather than later we'll watch the rest of the films. Lol I'm on a roll.
-{
I have decided to watch the films in random order, decided by an app I have on the phone that will pick one film a day.
Dr. No Flawless. The way I see it, this one and Goldfinger are the films that defined James Bond for all time. I loved it even more than the first time and that's saying something.
Where to start with the praise...I educated myself a bit about Ken Adam and he was a genius that helped to form the identity of the Bond films. No wonder I found FRWL rather lackluster in comparison to Connery's other five movies. Ursula. I admit I knew about her but not that much, she is of course most famous in Switzerland and an icon. Her Honey Ryder and Sylvia Trench are my dream team of Bond girls. It can't get much better than this. Dr. No is one of my favorite villains, with little screen time and appearing late in the film, he still is the best in the Connery era. Not the most memorable or the most fun to watch, but the best.
On Her Majesty's Secret Service
Well a big thank you to the app on my phone ha ha...after DN I get to see OHMSS, what a double feature. OHMSS is what I'd call the perfection and ultimately the high point in the 60s Bond era. I love George Lazenby and when I learned in the documentary that he wasn't even an actor I couldn't believe it. He is so perfect physically, I love his humor and he is so truly made for Diana Rigg too.
The extensive skiing scenes and bobsleigh action works because of Lazenby who clearly looks like a winter sports athlete that has skiing in his blood. I won't even contemplate the possibility of Connery on skis. The score is probably my favorite of all the films too. I was mesmerized the first time around and the second time I hugely enjoyed hearing all of it again.
OHMSS has the best ending of all the Bond films. I remember my shock and disbelief when I saw it last Spring. A bunch of tough para-scouts were sitting in front of the screen and the tears were rolling down. Again, Lazenby is simply perfect in that scene. I will never forget it and it has become my favorite film of all time besides The Sound Of Music.
Casino Royale
Well, ha ha...thank you again dear app on my phone. So it happens I watch my three favorite Bond movies in a row. How cool is that. Eva Green which I didn't know at all has become my obsession. I must have gazed at pictures and footage of her for days. On the wall above my army bed I put a poster of her. She was the last thing I saw before closing my eyes and the first thing in the morning plus feeling my m.....g w..d ha ha....
Seriously, she is the life and center of the film. But even before she takes over, CR is the best film of the newer times. It combines the old with the new perfectly and I am not at all surprised that this film was made by the same director that has put Brosnan on the map in GoldenEye.
The score is probably my second favorite after OHMSS. The title track You Know My Name clearly is my favorite theme song. I dare to say, David Arnold is the closest we will ever get again to the greatness that was John Barry.
The cast is stellar, Felix, LeChiffre, Mathis, all of them are simply brilliant.
Dare I say it, much potential was wasted after CR. QOS is an abomination compared to CR and without SF saving the day, this still ongoing era clearly would be my least favorite overall.
To watch CR after DN and OHMSS was so enjoyable. The flawless trio.
Thus, my ranking so far:
1. OHMSS
2. DN
3. CR
That already establishes the Top 3 of my complete Bond ranking. I could write an essay for each of those films, a long essay. Maybe some day I will because I love writing about stuff that interest me, I'm much better in my first language German though. I'm still learning English, I only started in 2016 and hadn't much opportunity to widen my knowledge about this language this year.
"It's always a pleasure to welcome someone with a mutual interest."
Eva Green which I didn't know at all has become my obsession. I must have gazed at pictures and footage of her for days. On the wall above my army bed I put a poster of her. She was the last thing I saw before closing my eyes and the first thing in the morning plus feeling my m.....g w..d ha ha....
You Only Live Twice
Oh what a pleasure it was to see this movie a second time. Again it's Ken Adam's breathtaking work that makes me a huge fan of his and the Bond films he worked on.
The title song is stunningly beautiful and as a big fan of 60s music I adore it. Interestingly enough I didn't know the song before seeing the film, even if I own songs of Nancy.
And the score, what a pivotal element to make these films eternal classics. John Barry, one of the architects of the lasting success of Bond I would presume.
The film feels slightly different to what came before, it's fantastic, filled with sci-fi and adventurous. Aki, oh how I love her, with watery eyes I saw her die again. Tiger Tanaka. Must be my favorite character now in the Bond universe outside of the usual recurring characters.
I love this film. It makes me want to visit Japan. The end-battle is out of this world crazy cool, exciting and gripping. YOLT doesn't only live twice, it's immortal.
Thunderball
And again my silly random app choses a Connery film. Ha ha...!
Oh the pleasure. The 60s really produced wonderful Bond films. Domino is so sweet and sexy and Fiona....ha..ha....she can cage me if she wants to
"she's just dead" - the witty one liners are to die for !
The story is great, good characters and I love the Nassau sequences. And again I get a feeling this could have been done by Hitchcock, somehow I see Cary Grant moving through the scenes. That makes me wonder if Hitchcock ever was considered directing a Bond. The achievement of the underwater scenes is big. At points they are a bit confusing I think, but overall it's incredible what they did.
And the score, well it's Barry isn't it. It's a guarantee for quality and a timeless quality.
I'm fascinated by the title sequences, they are so unique and I love this one especially. Tom Jones's song is powerful and I think the producers chose wisely back then, always.
The Man With The Golden Gun
Here comes another favorite. The best villain in the series of films. Maybe in the book too?
Christopher Lee commands the screen. Like, totally. Roger Moore looks young and I like that. He's again, so different to Lazenby and Connery and that's why it works so well I think. Roger Moore has created a definite Bond, a variation of it. I wouldn't even say he reinvented the role as the films at least up to this one could well have been made with Connery I think. Brit Ekland is wet dream material. I like her to bits. Dumb? I don't think so. She's clumsy yes, but maybe the Bond girl with the best intentions to help James and she has a good heart. That makes me want more than just do her. I could love her.
The reason this movie is one of my favorites is the unique atmosphere and sets. The island is exotic and the house inside is pure fantasy and mysterious.
The colors used in many scenes, especially in the fun-house add to the fantastic visuality of the film.
The music is great too. Love the title song and love the score with the seemingly never ending theme used as many variations.
The humor is very good as well. While this film is actually quite brutal, there is a lot to smile at, and laughter is guaranteed. J.W. Pepper helping out James is giving me fits of laughter. Nick Nack must be the strangest character of all the films and I love it.
Thus, my ranking so far:
1. OHMSS
2. DN
3. CR 4. YOLT
5. TMWTGG
6. TB
My Bond-athon is in a random order, but I already got five films of my Top 10, at least I'm relatively certain the top 5 above will stay within the top 10. We'll see.
Oh and this is really fun!
"It's always a pleasure to welcome someone with a mutual interest."
superadoRegent's Park West (CaliforniaPosts: 2,656MI6 Agent
I watched OHMSS a few days ago (naturally!) with my niece's husband present, who abruptly exclaimed, "It's so Austin Powers!" )
"...the purposeful slant of his striding figure looked dangerous, as if he was making quickly for something bad that was happening further down the street." -SMERSH on 007 dossier photo, Ch. 6 FRWL.....
Casino Royale '54, it's the Climax! TV-series before Bond was a mainstream film icon. I thought it was better than I expected. Yes, it was quite clunky some times. Valery Mathis was the worst part in the film. A American Bond is weird, but I got used to it quite quickly (but please never let it happen again). Calerence Leiter was OK, the part where he explains Bond his mission isn't very convinsing. When someone walks by he just seems to shout some random bacarrat words but for the rest he's fine. Le Chiffre was quite good actually, a bit creepy. He has such a slow voice and speaks on a unnatural way, but it makes him interesting and I thinks that's a good thing. I just asks myself what he dit with Bond in that bathtub. Did he just cut Bonds toes of something?
Don't confuse me with the other DutchBondFan, but be sure to follow his YouTube account. You can read my articles on James Bond Nederland: www.jamesbond.nl/author/gosse/
He pulled out his toenails with pliers- nasty enough, but there was no way TV at the time would have let him thump Bond's balls with a carpet beater.
Peter Lorre was an excellent choice for the first Bond villain, and got a mention in the novel of "Moonraker".
Just got back to my hotel from dinner out and saw CR starting on itv2, haven’t seen it a while so might have a nice Christmas Eve watch (unfortunately with the ad breaks).
...ahh I love the score during the free running scene! One of my favourites from the soundtrack
Christmas day, it has to be OHMSS for me. Is it the finest in the series so far? Possibly, and if not the best very very close to it. Happy Christmas to all
Of that of which we cannot speak we must pass over in silence- Ludwig Wittgenstein.
Casino Royale '54... Le Chiffre was quite good actually, a bit creepy. He has such a slow voice and speaks on a unnatural way, but it makes him interesting and I thinks that's a good thing. ...
do you not know Peter Lorre? brilliant character actor, most active in the 1940s, usually the bad guy
and one of the most impersonated voices of all the classic Hollywood actors
if you've never seen him before you really need to watch the Maltese Falcon with Humphrey Bogart
Bogart and Lorre did lots of movies together
whatever other pros & cons that 1954 Casino Royale might have, Peter Lorre set the bar very high as the original Bond villain
and Orson Welles played Le Chiffre in the 1967 version!
My Top 5 is: OHMSS, DN, CR, GF, YOLT. And TSWLM I have at 6. It's very difficult for me not to move The Spy up in my ranking. It's that good, it's almost ridiculous how much I enjoyed watching it.
I love Connery just too much to put YOLT one place down but I'll try to think about it a little bit more. Roger Moore is at the height of his tenure in TSWLM if you ask me. While I may prefer his overall performance in TMWTGG he still surpasses himself in the following film because he kind of re-invents his Bond and adapts it perfectly to a new era of films.
It's quite astonishing how he moves through this film, starting on skis in Austria. When I saw the skiing scene the first time I was in awe, of the action and the score. It's not Barry, but maybe that's even good in this instance. Bond 77 has just become one of my favorite themes. It kicks in every so often throughout the film, what a joy. Bond going over the cliff and the parachute opens and is a Union Jack. Seriously people, I was standing there with my jaw on the floor and clapped my hands.
If that is not the most awesome stunt. I'm a para-scout so I know a thing or two about parachuting.
The entire Egypt segment of The Spy is mesmerizing and so full of atmosphere, the colors used in the Pyramid scenes, combined with the score. Barbara Bach is so beautiful, sweet and hot as hell at the same time. THAT dress and how she handles Bond, she's rivaling Tiffany to be my favorite Bond girl.
But if that wasn't enough we got Naomi in Sardinia and the receptionist in the hotel who gave me a hard time to concentrate on the plot.
Moore on skis, in the desert and then on a Mediterranean island. What contrast and how well it works in favor of the film. The Lotus is the coolest car ever. The car chase goes on endlessly and I'm oh so grateful for it. In the end James throws a fish out of the car's window and I am thinking what geniuses all of the crew of TheSpy must have been. What an achievement this film is!
Ken Adam is his usual greatness. The Liparus is epic. Bond spends an incredible amount of time in his navy uniform. Roger Moore looks so good in it and he's wearing it best of all the Bond actors.
The fight in the submarine dock is epic as well. And when every other film would be grateful to get only half of such a breathtaking finale TheSpy goes on and Bond saves Anya and finally gets rid off Jaws. Stromberg dies a brutal death and his Atlantis goes down with a bang.
Oh yes and Jaws, he has bite! It's one of the many wonders of this series that he returned in the next film and he proves that he is indestructible. And immortal, because he must be the henchman of all henchmen, like ever.
The little things count. The seemingly never ending supply of recurring characters and actors in the series is such a delight. Geoffrey Keen, Shane Rimmer, the future M Robert Brown or the guy with the bottle. It's something I discovered early on when watching all the films in random order. I just love this.
TSWLM represents a time, when real stunts and well made miniature work were elevating the films to something worthwhile. I'm quite disappointed that recently CGI and fake stunts seem to have replaced the originality the Bond films once had.
Carly Simon is one of the view artists I have known before discovering the Bond films. Her Nobody Does It Better is sirupy maybe but it's so perfect for the movie and Carly has the most beautiful voice. I never knew that her song was a theme in a film. Imagine my surprise when I saw TSWLM the first time in Spring 2017.
Maurice Binder is one of the people I haven't mentioned yet in any of my mini-reviews. He has put his stamp on Bond in a way that is most impressive. TSWLM is my favorite title sequence of his. I love the red and blue coloring, the silhouettes, the naked women. The woman doing gymnastics on the gun-barrell...priceless and ingenious.
TheSpy also has the perfect ending. Keeping the British end up, sir. And then that wonderful variation on the Bond song kicks in.
Seldom been so exhilarated after watching a Bond film!
That all sounds like it's my favorite Bond film. Well yes, sort of! Trouble is, there are about five films that are even a better experience for me. Imagine that.
With a heavy heart, almost, I declare my ranking thus far:
Thunderball. I love watching Bond films this time of year. There's something so relaxing and kind of exciting about a Bond film around holiday season, and Thunderball is one of my favourites. The setting and pace of the film lend it a holiday type of movie feel so that's why I decided to chuck this one on. Always been one of my favourites. Funny though it seems to have a slipped a lot in the eyes of many. Maybe this is the most reappraised Bond film in terms of it once being lauded by most as a classic and now seems to have lost some of it's standing? Still it's a blast in my eyes -{
THIS POST KINDA GOT MESSED UP LAST NIGHT AND CAME OUT WEIRD, SORRY
Anyway... this was it
GOLDFINGER!- I am so sorry, this has become a super long review/blatant praise for the movie
Damn, I love this film so, so much. To me, it is the firm establishment of the so-called "formula" for the Bond films. It has the larger-than-life villain in Goldfinger himself supported by a henchman with an iconic gimmick in Oddjob and his hat, it has the girls in Pussy Galore, Jill Masterson, and her sister Tilly (though Tilly and Bond never quite "get it on", for lack of better word, I consider her a Bond Girl because of her significance towards the plot), and of course, we have Bond himself! Not to mention the AMAZING Aston Martin DB5.
Let me start with the titular character. Goldfinger is the PERFECT Bond villain. He's just everything one could ask for. C'mon, if you don't think the part at Fort Knox when the US soldiers arrive and Goldfinger is the first to run away and take off his jacket to show the military uniform is so characteristic of him and quite hilarious, then please help me clarify his character, but I love that moment for one. His plan is notoriously evil, making the ENTIRE gold supply of the US radioactive to increase his riches. It's not quite world domination, but it makes perfect sense for the character. Goldfinger would do anything for his gold and that is most certainly what he does. And it is just done so well. Gert Frobe, and the voice of Michael Collins, are stunning and they really make the character who he is. The whole presentation he gives to his investors before killing them show just how much pride the man has. A pointless expository demonstration complete with a model! And when Bond says he liked the presentation, Goldfinger's reaction is perfect. AND THE LASER SCENE. It's iconic and for good reason. As over the top as the ways villains attempt to kill Bond are, this one is both characteristic and brilliant. Connery sells it perfectly and the whole scene is so well done. "No Mr. Bond, I expect you to die!". Classic. I love Goldfinger. He is the GOLD (sorry, I had to do it) standard for the Bond villain! I'm gonna add a little about Oddjob here, too. He's amazing. A perfect example of the blindly loyal henchman who is just entertaining to watch!!
The girls. Being a female myself, I might see this aspect of any Bond film somewhat differently from how a man would see it, but I do love the female characters in Goldfinger. They are stunningly beautiful, but Pussy Galore and even Tilly Masterson show a fierce, strong side, which I enjoy very much. I'm not that adamant on Bond girls having to be strong all of the time (I love Jill and she isn't exactly the strongest), but it's always nice to see a Bond girl who knows what she's doing. Pussy Galore has always been a favorite of mine as well. And, of course, she is won over by Bond in the end, but that doesn't really change her strong nature. However, it does confuse me a tad bit that I know in the books (I haven't read Goldfinger, but I plan on it) Pussy is lesbian and I'm not sure whether Bond quite "wins her over" there. Nothing is explicitly stated in the film, but I do wonder what the filmmakers had in mind. Anyway, Pussy Galore is most definitely an iconic character, even in the name itself! Jill Masterson is also iconic. The gold paint is an unforgettable image and along with the score that plays as you see Jill's body, I get chills even on multiple viewings!
And here I go about the Aston Martin. What a car. It's an incredibly stunning car and the gadgets just make it even better! The chase scene is fun and exciting while laying the groundwork for the future cars and gadgets in the series! I would go on, but this "review" is long enough already and I know it's just gonna be longer when I start talking about Connery.
I'm going to start this section of my praise of this film by stating what I will basically be saying for the remainder of the paragraph: SEAN CONNERY IS PERFECT. I do believe that this film is the peak of his performance as Bond and he does everything so well. He's suave, charming, and everything you look for in James Bond. He does brilliantly in every scene and he is most certainly what makes this movie so great. Yes, every part of this movie is well done to me, but in my eyes Bond himself is what holds the movie together. And Connery does that perfectly. You just find yourself rooting for him. Certain aspects of this film can be seen as ridiculous, I'm looking at you laser scene, but Connery sells it wonderfully. I don't know how many times I'm gonna say this, but he just IS James Bond. I manage to get the same giddiness from his performance each time because no matter how many times you see the film, Connery remains just as likable. From his first appearance when he swims out of the water with a pigeon on his head to his last line ("This is no time to be rescued"), Connery is a scene stealer and, again, he is what makes the film for me. I tend to rank the Connery films higher on my preferences because if you can't already tell he's my favorite Bond, but this film really highlights just how good he is.
Overall, I think Goldfinger is amazing. I really could go on forever with this. I saw the film for the umpteenth time with my brother today (who I am finally introducing to the entirety of this series as he has only seen Skyfall and SPECTRE) and I get the same enjoyment I got when I first watched it. My brother stated it was his favorite of the first three Connery films we watched and this is my second favorite in the entire series (JUST behind FRWL!). This is the Bond to be in my eyes. It is outstanding and such a fun watch. Whenever I sit down on some Sunday afternoon to just watch a Bond film, my mind immediately goes to Goldfinger. I do believe that if you were to show someone ONE Bond film to define the series or even just to enjoy, it would be this one, hands down.
From here, I would go on to say my top five or ten Bond films, but I'm so indecisive I can never settle on a solid list! My top two often swap, but I can say my top three are From Russia With Love, Goldfinger, and Dr. No
I would say "Bond, James Bond", but that is not my name and I can't even try to pull it off with my own name
Silhouette ManThe last refuge of a scoundrelPosts: 8,844MI6 Agent
edited December 2017
Bad joke.
"The tough man of the world. The Secret Agent. The man who was only a silhouette." - Ian Fleming, Moonraker (1955).
THIS POST KINDA GOT MESSED UP LAST NIGHT AND CAME OUT WEIRD, SORRY
Anyway... this was it
GOLDFINGER!- I am so sorry, this has become a super long review/blatant praise for the movie
Damn, I love this film so, so much. To me, it is the firm establishment of the so-called "formula" for the Bond films. It has the larger-than-life villain in Goldfinger himself supported by a henchman with an iconic gimmick in Oddjob and his hat, it has the girls in Pussy Galore, Jill Masterson, and her sister Tilly (though Tilly and Bond never quite "get it on", for lack of better word, I consider her a Bond Girl because of her significance towards the plot), and of course, we have Bond himself! Not to mention the AMAZING Aston Martin DB5.
Let me start with the titular character. Goldfinger is the PERFECT Bond villain. He's just everything one could ask for. C'mon, if you don't think the part at Fort Knox when the US soldiers arrive and Goldfinger is the first to run away and take off his jacket to show the military uniform is so characteristic of him and quite hilarious, then please help me clarify his character, but I love that moment for one. His plan is notoriously evil, making the ENTIRE gold supply of the US radioactive to increase his riches. It's not quite world domination, but it makes perfect sense for the character. Goldfinger would do anything for his gold and that is most certainly what he does. And it is just done so well. Gert Frobe, and the voice of Michael Collins, are stunning and they really make the character who he is. The whole presentation he gives to his investors before killing them show just how much pride the man has. A pointless expository demonstration complete with a model! And when Bond says he liked the presentation, Goldfinger's reaction is perfect. AND THE LASER SCENE. It's iconic and for good reason. As over the top as the ways villains attempt to kill Bond are, this one is both characteristic and brilliant. Connery sells it perfectly and the whole scene is so well done. "No Mr. Bond, I expect you to die!". Classic. I love Goldfinger. He is the GOLD (sorry, I had to do it) standard for the Bond villain! I'm gonna add a little about Oddjob here, too. He's amazing. A perfect example of the blindly loyal henchman who is just entertaining to watch!!
The girls. Being a female myself, I might see this aspect of any Bond film somewhat differently from how a man would see it, but I do love the female characters in Goldfinger. They are stunningly beautiful, but Pussy Galore and even Tilly Masterson show a fierce, strong side, which I enjoy very much. I'm not that adamant on Bond girls having to be strong all of the time (I love Jill and she isn't exactly the strongest), but it's always nice to see a Bond girl who knows what she's doing. Pussy Galore has always been a favorite of mine as well. And, of course, she is won over by Bond in the end, but that doesn't really change her strong nature. However, it does confuse me a tad bit that I know in the books (I haven't read Goldfinger, but I plan on it) Pussy is lesbian and I'm not sure whether Bond quite "wins her over" there. Nothing is explicitly stated in the film, but I do wonder what the filmmakers had in mind. Anyway, Pussy Galore is most definitely an iconic character, even in the name itself! Jill Masterson is also iconic. The gold paint is an unforgettable image and along with the score that plays as you see Jill's body, I get chills even on multiple viewings!
And here I go about the Aston Martin. What a car. It's an incredibly stunning car and the gadgets just make it even better! The chase scene is fun and exciting while laying the groundwork for the future cars and gadgets in the series! I would go on, but this "review" is long enough already and I know it's just gonna be longer when I start talking about Connery.
I'm going to start this section of my praise of this film by stating what I will basically be saying for the remainder of the paragraph: SEAN CONNERY IS PERFECT. I do believe that this film is the peak of his performance as Bond and he does everything so well. He's suave, charming, and everything you look for in James Bond. He does brilliantly in every scene and he is most certainly what makes this movie so great. Yes, every part of this movie is well done to me, but in my eyes Bond himself is what holds the movie together. And Connery does that perfectly. You just find yourself rooting for him. Certain aspects of this film can be seen as ridiculous, I'm looking at you laser scene, but Connery sells it wonderfully. I don't know how many times I'm gonna say this, but he just IS James Bond. I manage to get the same giddiness from his performance each time because no matter how many times you see the film, Connery remains just as likable. From his first appearance when he swims out of the water with a pigeon on his head to his last line ("This is no time to be rescued"), Connery is a scene stealer and, again, he is what makes the film for me. I tend to rank the Connery films higher on my preferences because if you can't already tell he's my favorite Bond, but this film really highlights just how good he is.
Overall, I think Goldfinger is amazing. I really could go on forever with this. I saw the film for the umpteenth time with my brother today (who I am finally introducing to the entirety of this series as he has only seen Skyfall and SPECTRE) and I get the same enjoyment I got when I first watched it. My brother stated it was his favorite of the first three Connery films we watched and this is my second favorite in the entire series (JUST behind FRWL!). This is the Bond to be in my eyes. It is outstanding and such a fun watch. Whenever I sit down on some Sunday afternoon to just watch a Bond film, my mind immediately goes to Goldfinger. I do believe that if you were to show someone ONE Bond film to define the series or even just to enjoy, it would be this one, hands down.
From here, I would go on to say my top five or ten Bond films, but I'm so indecisive I can never settle on a solid list! My top two often swap, but I can say my top three are From Russia With Love, Goldfinger, and Dr. No
Welcome to the forum anotherbondfan. It's good to see some love for Goldfinger, which despite being one of the best is also curiously underrated among fans.
Pussy Galore was a Texan in the book I believe, but in the film she's a snooty British librarian type as played by Honor Blackman. And none the worse for that, as it seems that American Bond gals, be they Jinx, Tiffany Case or Stacey Sutton, get a raw deal from fans.
Spectre.
UK TV premiere last night, not that that means what it used to.
I really enjoy this Bond film. I love the soundtrack, the cinematography, Craig looks good and the Bond gal is sexy. Love the locations too.
Guess I can nitpick, but not much. The point is, when the film charms me, I don't care to. For me, it's the opposite of Skyfall, which I know others love, but I hated it. Every scene in that irks me.
The scene in the railway car seems tailored to mirror the scene with Vesper in CR. The actress's voice suddenly sounds like Vesper's in one line, then Craig says 'We can't have that can we,' dialogue he uses against Le Chiffre.
The villain's assistant resembles Max Largo when we first see him in NSNA. The car pulling up to the Roman villa at night resembles the car arriving with Lisl in FYEO. There are lots of charming echoes of past moments. I enjoy the villain reveal in the film, while admitting it creates a headache for the series as a whole.
And Craig looks good in this one, at last, and his gunbarrel is at the front and looks great, not before time either.
The scene in the railway car seems tailored to mirror the scene with Vesper in CR. The actress's voice suddenly sounds like Vesper's in one line, then Craig says 'We can't have that can we,' dialogue he uses against Le Chiffre.
this is a good point.
The other connections you mention are of a type that run all through this film (and the last three or four), visual homages to the classics, easter eggs for us nerds.
But I didn't notice SPECTRE making such clever references to the previous Craig films, instead any connection is explicit within the narrative.
But I think you may be right, this scene is meant to invoke the first meeting with Vesper.
The previous scene in the film (the hotel in Tangiers) showed Bond discovering Vespers interrogation tape, then deciding not to look at it, his body language suggests he is ready to move on.
Now he is on another train, with another woman, just like the time he first met Vesper (and again they struggle to conversate, to find out who the other really is), and by the end of the film he is ready to quit the Service and live happily ever after with his new ladyfriend.
Another very oblique reference is the use of the Harvey Weinstein lookalike to play the thug, surely a nod to scenes in QoS depicting the harassment of women. Not that Weinstein has anything in common with SP's thick-set thug, who ruthlessly eliminates business competitors, gets hold of an attractive young woman and takes her for a ride, and winds up getting yanked off in a train.
On a different note, I really liked the dialogue in Spectre. It seemed a lot funnier, smarter and more natural than in most other Bond films, and certainly all of Craig's so far. I hope they get the writer responsible back on board - I seem to recall there was an unsung writer (not Wade or Purvis) involved this time round, much like Johanna Harwood was in Dr No.
On a different note, I really liked the dialogue in Spectre. It seemed a lot funnier, smarter and more natural than in most other Bond films, and certainly all of Craig's so far. I hope they get the writer responsible back on board - I seem to recall there was an unsung writer (not Wade or Purvis) involved this time round, much like Johanna Harwood was in Dr No.
I felt the same, watched it on TV. I found more to enjoy in it this time, the narrative still stinks, and the Bond -Madeleine relationship has zero chemistry blah blah blah...but I liked Daniel's performance and felt the touches of humour (apart from the Car chase) were well judged. What I really liked was some of the dialogue.
Of that of which we cannot speak we must pass over in silence- Ludwig Wittgenstein.
Comments
I agree. I think he looks really fit in AVTAK - slim and suave. The only scene where he looks quite old is when he's driving behind Stacey in the sun.
Your list of AVTAK cons is about right too. I also find the finale drags slightly in the mine - but it's still well done and ends very well (Mayday/Bond teaming up).
"And I thought that creep loved me!"
"Better make that two."
-{
Dr. No
Flawless. The way I see it, this one and Goldfinger are the films that defined James Bond for all time. I loved it even more than the first time and that's saying something.
Where to start with the praise...I educated myself a bit about Ken Adam and he was a genius that helped to form the identity of the Bond films. No wonder I found FRWL rather lackluster in comparison to Connery's other five movies.
Ursula. I admit I knew about her but not that much, she is of course most famous in Switzerland and an icon. Her Honey Ryder and Sylvia Trench are my dream team of Bond girls. It can't get much better than this. Dr. No is one of my favorite villains, with little screen time and appearing late in the film, he still is the best in the Connery era. Not the most memorable or the most fun to watch, but the best.
On Her Majesty's Secret Service
Well a big thank you to the app on my phone ha ha...after DN I get to see OHMSS, what a double feature.
OHMSS is what I'd call the perfection and ultimately the high point in the 60s Bond era. I love George Lazenby and when I learned in the documentary that he wasn't even an actor I couldn't believe it. He is so perfect physically, I love his humor and he is so truly made for Diana Rigg too.
The extensive skiing scenes and bobsleigh action works because of Lazenby who clearly looks like a winter sports athlete that has skiing in his blood. I won't even contemplate the possibility of Connery on skis.
The score is probably my favorite of all the films too. I was mesmerized the first time around and the second time I hugely enjoyed hearing all of it again.
OHMSS has the best ending of all the Bond films. I remember my shock and disbelief when I saw it last Spring. A bunch of tough para-scouts were sitting in front of the screen and the tears were rolling down. Again, Lazenby is simply perfect in that scene. I will never forget it and it has become my favorite film of all time besides The Sound Of Music.
Casino Royale
Well, ha ha...thank you again dear app on my phone. So it happens I watch my three favorite Bond movies in a row. How cool is that.
Eva Green which I didn't know at all has become my obsession. I must have gazed at pictures and footage of her for days. On the wall above my army bed I put a poster of her. She was the last thing I saw before closing my eyes and the first thing in the morning plus feeling my m.....g w..d ha ha....
Seriously, she is the life and center of the film. But even before she takes over, CR is the best film of the newer times. It combines the old with the new perfectly and I am not at all surprised that this film was made by the same director that has put Brosnan on the map in GoldenEye.
The score is probably my second favorite after OHMSS. The title track You Know My Name clearly is my favorite theme song. I dare to say, David Arnold is the closest we will ever get again to the greatness that was John Barry.
The cast is stellar, Felix, LeChiffre, Mathis, all of them are simply brilliant.
Dare I say it, much potential was wasted after CR. QOS is an abomination compared to CR and without SF saving the day, this still ongoing era clearly would be my least favorite overall.
To watch CR after DN and OHMSS was so enjoyable. The flawless trio.
Thus, my ranking so far:
1. OHMSS
2. DN
3. CR
That already establishes the Top 3 of my complete Bond ranking. I could write an essay for each of those films, a long essay. Maybe some day I will because I love writing about stuff that interest me, I'm much better in my first language German though. I'm still learning English, I only started in 2016 and hadn't much opportunity to widen my knowledge about this language this year.
Fun fact I learned, Vulnavia from the Abominable Dr. Phibes plays Olympe in OHMSS.
Oh what a pleasure it was to see this movie a second time. Again it's Ken Adam's breathtaking work that makes me a huge fan of his and the Bond films he worked on.
The title song is stunningly beautiful and as a big fan of 60s music I adore it. Interestingly enough I didn't know the song before seeing the film, even if I own songs of Nancy.
And the score, what a pivotal element to make these films eternal classics. John Barry, one of the architects of the lasting success of Bond I would presume.
The film feels slightly different to what came before, it's fantastic, filled with sci-fi and adventurous. Aki, oh how I love her, with watery eyes I saw her die again.
Tiger Tanaka. Must be my favorite character now in the Bond universe outside of the usual recurring characters.
I love this film. It makes me want to visit Japan. The end-battle is out of this world crazy cool, exciting and gripping.
YOLT doesn't only live twice, it's immortal.
Thunderball
And again my silly random app choses a Connery film. Ha ha...!
Oh the pleasure. The 60s really produced wonderful Bond films. Domino is so sweet and sexy and Fiona....ha..ha....she can cage me if she wants to
"she's just dead" - the witty one liners are to die for !
The story is great, good characters and I love the Nassau sequences. And again I get a feeling this could have been done by Hitchcock, somehow I see Cary Grant moving through the scenes. That makes me wonder if Hitchcock ever was considered directing a Bond.
The achievement of the underwater scenes is big. At points they are a bit confusing I think, but overall it's incredible what they did.
And the score, well it's Barry isn't it. It's a guarantee for quality and a timeless quality.
I'm fascinated by the title sequences, they are so unique and I love this one especially. Tom Jones's song is powerful and I think the producers chose wisely back then, always.
The Man With The Golden Gun
Here comes another favorite. The best villain in the series of films. Maybe in the book too?
Christopher Lee commands the screen. Like, totally.
Roger Moore looks young and I like that. He's again, so different to Lazenby and Connery and that's why it works so well I think. Roger Moore has created a definite Bond, a variation of it. I wouldn't even say he reinvented the role as the films at least up to this one could well have been made with Connery I think.
Brit Ekland is wet dream material. I like her to bits. Dumb? I don't think so. She's clumsy yes, but maybe the Bond girl with the best intentions to help James and she has a good heart. That makes me want more than just do her. I could love her.
The reason this movie is one of my favorites is the unique atmosphere and sets. The island is exotic and the house inside is pure fantasy and mysterious.
The colors used in many scenes, especially in the fun-house add to the fantastic visuality of the film.
The music is great too. Love the title song and love the score with the seemingly never ending theme used as many variations.
The humor is very good as well. While this film is actually quite brutal, there is a lot to smile at, and laughter is guaranteed. J.W. Pepper helping out James is giving me fits of laughter.
Nick Nack must be the strangest character of all the films and I love it.
Thus, my ranking so far:
1. OHMSS
2. DN
3. CR
4. YOLT
5. TMWTGG
6. TB
My Bond-athon is in a random order, but I already got five films of my Top 10, at least I'm relatively certain the top 5 above will stay within the top 10. We'll see.
Oh and this is really fun!
It's a spoof spy film series
Peter Lorre was an excellent choice for the first Bond villain, and got a mention in the novel of "Moonraker".
...ahh I love the score during the free running scene! One of my favourites from the soundtrack
Cheers :007)
...of all films...but honestly, it fit my mood late last night.
Bad hair day Andi? QoS in my opinion is as bad a film I have seen. Will be a long time before I watch this again.
-Casino Royale, Ian Fleming
Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
and one of the most impersonated voices of all the classic Hollywood actors
if you've never seen him before you really need to watch the Maltese Falcon with Humphrey Bogart
Bogart and Lorre did lots of movies together
whatever other pros & cons that 1954 Casino Royale might have, Peter Lorre set the bar very high as the original Bond villain
and Orson Welles played Le Chiffre in the 1967 version!
My Top 5 is: OHMSS, DN, CR, GF, YOLT. And TSWLM I have at 6.
It's very difficult for me not to move The Spy up in my ranking. It's that good, it's almost ridiculous how much I enjoyed watching it.
I love Connery just too much to put YOLT one place down but I'll try to think about it a little bit more.
Roger Moore is at the height of his tenure in TSWLM if you ask me. While I may prefer his overall performance in TMWTGG he still surpasses himself in the following film because he kind of re-invents his Bond and adapts it perfectly to a new era of films.
It's quite astonishing how he moves through this film, starting on skis in Austria. When I saw the skiing scene the first time I was in awe, of the action and the score. It's not Barry, but maybe that's even good in this instance. Bond 77 has just become one of my favorite themes. It kicks in every so often throughout the film, what a joy.
Bond going over the cliff and the parachute opens and is a Union Jack. Seriously people, I was standing there with my jaw on the floor and clapped my hands.
If that is not the most awesome stunt. I'm a para-scout so I know a thing or two about parachuting.
The entire Egypt segment of The Spy is mesmerizing and so full of atmosphere, the colors used in the Pyramid scenes, combined with the score. Barbara Bach is so beautiful, sweet and hot as hell at the same time. THAT dress and how she handles Bond, she's rivaling Tiffany to be my favorite Bond girl.
But if that wasn't enough we got Naomi in Sardinia and the receptionist in the hotel who gave me a hard time to concentrate on the plot.
Moore on skis, in the desert and then on a Mediterranean island. What contrast and how well it works in favor of the film.
The Lotus is the coolest car ever. The car chase goes on endlessly and I'm oh so grateful for it. In the end James throws a fish out of the car's window and I am thinking what geniuses all of the crew of TheSpy must have been. What an achievement this film is!
Ken Adam is his usual greatness. The Liparus is epic. Bond spends an incredible amount of time in his navy uniform. Roger Moore looks so good in it and he's wearing it best of all the Bond actors.
The fight in the submarine dock is epic as well. And when every other film would be grateful to get only half of such a breathtaking finale TheSpy goes on and Bond saves Anya and finally gets rid off Jaws. Stromberg dies a brutal death and his Atlantis goes down with a bang.
Oh yes and Jaws, he has bite! It's one of the many wonders of this series that he returned in the next film and he proves that he is indestructible. And immortal, because he must be the henchman of all henchmen, like ever.
The little things count. The seemingly never ending supply of recurring characters and actors in the series is such a delight. Geoffrey Keen, Shane Rimmer, the future M Robert Brown or the guy with the bottle. It's something I discovered early on when watching all the films in random order. I just love this.
TSWLM represents a time, when real stunts and well made miniature work were elevating the films to something worthwhile. I'm quite disappointed that recently CGI and fake stunts seem to have replaced the originality the Bond films once had.
Carly Simon is one of the view artists I have known before discovering the Bond films. Her Nobody Does It Better is sirupy maybe but it's so perfect for the movie and Carly has the most beautiful voice. I never knew that her song was a theme in a film. Imagine my surprise when I saw TSWLM the first time in Spring 2017.
Maurice Binder is one of the people I haven't mentioned yet in any of my mini-reviews. He has put his stamp on Bond in a way that is most impressive.
TSWLM is my favorite title sequence of his. I love the red and blue coloring, the silhouettes, the naked women. The woman doing gymnastics on the gun-barrell...priceless and ingenious.
TheSpy also has the perfect ending. Keeping the British end up, sir. And then that wonderful variation on the Bond song kicks in.
Seldom been so exhilarated after watching a Bond film!
That all sounds like it's my favorite Bond film. Well yes, sort of! Trouble is, there are about five films that are even a better experience for me. Imagine that.
With a heavy heart, almost, I declare my ranking thus far:
1. OHMSS
2. DN
3. CR
4. GF
5. YOLT
6. TSWLM ...damn you YOLT :P
7. DAF
8. TMWTGG
9. TB
10. TWINE
11. FRWL
12. DAD
13. FYEO
14. OP
15. QOS
Anyway... this was it
GOLDFINGER!- I am so sorry, this has become a super long review/blatant praise for the movie
Damn, I love this film so, so much. To me, it is the firm establishment of the so-called "formula" for the Bond films. It has the larger-than-life villain in Goldfinger himself supported by a henchman with an iconic gimmick in Oddjob and his hat, it has the girls in Pussy Galore, Jill Masterson, and her sister Tilly (though Tilly and Bond never quite "get it on", for lack of better word, I consider her a Bond Girl because of her significance towards the plot), and of course, we have Bond himself! Not to mention the AMAZING Aston Martin DB5.
Let me start with the titular character. Goldfinger is the PERFECT Bond villain. He's just everything one could ask for. C'mon, if you don't think the part at Fort Knox when the US soldiers arrive and Goldfinger is the first to run away and take off his jacket to show the military uniform is so characteristic of him and quite hilarious, then please help me clarify his character, but I love that moment for one. His plan is notoriously evil, making the ENTIRE gold supply of the US radioactive to increase his riches. It's not quite world domination, but it makes perfect sense for the character. Goldfinger would do anything for his gold and that is most certainly what he does. And it is just done so well. Gert Frobe, and the voice of Michael Collins, are stunning and they really make the character who he is. The whole presentation he gives to his investors before killing them show just how much pride the man has. A pointless expository demonstration complete with a model! And when Bond says he liked the presentation, Goldfinger's reaction is perfect. AND THE LASER SCENE. It's iconic and for good reason. As over the top as the ways villains attempt to kill Bond are, this one is both characteristic and brilliant. Connery sells it perfectly and the whole scene is so well done. "No Mr. Bond, I expect you to die!". Classic. I love Goldfinger. He is the GOLD (sorry, I had to do it) standard for the Bond villain! I'm gonna add a little about Oddjob here, too. He's amazing. A perfect example of the blindly loyal henchman who is just entertaining to watch!!
The girls. Being a female myself, I might see this aspect of any Bond film somewhat differently from how a man would see it, but I do love the female characters in Goldfinger. They are stunningly beautiful, but Pussy Galore and even Tilly Masterson show a fierce, strong side, which I enjoy very much. I'm not that adamant on Bond girls having to be strong all of the time (I love Jill and she isn't exactly the strongest), but it's always nice to see a Bond girl who knows what she's doing. Pussy Galore has always been a favorite of mine as well. And, of course, she is won over by Bond in the end, but that doesn't really change her strong nature. However, it does confuse me a tad bit that I know in the books (I haven't read Goldfinger, but I plan on it) Pussy is lesbian and I'm not sure whether Bond quite "wins her over" there. Nothing is explicitly stated in the film, but I do wonder what the filmmakers had in mind. Anyway, Pussy Galore is most definitely an iconic character, even in the name itself! Jill Masterson is also iconic. The gold paint is an unforgettable image and along with the score that plays as you see Jill's body, I get chills even on multiple viewings!
And here I go about the Aston Martin. What a car. It's an incredibly stunning car and the gadgets just make it even better! The chase scene is fun and exciting while laying the groundwork for the future cars and gadgets in the series! I would go on, but this "review" is long enough already and I know it's just gonna be longer when I start talking about Connery.
I'm going to start this section of my praise of this film by stating what I will basically be saying for the remainder of the paragraph: SEAN CONNERY IS PERFECT. I do believe that this film is the peak of his performance as Bond and he does everything so well. He's suave, charming, and everything you look for in James Bond. He does brilliantly in every scene and he is most certainly what makes this movie so great. Yes, every part of this movie is well done to me, but in my eyes Bond himself is what holds the movie together. And Connery does that perfectly. You just find yourself rooting for him. Certain aspects of this film can be seen as ridiculous, I'm looking at you laser scene, but Connery sells it wonderfully. I don't know how many times I'm gonna say this, but he just IS James Bond. I manage to get the same giddiness from his performance each time because no matter how many times you see the film, Connery remains just as likable. From his first appearance when he swims out of the water with a pigeon on his head to his last line ("This is no time to be rescued"), Connery is a scene stealer and, again, he is what makes the film for me. I tend to rank the Connery films higher on my preferences because if you can't already tell he's my favorite Bond, but this film really highlights just how good he is.
Overall, I think Goldfinger is amazing. I really could go on forever with this. I saw the film for the umpteenth time with my brother today (who I am finally introducing to the entirety of this series as he has only seen Skyfall and SPECTRE) and I get the same enjoyment I got when I first watched it. My brother stated it was his favorite of the first three Connery films we watched and this is my second favorite in the entire series (JUST behind FRWL!). This is the Bond to be in my eyes. It is outstanding and such a fun watch. Whenever I sit down on some Sunday afternoon to just watch a Bond film, my mind immediately goes to Goldfinger. I do believe that if you were to show someone ONE Bond film to define the series or even just to enjoy, it would be this one, hands down.
From here, I would go on to say my top five or ten Bond films, but I'm so indecisive I can never settle on a solid list! My top two often swap, but I can say my top three are From Russia With Love, Goldfinger, and Dr. No
Welcome to the forum anotherbondfan. It's good to see some love for Goldfinger, which despite being one of the best is also curiously underrated among fans.
Pussy Galore was a Texan in the book I believe, but in the film she's a snooty British librarian type as played by Honor Blackman. And none the worse for that, as it seems that American Bond gals, be they Jinx, Tiffany Case or Stacey Sutton, get a raw deal from fans.
Spectre.
UK TV premiere last night, not that that means what it used to.
I really enjoy this Bond film. I love the soundtrack, the cinematography, Craig looks good and the Bond gal is sexy. Love the locations too.
Guess I can nitpick, but not much. The point is, when the film charms me, I don't care to. For me, it's the opposite of Skyfall, which I know others love, but I hated it. Every scene in that irks me.
The scene in the railway car seems tailored to mirror the scene with Vesper in CR. The actress's voice suddenly sounds like Vesper's in one line, then Craig says 'We can't have that can we,' dialogue he uses against Le Chiffre.
The villain's assistant resembles Max Largo when we first see him in NSNA. The car pulling up to the Roman villa at night resembles the car arriving with Lisl in FYEO. There are lots of charming echoes of past moments. I enjoy the villain reveal in the film, while admitting it creates a headache for the series as a whole.
And Craig looks good in this one, at last, and his gunbarrel is at the front and looks great, not before time either.
Roger Moore 1927-2017
The other connections you mention are of a type that run all through this film (and the last three or four), visual homages to the classics, easter eggs for us nerds.
But I didn't notice SPECTRE making such clever references to the previous Craig films, instead any connection is explicit within the narrative.
But I think you may be right, this scene is meant to invoke the first meeting with Vesper.
The previous scene in the film (the hotel in Tangiers) showed Bond discovering Vespers interrogation tape, then deciding not to look at it, his body language suggests he is ready to move on.
Now he is on another train, with another woman, just like the time he first met Vesper (and again they struggle to conversate, to find out who the other really is), and by the end of the film he is ready to quit the Service and live happily ever after with his new ladyfriend.
Another very oblique reference is the use of the Harvey Weinstein lookalike to play the thug, surely a nod to scenes in QoS depicting the harassment of women. Not that Weinstein has anything in common with SP's thick-set thug, who ruthlessly eliminates business competitors, gets hold of an attractive young woman and takes her for a ride, and winds up getting yanked off in a train.
Roger Moore 1927-2017
Roger Moore 1927-2017
I felt the same, watched it on TV. I found more to enjoy in it this time, the narrative still stinks, and the Bond -Madeleine relationship has zero chemistry blah blah blah...but I liked Daniel's performance and felt the touches of humour (apart from the Car chase) were well judged. What I really liked was some of the dialogue.