James Bond in review part 1 (1962 - 1971)

This was meant to be done before the release of Spectre, but it wasn't cause reasons, anyway I've decided to post my thoughts on all the James Bond Movies, this first part deals with all of  Sean Connery's films (and the one George Lazenby).

Dr. No (1962)

The film that started it all, creating some of the well known tropes that can be seen throughout the rest of the James Bond series and  popularising the spy thriller genre in general. The film itself is pretty decent but nothing standout, these days, it just feels like a standard spy thriller despite being the one to first to utilize a lot of the genre conventions. Dr No. himself is quite interesting and has some nice dialogue exchanges with Bond, he has a nice slow reveal too and there's a particularly good earlier scene where we can only hear is voice that is certainly effective. All in all, it's a well made solid start for the franchise. ***

From Russia With Love (1963)

 From Russia with Love marks the first appearance of Blofeld (kind of), Q, a credits sequence at the start and a few other tropes in the James Bond series. It also already breaks from the standard formula set by the first film and is one of the few films where the climax isn't set in the villain's lair/base. It has a great opening sequence that introduces the henchman  Donald 'Red' Grant who has a great presence and ends up having a good face off with bond. Although, we mustn't forget Rosa Klebb who is a rather fun villain herself. Overall, the film is really good and much better than Dr No, with an interesting narrative and decent action. Oh and don't forget the gypsy girl fight. ***1/2

Goldfinger (1964)

Goldfinger builds and improves on its two predecessors and gives us probably the best Sean Connery Bond film (a lot would even argue it as the best overall Bond film). It has a very compelling and memorable main villain along with main henchman Oddjob, who takes on Bond at the end with a great fight sequence. It injects more one liners and gadgets and gives us more of the tropes that run throughout the Bond series. It also contains the famous laser cene and a rather questionable scene where Bond essentially forces himself on Pussy Galore. But hey, lets just brush all that under the carpet because we all know that's what she really wanted, right?...
All in all though, Goldfinger is really good and one of the best entries in the series. ***1/2

Thunderball (1965)

 Here the James Bond series take a slight dip in quality, it's not bad per se, just merely okay.
A quarter of the film consists of underwater sequences which stand as the film's most interesting moments, All the stuff in between the underwater bits however aren't all that interesting and are what prevent this film from being truly good.
Other highlights are The random use of a jetpack in the opening, the exercise death machine and Bond blackmailing a woman for sex. It certainly has its moments, but overall, the film is just ok. ***

You Only Live Twice (1967)

 Here the series takes a step back in the right direction featuring Bond's most famous villain Blofeld, played here by Donald Pleasance, who has a great presence and is the most famous and popular portrayal of the character. The film features elements of Sci-fi, including an opening sequence in space, and it has a great chaotic big action climax, plus Bond gets "japped" up which is certainly someting... Overall, another really solid film in the series. ***1/2

On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969)

The first film in the series without Sean Connery and the one and only film featuring George Lazenby as Bond. Lazenby, of course, has been of great critical debate over his portrayal and while I think he works well enough as a British spy, I do think he lacks the qualities needed to work as Bond. Despite this, On Her Majesty's Secret Service is still really good entry in the series.
Blofeld is back, this time played by Telly Savalas, who, while not as memorable as Pleasance, still fits well into this version of the character. The film also features good fight sequences, ski chases (where a guy gets shredded up) and an enjoyable climax featuring a Bobsled.
There is also of course the whole marriage storyline, which while arguably feels a little forced, it leads to the film's biggest highlight where Lazenby's acting really shines and that is the film's strong downbeat ending, which is perhaps the first time any real emotion is felt in the series and is really astandout moment in the whole franchise. Overall, another soild entry despite Lazenby struggling to fit in the Bond role. ***1/2

Diamonds Are Forever (1971)

 Connery returns for his final Bond film (produced by Eon productions at least) and he ends his run with another solid film. Blofeld is also back for the third time in a row, this time played by Charles Gray, who does a commendable job, even dressing up in drag at one point.
You've also got the entertaining henchmen duo 'Mr Wint and Mr kidd' who are compelling characters that are actually hinted at potentially being lovers. There is a car chase in it(as expected) that I found to be a little dull, but the climax on the oil rig is really enjoyable and there are a few other highlights scattered about. Overall, I  enjoyed this film more than most people and while not as strong as some of the previous film, it's still another solid entry in the series. ***1/2


So that's part 1 done, a lot of solid films so far, with Thunderball being the weakest but still good. Next part will deal with Roger Moore, who is actually my favourite portrayal of Bond, despite the varying quality of his films.