The Lucid Nightmare: Lois Maxwell

Thursday, October 6, 2016

Monday, April 25, 2016

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

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!!!!

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

i SPY EUROSPY: OK Connery

OK Connery (Operation Kid Brother)
Director: Alberto De Martino
Year 1967

If you thought Sean Connery was the only Connery in the family that kicked all kinds of ass, then you my friend would be dead wrong. Enter Neil Connery, the jack of all trades. The guy is a world renowned plastic surgeon, a professional archer, an expert hypnotist and an ace lip-reader. Well at least in the film, OK Connery, in which he stars as the normal everyday citizen turned secret agent, Dr. Neil Connery. If any of this sounds enjoyable to you, then OK Connery is right up your alley.

The overall story of OK Connery, also known as Operation Kid Brother, is that there is an evil organization called Thanatos who has created a device that can render any mechanical metal devices, most importantly guns, useless. This would be the perfect assignment for the world's most experienced secret agent, but unfortunately he isn't available. What to do, what to do? Well the answer is easy. Get his younger brother to do it. Duh!

Dr. Neil Connery, played by who else, Neil Connery, is recruited into saving the world from the evil schemes of the Thanatos organization. Armed with expert knowledge and the genetic DNA of his super agent brother, Neil proves that Operation Kid Brother is too much for one mother. What a tag line!

When first watching this flick, I wasn't too sure whether Neil had the chops to pull off this classic role, but boy was I wrong. The guy has charisma. Not as much as his legendary older brother Sean, but close enough. He carries himself with an effortless poise and confident swagger, that you just can't help believe that he can do all the things his more experienced brother can and possibly more. I really was surprised how well he blended into the role and my only regret is that he didn't go on to have a more illustrious career for himself in cinema. Oh well, I'll take what I can get.

Neil isn't the only one strutting his stuff and making this film so much damn fun to watch. We also have some veteran actors of the Eurospy circle to help Neil out in giving the film some much needed street cred. First we have the lovely Daniela Bianchi, who is arguably one of the key female spokespersons for this genre. She has been in so many memorable spy efforts that it's hard to keep count. From her standout roles in From Russia With Love, Code Name: Tiger, Slalom, Requiem for a Secret Agent, and my personal favorite, Special Mission Lady Chaplin, Daniela is anything but a slouch in the cinematic espionage world. In OK Connery, Daniela plays the role of Maya Rafis, an assassin with a heart of gold, who eventually falls to the charms of Mr. Connery. She's had quite a career for herself, though terribly short, having charmed the pants, literally, off of two Connery brothers. Way to go Daniela!

On the flip side of that we have the wonderfully evil Adolfo Celi, who plays the role of Mr. Thai, an ambitious man in the ranks of the Thanatos organization. Celi is a familiar face to those of you out there that have seen your fair share of Eurospy flicks. He's been in a number of classic spy films like That Man From Rio, Slalom (alongside Daniela Bianchi), Thunderball, and Danger: Diabolik, just to name a few. He plays the usual sneaky character in this film, constantly trying to best Neil at every turn, playing a cat and mouse kind of game with Connery while trying to keep his allegiance to Thanatos a secret.

There's also some more friendly and familiar faces for those of you out there that love the Bond universe. Bernard Lee and Lois Maxwell give us another dose of Bond recognition as they play fairly similar characters compared to their official James Bond roles. Lois Maxwell as Miss Moneypenny is one of my favorite reoccurring Bond characters and her role in OK Connery is something of a treat. In this film she plays the character of.... wait for it.... Miss Maxwell. I guess they didn't really feel the need to stray very far from the original actor's and actress' names in this flick, but needless to say, Maxwell gets to see far much more action then her Moneypenny counterpart has ever seen in her entire go at the role. The Maxwell in OK Connery gets to fire an automatic machine-gun into a crowd of bad guys like some sort of badass out of the Expendables movies. Now that's one hell of an idea!

Now the film has the memorable characters and familiar faces, but does it have that special something that makes these Eurospy films so damn enjoyable? You bet your ass it does! Neil Connery has the charm and wit to match any Ken Clark, John Gavin, Kerwin Mathews, Ray Danton, or even Sean Connery for that matter. Those clever lines of dialogue that have come to be a staple of the genre are here in all their ridiculous glory. "Do you ever walk upright like other people?", is said by Neil after repeatedly coming into contact with a young girl who is always clamoring on all fours, looking for something. It's a smart ass remark that gets me every time, and it showcases perfectly the expert timing and delivery that Connery was capable of. Aside from the charm and wit of Connery, the film is just a whole hell of a lot of fun, proving that talent runs in the family and that you don't need an A-lister to have a rip roaring Eurospy filled fun time.

OK Connery was an unexpected treat, one that took me for a loop in bringing about a highly entertaining Eurospy flick. Neil Connery really made a believer out of me and that is quite a feat, seeing that he was up against one of the greatest actors to ever take on the James Bond character. Being his younger brother, the cards were stacked against him, leaving people to assume that he just got the role because of his looks and relation. Thankfully that wasn't the case because Neil really made this movie his own, creating a secret agent that is both physically and mentally up to the task of bringing the bad guys down.

His agent was not solely relying on his brawn, but his intellect in order to get him out of sticky situations. The entire fact that the main villain's evil scheme was to render guns useless, giving Connery the opportunity to showcase his characters archery skills in the final climactic battle, was a sight to see and gave the film a unique flavor that separates itself from the rest of the Eurospy pack. Plain and simple this film is a great and entertaining fun ride and one that simply......