Back in October I re-watched all 22 James Bond's in time for the now Billion Dollar Skyfall. Here are my thoughts on the Connery films. Tune in tomorrow for Moore's mission debriefings.
Dr. No
Dr. No is undeniably entertaining but it did not find the ideal rhythm that makes the series truly work. Mix in some suspect acting, an action-lite and simple plot and it fails to stand out amongst those which come later. Despite these flaws Connery slipped into the role perfectly, finding a blend of class, intelligence and wit that has rarely been matched by his predecessor's first outings. It stands as the perfect platform from which the James Bond legacy built up from.
6/10
From Russia With Love
A much stronger story, seeing Bond in the middle of a SPECTRE plan to fool both Russia and Britain, which is undeniably helped by more fleshed out supporting characters and the introduction (albeit in the shadows) of the villainous Blofeld. The action carries more weight, the script much sharper and the visuals more impressive than Dr. No; it's perhaps Connery's most critically praised entry to the franchise and deservedly so. Whilst there is still more iconic moments to come for both Bond and Connery, From Russia With Love serves as one of the pinnacle missions for 007.
8/10
Goldfinger
This is the moment when the Bond franchise turned slightly away from the "pure thriller" of the first two instalments and became iconic action adventures. Who could forget Oddjob's lethal hat, Goldfinger's "I expect you to die!", Shirley Bassey's belting theme song or Jill Masterson's golden body lifeless on the bed. It's pure escapism, it's pure entertainment and it's perhaps the perfect display of the genre now known as "Bond".
9/10
You Only Live Twice
Bond's first adventure in the Far East is a mixed affair, there's several spectacular and fun moments to be had yet it also falls foul of shoddy effects and a mediocre script.
An action sequence seeing Bond escape four helicopters in "Little Nellie" is evidence of the producers having more fun with their hero, yet the volcanic finale feels rushed, lazily thought out and disappointing.
The opening sequence sets in motion an entertaining and interesting concept of "killing Bond off" yet seems to only serve as a reason to use one of Fleming's titles; it adds nothing whatsoever to the plot.
Connery himself announced his retirement from the role mid-way through filming, and it is evident here that he is jaded with the role; gone is the swagger and sophistication that made his womanising behaviour fun or his action scenes sparkle.
That being said, there's enough humour to keep your mouth smirking, theres several well choreographed fights to put you on the edge of your seat and enough of a threat to keep the stakes high. The films main flaw is it feels like the first Bond film to just go through the motions; we've come to expect better from Britain's most lethal weapon.
6/10
Thunderball
Whilst a noticeable step backwards from his previous mission, Thunderball still finds a suave Sean Connery delivering another knockout performance as James Bond. He could play the role in his sleep so comfortable Connery is in the tux. Unfortunately the script sidelines him in a health club for a lengthy thirty minutes; it's a subplot that leaves you pining for 007 to get back out in the field.
Once he does, the film finds a sturdier footing, and the SPECTRE terrorist attack poses a much meatier threat than ever before. Whilst the action delivers, including a spectacular underwater finale, the supporting cast are given little to play with considering the films two hour plus running time, and the script struggles to keep your attention when Connery is off screen.
There's no denying Thunderball isn't a decent effort from those involved, it's just a lesser sum of several spectacular parts; a film that needed a thirty minute trim and much more ruthless editing.
7/10
On Her Majesty's Secret Service
One of the more grounded entries of the series, and a worthy companion to Casino Royale many years down the line, On Her Majesty's Secret Service is perhaps the forgetten gem of the entire collection.
George Lazenby may lack the sophistication and suave manner of Connery, the style of Brosnan or the depth of Craig but he gives his all in his only attempt at mastering Bond with relative success; it is certainly a worthy attempt at adding some gravitas to 007.
He's helped by some stunning action scenes in the snowy mountains of Switzerland, an impressive interpretation of Blofeld by Telly Savalas and a stunning turn by Diana Rigg as Terry. The first woman to win 007's heart, Rigg should be the most iconic Bond girl.
The story has highs and lows, Blofeld's "angels of death" aren't executed well enough and there is one too many ski chases but for its lengthy 140 minute running time, Bond's sixth mission is much more hit than miss.
9/10
Diamonds Are Forever
A rather lacklustre goodbye from Sean Connery, who looks like he only returned for his pay packet as opposed to acting desire. He is almost sleepwalking through his sixth outing as 007, certainly gone are the suave nuances of his first four missions.
The story isn't much better, an interesting concept well executed for the first hour descends into an abyss of failed potential once Blofeld returns. Charles Grey's version of Bond's arch nemesis is a shade of the villain we have seen before; his master plan flawed, unoriginal and never posing much of a threat.
Thankfully the villainous duo of Mr. Whinn and Mr. Kidd add a new angle to the franchise; their creepy, humorous and quite dark characters would have served as a much more interesting finale should the script have brought them more to the forefront.
The Bond girl is undeniably the biggest joke Diamonds are Forever unintentionally has. Poorly acted, written and with little point other than eye candy, Tiffany Case would serve as the worst woman in 007's career had Plenty O'Toole not also provided a terrible pun wrapped in a miserable performance.
Connery deserved a better epilogue to his run, something more deserving of his iconic portrayal. At least it had a memorable theme song...
5/10
Adam
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