James Bond

No Time To Die:

Storyline:
James Bond has left active service, but his peace is short-lived when an old friend turns up asking for help.

While this film without a doubt sticks to its selling point by sending off the legacy of Daniel Craig's Bond, it rather focuses too highly on the farewell of the actor instead of solidifying the story all around.

While the new addition of characters and antagonists applied to the conflicts at stake, they were overshadowed by the presence of the returning cast of Spectre. This, in turn, develops a minimally impactful drive as this fizzles out the past just as quickly as it introduces an equally crucial problem; with both competing, there is no time for the new and a weak end for the old.

That being said, this film never fails to hold your attention and earns its lengthy runtime. Keeping up with the crisp and irresistible action that embraces the newly profound humor and maturity of a recently unconfined character, there is no way around the raw repercussions of his questionable decisions. With brilliant choreography and a defined directorial eye, this has its bold and charming moments, among all.

Although No Time To Die unleashes a heartfelt, sentimental and vulnerable side to a character that deserves it, I just can't escape the feeling of needing more. Presenting itself just like any other Bond film, this underutilized its elaborate pieces to make it the best of the best.

7.5/10

The BAM! rating is a newly integrated rating scale in addition to the critic rating each film gets. BAM! is simply the entertainment value that is solely based on whether or not a film is worth watching. A film can have a high BAM! rating and a low critic rating or vice versa.

8/10

Spectre:

Storyline:
A message from the past leads James Bond on a mission to stop the organization known as SPECTRE and hunting down the daughter of an old nemesis to help him.

Considering I love the opening sequence (before it gets into a crazy and over-the-top helicopter mess in the middle of a large gathering), this film gets some brownie points in that aspect. However, even with my bias toward this character and the few cool aspects, that can't deny that this film is pretty pointless after Skyfall and poorly made in general.

The prominent and deficient development of supporting characters was substantial, as is the romantic interest, having their relationship go from 0 to 100 within a blink of an eye. While the dull dialogue does not help this by any means, when everything is below par, it stands out.

Despite my love for Christoph Waltz as any antagonist, Daniel Craig as Bond, and the overall amusement I get from these films, don't get me wrong, this is still entertaining - but even with intense hand to hand combat that might have been incredibly in the moment, the film lacked the realistic factor to keep it going.

6/10

7/10

Skyfall:

Storyline:
After James Bond's latest assignment goes wrong, MI6 is compromised, leaving Bond as the only one M can trust to stop the man behind it.

Beginning with an opening scene that is impressively anticipating, it is the mood setter that the rest of the film goes by. Leading into the opening credits, from the first few moments on screen, the flow to the next scenes and so on truly captivates the audience from the get-go.

Everything about the antagonist, the casting, development, suspense, etc., was just simply creepy. Though the audience is unaware of the true intentions and/or extent of what's bound to happen, the presentation of details and performance within makes for an edge of your seat worthy, antsy character.

The foreshadowing and other specific details hidden within this film is something that I have grown to notice over the multiple times I watch. While the entertainment value never goes down with each watch, the more minor elements I notice can make you second guess if you do have everything figured out in the story.

Overall, this is quite a solid, well-made picture. Intensely grabbing your attention from the start, the amount of depth and development that takes place easily carries the plot, but never skimps on the action that compliments it.

8.5/10

Quantum of Solace:

Storyline:
With his next mission becoming personal, James Bond hunts down a ruthless businessman to find answers and take down their organization.

From the opening scene, this never got a grip on the storyline. Losing the natural draw that Bond films have to go for them, this might have had the name of 007, but truly wasn't anything deserving of it.

The chaos that is this film. Getting so over the top with almost every fight and chase scene tore the suspense out of the picture. Nothing felt remotely tangible and provided the feeling that it wanted excessive action over a well-created film.

Honestly, I have no idea as to why the plot added both the antagonist and the female lead the way they did. While both had no relevance or place in the story, not only were their performances below average, but they were just simply written poorly. Feeling as if they were provided for a time filler instead of relevance adds yet another reason why this film was a disappointment.

On the bright side, even though I am critical, this is still entertaining to a certain degree. Though it's exaggerated, the action still is enjoyable and Daniel Craig provides an intriguing protagonist no matter what.

6/10

Casino Royale:

Storyline:
After earning 00 status, secret agent James Bond joins a high stakes poker tournament to take down the terrorist behind it.

Daniel Craig competes for the best Bond, in comparison to Sean Connery. While the creation of his Bond is shined in a different and darker light, his dedication and raw take on the famous character is matchless.

This entire production has an unspoken, yet clearly expressed coherent and innovative tone. Bringing a sophisticated protagonist and storyline, everything just clicks and falls into place as each thing is introduced.

The action and fighting choreography are incredibly lifelike. While there is still a fair share of times you take a step back and question if that could happen in real life, he's James Bond and can do what he wants (within reason), which never compromises the enjoyment or satisfaction.

Having a great final act, plot twists, and journey of getting to the build-up of emotions is truly unpredictable. Though I have seen this film numerous times, there never is a moment where I won't still be intrigued. Never getting old and always finding a way to entertain, Casino Royale is both practical and engaging.

8.5/10

Die Another Day:

Storyline:
Bond is sent to investigate the connection between a North Korean terrorist and a diamond mogul.

To put it lightly, Die Another Day is more of an embarrassment to Pierce Brosnan's series of this character than anything mildly entertaining. From an over-accentuated script to excessively outdated action, this is a send-off that does not spark anything meaningful.

My thoughts aside on Bronsan's Bond, he was doomed from the start. Getting set up for truthfully poor interactions between characters that have neither the development nor details to back them up, there is a much-needed presence of anything with substance or rationality.

Furthermore, this was worth much more than what it acted on. Having a good budget and a concept that already does half the work for them, this was just a hodgepodge of gadgets that are poorly introduced and even more poorly delivered. This is not old enough to be making such terrible graphics and nowhere near underfunded to justify it.

All in all, this may have succeeded by making good money at the box office but fails to make a decent film. Though entertaining simply by its name, this addition to the series is as non-entertaining as it is cheaply made.

5/10

The World is Not Enough:

Storyline:
James Bond is assigned to defuse an international power struggle by protecting the daughter of an oil business tycoon who was murdered.

While it is a common circumstance for the opening sequence of Pierce Bronsan’s Bond to be needlessly extravagant, though too lengthy, it was quite intense. Incorporating the conflict for the film to go off, going from land to water fully held my attention, even when logically, it became bothersome.

Yet, although chronologically each Bond Bronsan makes gets better, there still is the unspoken lack of the wholesome, full circle, Bond feeling. While the gadgets and instances featured fit under the 007 category, the act of them fitting within the film is incredibly forced and put there as if they had to, rather than them easily be incorporated.

Dropping one girl to the next like it’s no bother goes to show how undetermined the protagonist is which leads to a nonreliable storyline. Also, both female leads were created as one depth and nondimensional characters, so across the board, nothing was easy to empathize with.

6/10

Tomorrow Never Dies:

Storyline:
Media mogul, Elliot Carver wants to broadcast his news to every country and will start a war if need be. Luckily, James Bond travels to China to stop him.

An incredibly fake opening act sets the tone for a film that just feels fabricated. Making things over-the-top in an unbelievable sense at every moment, Tomorrow Never Dies makes the character and the film feel nothing like a James Bond, rather a cheesy 90s action.

The number of terrible one-liners was about just every line that came from Pierce Bronsan, not to mention the even more terrible dialogue that comes with that. My issue with this film entirely is that there was never any purpose for a conversation or scene. The film is entertaining, but nothing that suits the name of 007 or should be classified as it. This is simply just an action movie like everything else made at this time.

Including extremely cool stunts, this was a major factor as to how intriguing it is. However, this never achieved the notion of knowing enough is enough, as it always went just too far to make it dumb. This is not the worst Bond, by any means, but it is never the first choice.

5/10

6/10

Goldeneye:

Storyline:
When a powerful satellite system falls into the hands of rogue and former British intelligence agent, 006, only James Bond can save the world from this life-destroying weapon.

I mean all the offense when I say this – Peirce Bronsan just doesn’t cut it as James Bond. He is simply not fitting in any way shape or form. This has to do with everything within the production, in addition to him being cast as Bond. This film felt like a bad 80s movie (when it came much after), had poor effects/planning, and most of all, a terrible car choice – half the fun of Bond films are to see his Astin Martin in that adaptation, yet he opted for a BMW?

Going off the vibe of a poorly made 80s film, this fulfilled that mindset by having a dull and one sided antagonist that was truthfully just written as a flat character. He wasn’t just incredibly predictable, rather he simply was not appealing and so basically created that every move was anticipated. There was no suspense, creativity, or draw factor from this character or his place in the plot.

Probably my biggest disappointment from this film was that no aspect had that dapper and witty feeling you receive from every Bond film. Though each actor to have taken on this role has invented a different type of Bond, Bronsan fails to achieve that innovative factor to distinguish himself positively; he tries too hard to incorporate other actors' methods into his own style that he skips over his own process.

5/10

The Living Daylights:

Storyline:
Secret service agent, James Bond helps transfer a KGB officer that is giving the British secret information. Once he investigates the threat, he realizes things are more difficult than they seem.

The underlying and incredibly prominent focus that this film unfortunately showcased was its lack of a cohesive storyline. Incorporating the works of jumbled and chaotic scenes, having no meaning from one to the next, The Living Daylights struggles with numerous and notable hiccups.

It is just a solid no from me toward Timothy Dalton playing Bond. Although he fit the ambiance of the year, character thus far, and the plot, it doesn't mean he was easily drawing as the protagonist. By never maintaining even an adequate character to relate or bond with, there was no significance.

To top things off, the poor action sequences and dull dialogue was as boring as it was foreseeable. Teamed with the fake chemistry between the love interest this film has the same issue across the board - never finding its voice in any aspect results in a film that is just like everything else and is deemed unsuccessful in creating an engrossing watch.

5/10

Live and Let Die:

Storyline:
James Bond investigates the murder of three fellow agents and learns that he is soon a target. He tries to find the mastermind behind it all.

Considering this was made in the early 70s and the nature of this era/character, it's understandable how corny this became. However, while I hate to say it, this is one significant aspect that truly takes away from the overall enjoyment that this film doesn't bring. Not to mention the shaky camera work and a wardrobe choice that just wasn’t it.

Another keen example is the crazy overuse of the cheesy elevator music. There hardly was a time where the music wasn't competing with the dialogue; not only was it not a catchy beat, but it was just so unfitting and worn out.

Yet, when all else fails in a Bond film, the theme song is always there to pull through. The opening credits with Live and Let Die by Paul McCartney were entertaining and honestly my favorite part.

Despite numerous characteristics that were not done well, I do enjoy Roger Moore's take as 007. He is not witty, dapper, or even radiating any sort of classy, MI6 agent vibes, but he still is believable in his way.

5/10

6.5/10

Diamonds Are Forever:

Storyline:
James Bond goes to Las Vegas to stop a rich business tycoon from his diamond smuggling plot.

I enjoy Sean Connery in this film, as he is very dapper and still has an unmatched tone from any other actor. That being said, the actual film itself needed some more work.

Featuring a very lengthy, but cool car chase, it was over-the-top and out of place. While I enjoyed the cheesy factors and anticipation that came with it, this is how the whole film felt - just a bunch of clever ideas that fit the vibe of James Bond, but were poorly written and edited together.

My biggest complaint within this film though is the believability, introduction, and execution of the romance interest. While I wasn't a fan of the casting, her personality radiated a fake and whiney character.

The excessiveness of every aspect was done in a cheesy 70s production kind of way, which is something that can always entertain me. This is just a happy, not a care in the world type of film that is created to be loved by any demographic. While this is nowhere near the best, it also is nowhere near the worst.

5/10

6.5/10

You Only Live Twice:

Storyline:
After faking his death, James Bond is sent to Japan to recover the remains of a spacecraft that went missing without his identity being discovered.

You Only Live Twice is simply not as great as the other Bond's. Although featuring quite cheesy, but cool gadgets, this goes overboard with the aspects that normally are intriguing. Trying to do more than what little potential this had, this lacks in providing either a logical watch or an enjoyable one.

The plot was not developed in the slightest. Faking his death and the actions that followed had no relevance in the entire story. Going from one idea to the next every few minutes, this was incredibly incohesive and provided no basis for a conflict to go off of.

Lastly, though Bond is definitely a womanizer that is dapper and expected in any 007 films, he went from one girl to another like there was no tomorrow. Having no remorse, emotions, or anything that could be treated as rational thinking, this far-fetched notion acted as a heavy aspect that pushed this film in including too many characteristics that just weren't treated with care while creating.

5/10

6/10

Thunderball:

Storyline:
The terrorist group known as SPECTRE hijacks a NATO plane and steals two nuclear weapons; James Bond is recruited to recover the warheads.

This is profoundly the wittiest Sean Connery as James Bond I have seen yet, in addition to thoroughly being underrated within the film and 007 world alike. Being quick on his feet, dashing with one-liners that are still funny/watchable in today's age, and effortlessly providing the persona of James Bond, the character development deserves more recognition.

Although I find a way to enjoy films from this era, whereas it's not the first choice for many, given the fact it is incredibly outdated and so on, this sincerely had a solid storyline. While other Connery 007's are corny and predictable, this had an even flow, intriguing action, and quite well thought out sequences that heighten the character's specialties.

As for the poorly created supporting characters, while I'd wish they weren't there, they don't overtake the film as a whole. Although completely apparent, they're viewed more as a gimmie for the era rather than a negative toward the film. As well as the tacky wipe edits after almost every transition, considering the essence, it's expected in some sort of way.

8/10

Goldfinger:

Storyline:
A powerful business tycoon, Goldfinger infiltrates Fort Knox to obliterate the world economy, but James Bond has a plan to stop him.

This James Bond film is the definition of what the James Bond films aspire to be. While each actor goes for their tone of the character, this film in specific gives off the vibe that sets Sean Connery away from the others and just the iconic mindset.

As always, being incredibly dapper, this dives into the more humorous side of the character that has both the sophisticated, yet comedic story. Evenly balancing out the two, while there are a few minor scenes that highlight the time it was made (in a bad way), this is extremely entertaining for all.

My favorite part about this film is the antagonist's bodyguard. The iconic and utterly unique action of him throwing his hat will forever be one of the most enjoyable things. While easily classified as a wacky concept, both the idea and execution were impressively showcased with consideration, especially for the time it was made.

All in all, while the older these films get, the more they become outdated to many people; however, Connery's Bond is truly timeless as it provides a laugh and a wholesome, easygoing film that simply nothing else can achieve.

7.5/10

8/10

From Russia With Love:

Storyline:
Agent James Bond is called to take down the secret organization known as SPECTRE in the second film to the series.

Again, while I am taking into account the time in which this was created, without a doubt it will be incredibly corny. With this in mind, the actual presentation and organization of this plot have its issues, nevertheless the time it was made.

I hate to say it, but this slightly lost my interest the further it progressed. Being similar to just about every other Bond film, this lost its originality within the making. Feeling like scenes that have already happened, From Russia With Love came more as a letdown than anything worth talking about; it was predictable and didn't come with any draw factor/talking point.

Though taking my negatives into account, the performances and action carried this along. Having clever fighting choreography and intriguing, entertaining action to go along, this has its classic James Bond moments.

Sean Connery will always be 007 no matter what, so while I am critical, it roots from deep love of the series. Although the film itself is one that is not worth hyping up, the name it provides and the iconic character Connery creates is.

6/10

Dr. No:

Storyline:
Agent 007 travels to Jamaica to fight the mysterious Dr. No, who is set on destroying the U.S. space program.

Considering this was made in the 60s, was the first Bond film and is extremely outdated, this is still quite watchable. While the cheesiness, unfortunately, gets the better of some scenes, that is completely unavoidable from the era this was made. However, the impact that this creates sets the tone for the rest of the franchise.

The downfall in this film results in poor story-making. While the way the story was presented felt very unorganized, that didn't halt the entertainment that comes from it, yet the details that were provided did. The numerous plot holes, subplots, and overall lack of consideration for the plot were prominent as nothing was stable.

Although I wouldn't choose to watch this on any given day, that only comes because it blurs into other action films from this era, as they all are very similar. The stereotypical set up a conflict and then the protagonist that saves the day in the most predictable way possible was foreseeable to a new degree. Looking at this from a James Bond perspective, though, it is worth seeing, as nothing that comes after this achieves this cheesy, wholesome, or innocent vibe like this.

6/10

7/10

YOUR CART

No Time To Die:

Spectre:

Skyfall:

Quantum of Solace:

Casino Royale:

Die Another Day:

The World is Not Enough:

Tomorrow Never Dies:

Goldeneye:

The Living Daylights:

Live and Let Die:

Diamonds Are Forever:

You Only Live Twice:

Thunderball:

Goldfinger:

From Russia With Love:

Dr. No:

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