So onto TMWTGG the latest in my viewings of the Bond movies most of which I have not seen for quite some time this was seen last night for the first time in at least 15 years it was never one of my favourites.
Pros:
Titles
"Outraged tailors etc"
Fight in belly dancer's room
Far East locations
Dojo sequence
Boat chase
Car chase
Scaramanga - M
Cons:
PTS - no Bond
Music
Hip's nieces fight
Slide whistle ruining the climax of the car chase which was good up to then
Funhouse ending - a repeat of the already boring PTS
Nick Nack fight
Mary Goodnight - Nick Nack
Set designs
Observations:
JW Pepper returns in an improbable situation. Apart from the fight in the belly dancer's room Bond looks languid - he doesn't run very well (see escaping the dojo).
Conclusion:
I was quite pleasantly surprised in seeing this again in that it wasn't the total disaster I remembered it to be. There is still a lot wrong with it - Nick Nack is an absurd henchman looking like a Beano character and Mary Goodnight is exasperating in her stupidity.
The music is diabolical - John Barry's nadir of his career - I sometimes wonder if he actually ever saw the movie. The sets are cheap especially the funhouse that looks terrible - it could have been very spooky and terrifying. On the plus side the locations are beautiful - Scaramanga is well played by Sir Christopher - there are some good funny lines and the first half plays out very well before becoming as flat as a mattress. I can take the silliness of the car-plane but not the fact that two schoolgirls can take out a whole dojo of kung fu experts (which they are plainly not). It's a far lesser film than LALD and looks rushed in production and it's very close call in whether it ranks higher than DAF.
CHB will be return reviewing TSWLM soon
Yeah, well, sometimes nothin' can be a real cool hand.
Silhouette ManThe last refuge of a scoundrelPosts: 8,845MI6 Agent
Got to think what they are writing in "The Modern Handbook for Spies in the age of PC'ness":
"23: Hitting Women is not ok"
?:) ?:) ?:)
What rankles with me is the false impression of Bond (and by extension the original literary Bond) that this scene gives off. Bond did not hit women in the Fleming Bond novels; it was the Connery Bond films that introduced this (unwelcome) aspect to the character of James Bond.
"The tough man of the world. The Secret Agent. The man who was only a silhouette." - Ian Fleming, Moonraker (1955).
Pros:
- Great, innovative premise. World's most famous assassin sends a bullet to Bond.
- The PTS is so different from everything before or after.
-Christopher Lee.
-Bond and Scaramanga's duel (the actual one and the verbal one at the dinner table. Moore is magnificent, so is Lee).
-Maud Adams.
-Roger Moore when he does not try to be Sean Connery.
- Herve Villechaize, memorable henchman.
Cons:
- It aged badly. While many of the 60s gadgets are still cool, 70s gadgets (the flying car) are plain silly.
- The karate scenes. Oportunistic and out of place.
- Sheriff JW Pepper. I hate that guy.
- Car jump across the river. Gratuitous, a circus stunt.
- Britt Ekland. She could have had a more prominent, serious role. She's actually the comic relief.
It's an enjoyable film with some weak and some ridiculous moments, but hey, it's the 70s. However, they were wise to go in a different direction for TSWLM. They couldn't go on following trends (Blaxploitation genre, Bruce Lee movies). They had to go beyond, and in the PTS of TSWLM it was clear that Bond was not a follower anymore.
...until MR when they jumped on the sci fi band wagon , then the Miami Vice wagon for LTK ) :v
You are right, for those two they jumped into those bangwagons. But my point was , just after TMWTGG, they reinvented Bond not jumping into any bandwagon. Wise, because all was left in 77 was Bond in Studio 54 or Bond forming a punk band...Once established again, of course MR is Star Wars Bond, and LTK is Miami Vice Bond.
...until MR when they jumped on the sci fi band wagon , then the Miami Vice wagon for LTK ) :v
Not forgetting a dash of Indiana Jones in Octopussy.
In that case, I'd say Indiana Jones has a dash of Bond in Temple of Doom. Bond went to India in 83, Jones in 84 And of course in the Last Crusade we realise that Jones is the son of Bond.
...until MR when they jumped on the sci fi band wagon , then the Miami Vice wagon for LTK ) :v
You are right, for those two they jumped into those bangwagons. But my point was , just after TMWTGG, they reinvented Bond not jumping into any bandwagon. Wise, because all was left in 77 was Bond in Studio 54 or Bond forming a punk band...Once established again, of course MR is Star Wars Bond, and LTK is Miami Vice Bond.
TSWLM did play off the popularity of the film Jaws just a bit with the character Jaws, especially when they have him wrestle with a shark!
...until MR when they jumped on the sci fi band wagon , then the Miami Vice wagon for LTK ) :v
You are right, for those two they jumped into those bangwagons. But my point was , just after TMWTGG, they reinvented Bond not jumping into any bandwagon. Wise, because all was left in 77 was Bond in Studio 54 or Bond forming a punk band...Once established again, of course MR is Star Wars Bond, and LTK is Miami Vice Bond.
TSWLM did play off the popularity of the film Jaws just a bit with the character Jaws, especially when they have him wrestle with a shark!
TB was released ten years before Jaws, so Jaws might have played off the popularity of TB.
You are right, for those two they jumped into those bangwagons. But my point was , just after TMWTGG, they reinvented Bond not jumping into any bandwagon. Wise, because all was left in 77 was Bond in Studio 54 or Bond forming a punk band...Once established again, of course MR is Star Wars Bond, and LTK is Miami Vice Bond.
TSWLM did play off the popularity of the film Jaws just a bit with the character Jaws, especially when they have him wrestle with a shark!
TB was released ten years before Jaws, so Jaws might have played off the popularity of TB.
Would you care to explain? I don't see how my response deserved a sarcastic response in return.
TSWLM did play off the popularity of the film Jaws just a bit with the character Jaws, especially when they have him wrestle with a shark!
TB was released ten years before Jaws, so Jaws might have played off the popularity of TB.
Would you care to explain? I don't see how my response deserved a sarcastic response in return.
I wasn't being sarcastic. My point is, if we are going to be thorough, let's be thorough. Sharks were there in Bond movies 10 years before Jaws, so no, TSWLM was not jumping in the Jaws bandwagon other than using the henchman name.
TB was released ten years before Jaws, so Jaws might have played off the popularity of TB.
Would you care to explain? I don't see how my response deserved a sarcastic response in return.
I wasn't being sarcastic. My point is, if we are going to be thorough, let's be thorough. Sharks were there in Bond movies 10 years before Jaws, so no, TSWLM was not jumping in the Jaws bandwagon other than using the henchman name.
Now you are being sarcastic. Naming a significant character after a popular film made only two years earlier is more than just a nod. It's not jumping on the bandwagon, but it's certainly using the popularity of the film Jaws to its benefit.
Naming a significant character after a popular film made only two years earlier is more than just a nod. It's not jumping on the bandwagon, but it's certainly using the popularity of the film Jaws to its benefit.
...until MR when they jumped on the sci fi band wagon , then the Miami Vice wagon for LTK ) :v
Not forgetting a dash of Indiana Jones in Octopussy.
In that case, I'd say Indiana Jones has a dash of Bond in Temple of Doom. Bond went to India in 83, Jones in 84 And of course in the Last Crusade we realise that Jones is the son of Bond.
I'd say Octopussy owes more to George McDonald Fraser then Indiana Jones
1. For Your Eyes Only 2. The Living Daylights 3 From Russia with Love 4. Casino Royale 5. OHMSS 6. Skyfall
Would you care to explain? I don't see how my response deserved a sarcastic response in return.
I wasn't being sarcastic. My point is, if we are going to be thorough, let's be thorough. Sharks were there in Bond movies 10 years before Jaws, so no, TSWLM was not jumping in the Jaws bandwagon other than using the henchman name.
Now you are being sarcastic. Naming a significant character after a popular film made only two years earlier is more than just a nod. It's not jumping on the bandwagon, but it's certainly using the popularity of the film Jaws to its benefit.
Stop saying I'm being sarcastic, when I'm just giving my opinion. I repeat, TB has sharks. Was Jaws using the popularity of TB? No, because it's a completely different film. Someone who goes to see Jaws is not expecting anything remotely similar to a Bond movie, and viceversa. TSWLM benefited from the spectacular locations, amazing PTS, etc. Yes, Jaws was a great henchman, but I bet not a single dollar of profit came from a viewer expecting to see a shark as in Jaws. It was a tongue in cheek nod to the movie.
- Humour
- Christopher Lee and the way he plays the corrupt Bond, who arrogantly teases him for being still for Queen and Country
- The lunch scene between Lee/Moore
- Locations
- The Golden Gun itself
- The soundtrack during the fun-house scenes
- Not overly long
Cons:
- Treatment of women
- No Ken Adam
- Title song
- Whistle during car-flip
I guess my comment sounded over sensitive lol, I can take it in the context of an old-school film - but the fact that Brit Ekland is an idiot detracts more than being funny (even though it is worth a chuckle every now and then).
I guess my comment sounded over sensitive lol, I can take it in the context of an old-school film - but the fact that Brit Ekland is an idiot detracts more than being funny (even though it is worth a chuckle every now and then).
That's cool. It's probably a generational thing.
ie: you had to be there... )
-Solid directing by Hamilton.
-Lee rocks as Scaramanga, easily one of my fave Bond villains atm.
-Eckland has good chemistry with Moore.
-Although she's not one of the toughest Bond girls, Goodnight is an interesting Bond girl and, since she also works with MI6, seems to understand well what Bond's life is like.
-Nick Nack probably wouldn't make my Top 10 Bond henchmen, but he's good enough.
-The story is easy to follow, and feels solid overall.
-Moore gives a solid performance.
-I like the car stunt's slide whistle.
-Maud Adams does a good job.
Cons:
-J.W. Pepper feels unnecessary in this film. I like humor in Bond movies, but Moore brings enough by himself, so he really doesn't need a backup comedian.
-The scene in the martial arts school (while it doesn't bother me all that much) frels silly. Why, instead of just torturing and/or interrogating Bond, do they take him to a martial arts school? It makes no sense to me, but I can live with that.
Overall, I love TMWTGG, and give it a 9/10.
"Hostile takeovers. Shall we?"
New 2020 ranking (for now DAF and FYEO keep their previous placements)
1. TLD 2. TND 3. GF 4. TSWLM 5. TWINE 6. OHMSS 7. LtK 8. TMWTGG 9. L&LD 10. YOLT 11. DAD 12. QoS 13. DN 14. GE 15. SF 16. OP 17. MR 18. AVTAK 19. TB 20. FRWL 21. CR 22. FYEO 23. DAF (SP to be included later)
Bond actors to be re-ranked later
-Solid directing by Hamilton.
-Lee rocks as Scaramanga, easily one of my fave Bond villains atm.
-Eckland has good chemistry with Moore.
-Although she's not one of the toughest Bond girls, Goodnight is an interesting Bond girl and, since she also works with MI6, seems to understand well what Bond's life is like.
-Nick Nack probably wouldn't make my Top 10 Bond henchmen, but he's good enough.
-The story is easy to follow, and feels solid overall.
-Moore gives a solid performance.
-I like the car stunt's slide whistle.
-Maud Adamas does a good job.
Cons:
-J.W. Pepper feels unnecessary in this film. I like humor in Bond movies, but Moore brings enough by himself, so he really doesn't need a backup comedian.
-The scene in the martial arts school (while it doesn't bother me all that much) frels silly. Why, instead of just torturing and/or interrogating Bond, do they take him to a martial arts school? It makes no sense to me, but I can live with that.
Overall, I love TMWTGG, and give it a 9/10.
Is this the first time you've seen this one?
1. For Your Eyes Only 2. The Living Daylights 3 From Russia with Love 4. Casino Royale 5. OHMSS 6. Skyfall
"Hostile takeovers. Shall we?"
New 2020 ranking (for now DAF and FYEO keep their previous placements)
1. TLD 2. TND 3. GF 4. TSWLM 5. TWINE 6. OHMSS 7. LtK 8. TMWTGG 9. L&LD 10. YOLT 11. DAD 12. QoS 13. DN 14. GE 15. SF 16. OP 17. MR 18. AVTAK 19. TB 20. FRWL 21. CR 22. FYEO 23. DAF (SP to be included later)
Bond actors to be re-ranked later
Comments
Pros:
Titles
"Outraged tailors etc"
Fight in belly dancer's room
Far East locations
Dojo sequence
Boat chase
Car chase
Scaramanga - M
Cons:
PTS - no Bond
Music
Hip's nieces fight
Slide whistle ruining the climax of the car chase which was good up to then
Funhouse ending - a repeat of the already boring PTS
Nick Nack fight
Mary Goodnight - Nick Nack
Set designs
Observations:
JW Pepper returns in an improbable situation. Apart from the fight in the belly dancer's room Bond looks languid - he doesn't run very well (see escaping the dojo).
Conclusion:
I was quite pleasantly surprised in seeing this again in that it wasn't the total disaster I remembered it to be. There is still a lot wrong with it - Nick Nack is an absurd henchman looking like a Beano character and Mary Goodnight is exasperating in her stupidity.
The music is diabolical - John Barry's nadir of his career - I sometimes wonder if he actually ever saw the movie. The sets are cheap especially the funhouse that looks terrible - it could have been very spooky and terrifying. On the plus side the locations are beautiful - Scaramanga is well played by Sir Christopher - there are some good funny lines and the first half plays out very well before becoming as flat as a mattress. I can take the silliness of the car-plane but not the fact that two schoolgirls can take out a whole dojo of kung fu experts (which they are plainly not). It's a far lesser film than LALD and looks rushed in production and it's very close call in whether it ranks higher than DAF.
CHB will be return reviewing TSWLM soon
What rankles with me is the false impression of Bond (and by extension the original literary Bond) that this scene gives off. Bond did not hit women in the Fleming Bond novels; it was the Connery Bond films that introduced this (unwelcome) aspect to the character of James Bond.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=oo0d1zTAFKA
OK, I exaggerate. But this is still my least favorite among the official films.
Yes, that one never gets old!
- Great, innovative premise. World's most famous assassin sends a bullet to Bond.
- The PTS is so different from everything before or after.
-Christopher Lee.
-Bond and Scaramanga's duel (the actual one and the verbal one at the dinner table. Moore is magnificent, so is Lee).
-Maud Adams.
-Roger Moore when he does not try to be Sean Connery.
- Herve Villechaize, memorable henchman.
Cons:
- It aged badly. While many of the 60s gadgets are still cool, 70s gadgets (the flying car) are plain silly.
- The karate scenes. Oportunistic and out of place.
- Sheriff JW Pepper. I hate that guy.
- Car jump across the river. Gratuitous, a circus stunt.
- Britt Ekland. She could have had a more prominent, serious role. She's actually the comic relief.
It's an enjoyable film with some weak and some ridiculous moments, but hey, it's the 70s. However, they were wise to go in a different direction for TSWLM. They couldn't go on following trends (Blaxploitation genre, Bruce Lee movies). They had to go beyond, and in the PTS of TSWLM it was clear that Bond was not a follower anymore.
Not forgetting a dash of Indiana Jones in Octopussy.
You are right, for those two they jumped into those bangwagons. But my point was , just after TMWTGG, they reinvented Bond not jumping into any bandwagon. Wise, because all was left in 77 was Bond in Studio 54 or Bond forming a punk band...Once established again, of course MR is Star Wars Bond, and LTK is Miami Vice Bond.
In that case, I'd say Indiana Jones has a dash of Bond in Temple of Doom. Bond went to India in 83, Jones in 84
TSWLM did play off the popularity of the film Jaws just a bit with the character Jaws, especially when they have him wrestle with a shark!
TB was released ten years before Jaws, so Jaws might have played off the popularity of TB.
Would you care to explain? I don't see how my response deserved a sarcastic response in return.
I wasn't being sarcastic. My point is, if we are going to be thorough, let's be thorough. Sharks were there in Bond movies 10 years before Jaws, so no, TSWLM was not jumping in the Jaws bandwagon other than using the henchman name.
Now you are being sarcastic. Naming a significant character after a popular film made only two years earlier is more than just a nod. It's not jumping on the bandwagon, but it's certainly using the popularity of the film Jaws to its benefit.
#1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
I'd say Octopussy owes more to George McDonald Fraser then Indiana Jones
Stop saying I'm being sarcastic, when I'm just giving my opinion. I repeat, TB has sharks. Was Jaws using the popularity of TB? No, because it's a completely different film. Someone who goes to see Jaws is not expecting anything remotely similar to a Bond movie, and viceversa. TSWLM benefited from the spectacular locations, amazing PTS, etc. Yes, Jaws was a great henchman, but I bet not a single dollar of profit came from a viewer expecting to see a shark as in Jaws. It was a tongue in cheek nod to the movie.
- Humour
- Christopher Lee and the way he plays the corrupt Bond, who arrogantly teases him for being still for Queen and Country
- The lunch scene between Lee/Moore
- Locations
- The Golden Gun itself
- The soundtrack during the fun-house scenes
- Not overly long
Cons:
- Treatment of women
- No Ken Adam
- Title song
- Whistle during car-flip
"Better make that two."
I like seeing Roger Moore's Bond slap women around. If it was Connery, I might be offended.
1. GE 2. MR 3. OP 4. TMWTGG 5. TSWLM 6. TND 7. TWINE 8.DN 9. GF 10. AVTAK
"Better make that two."
ie: you had to be there...
#1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
Hey, no reason to be sarcastic
Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
-Solid directing by Hamilton.
-Lee rocks as Scaramanga, easily one of my fave Bond villains atm.
-Eckland has good chemistry with Moore.
-Although she's not one of the toughest Bond girls, Goodnight is an interesting Bond girl and, since she also works with MI6, seems to understand well what Bond's life is like.
-Nick Nack probably wouldn't make my Top 10 Bond henchmen, but he's good enough.
-The story is easy to follow, and feels solid overall.
-Moore gives a solid performance.
-I like the car stunt's slide whistle.
-Maud Adams does a good job.
Cons:
-J.W. Pepper feels unnecessary in this film. I like humor in Bond movies, but Moore brings enough by himself, so he really doesn't need a backup comedian.
-The scene in the martial arts school (while it doesn't bother me all that much) frels silly. Why, instead of just torturing and/or interrogating Bond, do they take him to a martial arts school? It makes no sense to me, but I can live with that.
Overall, I love TMWTGG, and give it a 9/10.
New 2020 ranking (for now DAF and FYEO keep their previous placements)
1. TLD 2. TND 3. GF 4. TSWLM 5. TWINE 6. OHMSS 7. LtK 8. TMWTGG 9. L&LD 10. YOLT 11. DAD 12. QoS 13. DN 14. GE 15. SF 16. OP 17. MR 18. AVTAK 19. TB 20. FRWL 21. CR 22. FYEO 23. DAF (SP to be included later)
Bond actors to be re-ranked later
Is this the first time you've seen this one?
New 2020 ranking (for now DAF and FYEO keep their previous placements)
1. TLD 2. TND 3. GF 4. TSWLM 5. TWINE 6. OHMSS 7. LtK 8. TMWTGG 9. L&LD 10. YOLT 11. DAD 12. QoS 13. DN 14. GE 15. SF 16. OP 17. MR 18. AVTAK 19. TB 20. FRWL 21. CR 22. FYEO 23. DAF (SP to be included later)
Bond actors to be re-ranked later
"Better make that two."