James Bond

A great plot for a revamp into the 90's. A "non-existent" soviet satellite that emits an EMP falls into the hands of former agent 006. The atmosphere and character depth in this movie is amazing! It really captures the tension of the post Cold-War era. It also deals with the dept of Bond's character and how he always takes his failures personally. We see how he uses his past as motivation in future missions. Brosnan embodies sex appeal as a younger looking Bond and he also shows the quality of regret when killing, a trait Moore based his character on, but not afraid to assassinate in cold blood. He drinks, races the DB9 and truly acts sophisticated. There's this great chemistry between the cast, Bean is a great as an English traitor and once again the villain and hero mirror each other exactly. The evolution of story to give MI6 a 00 traitor is mind-blowing and Bean couldn't do it better. Janssen lands a role that will make infamous as a Bond girl for all generations with the S&M approach which is very engaging. Finally Scorupco holds her own and her character is a true assets to Bond. Along with smashing up Russia via tank and the spirited hand to hand combat near the end really puts this movie a step above the rest. Beautifully directed adding that little bit of realistic grit that was needed. Never a dull moment and possibly my ultimate favourite Bond Movie, Perfect in every way.

Briefly... it kicks the crap out of all the others before it... lacks something... but is still the most real and brutal and honest Bond movie. Perfection.

Brosnan confirms his role as Bond, he is resourceful and dominant, he reads like an assassin at times rather than secret agent and there is also a venerable side to him. Bond's weakness is women and to have the main villain as a woman who James takes pity on and begins to fall for is something new and successful. Played extremely well by Marceau, Elektra King is ruthless and elegant. In this sense her arrogance and intuitiveness not only mirrors Bonds character but surpasses him. Great moment of seeing Bond kill her and the regret he feels adds to the performance. Carlyle's performance mainly grows on his emotional instability and is acceptable but the plot lost some of his characters depth. Richards was good, not entirely believable as a atomic scientist but not bad either one major plot hole obviously overlooked around her character. A powerful storyline revolving around an atomic submarine detonating near Istanbul forcing the world to use the King oil pipeline for future generations. Great action sequences and clever direction. The movie in general has a lot of charm and glamour of its own adding to the atmosphere which is worth watching alone. Simply an awesome Bond film and a personal favourite.

Really where would we be without the one that started it all? A movie that many will argue that Connery proves he is the only James Bond. The movie acts more as a sophisticated detective branching out into what the genre would later emphasis. As a result is more down to earth than most of the other others in the series. Revolving around the plot of recluse Dr No, a defector now working for SPECTRE, throwing US rockets off course and destroying them via atomic radio signals. Connery adapts every characteristic of Bond, he takes pleasure in women, he smokes, he gambles, he takes precautions after someone breaks into his hotel room. There is also a sense that M governs him by forcing him to accept the Walter PPK instead of the Beretta, meaning the character of Bond still hasn't reached his full potential. Andress creates one of the most memorable scenes and independent, exotic headstrong characters in movie history. Wiseman is unexaggerated and cunning as Dr. No something most villain characters are overlooked by. Overall it revolutionised cinema by starting something never seen before. With amazingly focused careful direction really taking every aspect to the story and especially to the characters. A total masterpiece and a uprising in the James Bond industry.

This is really the style of movie that should have followed On Her Majesty's Secret Service. In true tragic hero style history begins to repeat itself, as this time James' closest ally Felix is tortured and left for dead after his wife murder. Obviously the work of recently escaped drug-lord Franz Sanchez. When Bond begins to personally trace Sanchez the Brittish Secret Service won't condone his actions and revoke his Licence to Kill. Bond decides to go AWOL with the help of Pam Bouvier in order to get closer to Sanchez but together they uncover how Sanchez has been smuggiling cocaine in petrol tankers in order to build an Asian/American drug cartel. One of the best things about this movie is that it focuses strongly on the characters moreso than in other bond movies. We have the mirroring of the way Felix looses his wife after his wedding in almost the exact same way Bond does. Fans will be able to relate to the way Bond reacts when Della mentions future marrage or how the subtle direction suggests Bond has guided Felix and his wife home after considering what happened on his jorney home with Tracy. There is that raw sensitivety to the storyline and its understandable why this is going to be the most violent of the series. In order to be true to the character 007 would have to kill Sanchez in cold blood and when he tries to sniper him that 00 status is revealed. Totally loved it.

Dalton's breakthrough onto the screen anc captures all of Fleming's Bond character. He smokes, he drinks, he appears at times like a cold blooded killer and what he lacks in sex appeal he makes up in effort to be the most honest depiction of the true James character. He refuses to assassinate a girl sniper on basic instinct an exact Bond characteristic which the plot would later elaborate on. d'Abo acts as an innocent very well and the story gives her character realism and depth even if doesn't always explain her reasoning. The plot is overly complex revolving around arms dealer, Whittaker and Russian General Koskov re-creating SMERSH and financing the ongoing Cold-War. What is really interesting about the story is we see the evolution of Russian Cold-war period allowing us more insight into past Bond adventures. Fantastic captivating action sequences, a strong supporting cast and fast paced direction make this movie easy on the eye, whilst still adding some very exciting and elegant moments. Different in the sense that this is one of the most politically driven and complex of the Bond movies and that only adds to its charm.

A magnificent story that plays tribute to the effective period of cold war and the build up to meeting the ultimate nemesis. Though Pleasence has minimal screen time his presence is all important, he puts a disfigured face to the voice that is Blofeld. Becoming one of the most notorious of villains in cinematic history he gives his character a cutting wit and charm yet remaining honestly fragile around Bond. He takes pride in wanting to eliminate James personally due to the complications arisen in the past, and even though Bond and Blofeld aren't mirror opposites of each other like some other bondian viains, we see the start of their connection towards each other in on coming stories. For fans this movie also validates the potential reason for Bond going into space in Moonraker as the primary attempts to board a rocket in atempts of sabotaging is based here. One of the things that makes this movie so great is its unique and well written script helmed from Roal Dahl. Though a relationship is forbidden it Bond begins to fall for Aki and when she dies he feels motivation and remorse though the direction doesn't always show this. For characterisation its also important how Bond is guided and ultimately re-trained by Tiger who soon becomes his friend, this is symbolic as it shows Bond susceptible to still making mistakes within a mission and ability to adapt himself to a challenge.

Noted for being one of the best in the entire series, reason: because this is Connery's best performance. Personifying Bond perfectly Sean is calm and collected throughout maintaining his sophistication. Classic moments consist of being a knowledgeable of Brandy, deliberately cheating a cheater at golf, racing the Aston Martin DB9, flirting with the Masterson and feeling remorse for their deaths to name but a few. Frobe gives a legendary performance as Goldfinger who is not overly-confident and sensible. The chemistry is crazy as the character's personalities just bounce off one another so well! The plot is ahead of its time revolving around crippling the US economy by setting off an atomic device within fort knox and therefore Goldfinger and the Chinese triple their stocks. Though the movie has great direction the plot moves faster than the pace and it feels that all the loose ends are tied up in the last few minutes. Honor Blackman makes Galore a headstrong woman and there doesn't seem any change in her character during the plot's crucial moments. It is a little tacky to have the plot-holes summarised in a sentence but forgivable. Also really enjoyed how involved Felix was in the plot of this even as an outside observer, and M's confidence in Bond. This movie created the typical Bond movie formula and really put the franchise on the map. A simple, stylish and very effective Bond Movie.

A movie that deals with the underworld of the SPECTRE organisation and begins to reveal the ultimate nemesis. Blofeld is shrouded in mystery being simply a silhouette of a man who's only identifying trait is a cat. Symbolic in a sense that he is a shadowed superpower in his own right. His elaborated introduction shows his power by the references to his ever-growing underworld and his constant ambition by killing those who fail him via chair electrocution. A landmark in the series as Bond deals with Largo the right hand man of Blofeld suggesting a big step closer into the world of SPECTRE. The movie also plays on the paranoia of the world powers by using the typical threat of holding two atomic bombs to the worlds ransom. Connery continues to bring a raw sophistication and a gentle arrogance. Some of the movies highlights is how he fires a rifle from the hip and hits the target in true Bond marksman style. Similar to FRWL the fight scenes are more grittier and violent. Celi gives a pretty weak but stylish performance, in honesty it is the "girls" that drive this emotive plot. Dominique's innocence as Largo's mistress attracts Bond and in a sense it is he who corrupts her. After sleeping with her she faces reality combined with news of her brothers death it provokes her to kill Largo when Bond is defenseless. Therefore Largo is more of a match for Bond and this foreshaddows the oncoming SPECTRE war very well.

A guilty pleasure simply for Christopher Walken as incredibly insane Max Zorin, he definitely steals this movie away from Moore with his whole screen persona. Anyone opposite Walken on screen has to double their attempts to compete with his performance. Moore appears too old but just manages to get by with his attempts at elegance and style still comfortable in the concept of "gentleman spy" rather than rugged Bond. His Bondian moments are view mainly consisting of charming and protecting Stacy, via fire-engine chase or goons attacking her at home, rescuing her from burning city hall etc... or Bond fighting/killing Zorin. A lack of typical tongue in cheek humour is very effective along with a good supporting cast and plot. A story revolving around Zorin, being the genetically created psychotic human that he is, monopolising the micro-chip market by destroying silicon valley. Though some poor lighting/camerawork the movie has some great scenes and atmosphere especially when shot around the actual monument locations. Jones as May-Day is surprisingly good as she does adding a uniquely dangerous quality to the typical "Bond girl" role and believable as Zorin's adjutant. Roberts is weak but her very ditzy geologist is alright. An 80's feel with a lot of fun aspects for a very enjoyable Bond Movie.

Reasons for rating this so highly is even though Brosnan begins to show his age he characterises Bond perfectly. He deals with being double-crossed, tortured and disowned by his government while adapting to the world around him, which is a great plot. He picks up on all the characters vices such as smoking a cigar, drinking whatever and flirting obviously. The story even refers to him as an assassin rather than agent and there moments when he tries to assassinate Cornel Moon in cold blood. For fans there is constant tributes to the past 19 stories adding to the character history. However Brosnan starts slipping into being too casual near the end of the movie and the dramatic direction and perfect car chase can't cover this. The movies only fault is that it becomes a fantasy, in that it is another satellite related plot fused with technology. Graves used conflict diamonds to fund his own space program. A satellite that can beam a wide strength of the suns rays back to earth, in hopes to destroy the demilitarised zones in Korea uniting the west. Berry gives an acceptable performance but it appears her ego gets the best of her. Pike equally gives an engagingly cold performance but is overlooked and Stephens does arrogant slimy villain very well. An amazing feature that balances out just right to be a great Bond Movie.

In my opinion the best Bond movie making aware the threat of the cold war. Revolving around setting off a nuclear device in western Germany paving the way for a soviet attack. Strong in the sense that the tongue in cheek humour is subtle (despite the title) Maud and Moore have such a strong chemistry that they bounce off each others performances and Jourdan is pleasing simply for his presence. Berkoff is amazing as a deranged Russian general. Moore looses the gentleman spy image slightly but is still a weak Bond; characteristics show knowledge of auctions, killing soldiers and both twin assassins. He shows concern for the death of 009 and remorse for Vijay. Its also important to note that Bond seems vulnerable when around Octopussy as it ties to the character's literary past. Though not Moore's strongest performance he is very absorbing and he adds an unknown quality to the movie. There are some strong scenes like the Acrostar chase, the final fight on the plane, the shootout in the train tunnels, Bond disarming the weapon in Octopussy's circus... but there are also some weak ones; the comical Tarzan aspect and the fact Bond dresses up as a gorilla and clown combined with Jourdan's dreary edgeless villain. Good for all the wrong reasons a required taste for basic Bondian eye-candy but still never the less a fun Bond Movie.

Probably one of the biggest spectacles and array of eye-candy in cinematic history dilevered firmly with tongue in cheek. Unfortunately this removes the realism element but suceeds in covering the movies faults. Curt Jurgens gives a midly melodramatic performance of visionary villain Strongberg. His main problem being no one on camera seems to have any chemistry with him. He has no immediate mennace, depth or range of emotions. Even his ambition seems forced for a person planning on using stolen nuclear weapons in hopes of provoking a world war between civilisations. Barbara Bach's performance disperses so much sex appeal its hard to find anything wrong with her performance but a lack of character depth poses questions. Moore now begins to slip slightly into the obscene sprouting witty sexual innuendo one liners. He however has some serious Bond moments; using a seductress as a human sheild, letting Fekkesh fall to his death, shooting unarmed Strongberg four times in the chest. He has sensitivity when his late wife is mentioned and rescues three submarine's crews from capture. This has got to be Moore's best performance. Regretably the plot doesn't give enough emotional charge to why Bond goes back to rescue Amasova, as she is his rival. Reasons could be due to guilt, personal fondness or duty but clarification was needed. Kiel is forever memorable as Jaws a cold blooded signature henchman. A uniting marvel of a Bond Movie!

Moore gives James more of a gentleman spy characteristic rather than sophisticated killer. However here the chemistry between Lee and Moore is perfect. Even though Moore's interpretation of the character has been altered Lee counteracts it perfectly. Similar to the books once again Bond Mirrors his villain, this time its hinted at the way both characters have taken different paths. As Scaramanger is an expert assassin, and unlike Moore, Lee is very believable and personifies deadly charm. Together they share a similar professional elegance and mutual respect for each others character. Scaramanger like James appears haunted and a brief reference to his Trick-Shot Circus history is mentioned but abrupt script doesn't give him the background he deserves. Speculation suggests that Scaramanger can only validate himself by killing someone of equal talent, Bond, this gives Bond's character hidden credit and suggests Scaramanger as more of a tortured soul than most other villains. Other elements of Scaramangers tortured past come through his Henchman who is a dwarf and his third nipple all "freak" traits that alienate him from others. In true 70's style Scaramanger has acquired a Solex a converter of Solar power and with the collateral from his targets he has funded his own prototype solar energy plant which is up for auction to the highest bidder... giving whichever superpower who recieves it an unlimited supply of energy forever.

Using a plot Die another Day would later borrow (a laser satellite using the refractive power of diamonds to hold the world hostage) Connery stumbles around this fairly camp addition to the Bond saga. Still proving he has the Bond element in him despite his tired looks he gives a charismatic performance and some strong Bond elements, mainly gambling excessively well, violently interrogating people, killing Blofeld in cold blood and generally being sophisticated. However the lowest point for me in this movie is considering Bond's wife has been murdered nothing is resolved... but it hinted at. Keeping this in mind it would have been amazing to see Connery act like a cold blooded killer around Blofeld but the glamorous direction and context refused it. Also Charles Gray has totally evolved the character of Blofeld into something different. With no specific details to how hes changed his face, though hes copied himself onto others via plastic surgery... he's confident, cocky and far too relaxed. And it poses the question if you're as clever as Blofeld would you really hold the world to ransom for money? There are some great moments, and the location of Vegas is an inspired location for Bond. Jill St John is great as a bimbo smuggler and I think that was her intention. A good Bond Movie but only just.. the amount of unanswered questions is very frustrating.

A step too far for the Bond universe, it had a lot of promise but unfortunately decided to jump on the Sci-fi wagon and become more comic for younger audiences. A larger than life plot around Bond investigating a missing space shuttle escalates into a Neo-Nazi rebirth of the human race and destroying the existing one. Argued that this movie can compete with the others but in my eyes it can't, there are just too many inconsistencies. There is no character elevation, Dr Goodhead is meant to be an astronaut and a CIA operative without and strong explanation why? The only character who has any progression is Jaws who becomes a pathetic instrument for slapstick comic relief, often sporting a really bad shocked expression. Moore gives occasional cold looks but apart from wit and appropriate style that there is nothing to signify that he is the character of Bond. Lonsdale gives a terribly slimy performance as villain Hugo Drax who has a sarcastic remark for everything. Very poor script, especially for Drax, with tacky materialistic direction, including a high speed gondola chase (why?) and Bond having "007" imprinted on his camera. A black mark on a perfect series, an obvious attempt and failure to cash in by giving the audience everything they thought they wanted. Pretty weak attempt on all fronts but bearable and understandable for true fans.