Post numero dos right here. I've recently just re-watched one of my favorite James Bond films that i got from my netflix this week. The film was On Her Majesty's Secret Service. For those who don't know who James Bond is and have lived under a rock for the past fifty years, he is a fictional spy character created by Ian Fleming in the late 1950's, also known as Agent 007. I have seen all the Bond films, some probably in the viewcount reaching the double-digits. The films always have terrific action sequences that always topped each other with the latest and most spectacular stunt work. The films show 007 working for Mi6 and brittish intelligence, foiling an over-the-top villian, and getting the supermodel-esque leading lady in the end.
I feel there is a lot of flaws one could point out with James Bond, but in terms of entertainment value, "no body does it better". (quote intended). Everyone has their favorite Bond actor. Mine is the first actor to don the tuxedo, Sean Connery, who established the characters suave, athletic, and superhero style attitude to the role. Connery gives off the impression he is in complete control of every situation and we as viewers want to go along for the ride with him. I highly recommend seeing his first four bond adventures, because they could be some of the greatest action films ever put to screen.
I end this blog with my top 10 James Bond films, and hopefully when Spike, AMC, USA, SYFY, or whatever network puts on a marathon, you will check them out. With Six actors having portrayed 007, and 22 films made, i can honestly say i cannot wait to see what they make next.
10. From Russia With Love- 1963, Connery as Bond
9. License to Kill-1989, Timothy Dalton as Bond
8. Live and Let Die- 1973, Roger Moore as Bond
7. The Spy Who Loved Me- 1977, Moore as Bond
6. On Her Majesty's Secret Service- 1969, George Lazenby as Bond
5. Dr. No- 1962, Connery as Bond (First Bond film)
4. Goldeneye-1995, Pierce Brosnan as Bond
3. Casino Royale- 2006, Daniel Craig as Bond
2. Thunderball- 1965, Connery as Bond
1. Goldfinger-1964, Connery as Bond
What do you think of the latest Daniel Craig films vs. the Connery films? I am not a huge Bond fan, but it seems the Craig films are getting back to the roots of the I am Fleming novels and taking away the campy characters and situations that became increasingly part of the films over the years.
ReplyDeleteI was a huge fan of Casino Royale, it basically had all the elements of Connerys Bond adventures where you knew Bond was never going to die along the way but you were up for the adventure and felt the suspense. Quantum of Solace was a major disappointment to me, just showing Bond as a one-note revenge seeker going from one action sequence to another without time to show any depth (probably because it was a short script written during the writers strike in '07). Id like the next film to have a longer running time and show more of the charismatic side of Bond like Connery was able to have. Thats the only thing missing from the new franchise, in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteI think for entertainment purposes Quantom of Solace was a good movie, where the chase scenes were pretty incredible, and like always there is good humor but as showing Bond as a revenge seeker I do agree with you on that. It seems like its unlike Bond, but then again at the end of Casino Royale it was the first time Bond seemed to be spending more time with a woman and maybe even falling in "love" (as hard as that would be for Bond). Thats just my opinion.
ReplyDeleteThe Connery Bond films are fantastic. Personally, I feel the film with the best story and visual style was From Russian with Love. As far as being a really cool movie containing all the elements you think should be in a Bond film I'd have to go with You Only Live Twice.
ReplyDeleteI feel James Bond encapsulates the 20th century ideal of the modern man. He's actually despicable when you think of him critically. He's deceptive, he's a misogynist and he cheats to win. Very 20th century. This differs greatly from the traditional hero who is honest, truthful and kind to women.