James Bond review - You only live.... Once really.

There might be a few spoilers in this review... you have been warned.

When I watch a new Bond, I have my notebook at the ready to take write down all of the key quote, plotlines and observations. I showed these notes to Pete the other day, he started to giggle at a few things I had written about You Only Live Twice. 

My top notes were:

• SPACE
• Screen play by Roald Dahl?!
• Little Nellie
• MONORAIL
• Friggin Ninjas

From it’s start in space, I knew this Bond film was going to be pretty epic and end up at at the top of my favourite Bond list. 

Before the title sequence has rolled, we are thrown into the story with a US Space capsule mysteriously disappearing and World War 3 nearly erupting as the US blame their Russian enemies. We also find our lovable hero in Hong Kong on a romantic encounter with a Chinese women when he is mysteriously assassinated in front of our very eyes. This scene also included one of Pete’s favourite lines - “You give good duck, Mr Bond.”

What also surprised me at the beginning was seeing Roald Dahl’s name on screen. The only things I knew he had written were his children's books, but it was great to see his name associated with this film.

The film includes some epic fight scenes. I’m don’t want to give away more of the story, but after Bond is chased from the Osato Chemicals, we see the enemies car lifted off the road by a helicopter wielding a giant magnet. This was pretty cool!

But more excitingly we are introduced to “Little Nelly”. When the contraption is first mentioned, I had no idea what he was referring too. Later on, with the return of Q, we are introduced to one of my favourite Bond gadgets, which I think is even better than the jet pack in Thunderball; the gun laden mini helicopter. The fight scene involving this little baby and four gunships is brilliant.

One of things I like about this film is that it is quite different to the other films in terms of locations. We have been to tropical islands in Dr. No and around the US with Goldfinger, but it was interesting to see James explore a totally different culture. I love the rapport he builds with Tiger and especially his scenes with Aki. It’s so sad when tragedy strikes. :(

This film also sees the introduction of one of the biggest villains from SPECTRE, who has been mentioned several times before, but we have never seen. We actually don’t see him to till the very end of the film, but he is a brilliant villain. His headquarters are in a frigging volcano that includes a bloody monorail (I love a good monorail). The final fight scene of this film is brilliant in terms of scale and destruction!

There are too many awesome parts of this film to mention, but I this is definitely at the top of my list to watch again. It was a great film, with a good story. Welcome back, Mr Bond.

I gave it 8/10.

What did you think? Is this your favourite Bond? Let me know in the comments below.

It starts with Dr. No

Borrowed from Jamesbond-shop.com

Dr. No. is the film that starts off the 50 year phenomenon that is James Bond. For me, it’s what a Bond film should be, a light hearted spy thriller. With the style and elegance of the 1960’s, it's the film that brought us all of the hallmark Bond moments we have grown to love. There is a camp villain, beautiful girls, epic car chases and fight scenes, superb tailoring and of course the famous vodka martini, shaken not stirred. What is there not to like?

According to IMDb, this was not originally supposed to be the inaugural Bond film, but after some legal problems it was chosen because of its simple and straightforward storyline and because it was set in only one location.

From the moment that you first see Sean Connery you know that you are seeing everything you know about James Bond being brought to life. His devilish good looks, amazing body and suave accent will make any women or gay man slightly crumble at the knees. But it’s not until at least 8mins into the film where we meet James Bond who is playing cards in a swanky hotel. With the first minute of us meeting him, he has already organised his next shag, thats even quicker than a gay man who is constantly on Grindr.

Even though he was first choice of James Bond, for me, I think he pulls it off really well. The reason that producers chose him was because he was a big tough looking man who moved gracefully on screen. Another interesting fact I found out was that Sean Connery wears a toupee in all James Bond films he was in.

Dr. No was also a great villain with a sea base layer set out in the most modern 60’s style. What a great villain he is with his elaborate and extravagant schemes for SPECTRE.

The arrival of Ursula Andress from the sea in a white bikini will always be an iconic moment and setting the standard for all Bond girls to come. Her acting might not have been great, but he voice actually dubbed by another actress, who also dubbed the voice for many women in the film, apart from Moneypenny.

For me, I think that Moneypenny is the only women who really sees the real James Bond. He jokes and is flirty with her, but she knows he is full of broken promises. She is a strong women though and doesn’t get caught up in his false promises.

Even though this was the first time I’ve seen this film, I have to say that I loved it. I liked the story and felt from the beginning that we were really immersed into James Bond’s world. It’s going to be interesting to see what they do next...

I give this an 8/10, but maybe I’ve marked it too high for the first film?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

Steve Whiting