VIDEO REVIEW: From Russia With Love

VIDEO REVIEW: Dr. No

BOND 4: Thunderball

Thunderball

Director: Terence Young

Year 1965

Thunderball is an outstanding fourth go at the tremendously entertaining James Bond series, with Sean Connery again taking on the role of the suave and charming secret agent 007. Directed by Terence Young and lambasted with a cool and refreshing series of exotic locations, this Bond entry injects an exuberant amount of style into the formula which helps make it one of the most visually engaging of Connery’s outings. With its larger than life villains, unbelievably sexy femme fatales, and its espionage-edged sequences, Thunderball is an imaginative and thrilling adventure that throws every trick in the spy book at the viewer, as it displays one of the most enjoyable Bond adventures in the series. Lush in visuals and overwhelming in style, you’ll get lost in this classic 007 tale, as you’re drenched in picturesque locations amidst the sun-kissed shores of the Bahamas, all the while getting a front row seat at one of the coolest cats in the biz, Sean Connery as James Bond.

The film is set into motion when two nuclear warheads are stolen by the evil organization known as SPECTRE. Led by their number two man, Emilio Largo, SPECTRE secures the stolen weapons cache in a hidden cove off the coast of Nassau and threatens to unleash hell if their demands are not met. Answering the call to action, James Bond immediately takes on the case as he finds that his current mission is intertwined with SPECTRE’s overall plot. After doing some investigative work, 007 follows an intriguing trail of bread crumbs that lead him to Emilio Largo and his luxury yacht, the Disco Volante, docked in the Bahamas. Hot on his heels is a voluptuous assassin named Fiona, who under Largo’s orders, pursues Bond with a venomous fire and a sensual gaze. Amidst all of the dangers that plague 007, like man-eating sharks and an army of armed scuba divers, there is a ray of light in the form of Domino, a beautiful young woman. Held captive by the ruthless and cunning Largo, Domino might be the only key in finding the location of the stolen warheads and stopping SPECTRE’s diabolical plans. Can James beat the bad guys and get the girl? You bet your ass he can! They don’t call him James Bond for nothing.

Sean Connery, unsurprisingly, does it again as he epitomizes the character of James Bond for the fourth time in a row. In my opinion, this is the most accomplished of his portrayals and the suave nature and charming aspects of his character are on full display this time out. With confidence and swagger, Connery tackles the role with unparalleled skill, making for a viewing experience that is anything less than sublime. His iconic pull as an actor, coupled with the larger than life aspects of Bond, is a combination destined for greatness, and you can see the stride of the heralded character hitting a pivotal pitch within this production. He’s daring, inventive, sarcastic, and wholly watchable, more so then ever, and that is what gives Thunderball its potency. Of course the lavish locations, beautiful cast, and intriguing plot don’t hurt, but it is all held together by the tremendous acting chops and sturdy shoulders of Connery. Normally after an actor has reached the fourth portrayal of a particular character, you begin to see a sort of fatigue set in within their performance, but in this situation, Connery seems reinvigorated by the proceedings as he brings an energy and fun to the film like never before. Needless to say, Sean perfected the formula of “secret agent on a mission”, as he adds his own special flair into the mix to spice things up, making for one hell of an entertaining spectacle that only gets better with repeat viewings.

Feeling the weight of Connery’s performance and seemingly being inspired by it, Adolfo Celi takes on the role of Emilio Largo, the number two of the SPECTRE organization. Celi gives the nefarious man an enhanced severity and wit that perfectly matches Bond’s most celebrated of traits. There is a wonderful scene in this film that captures the genuine one-upmanship between the two, and this occurs when Bond visits Largo on his private estate on the coast. While taking in some target practice, Largo successfully shoots down his clay pigeon and sarcastically asks Bond if he wants to give it a go. Bond sheepishly tells Largo that it looks very difficult and then casually shoots his clay pigeon from the hip only to exclaim, “Why no, it isn’t, is it.” The scene is wonderfully executed and Adolfo Celi’s expression when witnessing Bond’s skills is both playful and apprehensive, which perfectly summarizes their relationship throughout the film. Like a game of cat and mouse, they gauge each other and size each other up, and the tension between each interaction they have is delightfully engaging and always amusing. The choice to bring Celi into the Bond fold was a brilliant one and he makes for a most fabulously memorable villain.

In true Bond fashion, Thunderball is never lacking in the beautiful female department as we are gifted two stunners in the form of Claudine Auger and Luciana Paluzzi. Each of these stellar actresses’ characters could be no more different from each other if they tried and against this picturesque tropical setting, the two just look absolutely unbelievable. Claudine Auger takes on the role of Domino, the naive associate of Emilio Largo who quickly becomes a prisoner when stumbling onto the truth of whom Largo really is. Auger is as captivating as they come, projecting an infectious innocence that you can’t help but get behind. With her natural beauty and sympathetic story, it’s hard to not root for her and hope she’s saved by Bond. On the other side of the coin is Luciana Paluzzi as she takes on the role of Fiona, the venomous sexpot who is as alluring as she is deadly. With drop dead gorgeous looks and a body to match, the woman requires a warning label in the form of a curves ahead street sign, and she uses these assets to great use in seducing Bond and any man that she comes into contact with in this film. Not only is she nice to look at, but Paluzzi is a stupendous actress who is famous for bringing an uncontrollable amount of passion and fire to her roles which not many can match, or handle. Her inclusion in this film is a definite plus in my book and her role is damn near unforgettable.

Speaking of unforgettable visuals, this film is jam-packed full of them thanks to the wondrous globetrotting imagery that is rampantly on display in Thunderball. From a stupendous opening scene set in a chateau in France, to some homey depictions of a Health Retreat in England, to some fabulously captured sequences off the coast of Miami, this film is quite a visual smorgasbord. Aside from all of these fantastic locations, the film mainly focuses its eye-catching efforts in the Bahamas where the main bulk of the story takes place. Crystal clear waters, sandy beaches, and lush coastal breezes are all that can be scene within this stunner of a film. Combined with its mid 60’s style and vibrant color tones, Thunderball is a true feast for the eyes.

When it comes to gadgets, the film takes out the big guns right from the on set as it introduces us to a jet-pack wearing James Bond. This out of control scene lets us know right from the gate that we are in for one hell of a wild ride. Taking the baton after that inventive sequence is a more subdued but equally engaging set of gadgets and gizmos that make up the inventions of Q Branch and aid Bond on his most perilous mission. From Bond’s Aston Martin DB5, to homing pills, to tiny breathing apparatuses, to underwater Jet packs and cameras, to the glorious Skyhook which closes the film, Thunderball makes good use of its aquatic locations. The gadgets and spectacle of the climactic underwater scuba battle is a thing of beauty and the filmmakers turn this violent opus into a poetic aquatic ballet filled with death and mayhem across every inch of the frame. The film is indeed a glorious demonstration of the stylistic quality in which can spring from the Bond universe at any given moment, and we are drenched with this heightened sensibility at every turn. Needless to say, Thunderball is a Bond entry that escalates the stakes in the most visually pleasing of ways and that’s a staple of a true great Bond film.

Thunderball is an unrelenting barrage of everything that the Bond universe has to offer, which is shot in a stylistic manner that only enhances the appeal of this long standing series. It has the iconic villains, the beautiful women, the wild gadgets, and the amazing locations, yet it is the way that they are all portrayed that really aid in making this entry a memorable experience. Sean Connery is pitch-perfect in the role that made him a household name, and the same grandeur and sensibility that he brought to the role three years ago in Dr. No, is present here only more succinct in its confidence.

Likewise are the performances by the rest of the cast. Adolfo Celi, Luciana Paluzzi, and Claudine Auger are as captivating as they come and their inclusion in this espionage yarn is a thing of beauty. What I think most captivates me about this entry in the series, is the fact that everything just seems to gel so well together. From the locations, to the cast, to the overall story in general, the film just feels like a completely realized Bond world. Over the top and genuinely engaging at every turn, Thunderball is a perfect visual definition of what a Bond movie truly is. I admire the film for its combined and ambitious efforts, and I treasure the execution by Terence Young as this is one of the most enjoyable productions you’ll find in all of 007’s most accomplished of missions. This flick is like a…..

Weeeeee!

Damn Bond! You're so dang sneaky!

That better be one hell of a phone call! Unplug it you dumb shit!

The ladies love Bond's furry mittens.

Check out these two cool cats.

Largo's day dreaming about that new eye surgery.

Everyone's all smiles in the Bahamas.

Go fish.

This guy wasn't a fan of Bond's fancy fedora.

You better move your ass or you're shark food buddy.

Room for one more? Maybe? Dear god say yes!

It's sexy time!

My word! Your foot is exquisite!

Yeah that's right James. Do your thing.

The most violent synchronized swimming performance.... EVER!

This boat is so cool.... It's smoking!

Take that you son of a bitch!

James Bond... where do you get these wonderful toys?

BOND 3: Goldfinger

Goldfinger

Director: Guy Hamilton

Year 1964

Goldfinger is the third entry in the long standing Bond series, proving that three times is definitely the charm as Sean Connery comes back to reprise his iconic role with impeccable results. Helmed by Guy Hamilton in his first attempt at presenting the thrilling adventures of agent 007, the movie has a slick style that emphasizes the coolness of the series while at the same time filling out the world of Bond with a more excessive and exuberant fun-filled fashion. With its over the top villains, quirky gadgets, sleek visuals, and sexy women, Goldfinger continues in the same entertaining tradition in which its previous entries have so far established for themselves. The film builds upon what we already know about the Bond world by adding even more to the lucrative franchise in terms of lavish style, breathtaking stunts, and a charming hero that steals the show every time. Who could ask for anything more?

The film centers around a gold obsessed man named Auric Goldfinger, as he plots to raid Fort Knox and decimate the world’s economy. After having a run in with the infamous Goldfinger in Maimi, resulting in one of James Bond’s female flings being painted in gold and killed, James Bond makes it a priority to bring the madman down at any cost. Following the old saying, “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer”, Bond offers Goldfinger a lucrative proposition in hopes to get close enough to his organization and unfold his nefarious plot. Unfortunately for Bond, Goldfinger has a ruthless man servant named Oddjob, who would like nothing more than to severe James’ head from his neck, with the flick of his razorblade-brimmed derby. To make matters more complicated Goldfinger also has in his employment a ravishing pilot named Pussy Galore, whose stunning looks and headstrong attitude could very well bring about James Bond’s downfall.

Once again Sean Connery takes on the role of James Bond, marking his third appearance in the role and cementing his legacy as the quintessential 007. The originator of the cool demeanor and stylish swagger, Connery really lets loose this time out as he gives an extremely more playful mindset to the character. His smart remarks and witty banter are a mile a minute in this entry, and it seems that his appetite for the ladies has only increased since his first two outings. I really enjoyed the aura of fun that Goldfinger brings to the table and Sean just soaks it all in as the charismatic hero who always beats the odds. Needless to say, Sean Connery is my favorite of the Bonds and in this entry the fun of the James Bond character really comes into light.

As far as reoccurring characters in the series, Bernard Lee and Lois Maxwell reprise their roles respectively as ‘M’ and Moneypenny, and each of them give a dazzling performance. Maxwell especially hits the mark as Bond’s flirtatious co-worker. The sexual tension between these two is potent and the running gag between them has endured throughout the entire series even leading up to the newest entry Skyfall, in the most satisfactory of ways. When it comes to the rest of the women in James’ life, Shirley Eaton plays the lovely Jill Masterson, a reluctant employee of Goldfinger, while Tania Mallet takes on the role of her sister Tilly Masterson, a revenge seeking sibling you means to take the life of Goldfinger for the death of her sister. Last but definitely not least is Honor Blackman as the tantalizingly named Pussy Galore. Blackman is absolutely stunning in this film, and her character’s headstrong nature and curvaceous ways are to die for. Pussy Galore is definitely a Bond girl that stands at the top of the list of fantastically provocative characters.

That takes us to Goldfinger himself, who with the help of his man servant Oddjob, make for a formidable team. Gert Frobe embodies the role of Auric Goldfinger, as his cocky attitude and lust for wealth really take center stage. The man is a glutton for gold and you can see it in everything he owns and wears. There’s always a nice subtle touch of gold in all that he owns, from his private jet to his finely sewn clothing. Though he isn’t an intimidating presence physically, he leaves that dirty business to his henchmen and polar opposite, Oddjob. The pairing of Goldfinger with Oddjob, played by Harold Sakata, is a highly interesting one and this odd couple never ceases to entertain when sharing the screen. Both actors do an amazing job with their respective characters and you can tell that they are being swept up in the fun as much as we are.

Speaking of being swept away, this mission, as usual, takes Bond on a global journey around the world. From the posh and stylish hotels along the coast in Miami, to the rolling and twisting roads of Geneva, to a poppy farm in Mexico, to some quaint scenes in Baltimore, Maryland and Fort Knox, Kentucky, the film gives off a nice kaleidoscope of 60’s globetrotting goodness. Though not as exotic and international as some of Bond’s other missions, there’s a strange simplicity and tempered approach to the locations that really emphasis what it’s like to be a secret agent in this fictional espionage world, yet lavishly toned down. Even if Goldfinger’s globetrotting isn’t as impressive as 007’s more iconic outings, the over the top and expressive characters more than make up for the familiar territory covered in this film. Combine that with the impressive gadgets that ‘Q’, played by the incomparable Desmond Llewelyn, reveals to Bond and you’ve got yourself one outstanding entry that only serves to build on the legend that we all know and love. Goldfinger is a respectable admission in the series as it begins to really take hold on the things that make a Bond film great and really that’s all I ask with these films.

Goldfinger is a constant reminder on why we love the character of James Bond so much. He’s suave, confident, and always in control, even in the most dire of circumstances. The man is a living legend, born from fiction, and realized by an accomplished actor who is able to exude all of these qualities at the drop of a hat and simply put, it’s all just so much damn fun. From the remarkable gadgets, the picturesque locations, the astoundingly interesting villains, and the jaw dropping beauties that grace the film, you’d have to be dead inside to not at least get a thrill out of something that the movie provides.

As one of Connery’s best efforts, Goldfinger is a perfect example of the formula. We’ve got Gert Frobe as the ridiculously named Goldfinger, we’ve got Honor Blackman as the even more ridiculously named Pussy Galore, and we’ve got Harold Sakata as the strangely aptly named Oddjob. What is there not to like? With its tongue and cheek attitude and Connery’s perfectly delivered lines, Goldfinger is a Bond entry that really ups the fun factor while still focusing on the thrills and chills of the espionage world, and that’s a balancing act worth rooting for. Director Guy Hamilton takes his first stab at the series and really knocks it out of the park as he realizes the perfect combination of cheese and class, the very same formula that has gifted the longevity of the series and has made it so much damn fun to watch. Goldfinger is the gold standard to which the series would branch off from and you really can’t deny that this movie is…..

Do it James you suave bastard you.

Shocking!

Nothing like a backrub from a hot chick to get you smiling.

Well hello there.

You're looking in the wrong place Bond old boy.

Get your lazy gold ass up and answer the phone!

I'm Bond, James Bond, but you already knew that.

So you're a Caddy? What an Oddjob.

Holy shit! Grandma's pissed!

A little help here Goldfinger. My balls are on fire!

My name's Pussy Galore. My word!

I can see my Gold house from here.

What up G?

How about a roll in the hay? Shit ya!

The Odd Couple.

Someone needs to learn about sharing.

What do you think of my Gold little friend?

Any last requests? PUSSY GALORE!!!!