This was my very first James Bond movie, so of course I still enjoy it and must give it four stars. Actually, I liked Thunderball a little more than Goldfinger. I really had more fun with this 4th early Bond movie because of its great action scenes and memorable Bond lines.
Thunderball feels like the first three bond films somehow rolled perfectly, cohesively, and successfully into one new original and spectacular film. The movie overall seems more spectacular, but it is also well balance with its drama, action, story, and other elements.
The intricate and well-developed plot, involving the heist of the two atomic bombs, seems very believable. The cinematography is highly exceptional - there was nothing like the great underwater battle sequences ever done before. The incredible set designs by Ken Adams were marvelously ultra-modern and still looks new. And of course, Peter Hunt by this time had perfected the 'jump-cut' editing on this 4th of the great early James Bond films.
Also, a tip-of-the-hat to director Terence Young, who was actually responsible for the final touches of savvy and sophistication added to the James Bond character.
My first three favorite James Bond movies are From Russia With Love, On Her Majesty's Secret Service, and Thunderball.
After the legendary success of Goldfinger , expectations were understandably astronomical for the next Bond installment, with 007 producers determined to consistently push the envelope, delivering a "bigger and better Bond" than ever before. Unfortunately, this determination proved to be both the strength and weakness of Thunderball, the resulting sequel. On the whole, the film is by no means a failure, but the producers' determination to cash in on elements which made Goldfinger such a success led to overkill excesses which sink Thunderball's overall quality.
The plot is even more outlandish than Goldfinger's radiation of the fort Knox gold reserve, pushing the threat to a more global context with the destruction of major world cities by atomic weapons. As well as being a particularly poignant plot device at the time, in the midst of the Cold War, the gist of Thunderball may seem quite familiar to those who frequent more modern political action thrillers, such as The Sum of All Fears. Despite the larger than life premise, Thunderball remains far more grounded in reality than several later Bond exploits (including You Only Live Twice and Moonraker) which tended to drift into being overly silly and ludicrous. Thunderball still takes itself relatively seriously, with several surprisingly dark moments, which help counterbalance the slightly comical yet still thrilling sight of of seeing Connery in a jet pack, and dramatically aid the overall quality of the film.
However, Thunderball's significantly larger budget is mostly misused through underwater photography sequences, which, although interesting to look at (and were likely moreso back in the 1960s, where such a sight was very seldom visible to the public eye) for the most part fail to further the plot in any way, and drag on excruciatingly long. However, the film does boast some strong cinematography (and some stunning locations), the action sequences (including a tense chase sequence through a Mardi Gras parade) are solid, and an unreasonably catchy Tom Jones title track surprisingly helps not hinders the film.
Unfortunately, for however many of the film's previous strengths, the film descends into utter chaos during the film's final quarter with a painfully repetitive and indecipherable underwater battle (it is increasingly difficult to tell which underwater army is which, who is winning, or why it should even retain our interest) a boat chase flaunting special effects which have dated decidedly unfavourably, and laughably inexplicable character motivations seemingly thrown in to finally tie up the increasingly unravelling mess. It is a disappointment indeed to see what started out with such promise sink into such a banal conclusion.
The character of Bond himself is surprisingly reduced to far less screen time than is usual for a 007 film, which is unfortunate, as Connery gives arguably one of his strongest performances as Bond, oozing self assurance and panache, yet an unprecedented darkness amidst the one liners. ("I think he got the point" being the most classic) This time around Bond not only gets hurt, but is not afraid to hurt, unflinchingly bestowing surprisingly vicious physical punishment against his adversaries
The supporting cast proves to be a very hit and miss affair. While former model Claudine Augere certainly looks the part of a sixties Bond girl, but unfortunately for the most part retains the static lack of emoting also associated with them. Adolfo Celi's eye-patched frown makes a visually iconic Bond villain, and is suitably menacing, but as the film progresses, he loses his threat element more and more, eventually degrading to a flimsy carbon copy of an adversary by the final act. Luciana Paluzzi steals the show from all but Connery, making one of the most chilling Bond femme fatale figures in the franchise. Paluzzi, despite the potential to coast by on her sensual looks, refuses to play the part on autopilot, and exudes laudable charisma and threat throughout. The unfortunately named Rik Van Nutter makes the most generic and forgettable CIA agent Felix Leiter of the Bond series, but Bernard Lee and Desmond Llewelyn are on top form as the ever endearing M and Q.
As overlong and let down by some unfortunate overuse of budget and dated special effects as the film may be, Thunderball is nonetheless a noteworthy and suitably engaging early Bond effort. Connery himself, in one of his most charismatic renditions of the role is enough to merit watching, and the film for the most part runs along at a brisk enough pace to retain audience interest. While the film is less likely to enthrall those who are not already Bond purists, fans of the character or series should easily be able to extract moments of enjoyment from Thunderball
"It looks very difficult. Why no, it isn't, is it?"
Similar to "Goldfinger", this film decides not to use the James Bond guitar theme (unless you count the credits, which I don't). Nothing is more satisfying than having that music punctuate Bond's charm and/or action. While this is not the best Bond film, it certainly seems to be the most ridiculous; and that is not a bad thing. I had a lot of fun watching this movie simply because it doesn't seem to take itself as serious as the others, and the first 5 minutes portray the events to come perfectly; shifty-eyed villains, cheezy one-liners, scuba warfare, etc. However, even though this silliness can be fairly entertaining, the film does stretch on a little longer than is acceptable; despite that, the movie is a lot of fun.
James Bond: That gun, it looks more fitting for a woman. Emilio Largo: You know much about guns, Mr. Bond? James Bond: No, but I know a little about women.
An okay Bond film, but a tough act to follow Goldfinger. The ending provides the most fun, with lots of 60s Bond action. Never consider watching Never say Never Again, the unofficial Bond series remake.
The story is fairly simple. An agent of the evil SPECTRE organization has stolen two nuclear bombs and is ransoming the free world for an obscene amount of money. Bond decides to travel to Nassau in the Carribean in order to follow a lead to the bad guys. Action and love making ensue, as Bond attempts to foil the evil plans.
This Bond film works well enough with the formula, with a great amount of effort placed into the action and underwater special effects.
James Bond: My dear, uncooperative Domino. Domino: How do you know that? How do you know my friends call me Domino? James Bond: It's on the bracelet on your ankle. Domino: So... what sharp little eyes you've got. James Bond: Wait 'til you get to my teeth.
The problem lies in how extended this film feels. The story really doesn't kick in until about forty minutes in, which could have been shortened. However, we still have Connery kicking ass as bond, as well as a couple of clever along with some 60s styled goofy moments.
Surprisingly this is the favorite Bond film for many, but I was never really thrilled too much by this entry. Its still a good one though and has a title song by Tom Jones.
Q: It is to be handled with special care! James Bond: Everything you give me... Q: ...is treated with equal contempt. Yes, I know.
Thunderball is known as one of the great 007 movies, but personally i dislike it due to it's lack of action. The story is based on missing nuclear bombs, taken by SPECTRE. The movie includes 25% of underwater scenes. The movie started off on a high for me as James Bond (Sean Connery) battled with a disguised villain. The fight was made into a nice little sequence which included the introduction on the amazing jet-pack and a cameo from the Aston Martin. The next we see Bond is shrublands which starts the slow pace. He checks in with MI6, travels to Nassau and then onto a casino, just to find the Bond girl, Domino. After another scene of dancing, there's a chase scene which only lasts a few minutes, and doesn't create much excitement. More diving, and then onto an underwater battle. The idea of two groups of divers battling underwater, may be positive, but it really didn't excite me. The diver slowly fighting out, looked as if they were dancing. Once 007 finally reaches the villain, the action starts to pick up. The fight between Bond and Emilio Largo is intense, but only lasts a minute or 2. It didn't match up to the fight between Bond and Red Grant.
If you want a laugh, change the words in the theme song from "there is no woman WHO can resisit" to "there is no woman HE can resisit...and he strikes like thuuuuunderball" LOL
Boldy directed by Terence Young, this Bond flick's dynamite underwater action sequences are amongst the finest ever put to film. Spectre#2 is a smart and worthy nemesis who gives our hero formidable challenges to overcome, while, vixen, Fiona Volpe, beats Bond at his own game of seduction, proving not all females are immune to his devilish charms. Definitely one of the most visually exotic of the Bond films, this holds up as a top notch action flick even by today's standards, providing an exciting escape to a time of decadence, glamour and international espionage.
The best of the Connery films and lets face it, Connery still remains the best Bond. This was the first in the series to use cinemascope and surround sound and Young has a blast creating such havoc, especially underwater. The climactic boat chase scene is as hysterical and thrilling as Bond gets. Gotta love the fast-motion fighting. Classic! Technically speaking, Thunderball remains a marvel. The water sequences were cutting edge at the time and they still hold up. The first half may drag at times but the finale more than makes up for it. Connery is ultra-cool with some of his best one-liners ever - "I think he got the point."
After the fourth installment, 007 plots stay fresh with much of the setting taking place underwater. I must admit, the underwater scenes were nicely choreographed, I just wish the above water action scenes weren't so "Munsters-like". I didn't find the new villain to be as interesting as Goldfinger, but the premise and villainous schemes were still creative. Mr. Bond keeps getting awfully lucky, but I never tire of the one-liners like "Do you mind if my friend sits this one out? She's just dead". Good stuff!
D'entrée de jeu, même s'il me semble que le scénario de base soit beaucoup moins travaillé que les trois premiers, les effets spéciaux finissent en quelque sorte par compenser et le spectateur finit tout de même par adhérer à l'intrigue au bout du compte. Même si les bandits ne m'ont paru bien convaincants, Sean Connery est encore une fois formidable, même s'il me semble déceler une petite baisse de performance de sa part comparément aux autres premiers volets.
La réalisation laisse tout de fois à désirer sur certains points, notamment dans le montage où je crois qu'une certaine inversion des scènes aurait créé un impact plus prononcé chez le spectateur, dans la mesure où l'on n'aurait peut-être pas du nous fournir la réponse dès les premières minutes du film, alors que James Bond a, lui, passé deux heures à trouver la solution à l'énigme. Il aurait probablement été bénéfique pour le suspense et l'intérêt de nous inclure involontairement dans la peau de James Bond en nous laissant dans le mystère nous aussi.
#14 -- Incredibly amusing; even if it is borderline hillarious at times with some of the wacky special effects during the end sequence. Though the jetpack is sorely under-used, Thunderball has some top notch action. Still, it does not rank nearly as good as Connery's first three due to its sillier qualities, but it continues to be regarded as a classic and has every right to be.
"SPECTRE" is back, and n1 is yet to show his face.
Instead, his right hand man makes his appearance, threatening the world with 2 stolen nuclear bombs, thus demanding a ransom of a million pounds.
An okay, well executed plot.
The weak point of the movie is without a doubt the overlong underwater confusing battle scene at the end.
Remade eighteen years later as "Never Say Never again".
I've never been a fan of the underwater Bond films, but this is definitely not boring by any means. It's nowhere near as good as the previous three, but on its own it's very good.
the OTT underwater one. bond splashes about seeming almost in a holiday mood throughout. sean connerys 4th effort i believe. no iconic baddies here unfortunately but as usual there's loads of lovely ladies. not great but not bad
You may call it blasphemy, but Thunderball is the first average Bond flick. There are way too many scuba diving sequences that will put you to sleep and Connery seems to be phoning in the second half of the picture.
Thunderball is known as one of the great 007 movies, but personally i dislike it due to it's lack of action. The story is based on missing nuclear bombs, taken by SPECTRE. The movie includes 25% of underwater scenes. The movie started off on a high for me as James Bond (Sean Connery) battled with a disguised villain. The fight was made into a nice little sequence which included the introduction on the amazing jet-pack and a cameo from the Aston Martin. The next we see Bond is shrublands which starts the slow pace. He checks in with MI6, travels to Nassau and then onto a casino, just to find the Bond girl, Domino. After another scene of dancing, there's a chase scene which only lasts a few minutes, and doesn't create much excitement. More diving, and then onto an underwater battle. The idea of two groups of divers battling underwater, may be positive, but it really didn't excite me. The diver slowly fighting out, looked as if they were dancing. Once 007 finally reaches the villain, the action starts to pick up. The fight between Bond and Emilio Largo is intense, but only lasts a minute or 2. It didn't match up to the fight between Bond and Red Grant.
This is my own personal opinion, so not everyone feels this way about it. If you look the mystery of finding the villain and the weapons, you would enjoy this. If action is your thing, you might not be too fond of this.
my absolute favourite Bond film, if only a whisker ahead of Casino Royal. that both films had truck-loads of money thrown at them (and it shows, in a good way) doesn't hurt, but ultimately it comes down to 007's charisma -- he wears his cultured sophistication comfortably (in the first 3 Bonds one gets the sense that Connery isn't entirely at home yet in this aspect of James' skin), is effortlessly charming, dead sexy, plausibly violent, tough as old boots, completely ruthless... and did i mention sexy? :::fluttery sigh::: but Connery is the Bond against which all other Bonds are judged for a reason, and Thunderball has that lovely cold-war ambience that no-one really seems to have yet found an entirely effective substitute for. i'd give it an extra half-a-star, only the but-that's-not-Shirley-Bassey theme-song (it's Tom Jones) keeps getting stuck in my head, and only more Tom Jones will dislodge it...
The fourth movie of the franchise doesn't disappoint me at all :) To me this is better than Goldfinger. The pacing of this movie is perfect. Not too fast and not too slow..it stays consistent the whole way through. The story itself and the villian isn't the best but overall this is the best film out of the first 4 films so far. The music underscoring the pacing of the movie is enhanced greatly and my favorite parts of the movie are underwater which reminds me of Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea..James Bond Style :) Next...
having seen Weird Al's intro to Spy Hard, the opening credits made me laugh quite intensely. aside from that, this is another of my favorite Bond movies. in the air, on the land or under the sea, there's no action like Bond action.
After the success of 1964's Goldfinger the Bond team jumped straight into Thunderball. Originally intended to be the first Bond movie but due to legal reasons Dr. No was made instead. Thunderball is also noted as being the first in the series to have many underwater scenes.
The fourth adventure sees S. P.E.C.T.R.E going broke and stealing two nuclear warheads to hold the world ransom. Only agent 007 is skilled enough to infiltrate the enemy plans and save the world once again.
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