Rank all the Bond Films!

I'm just scanning the board now in different places trying to find your problems with Casino Royale. I'll say upfront I've only watched the movies once other than LTK and have never read the books so I can't critique like 99% of the posters here. I'm never sure if a movie should be judged by it's first viewing or not as I tend to just go along with the ride and I did have a lot of fun with this one. I was drawn in by the action right away and thought the pace was great. It started off running, literally and I like that.

I see a lot of complaints all over the net about Daniel Craig and my thoughts on that are that it could have been worse, much much worse. You are kind of limited as who you can get in the first place as not many good actors want to sign on to 4,5, 6 movie deal so in that sense I was grateful Craig did it. I mean for comparisons sake let's use The Bourne movies ..I didn't get more than 30-45 minutes into the first one as I find Matt Damon so utterly ridiculous in that role. The same with Affleck in Batman and so many other movies/series out there. I just can't take these guys seriously at all so Craig for me was a decent choice. I don't know anything about him in real life but at least he has male presence. I can buy into him being lethal.
When I read your complaints about the screenplay I do wonder if I will have the same problem if I re-watch the film. You mentioned the rookie angle being ridiculous and I find that difficult to argue. In general I don't like origin stories and with Bond it does seem unnecessary and that seem's to be a problem with so many series. Reboot...tell it all over again and it's a bore. The first movie I watched was Dr.No as I went in order and I thought it was perfect. I like mystery, I don't want every little thing explained to me and would rather fill in the blanks myself or very slowly give us bit's and pieces as a series goes on. So I tend to agree they could have cut the first hour and just jumped into it or ditched the majority of the train ride and/or it's dialogue. It does feel rather spoon fed thinking back.
I do think I can get past it though and still enjoy the Craig series as the 3rd best in the franchise. I thought there was more than enough good in CR to outweigh the bad, enjoyed QOS even more, Skyfall was damn good. The one that left me rather flat was Spectre so the success for this installment really depends on the next movie for me. If the newest one is really good it will elevate Spectre but if it's as bad or worse this whole thing will have a crash and burn feeling. I sort of see it all as one movie so I can overlook the bad and all it's missteps still aren't as bad as ten minutes of Pepper. lol

I know this has probably been discussed a few million times and I hate to be repetitive on an established message board but I can't get this out of my mind.
What was the reason for Pussy Galore turning good? As far as I can remember nothing was really leading up to or indicating that was going to happen. She just seemed so cold.
so...
was it really just because James dinged her?
am I missing something here or was it really just that? lol
is it that way in the novel?

because I really have to say if that's the answer...then Bravo, that is awesome, that is how you write and you can move Goldfinger into my number one spot if that's the case

Yep, that's basically it ... Bond bangs her, she becomes 'good' (the novel goes even further ... in that,  Pussy is gay (only vaguely hinted at in the movie ... 'You can turn off the charm, I'm immune') until Bond has his wicked way with her. So she 'changes sides' in 2 senses there, lol).

Then in Thunderball, they actually turn the 'sex with Bond turns bad women good' thing on its head with Fiona's speech -

"But of course, I forgot your ego, Mr. Bond. James Bond, who only has to make love to a woman and she starts to hear heavenly choirs singing. She repents, and turns to the side of right and virtue... but not this one!"

Sarai wrote:

I'm just scanning the board now in different places trying to find your problems with Casino Royale. I'll say upfront I've only watched the movies once other than LTK and have never read the books so I can't critique like 99% of the posters here. I'm never sure if a movie should be judged by it's first viewing or not as I tend to just go along with the ride and I did have a lot of fun with this one. I was drawn in by the action right away and thought the pace was great. It started off running, literally and I like that.

I, too, was drawn in by the impressive stuntwork as seen in the Madagascar chase and the Aston flip but unfortunately the former is so bloated
and serves to characterise James Bond as something he's not (and shouldn't be), culminating Bond storming an embassy (whoever thought that was a good idea, let alone someone in the top section at MI6). Action should serve character and plot but it it needs to get character and plot right. And in the case of CR06, it doesn't.

Sarai wrote:

I see a lot of complaints all over the net about Daniel Craig and my thoughts on that are that it could have been worse, much much worse. You are kind of limited as who you can get in the first place as not many good actors want to sign on to 4,5, 6 movie deal so in that sense I was grateful Craig did it.

Not sure what limitations are put on contracts in the US/UK but in Australia, I believe any one contract mustn't last longer than 7 years. I'm sure many would jump at the chance to play James Bond, so not sure I agree there aren't many good actors who would want to sign on to play the role. Also keep in mind Brosnan wanted to do 6 Bond films in total, so there was no real need to hire Craig in the first place.

Sarai wrote:

When I read your complaints about the screenplay I do wonder if I will have the same problem if I re-watch the film. You mentioned the rookie angle being ridiculous and I find that difficult to argue. In general I don't like origin stories and with Bond it does seem unnecessary and that seem's to be a problem with so many series. Reboot...tell it all over again and it's a bore. The first movie I watched was Dr.No as I went in order and I thought it was perfect. I like mystery, I don't want every little thing explained to me and would rather fill in the blanks myself or very slowly give us bit's and pieces as a series goes on. So I tend to agree they could have cut the first hour and just jumped into it or ditched the majority of the train ride and/or it's dialogue. It does feel rather spoon fed thinking back.

I wouldn't mind some setting up of Le Chiffre's plan if it wasn't intertwined with the redundant character arc for Bond to become Bond. The emotional arc should have come from Bond falling for Vesper, who betrays him, which sets him up on his philandering path post-CR.

Sarai wrote:

I do think I can get past it though and still enjoy the Craig series as the 3rd best in the franchise. I thought there was more than enough good in CR to outweigh the bad, enjoyed QOS even more, Skyfall was damn good. The one that left me rather flat was Spectre so the success for this installment really depends on the next movie for me. If the newest one is really good it will elevate Spectre but if it's as bad or worse this whole thing will have a crash and burn feeling.  I sort of see it all as one movie so I can overlook the bad and all it's missteps still aren't as bad as ten minutes of Pepper.  lol

Have you posted a ranking of the actors? Curious to see where you place everyone.  

Skyfall is damn good, though I think Craig and Thomas Newman prevent it from being better. I also enjoy QOS more than CR but only a little. Both (along with SP) are in my bottom 3, but in terms of the 08 movie, it's short, features Siena, better music from Arnold, more colourful cinematography and Fields is the most absurd character to come out of the Craig era.

And the only bad thing about ten minutes of JW is that it's not longer! Clifton James is a riot and so glad he returns in TMWTGG. The old man and I always quote him!

I rate SF's score as one of the very best non-Barry scores. The Oriental motifs are inspired. Alas, Newman had absolutely nothing left for SP.

Agreed on Jaydubya. A classic Bond character, and always worth a few guffaws.

He's funny and fitting in LALD, but the Golden Gun appearance does feel like milking it.

Well, it was certainly contrived. I mean, what are the odds that that bayou trooper winds up in Thailand of all places, and precisely when Bond is there? But I forgive such things in Bond films.

Perilagu Khan wrote:

I rate SF's score as one of the very best non-Barry scores.

bUt It DoEsN't HaVe tHe JoHn BaRry BrAsS!!!!

For most part I find it's clinical and colourless, which I find unsuitable for Bond. There are a handful of tracks I like, including Shanghai Drive, which "DoEsN't HaVe tHe JoHn BaRry BrAsS!!!!"

I could be reading things into your comments but I think you want to strip Craig Bond of his 007 status and give it to Pepper. lol :)

I am rewatching all the films now as I don't feel like a have a good enough grasp of them in general after only seeing them once. Enjoying them even more this time as I am watching them in random order and don't feel the pressure to get through them. I'm quite surprised how much I love them as I don't usually like any mainstream movies.

As far as the actors go I would rank Connery first with Brosnan a very close second. It's difficult to compare them as the movies and tones are quite different. One thing about Brosnan as Bond is I can connect to the character on an emotional level which is not something I can do with the others. He's very nuanced and a really good actor. As far as showing us who Bond is I feel like we get it all in GoldenEye without it being too obvious in your face or interrupting the action and that comes with the acting. From the first interactions with Alec, to the office scene with M and one of my favorite parts of that movie is when he runs into Alex..the reveal. When he say's "I trusted you...." he genuinely looks that hurt. The scene with Natalya were she is upset and accuses him of being so cold and he explains so matter of fact it's what keeps him alive. Basic writing but good writing and the acting pulls it off...again I felt for the character. There are just endless scenes like that and they are subtle not hitting you over the head with it or slowing the pace. I'll add too I think he is the funniest Bond and that all comes across subtle as well. Brosnan imo packs the most emotional punch.

I can't believe I had Moonraker at 19 and Live and Let Die at 22. I would throw Moonraker to the very bottom and Live and Let Die is simply excellent despite it having my archenemy in it.

With your Brosnan remarks, I think you and Fields will get along quite well.

Indeed we will, Hilly.

I agree Sarai. I think his scenes with Paris in TND have the same impact as those moments you list from GE. And then TWINE delves even deeper into Bond's psyche without it becoming the focus of the film as it has in the current era.

Sarai wrote:

I could be reading things into your comments but I think you want to strip Craig Bond of his 007 status and give it to Pepper. lol :)

I wouldn't argue with that!

"I think his scenes with Paris in TND have the same impact as those moments you list from GE. And then TWINE delves even deeper into Bond's psyche without it becoming the focus of the film as it has in the current era."


Yes, totally agree and I was going to go there but ran out of time. That whole Brosnan era just kept getting better and better. There is that scene in Die Another Day when he is behind the glass and points at M...again just really hits all the right notes and emotion.

"The Americans intercepted a signal

from your prison naming him.

- And they think it`s me?

- You were the only inmate.

They concluded you cracked

and were haemorrhaging information.

We had to get you out.

And what do you think?"

that part

1. On Her Majesty's Secret Service
2. Goldfinger
3. Dr.No
4. From Russia With Love
5. Thunderball
6. You Only Live Twice
7. GoldenEye
8. The World Is Not Enough
9. Tomorrow Never Dies
10. Die Another Day
11. Diamonds Are Forever
12.The Spy Who Loved Me
13. Live and Let Die
14. Casino Royale
15. Quantum of Solace
16. Skyfall
17. For Your Eyes Only
18. A View To A Kill
19. The Living Daylights
20. The Man With The Golden Gun
21. Octopussy
22. Never Say Never Again
23 .Spectre
24 .Moonraker
25.License To Kill


I made a few changes but I think this is as close as I can get. The only movies I have trouble with are "Diamonds are Forever" and "The Man With The Golden Gun" as they are both quite quirky movies. I really enjoy both esp Diamonds I'm just never sure where to put them. But I will stick with this list.

Cracking top 9, though YOLT is debatable. Good to see more love for DAD but I personally couldn't put it above TLD, FYEO and OP. Maybe even AVTAK and SF too.

Sarai wrote:

Yes, totally agree and I was going to go there but ran out of time. That whole Brosnan era just kept getting better and better. There is that scene in Die Another Day when he is behind the glass and points at M...again just really hits all the right notes and emotion.

Agreed. Handled so much better then a lot of the "drama" in the current Bond films.

"Cracking top 9, though YOLT is debatable. Good to see more love for DAD but I personally couldn't put it above TLD, FYEO and OP. Maybe even AVTAK and SF too."

Curious. Is that a common opinion among fans regarding YOLT? I don't see it as being any weaker than the other Connery films and when it comes to them and my top picks I could probably switch out any of them for another. For the life of me I can't decide if I like Goldfinger or Dr.No better for example and it was pretty much arbitrary where I listed them. The top six I would rate all 10/10. That could be due to me seeing it all as one adventure/movie linking them all together so I might not be great at ranking them individually. I just thought YOLT really had everything going for it from the location to the sets, Donald Pleasence and his volcano hide out. I really loved the women in this one too and how they kept rescuing Bond in the car and they were just so ridiculously hot. I was having trouble concentrating near the end when she was swimming in that white bikini. lol

I admit I had the same problem with The World is Not Enough...once that T shirt got wet on Christmas near the end..well I'm still not sure what actually happened with the plot. haha something about a bomb and a submarine?

By YOLT, Connery was tired of playing Bond ... he was vocal in interviews about the length of time it took to make and then promote each film, leading to difficulty for him with finding other work (which in turn made him fear typecasting). Broccoli and Saltzman convinced him to stay on by increasing his fee.

Maybe those who criticise Craig for similar behaviour would do well to remember the above, but I digress ...

Because of this, there are those who say that Connery's disillusionment/boredom with it all is noticeable in YOLT. Can't say I've noticed it myself.

Sarai wrote:

"Cracking top 9, though YOLT is debatable. Good to see more love for DAD but I personally couldn't put it above TLD, FYEO and OP. Maybe even AVTAK and SF too."

Curious. Is that a common opinion among fans regarding YOLT? I don't see it as being any weaker than the other Connery films and when it comes to them and my top picks I could probably switch out any of them for another. For the life of me I can't decide if I like Goldfinger or Dr.No better for example and it was pretty much arbitrary where I listed them. The top six I would rate all 10/10. That could be due to me seeing it all as one adventure/movie linking them all together so I might not be great at ranking them individually. I just thought YOLT really had everything going for it from the location to the sets, Donald Pleasence and his volcano hide out. I really loved the women in this one too and how they kept rescuing Bond in the car and they were just so ridiculously hot. I was having trouble concentrating near the end when she was swimming in that white bikini. lol

I admit I had the same problem with The World is Not Enough...once that T shirt got wet on Christmas near the end..well I'm still not sure what actually happened with the plot. haha  something about a bomb and a submarine?  

The main criticism of YOLT is Seanery's performance. He totally phones it in.

Blunt Instrument wrote:

By YOLT, Connery was tired of playing Bond ... he was vocal in interviews about the length of time it took to make and then promote each film, leading to difficulty for him with finding other work (which in turn made him fear typecasting). Broccoli and Saltzman convinced him to stay on by increasing his fee.

Maybe those who criticise Craig for similar behaviour would do well to remember the above, but I digress ...

Because of this, there are those who say that Connery's disillusionment/boredom with it all is noticeable in YOLT. Can't say I've noticed it myself.          

Craig has his faults, but I can't say I've ever noticed him sleepwalking through a scene, let alone an entire film.

Yes I have have heard that criticism against other actors in different films and I don't really get it. I'm not even sure how it's something that can be judged and an actors heart wouldn't really have to be in the role for him/her to go a good job. It sounds like projection.

AFAIC, Seanery DOESN'T do a good job in YOLT. As great as he was as Bond, that may have been the single worst performance by an actor as Bond.

I also hate the Little Nellie sequence. It's about as exciting watching a pipe rust.

Other than that, I like YOLT tolerably well. I think the plot is decent, Tiger Tanaka and Dikko Henderson are very good, and I love the aesthetics of Japan in 1967.

"I also hate the Little Nellie sequence. It's about as exciting watching a pipe rust. '   lol

That really made me laugh. One that get's me is the damn boat going up on land in Moonraker...my eyes are just rolling out of my head at that point and I'm in a bad mood watching it.

Ah, yes--the much-lamented Bondola. MR takes a turn for the worse--so to speak--right there. Then, soon thereafter, there's Bond exposing all of Goodhead's CIA secrets in the hotel room, just as pretty as you please. Another silly scene. Later we get Bond galloping across the pampas aboard Ol' Trigger in his Clint Eastwood getup as the Magnificent Seven theme blares in the background. Good heavens! Somebody bring me a glass of water!

That said, I have a soft spot for MR. Lonsdale's Drax is a really good villain, I enjoy the plot, there are some genuinely funny moments, the stuff in Amazonia is terrific, and the film carries a fairly high level of suspense right up until Q's "I think he's attempting reentry!" line.

Personally, what came later and recently, Moonraker is a pleasant tonic. Like yourself, Khanners, a soft spot for it nowadays. Lo' for a time machine to go back to that era, being able to see Moore's era in the cinema and then Dalton.