James Bond

Short Reviews

Robert I. Sadler


Dr. No

Dr. No

1962

two out of five

James Bond is sent to investigate the disappearance of their man in Jamaica. He uncovers a plot by Dr. No and the sinister SPECTRE organisation to sabotage the American space program. The first three-quarters of the film is a suspenseful build-up to a cheesy conclusion. Not the best, but certainly not the worst of the series.

I found it hilarious that the fate of Quarrel is evident when they set out for Crab Key: he’s a sidekick and wears a red shirt.


From Russia With Love

From Russia With Love

1963

three out of five

SPECTRE plans to steal a Lektor decoder from the Soviets and sell it back to them. In order not to be implicated themselves in the theft, they lure MI6 into a trap to do it for them, with the added benefit of James Bond’s death. Needless to say, the plan fails and Bond escapes with both the Lektor and the girl. One of the better installments in the series, with sufficient pace to keep the viewer interested.


Goldfinger

Goldfinger

1964

three out of five

Auric Goldfinger plans to rob Fort Knox. James Bond must stop him. Good flick, although the inadvertant foiling is rather contrived and the death of the (best ever) villain unnecessary.


Thunderball

Thunderball

1965


You Only Live Twice

You Only Live Twice

1967

zero out of five

Yeah, sure.


Casino Royale

Casino Royale

1967


On Her Majesty’s Secret Service

On Her Majesty’s Secret Service

1969


Diamonds Are Forever

Diamonds Are Forever

1971


Live and Let Die

Live and Let Die

1973

four out of five

James Bond investigates the death of three agents and uncovers a plot by the dictator of San Monique to take over the drug trade in the USA. A good story, lots of (relevent) action, humorous situations and a strong voodoo element makes for one of the best flicks in the series.


The Man with the Golden Gun

The Man with the Golden Gun

1974


The Spy Who Loved Me

The Spy Who Loved Me

1977

two out of five

A British and a Soviet submarine disappears. Bond investigates. The plot is iffy, the action sometimes irrelevent and the resolution rather contrived, but the car is nice and the super-henchman Jaws absolutely brilliant. Average installment.


Moonraker

Moonraker

1979

two out of five

A Moonraker space shuttle is stolen and James Bond investigates. A sinister plot by megalomaniac Hugo Drax to kill all people on earth and then repopulate from his private space station is uncovered. Hopeless attempt to ride the Star Wars wave of the time.


For Your Eyes Only

For Your Eyes Only

1981


Octopussy

Octopussy

1983

four out of five


Never Say Never Again

Never Say Never Again

1983


A View To A Kill

A View To A Kill

1985


The Living Daylights

The Living Daylights

1987

four out of five


Licence To Kill

Licence To Kill

1989

zero out of five


GoldenEye

GoldenEye

1995

four out of five


Tomorrow Never Dies

Tomorrow Never Dies

1997

one out of five


The World Is Not Enough

The World Is Not Enough

1999

one out of five


Die Another Day

Die Another Day

2002

zero out of five

Even worst than You Only Live Twice.