The Top 5 Bond Films of All Time
In 1977 my parents took me to the, now demolished, Westbury Drive-In Movie Theater in their Country Squire Station Wagon to see my first James Bond Film, The Spy Who Loved Me, with Roger Moore. It was a transformative experience for me that commenced a 35 year relationship with the character and culture of James Bond. Along the way, aside from becoming a huge fan of the written works of Ian Fleming and his Estate's hand picked successors, I reveled in viewing each and every one of the films several times over the years and, whether, in theaters, on television, VHS Tape, DVD, or Blu-Ray, I must confess, that I enjoyed them all.
Now, in contemplation of the 50th Anniversary of the movie franchise, I went back and watched them all over again. I must confess, that while they all have merits, I was truly surprised at how many of the films I was critical of in their portrayal of the characters and their execution of the storyline. I think this is partly a product of maturity, and partly a result of becoming so much more familiar with the source material of Ian Fleming. As I have come to appreciate the writing of Fleming, it has colored by bias towards the films that are closer to this source material.
With that foundation being laid out, and considering only the Eon Productions Films, here is my breakdown of the top five (5) James Bond films of all time:
5. Goldfinger (1964): Goldfinger finds itself highly ranked on virtually everyone's list of Best Bond Films. Sean Connery, by this third film, is completely comfortable in the Bond persona and it shows. Gert Frobe shines as the lead villain, Honor Blackman steals her scenes as Pussy Galore, and Harold Sakata sets the standard for henchmen that will become the archetype in and out of the Bond genre. It features the classic Shirley Bassey theme song, which all subsequent Bond theme songs are compared to. The film is well paced, has a good sense of humor, and retains some key aspects of the source material. Everyone seems to love this film, including me.
4. Dr. No (1962): This film masterfully sets the stage for the longest running movie franchise in the history of the world. Sean Connery's balance of humor, intellect and masculinity captured the essence of the Fleming character and won the affections of movie-goers around the world. While much of the Fleming novel was modified to accomplish the goals of making the film more "family friendly" than its racy source material it insured subsequent installments of the film series. While the storyline varies from the original work in ways that are negative, the limitations of the times, the budget, and film making of the era make them understandable.
3. Skyfall (2012): To call Skyfall a well made Bond movie is a disservice to everyone involved in its production. Skyfall is a well made movie. The acting of the Daniel Craig, Judi Densch, and the supporting cast transcend the genre. The direction of Sam Mendes is flawless. The theme song by Adele is among the best in the franchise's history. Javier Bardiem plays the part of, a most memorable, sinister villain without making a mockery of the role. Finally, the plot is original and engaging but stays true to the foundational roots of the source work. This is Bond at his best.
2. From Russia With Love (1963): Before the Daniel Craig era, I believed no Bond film could ever top From Russia With Love. This film weaves all of the best elements of the Bond films and novels. It is Connery's grittiest, most masculine performance as Bond. The Cold War, espionage, sexual seduction, violence, exotic location, and SPECTRE are all interwoven into a top notch spy movie that holds it's own against any others of any series. Daniela Bianchi, as Tatiana Romanova, is the most underrated Bond girl in the history of the franchise. Lotta Lenya plays the part of Rosa Klebb masterfully and Robert Shaw is perfection as Red Grant. Shaw's execution, without camp, and without being "over the top" as the antagonist is truly terrifying. This is the best of the Connery Era.
1. Casino Royale(2006)/Quantum of Solace (2008): I understand that many people list Quantum of Solace very low on their rankings of favorite Bond films. The film is completely unrelated to the Fleming short story of the same name; however, I think it is a great movie. I do believe that in order to really appreciate it you must view it in connection with Casino Royale-as, essentially, one film. On that basis I have listed these two films as the Best of the Best. If I was forced to separate them, Casino would still be #1, without hesitation. Casino Royale marked the beginning of the Daniel Craig era in the Bond series by doing something bold and intelligent-going back to the first Bond novel penned by Ian Fleming of the same title. Many people were a little Bond weary by the time the film was released, having believed the franchise was past its prime. The critics also questioned the choice of Craig, a blond 007, to play the role. They were so used to Bonds in the Roger Moore likeness that this complete departure seemed doomed to disappoint. Craig shocked everyone by not only being a good actor, but by being a great Bond; for some, he is even considered the best (even Roger Moore says so). His dramatic, engaging, earthy performance in the film captures the true essence of the character and the film. This film is, by far, the closest film adaptation of any of the Fleming novels-it varies ever so insignificantly from the written source. It is low on gimmicks and gadgets, strong on action, violence, drama, and real acting. Most importantly, Craig's Bond is a three dimensional character. Craig's Bond is imperfect, human, but still the best hope for Queen and Country. This film gets better every time I see it. One doesn't need to be a Bond fan to appreciate this as a winner.
The Five (5) Most Disappointing Bond Films Coming Soon!
5. Goldfinger (1964): Goldfinger finds itself highly ranked on virtually everyone's list of Best Bond Films. Sean Connery, by this third film, is completely comfortable in the Bond persona and it shows. Gert Frobe shines as the lead villain, Honor Blackman steals her scenes as Pussy Galore, and Harold Sakata sets the standard for henchmen that will become the archetype in and out of the Bond genre. It features the classic Shirley Bassey theme song, which all subsequent Bond theme songs are compared to. The film is well paced, has a good sense of humor, and retains some key aspects of the source material. Everyone seems to love this film, including me.
4. Dr. No (1962): This film masterfully sets the stage for the longest running movie franchise in the history of the world. Sean Connery's balance of humor, intellect and masculinity captured the essence of the Fleming character and won the affections of movie-goers around the world. While much of the Fleming novel was modified to accomplish the goals of making the film more "family friendly" than its racy source material it insured subsequent installments of the film series. While the storyline varies from the original work in ways that are negative, the limitations of the times, the budget, and film making of the era make them understandable.
3. Skyfall (2012): To call Skyfall a well made Bond movie is a disservice to everyone involved in its production. Skyfall is a well made movie. The acting of the Daniel Craig, Judi Densch, and the supporting cast transcend the genre. The direction of Sam Mendes is flawless. The theme song by Adele is among the best in the franchise's history. Javier Bardiem plays the part of, a most memorable, sinister villain without making a mockery of the role. Finally, the plot is original and engaging but stays true to the foundational roots of the source work. This is Bond at his best.
2. From Russia With Love (1963): Before the Daniel Craig era, I believed no Bond film could ever top From Russia With Love. This film weaves all of the best elements of the Bond films and novels. It is Connery's grittiest, most masculine performance as Bond. The Cold War, espionage, sexual seduction, violence, exotic location, and SPECTRE are all interwoven into a top notch spy movie that holds it's own against any others of any series. Daniela Bianchi, as Tatiana Romanova, is the most underrated Bond girl in the history of the franchise. Lotta Lenya plays the part of Rosa Klebb masterfully and Robert Shaw is perfection as Red Grant. Shaw's execution, without camp, and without being "over the top" as the antagonist is truly terrifying. This is the best of the Connery Era.
1. Casino Royale(2006)/Quantum of Solace (2008): I understand that many people list Quantum of Solace very low on their rankings of favorite Bond films. The film is completely unrelated to the Fleming short story of the same name; however, I think it is a great movie. I do believe that in order to really appreciate it you must view it in connection with Casino Royale-as, essentially, one film. On that basis I have listed these two films as the Best of the Best. If I was forced to separate them, Casino would still be #1, without hesitation. Casino Royale marked the beginning of the Daniel Craig era in the Bond series by doing something bold and intelligent-going back to the first Bond novel penned by Ian Fleming of the same title. Many people were a little Bond weary by the time the film was released, having believed the franchise was past its prime. The critics also questioned the choice of Craig, a blond 007, to play the role. They were so used to Bonds in the Roger Moore likeness that this complete departure seemed doomed to disappoint. Craig shocked everyone by not only being a good actor, but by being a great Bond; for some, he is even considered the best (even Roger Moore says so). His dramatic, engaging, earthy performance in the film captures the true essence of the character and the film. This film is, by far, the closest film adaptation of any of the Fleming novels-it varies ever so insignificantly from the written source. It is low on gimmicks and gadgets, strong on action, violence, drama, and real acting. Most importantly, Craig's Bond is a three dimensional character. Craig's Bond is imperfect, human, but still the best hope for Queen and Country. This film gets better every time I see it. One doesn't need to be a Bond fan to appreciate this as a winner.
The Five (5) Most Disappointing Bond Films Coming Soon!
Thunderball was great too!!!
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