Casino Royale

Starring:Peter Sellers, Woody Allen
Studio: MGM (Video & DVD)
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

The most successful invigoration of a cinematic franchise since Batman Begins, Casino Royale offers a new Bond identity. Based on the Ian Fleming novel that introduced Agent 007 into a Cold War world, Casino Royale is the most brutal and viscerally exciting James Bond film since Sean Connery left Her Majesty's Secret Service. Meet the new Bond; not the same as the old Bond. Daniel Craig gives a galvanizing performance as the freshly minted double-0 agent. Suave, yes, but also a "blunt instrument," reckless, and possessed with an ego that compromises his judgment during his first mission to root out the mastermind behind an operation that funds international terrorists. In classic Bond film tradition, his global itinerary takes him to far-flung locales, including Uganda, Madagascar, the Bahamas (that's more like it), and Montenegro, where he is pitted against his nemesis in a poker game, with hundreds of millions in the pot. The stakes get even higher when Bond lets down his "armor" and falls in love with Vesper (Eva Green), the ravishing banker's representative fronting him the money.

For longtime fans of the franchise, Casino Royale offers some retro kicks. Bond wins his iconic Astin-Martin at the gaming table, and when a bartender asks if he wants his martini "shaken or stirred," he disdainfully replies, "Do I look like I give a damn?" There's no Moneypenny or "Q," but Dame Judi Dench is back as the exasperated M, who one senses, admires Bond's "bloody cheek." A Bond film is only as good as its villain, and Mads Mikkelsen as Le Chiffre, who weeps blood, is a sinister dandy. From its punishing violence and virtuoso action sequences to its romance, Casino Royale is a Bond film that, in the words of one character, makes you feel it, particularly during an excruciating torture sequence. Double-0s, Bond observes early on, "have a short life expectancy." But with Craig, there is new life in the old franchise yet, as well as genuine anticipation for the next one when, at last, the signature James Bond theme kicks in following the best last line ever in any Bond film. To quote Goldie Hawn in Private Benjamin, now I know what I've been faking all these years. --Donald Liebenson

Stills from Casino Royale (click for larger image)

Beyond Casino Royale on Amazon.com

On Blu-ray
CD Soundtrack
Why We Love Daniel Craig

The Amazon.com James Bond Store
Where Have I Seen Daniel Craig?
Bond on Set: Filming Casino Royale Book

Product Description

Casino Royale introduces James Bond before he holds his license to kill. But Bond is no less dangerous, and with two professional assassinations in quick succession, he is elevated to "00" status. "M" (Judi Dench), head of the British Secret Service, sends the newly-promoted 007 on his first mission that takes him to Madagascar, the Bahamas and eventually leads him to Montenegro to face Le Chiffre, a ruthless financier under threat from his terrorist clientele, who is attempting to restore his funds in a high-stakes poker game at the Casino Royale. "M" places Bond under the watchful eye of the Treasury official Vesper Lynd. At first skeptical of what value Vesper can provide, Bond's interest in her deepens as they brave danger together. Le Chiffre's cunning and cruelty come to bear on them both in a way Bond could never imagine, and he learns his most important lesson: Trust no one.

Customer Reviews:

Sooooo disappointed...so NOT James Bond!.......2007-07-04

No longer suave, no longer sophisticated.

Would have been a good movie if it hadn't been labelled as Bond

An Edgier Bond Than We've Never Seen.......2007-07-04

It took me a while to actually sit down and watch CASINO ROYALE, but I finally got the chance to see it. Now, I wish I would have saw it in the movie theater and I would have gotten a better effect. This one, I would have to say ranks up there as one of the best BOND films. Just love OCTOPUSSY and THE SPY WHO LOVED ME.

Daniel Craig shines as the new 007. He's edgier and charasmatic. This Bond is pretty good. After hearing that he will be in the upcoming new BOND film (that will be directed by Marc Forster), I think it's safe to say that people are going to slowly embrace Daniel as the new Bond and CASINO was a great jumping off point. He carries this film with ease and it's fun everytime that he is on the screen.

My only trouble with this film was the female lead, Vesper Lynd (played by Eva Green). She's beautiful and all, but I felt that she wasn't a strong choice as a Bond heroine and not to mention there's another female character that looks just like her in this film and there was no uniqueness about each woman. The acting was one dimensional for me. But, then again, this is mostly an action film and he delivered on the action. It is definitely an edge of your seat type thriller.

Overall, this film is great - there are some parts of it storyline wise that I wish were stronger, but it still delivers on all levels.

Back to the basics.......2007-07-03

While Pierce Brosnan is still one of my favorite 007s, there's no doubt that each of his portrayals of Ian Flemming's legend was unfairly hindered by progressively more idiotic and inferior production and scripting. Fortunately, someone at EON Productions woke up and realized that they were running the James Bond franchise into the ground faster than the new Aston Martin DBS, and taking note of the recent success of THE BOURNE IDENTITY and BATMAN BEGINS, dialed back the stupidity (Denise Richards as a nuclear scientist) and pumped up the adrenaline (Daniel Craig as 007).

Those who enjoy the slapstick, tongue-in-cheek Roger Moore Bond pictures will no doubtedly find CASINO ROYALE to be a major shock to their system. It's more violent, it's grittier, and Q and Miss Moneypenny are nowhere to be seen. There are no invisible cars, nor are there satellite superweapons. The villain isn't bent on world domination, but merely saving his own hide after he makes a mistake with a lot of his clients' money. And Bond isn't a debonair Navy commander, but instead a former SAS commando, hardened and in need of polish. In this sense, ROYALE isn't faithful to what 007 has become, but is (relatively) closer to what it should have been.

As a film, ROYALE is extremely similar to director Martin Campbell's previous outing in the world of 007, GOLDENEYE: about 20 minutes too long, and chock full of incredible stunts and physical pyrotechnics. Like GOLDENEYE, CASINO ROYALE starts strong and rocks right through the second act only to lull as it enters its third act before going nuclear for a hugely violent finale. Though written by the same duo that gave us the lackluster THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH and the mediocre DIE ANOTHER DAY, ROYALE is a much better film in writing quality, a fact that can probably be credited to the fact that the writers are working more closely off of Flemming's original story and characters rather than simply trying to top the last film with "bigger, better, louder" villains and action (the polishing rewrite from Paul Haggis probably didn't hurt either). While some of the dialogue is still a little flat, the majority of it is sharp, with some conversations being downright superb.

Also superb is Craig, whose casting caused an internet uproar. Still, anyone still thinking "CraigNotBond" is an idiot, as he dispenses with one-liners and gives 007 back his balls. This man is a killer, a soldier, who must evolve into the sophisticated 007, and his angry evolution is what makes ROYALE the joy that it is. It doesn't hurt that the rest of the cast is fantastic. Also fantastic is David Arnold's score, which for the first time since TOMORROW NEVER DIES doesn't just sound like it's going through the motions to collect a paycheck. New themes, careful placement of light motifs, it all comes together perfectly.

The opening titles may suck, but like BATMAN BEGINS, CASINO ROYALE treats its material with the utmost respect and as a result ends up being a film worthy of respect. These are great characters, and it's wonderful to see them finally done justice. And Campbell's physical direction hasn't lost one bit of its edge, as the stunts and action set pieces here are easily among the best in the entire series. ROYALE works because of an attention to the right details, proof that in making great movies, if you look after the pennies, the dollars take care of themselves.

Crackling Good Bond Flick.......2007-07-03

The James Bond spy film franchise is reborn with this movie. Lets you forget all those awful Bond films with Roger Moore. Not just a first rate acting performance by the new Bond but a much better and more credible story line. Truly a worthy successor to the Shawn Connery classic Bond movies. Definitely worth the money.

The best Bond movie, bar none.......2007-07-01

Having seen all Bond movies several times and formerly thinking that Sean Connery's Bond portrayal would never be bested I now realise that I was completely wrong. Daniel Craig portrays Bond as the author wanted, and the film itself was a full (long, but not too long) experience for Bond fans and now-fans alike.

Average customer rating:

Blu-Ray Heaven
Best Bond I've Seen
Good movie, if your not a bond fan
Best Bond Flick!? Definitely best Bond in Audio-Video!
Casino Royale sets a new standard for modern Bond films

Casino Royale [Blu-ray]
Starring: Daniel Craig , Jesper Christensen , Isaach de Bankolé , Judi Dench , and Jeffrey Wright
Director: Martin Campbell
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: Blu-ray

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The Prestige

ASIN: B000MRA5NS
Release Date: 2007-03-13

Amazon.com

Stills from Casino Royale (click for larger image)

Beyond Casino Royale on Amazon.com

On Blu-ray
CD Soundtrack
Why We Love Daniel Craig

The Amazon.com James Bond Store
Where Have I Seen Daniel Craig?
Bond on Set: Filming Casino Royale Book

Product Description

Casino Royale introduces James BOond before he holds his license to kill. But Bond is no less dangerous, and with two professional assassinations in quick succession, he is elevated to "00" status. "M" (Judi Dench), head of the British Secret Service, sends the newly-promoted 007 on his first mission that takes him to Madagascar, the Bahamas and eventually leads him to Montenegro to face Le Chiffre, a ruthless financier under threat from his terrorist clientele, who is attempting to restore his funds in a high-stakes poker game at the Casino Royale. "M" places Bond under the watchful eye of the Treasury official Vesper Lynd. At first skeptical of what value Vesper can provide, Bond's interest in her deepens as they brave danger together. Le Chiffre's cunning and cruelty come to bear on them both in a way Bond could never imagine, and he learns his most important lesson: Trust no one.

Customer Reviews:

Blu-Ray Heaven.......2007-06-30

I must sympathize with the makers of this movie as it must be one of the hardest BD titles to sell. Don't get me wrong it is reference quality in video and audio but with Sony's marketing ploy of giving this title away with every sale of a PS3, really the market has been saturated with freebies. I know a lot of people have received 2 or even 3 free copies of this BD movie and they are themselves giving their free copies away on forums.

Best Bond I've Seen.......2007-06-23

I've seen it about 5 times now (2 in theaters, 3 at home) and I still get into it. The quality of this film on Blu-ray is spectacular and I'm continually impressed. I'd suggest that everyone watch it at least once, even if you're not a fan of the 007 series

Good movie, if your not a bond fan.......2007-06-14

I was very dissapointed when I saw this movie. Not because it is a bad movie it is actually a really well made movie, but because it isn't a good James Bond movie. It doesn't contain the witty dialect and sexual tension that we have come to expect and love from 007. And Craig, although attractive, doesn't posses the Bond charm or larger than life quality. So if your looking for a good shoot em' up movie this is a great movie for you, if you want "Bond, James Bond" go for the classics.

Best Bond Flick!? Definitely best Bond in Audio-Video!.......2007-06-03

I don't know why but Bond films always are very entertaining to me, even several times around. The storyline here is great, following the original by Ian Fleming story well (unlike the funny spoof from a long time ago that is also well worth watching). And Daniel Craig is a near-perfect 007 for this "first Bond film" (could perhaps be "elevated"). Eva Green is luscious and the rest of the cast (miss "Q"!) is superb...interesting to see Giancarlo Giannini (see Lina Wertmuller films)! Even if you don't like Bond films in general and feel like some action or a storyline with twists, this is simply a classic to watch. The audio and video quality is excellent as well, showing off Blu-ray HD...if your audio system actually goes down to the bottom in sub-bass (e.g., see Buttkicker), you'll also get extra enjoyment. BUY IT!

Casino Royale sets a new standard for modern Bond films.......2007-05-26

Casino Royale raises the bar for modern Bond films. I must admit, I was a bit disturbed upon hearing Daniel Craig would play the role of Bond. He was blonde (we had never had a blonde bond before) and didn't really seem to fit the part based on previous works of his that I had seen. Now after seeing the film, I can safely say he was a great choice and my fears were not necessary. The film is full of great characters, exotic locations, and everything else that makes a true 007 film.
Buying this film on Blu-ray should be a no-brainer considering you have a Blu-ray player. Myself, I have a Playstation 3 console which according to reviews on the internet and in magazines is the best Blu-ray player on the market. It played Casino Royale beautifully on my HDTV in 720p and 1080i. The scenes are full of detail, I even paused the movie on a scene that had a large crowd. You could make out all of the faces and every detail about them. You can't see that kind of detail on DVD! Bond fans must buy this!

Casino Royale (2-Disc Full Screen Edition)

Average customer rating:

Sooooo disappointed...so NOT James Bond!
An Edgier Bond Than We've Never Seen
Back to the basics
Crackling Good Bond Flick
The best Bond movie, bar none

Casino Royale (2-Disc Full Screen Edition)
Starring: Daniel Craig , Eva Green , Mads Mikkelsen , Judi Dench , and Jeffrey Wright
Director: Martin Campbell
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Babel

ASIN: B000MNP2K8
Release Date: 2007-03-13

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Stills from Casino Royale (click for larger image)

Beyond Casino Royale on Amazon.com

On Blu-ray
CD Soundtrack
Why We Love Daniel Craig

The Amazon.com James Bond Store
Where Have I Seen Daniel Craig?
Bond on Set: Filming Casino Royale Book

Product Description

Customer Reviews:

Sooooo disappointed...so NOT James Bond!.......2007-07-04

No longer suave, no longer sophisticated.

Would have been a good movie if it hadn't been labelled as Bond

An Edgier Bond Than We've Never Seen.......2007-07-04

Back to the basics.......2007-07-03

Crackling Good Bond Flick.......2007-07-03

The best Bond movie, bar none.......2007-07-01

Average customer rating:

One of the best 007 movies!
From Russia With Love
The Bond movie that started a craze
An excellent addition to the Bond franchise.
One of the best of the entire series

From Russia With Love
Starring: Sean Connery , Daniela Bianchi , Pedro Armendáriz , Lotte Lenya , and Robert Shaw
Director: Terence Young
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
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You Only Live Twice
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Moonraker

ASIN: B000NDEXPC
Release Date: 2007-05-22

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Directed with consummate skill by Terence Young, the second James Bond spy thriller is considered by many fans to be the best of them all. Certainly Sean Connery was never better as the dashing Agent 007, whose latest mission takes him to Istanbul to retrieve a top-secret Russian decoding machine. His efforts are thwarted when he gets romantically distracted by a sexy Russian double agent (Daniela Bianchi), and is tracked by a lovely assassin (Lotte Lenya) with switchblade shoes, and by a crazed killer (Robert Shaw), who clashes with Bond during the film's dazzling climax aboard the Orient Express. From Russia with Love is classic James Bond, before the gadgets, pyrotechnics, and Roger Moore steered the movies away from the more realistic tone of the books by Ian Fleming. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

One of the best 007 movies!.......2007-06-28

Along with Goldfinger, this is probably the best of the early James Bond films. Sean Connery was excellent in it. The story and the cast is great. The fight scene on the train between Connery and Shaw is worth the price alone! A face paced, well thought out and entertaining film.

From Russia With Love.......2007-06-27

This stylish second entry in the Bond franchise features a less cold-blooded, more dashing 007, played to the hilt with campy savoir faire by the ever-classy Connery. Young streamlines the action, too, and in the absence of fancy gadgets (those came later), gave audiences thrilling, well-orchestrated chases and clashes, culminating in a heart-racing death match between Connery and deadly, dyed-blond assassin Shaw aboard the Orient Express. The kittenishly seductive Romanova is fetching as Bond's dicey love interest, but German chanteuse Lenya has the most fun springing poisonous blades from her shoes. Racy, exhilarating, and loads of fun, "Love" breathes flashy new life into Ian Fleming's classic novel.

The Bond movie that started a craze.......2007-06-27

From Russia With Love set the stage for all the James Bond movies that followed. With an excellent startup from Dr. No, James Bond gets into full swing battling SPECTRE up and down Europe, and has one of the best Bond fights on the Orient Express. Beautiful women, tough bad guys and just the right amount of Bond toys make it one of the best James Bond movies of them all!

An excellent addition to the Bond franchise........2007-06-16

Brimming with tension, suspense, and understated cool, From Russia with Love is one of the very best movies in the entire James Bond series. The plot, which revolves around the criminal organization SPECTRE and its attempt to steal a Soviet codemaking machine by manipulating and ultimatley murdering a certain British secret agent (guess which one), is clever and engrossing. Part of the movie's charm comes from simply watching SPECTRE's plan unfold. The film is also incredibly atmospheric: Bond travels to a lush, decedant Istanbul before heading back west on a train trip that hangs heavy with mystery and paranoia.

Sean Connery is, of course, incredible. To put it plainly, the guy simply IS James Bond. He's in complete command of the character, playing his role with absolute confidence, brimming with wit, charm, and ruthless intelligence. Connery's Bond is mesmerizing, his performance a masterpiece. The rest of the cast is fantastic as well: Lotte Lenya is unforgettable as the brutal Colonel Rosa Kleb, playing her part with relentless authority and barely subdued insanity. Ditto for Robert Shaw, whose portrayal of ruthless assassain Donald "Red" Grant is fiery and intense. Shaw turns his charater into an omen, a source of constantly escalating tension and nervous energy. Pedro Armendariz is superb as the exuberant, friendly, and loveable Kerim Bey, who befriends and assists Bond in Istanbul. The film also contains the first appearance of Desmond Llewelyn as Q, one of the series' most beloved characters (he'd appear in every subsequent Bond film until 1999's The World is Not Enough).

Throw in John Berry's tension-filled soundtrack and some of the sharpest one-liners ever found in a Bond film and you've got an absolute classic, and one of the finest entries in an excellent series.

One of the best of the entire series.......2007-04-08

A favorite of many Bond fans and filmmakers alike is this second entry into the EON Bond film canon (a separate production company had produced Fleming's CASINO ROYALE for American television CBS in the 1950s). Alongside 1969s ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE as one of the more faithful movie adaptations of the Fleming book this movie is disliked by some for its slower pace and less fantastical plot and adored by others for precisely the same reasons.
I suppose it all depends on what you are looking for in a Bond movie. For it was not until the next entry in the series in 1964s GOLDFINGER that the movies budgets ballooned and took on the more recognizable Bond-movie shape of fantastic world domination plots, cartoonish action and over-the-top villains. Here, we have a more quiet down-to-earth plot involving extortion and revenge, but its carefully woven plot makes the movie just as thrilling and the action just as compelling.
There are some deviations from the plot of the Fleming novel, but nothing that detracts too seriously from what is the most important element here - the story and characterization. For example in the book Flemings villains was the real-life Soviet agency SMERSH, which is changed to the fictional private organization SPECTRE (which Fleming created along with Kevin McClory for a failed movie script after he had written the novel on which this movie is based.) No doubt the filmmakers decided to change the villain for political reasons as well as to develop the recurring villain mentioned in passing in the first of the EON movies (1962s DR. NO).
The plot concerns SPECTRE's attempts to use British intelligence to steal a valuable Soviet decoder, blackmail British intelligence and murder British agent James Bond in revenge for the loss of their agent Dr. No.
In order to pull off this audacious scheme, SPECTRE's Col. Rosa Klebb (brilliantly played by Lotte Lenya) enlists the aid of Russian clerk Tatiana Romanova who believes that she is working for the KGB. Romanova is chosen for her beauty as a lure for James Bond and the Lektor decoder as a lure for 007 and British intelligence. Indeed the ploy works to perfection as we witness later the disinterest of 007 change to amiable interest after being shown a picture of Romanova.
Following the traditional gunbarrel sequence we are given our first true precredits sequence. In the first movie the gunbarrel went straight into the credits sequence, but here we are treated to a mini-adventure in what would become a standard trademark for the series. James Bond is on the hunt, or is he the hunted? Stalking around a garden in the middle of the night when all of a sudden Bond is set upon by a giant man (played to perfection by the always excellent Robert Shaw.) Who then pulls a wire from his watch and garrotes the British agent. The sequence serves as a foreshadowing of a scene towards the end of the movie and is also the first instance in which the audience is tricked into believing that 007 has been killed. In the future 007 movies 1967s YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE and the rogue movie 1983s NEVER SAY NEVER AGAIN this ploy would also be used. Sure enough following the death of "James Bond" the lights go up revealing a big estate house (actually a house on the backlot of Pinewood Studios) and it is revealed as a SPECTRE training session with a man posing as 007.
Shaw is excellent as Red Grant. Even today over 40 years later he regularly tops the list among Bond fans as a favorite villain. He plays the role with understated deliberate menace and the fight scene on the orient express (which is usually cut down for television) is brutal and frenetic. Similar scenes of fighting on a train have been repeated in later Bond movies but none have quite matched this one.
Other elements that would become a series trademark also make their first appearances in this picture. We have the introduction of a real bona fide gadget and the first screen appearance of the actor who would become famous for introducing James Bond to all manner of incredible gizmos while in real-life being the most un-mechanically minded of people - the late Desmond Llewelyn.
Here Bond is equipped with a briefcase with such hidden qualities as a knife that protrudes out of the side, coinage for bribing enemy agents and a innocent looking bottle of talc that is actually tear gas for disabling prying eyes who open the case the wrong way. Of course all of these help save 007 later on in the movie (strange how he always seems to have just what he needs for any eventuality).
Overall then we have a taut, well-crafted James Bond movie with standout performances from all the principal actors. Of particular note is the Mexican actor Pedro Armendáriz who plays the Turkish British agent Kerim Bey. There seems to be a genuine friendship between Bond and this amiable rogue, a chemistry similar to that between Bond and Columbo in the 1981 movie FOR YOUR EYES ONLY.
With a travelogue feel that was a feature of the early movies, this was after all before the holiday shows and Discovery Channel documentaries on different areas of the world. And some compelling action (though on a smaller scale than later scenes the fight between Bond and Klebb with the latter wielding a poisoned tipped shoe is white knuckle stuff). This is a movie that should be on everyone's must-see list.

Average customer rating:

Connery's Bond Translates Poorly to Japanese
Megabudget Japanese Ken Adam extravaganza.
The one with the hollowed out volcano lair - a fun ride
JAMES BONDs Dichotomy of Styles East meets West
Only ONE Person We Know Carries This Licence

You Only Live Twice
Starring: Sean Connery , Akiko Wakabayashi , Mie Hama , Tetsuro Tamba , and Teru Shimada
Director: Lewis Gilbert (II)
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
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From Russia With Love
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ASIN: B000NIBUS0
Release Date: 2007-05-22

Amazon.com

The film boasts the best of the Bond title songs (this one sung on a dreamy track by Nancy Sinatra), but the movie itself is one of the weaker ones of the Sean Connery phase of the 007 franchise. The story concerns an effort by the evil organization SPECTRE to start a world war, but the not-so-super villain behind the plot is the awfully civilized Donald Pleasence. The thin script is by Roald Dahl (shouldn't we have expected a better Bond nemesis from the creator of mad genius Willy Wonka?), and direction is by British veteran Lewis Gilbert (Alfie). But the movie can't hold a candle to Dr. No, From Russia with Love, or Goldfinger. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

Connery's Bond Translates Poorly to Japanese.......2007-07-04

This is the first Bond movie that's actually a bit of a bummer and the fault can be laid directly at the feet of the man who was the first and best of the cinematic Bonds. This was Connery's fifth outing in six years as the ultimate gentleman spy. He was sick of the hoopla and deeply concerned about being typecast. He looks bored and irritable and the white to Japanese transformation sequence is still a low point in the Bond canon. Sort of a jump-the-shark moment as the Bond series has only been occassionally excellent since the mid-sixties. He really should have passed the walther ppk to a new Bond actor. The script was written by Roald Dahl and he probably should have stuck to children's books. Surprisingly tone deaf, extremely wordy but with very few memorable lines. Small characters get surprisingly long speeches. What enjoyement I end up taking away from YOLT is bits and pieces. The volcano lair, Blofeld, the cute Bond girls, little nelly, the beautiful cinematography, the ninja island and the well handled action sequences. Not a bad Bond. After all, they are all fun, one way or the other, but definately middle of the pack for me.

Megabudget Japanese Ken Adam extravaganza........2007-06-15

Of all the classic James Bond films, this is the one I had not seen in the longest time. I remembered this was where the series really lost its spark and went into absurd Austin Powers territory.

Although some of the criticism is still valid, YOLT is actually one hell of a mid-60s Albert Cubby Broccoli affair. For one thing, virtually the entire film takes place in Japan and makes impressive use of many locations, e.g. the ninja training academy is on the lawn of Himeji castle. Ken Adam was given about ten sets to design, one of them simply gargantuan. My opinion is that they are are a far stretch from his finest work but still spectacular. John Barry's music is gorgeous as always, with just the perfect asian influence.

Yet like so many Bonds the film is a pretty jumbled affair, with an on-again off-again plot that never rises much above a simmer. Donald Pleasance is a big letdown as Blofeld, as is his henchman. The romance is non-existent. So, not really a good film by any stretch. But for sheer eye candy it's outstanding. And the DTS sound is incredible.

The one with the hollowed out volcano lair - a fun ride.......2007-04-08

Yes, it's the one with the hollowed out volcano and what a fun ride it is too. It should come as no surprise to anyone that for me (who ranks the earily similar plot-wise TSWLM at #2 of Bond movies and is a fan of Roger Moore's portrayal) that "You Only Live Twice" is high on my list of favorite Connery movies.
It's fun and zany and like a Godzilla movie on steroids Bond is plunged into a kinetic, energized Japan. A country that is reeling from an identity crisis following a humiliating defeat in WWII for the traditional nation and the onslaught of 1960s pop culture of which the Bond phenomenon was a major part.
Connery for his part looks bored and tired with the role and so the film makers understandably have loaded this movie with special effects, martial arts fighting, gimmicks and yes, a hollowed out volcano. All in the hopes that Connery will get lost in the mix and his lack of enthusiasm for the part less evident as the viewers senses are assaulted by a vibrant concoction composed of all the spectacle and wonder that screenwriter Dahl and director Lewis Gilbert could conceive.
The mission seems ripped from the headlines to use an old cliché. The time is the late 1960s and with the US and USSR locked in a race for the dominance of space, the two nations are both having capsules hijacked by some unknown power. Of course in the hyperactive paranoia of the Cold War - each blames the other. But Britain, in its infinite wisdom, stands by their claim that their tracking placed the object (that seized an American rocket) land somewhere in the sea of Japan.
The movie begins with one of my all-time favorite pre-credits sequences. Bond is in bed with an attractive Chinese girl. In what appears to be a double-cross however she pushes a button that sends the bed into the wall before letting a couple of assassins in who pepper the bed with bullet holes. Having the hero "killed off" at the beginning of the movie is a gimmick that has been copied often (and in fact first echos the opening of "From Russia With Love." But Gilbert crafts it expertly.
A solid entry in the Bond series - too light for some, but certainly a lot of fun throughout.

JAMES BONDs Dichotomy of Styles East meets West.......2007-04-04

YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE contained elements of espionage, action, thrills, adventure and science fiction. Looking back it somehow worked loosely when put together yet till this day I can not determine what the cohesive element was. Looking at it closely the film is a real dichotomy of styles. The first hour is excellently filmed and works very well. We get to see James Bond the spy, working with recognition codes, breaking into safes, going under cover and the like. There is an excellently choreographed fight scene between Bond and a sumo wrestler. This is also the first time he developed a good working relationship with a fellow intelligence head, Tiger Tanaka, similar to that of Kerim Bey in FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE. We also see that "M" has absolute confidence in his man. "This is the big one," he tells Bond knowing that 007 is the only one capable of pulling off this assignment. There is also quite a bit of very witty dialog in the first hour of this film. In the first hour the pace is deliberate, but never boring or unentertaining. It ends with Bond flying "Little Nellie," delivered by "Q," into an aerial dogfight with four helicopters. As it moves into the second hour more of the science fiction and fantasy elements start to take center stage. The film starts to look untidy and meanders along till it gets to the excellently filmed battle between Tanaka's ninjas and Blofeld's private army in his Volcano lair. It's not a bad Bond film, but it should have been a lot better. I think the culprit was the editing. Russian and American manned space capsules were being snatched out of orbit by an "intruder missile." Bond had to find the location and the identity of those responsible before World War III breaks out. The filmmakers decided not to surprise us at the end of the film, but instead show us, not Bond, that this "intruder missile" is in fact owned by SPECTRE and is being launched from Blofeld's Volcano lair in Japan. That comes a little past the hour mark. That being the case there was a good opportunity to develop suspense, as Bond has to locate the launch site. When Bond finally does find the volcano he has very little reaction to his discovery. He in fact seems to have come prepared with suction cup kneepads, which he uses to climb upside down and into the volcano. Tanaka shows up with his men, the battle ensues and Bond saves the day. It just could have been done much better considering how well the first half of the film was handled. The massive sets designed by Ken Adam were highly innovative and stylized and are probably the best of the entire series. M's office aboard the submarine, M-1, was also pretty innovative incorporating furniture and decorations from his office from the Ministry of Defense back in London. John Barry wrote a brilliant score. His music for the "Capsule in Space" was eerily ominous. He also incorporated sections of the "James Bond Theme" very effectively subsequent to Henderson's death and the fight in Osato's office. Barry's "Mountains and Sunset" went beautifully with Freddie Young's Cinematography. This and his score for ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE were the last to contain his best action pieces for the series. These were little snippets here and there written to give the action a little more punch. I thought Sean Connery gave some his best performances as James Bond in this film. Bond's scene with Henderson was very good. His repartee with Moneypenney was one of his best. Sean Connery did return as James Bond in DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER but one era had already ended with ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE and a new one would begin with his return.

Only ONE Person We Know Carries This Licence.......2007-04-04

The transfer is much improved with crisper images and increased resolution. The sound is outstanding. As for the movie, the odds have never been greater or the stakes higher. World War Three hangs in the balance of the success or failure of James Bond. This is the `Big One' and it looks every bit of it. We thought all the stops had been pulled out for "Thunderball" but not quite, "Thunderball" was just practice! "Thunderball" was the pinnacle of the James Bond phenomena and rightly so. However, "You Only Live Twice" pushes the envelope continuing in the same vein as "Thunderball." Still, Sean Connery is James Bond, the contemporary hero in today's age of uncertainty. S.P.E.C.T.R.E. continues to harass James Bond by day and disturb his tranquility by night. The script by Roald Dahl, based in-very-little-part on the Ian Fleming novel, is refreshing, imaginative and in some respects innovative. Bond finally comes face to face with Blofeld in the form of Donald Pleasence. I believe there are at least two schools of thought on his portrayal usually in extreme approval or disapproval. In any event, we get a good dose of S.P.E.C.T.R.E.'s usual form of justice that it doles out to its unsuccessful employees the same as we have seen in "From Russia With Love" and "Thunderball." The scene between Osato and Helga Brandt and Blofeld in his incredible lair accompanied by John Barry's haunting score is one of the best in the entire series. In fact there are quite a few good scenes in this film filled with very witty yet intelligent dialogue. This is a step up from "Thunderball" in that respect. One feature perhaps not that noticeable is the extraordinary flow and pace of "You Only Live Twice" or more accurately the reason for that flow and pace. This can be attributed to editing and the film's combination of plotting, action, dialogue and its great visuals and music. I think the contribution of Ken Adam's massive yet simple production designs, John Barry's continuing incredible innovation in scoring, Bob Simmons' incredible stunts and choreography and Sean Connery's perfect portrayal of James Bond make "You Only Live Twice" one of the most memorable of the series. Yes, I thought Connery gave a perfect performance. Connery does not walk through this one. If you separate and examine his performance from the rest of the film I think you will find that it is very credible. Connery gives us a perfect balance of the best of what he brought to the first four films. It is not 100 percent Fleming but is perfect for the cinema version of his creation. For that reason I think many fans find it hard to say they like "Thunderball" over "You Only Live Twice" and visa versa. I think that "Thunderball" has a real Fleming feel to it while Connery though very energetic and captivating approaches that assignment with unusual aplomb. And that is not a bad thing. "Thunderball" is a very beautifully filmed aquatic adventure and John Barry's score melds the whole experience into some type of Fleming aura for the viewer. I think the overall premise of "You Only Live Twice" is so incredible yet brilliantly delivered cinematically that Sean Connery's performance is overlooked.

Average customer rating:

So wrong, it's right.
fantastic film
I've Been Interested In Seeing This For Decades -- Wasn't Worth The Wait
"Too many cooks spoil the broth"
Interesting for what it is.

Casino Royale
Starring: Peter Sellers , and Woody Allen
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
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ASIN: B00005JL0I
Release Date: 2002-10-15

Amazon.com

John Huston was only one of five directors on this expensive, all-star 1967 spoof of Ian Fleming's 007 lore. David Niven is the aging Sir James Bond, called out of retirement to take on the organized threat of SMERSH and pass on the secret-agent mantle to his idiot son (Woody Allen). An amazing cast (Orson Welles, Peter Sellers, Deborah Kerr, etc.) is wonderful to look at, but the film is not as funny as it should be, and the romping starts to look mannered after awhile. The musical score by Burt Bacharach, however, is a keeper. --Tom Keogh

Description

Welcome to Casino Royale, the ultimate psychedelic secret agent satire! Packed with girls, guns and gags galore, this "very funny picture" (The New Yorker) delivers "laughs all the way"(Cue)! Starring Peter Sellers, Ursula Andress, David Niven, Joanna Pettet, Orson Welles, Daliah Lavi, Woody Allen, Deborah Kerr, William Holden and others, and with an original score from Oscar® winner* Burt Bacharach, this groovy spy movie is "even farther out" (LA Herald-Examiner) than all other spoofs combined! British Intelligence is waning in every possible way! When the diabolical SMERSH begins killing off Her Majesty's Secret Service, super-agent James Bond (Niven) recruits six more "James Bonds" to confuse and conquer their enemies. But it won't be easy. They'll have to face an army of irresistibly sexy female operatives, exploding robotic fowl, parachuting Indians and a germ that makes all women beautiful but kills all men over 4'6"! *1981: Original Song (with Carole Bayer Sager, Christopher Cross, Peter Allen), Arthur; 1969: Original Song (Lyrics by Hal David), Score, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

Customer Reviews:

So wrong, it's right........2007-06-07

This movie is so wrong. It's right. I love it! Two plus hours of vintage hilarity. You can't beat a movie with Woodie Allen.

fantastic film.......2007-05-21

this is the best bond by far, even though its a spoof
This is the film that mike myers copied to make austin powers so if you liked any of those films you will love this film , phycadelic bond

I've Been Interested In Seeing This For Decades -- Wasn't Worth The Wait.......2007-05-14

Can you name the second, third, and fourth actors to play James Bond in a movie (Sean Connery, of course was the first). If you guessed Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, and Pierce Brosnan, you're wrong. That's right, George Lazenbery proceeded Moore, but you're still wrong. The correct answer is David Niven (as James Bond), Woody Allen (Jimmy Bond) and Peter Sellers (as a James Bond imposter, though he fit the Bond suaveness well).

I was very curious about watching this movie. I felt it was a waste of time. It was funny, and the acting was good, but I did not like it. Part of it was that it was too sexy for a fundamentalist like myself. Another part is that the plot meandered too much.

I will say the climax was hilarious. There were some good car chases. But this could have been better.

If you like comedy (I'm not a big comedy fan), especially the late '60's style, and you want something a little more risque, you may enjoy this; don't let my negative review scare you off in this case. I didn't really enjoy it.

One last comment. Peter Sellers and Woody Allen were given top billing, but really David Nivens carried this movie.

"Too many cooks spoil the broth".......2007-04-04

What a mess of the royal proportions - such a great cast (Peter Sellers, David Niven, Orson Welles, Woody Allen, Ursula Andress, Deborah Kerr, and Jean-Paul Belmondo), the James Bond's story, plenty of beautiful (and I mean it) girls, the music by Burt Bacharach, most famous sets - but the movie is almost totally unwatchable. It started funny enough - at Sir James Bond's (David Niven) home where he was approached by four international agents that forced him to come out of retirement and head up the operation against the evil organization SMERSH. His mission is to destroy Topple LeChiffre (Orson Welles} at the baccarat tables where he never loses and wins a lot of money to supply SMERSH. Then, the movie becomes silly, stupid, pointless, and (what is the worst) not funny. Only Woody Allen, (as Bond's incompetent nephew, Jimmy Bond) brilliant as usual has appeared in two scenes and made them silly and hilarious. I think that "Casino Royale" (the way it was made) illustrates the fact that bigger is not always better - overlong and overblown, written and directed by five or more writers and directors, it brings to mind an old saying, "Too many cooks spoil the broth".

OT: the abbreviation SMERSH really existed during the WWII. It means "Death to the Spies" in Russian.

Interesting for what it is........2007-03-20

This is one of those strange movies that is great fun to watch. The cast is about as fabulous as you could ask for, and you get David Niven as the original James Bond (ah if he only would have been instead of Connery). The movie is a comedy spoof and works as that, although the jokes can be bad (pay attention for 'hairloom').

All-in-all, it's good fun and has a great soundtrack.

Average customer rating:

One of Brosnan's better Bond films
Most Embarrassing Bond Movie Ever
3.5, it was the best of Bond it was the worst of Bond
Great Movie!
"M" is kidnapped!

The World Is Not Enough
Starring: Pierce Brosnan , Sophie Marceau , Robert Carlyle , Denise Richards , and Robbie Coltrane
Director: Michael Apted
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
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ASIN: B000NIBURQ
Release Date: 2007-05-22

Amazon.com

In his 19th screen outing, Ian Fleming's superspy is once again caught in the crosshairs of a self-created dilemma: as the longest-running feature-film franchise, James Bond is an annuity his producers want to protect, yet the series' consciously formulaic approach frustrates any real element of surprise beyond the rote application of plot twists or jump cuts to shake up the audience. This time out, credit 007's caretakers for making some visible attempts to invest their principal characters with darker motives--and blame them for squandering The World Is Not Enough's initial promise by the final reel.

By now, Bond pictures are as elegantly formal as a Bach chorale, and this one opens on an unusually powerful note. A stunning pre-title sequence reaches beyond mere pyrotechnics to introduce key plot elements as the action leaps from Bilbao to London. Bond 5.0, Pierce Brosnan, undercuts his usually suave persona with a darker, more brutal edge largely absent since Sean Connery departed. Equally tantalizing are our initial glimpses of Bond's nemesis du jour, Renard (Robert Carlyle), and imminent love interest, Elektra King (Sophie Marceau), both atypically complex characters cast with seemingly shrewd choices, and directed by the capable Michael Apted. The story's focus on post-Soviet geopolitics likewise starts off on a savvy note, before being overtaken by increasingly Byzantine plot twists, hidden motives, and reversals of loyalty superheated by relentless (if intermittently perfunctory) action sequences.

Indeed, the procession of perils plays like a greatest hits medley, save for a nifty sequence involving airborne buzz saws that's as enjoyable as it is preposterous. Bond's grimmer demeanor, while preferable to the smirk that eventually swallowed Roger Moore whole, proves wearying, unrelieved by any true wit. The underlying psychoses that propel Renard and Elektra eventually unravel into unconvincing melodrama, while Bond is supplied with a secondary love object, Denise Richards, who's even more improbable as a nuclear physicist. Ultimately, this World is not enough despite its better intentions. --Sam Sutherland

Customer Reviews:

One of Brosnan's better Bond films.......2006-11-26

Pierce Brosnan is back and has to save the world from a mad man once again. Robert Carlyle is really good as that mad man and is one of the best Bond villians in my book. You also have Sophie Marceau and Denise Richards as two sexy Bond girls. Most Bond fans just mostly picked on the film due to Denise Richards acting abilities. Which are limited. I never had much of a problem with her, I guess I was too busy looking at her and not watching her acting abilities as closely as other Bond fans lol.

I do think Brosnan's Bond films did try too hard in casting Bond women though. I mean most of them were too recognizeabke and just casted on looks basically. I think Goldeneye had the best casting though of any of his films. I mean I don't even know what else that Bond girl was in after Goldeneye or before it for that matter and she could act too. I do like the casting of Sophie Marceau here more than the Denise Richards casting though. Not only because she's a better actor but because she doesn't stick out like a sore thumb. I mean I just know her from a bad David Spade film.

Anyway I think The World is Not Enough is one of Brosnan's better outings as Bond. It's surely better than Tomorrow Never Dies. Plus I think Robert Carlyle is as memorable as a Bond villian as Sean Bean in GoldenEye. I don't know why people talk about the villian in Die Another Day like he was the best of the Brosnan films, he did nothing for me really. Brosnan doesn't shine here as much as he does in GoldenEye but I do find his line at the end both crude and funny and he delivers it well. Denise Richards' name is Christmas and he says somthing like "Christmas doesn't come once a year"....lol.

Most Embarrassing Bond Movie Ever.......2006-11-18

This is simply the worst Bond movie ever, also included, the worst Bond Girl ever - that being Denise Richards. Denise was not glamorous or smart as past Bond girls, essentially if she were left out of the story no one would have noticed. She looked like some chick Bond picked up from the mall, denim jacket included, who just provided unnecessary commentary. The story was disjointed and hopes that it would go anywhere and went no where. M is kidnapped, yeah, that had nothing nor any relevance to the story. This movie seemed rushed to produce and you can tell.

3.5, it was the best of Bond it was the worst of Bond.......2006-11-14

Bond films seem very critic proof since they're not meant to move you to tears and they're not meant to be laugh riots or creep into your skin. They're action movies pure and simple and arguably no one does it better. But seeing as how we're already on Bond 19 and while it's not that the series has completely run out of ideas, there is a sameness and familiarity to it all that prevents it from being the best Bond it can be. Doesn't mean that the filmmakers don't try really hard though.

After the killing of oil tycoon Robert King, 007 James Bond is hired to protect his daughter, beautiful Elektra. The main villain orchestrating everything is Renard, a man who was shot in the head and affecting his brain so that he can't actually feel pain, although the bullet will eventually kill him. Bond has to team with nuclear physicist Christmas Jones (Bond girls have had pretty strange names but this is just stupid) in order to avert a world-threatening plan (natch).

First, the casting: Sophie Marceau personally is my choice for the hottest Bond girl but acting-wise it's very extreme from one end to the next without any in-betweens. And Denise Richards is arguably the biggest miscast I've seen in a film. As for Pierce Brosnan, well this is #3 for him so he's still as suave and Bond-esque with the action hero coming into play whenever he needs to. As for the villain, Robert Carlyle is one of those Bond baddies where the premise is there but he's just not as compelling, in fact he seems kind of wimpy.

The Bond series lately has been going for that bigger is badder approach but there's a couple of goodies: the opening with a big boat chase is one of my favorite openers in the series but then we have a kind of meh ski escape as well as Bond versus a helicopter with sawblades attached which is as exciting as it is preposterous. But that's what's expected with any Bond film so I don't even mind anymore but there's almost a too over-the-topness to it as if the films tried to eclipse Bond wannabe films of late.

Is it the best Bond? No. The best Brosnan film? No. But it's a solid if very faulty Bond. I'd recommend it anyway though.

Great Movie!.......2006-05-31

This is a pretty exciting movie. I have to say Pierce Bronsan makes the best James Bond, even better than Sean Connery in older James Bond movies. Some of the top action scenes include the Boat Chase, James Bond and Electra King(a very beautiful woman) getting chased while skiing and the helicopter scene. The basic story is that James Bond is sent to protect an oil heiress, whom unknown forces are trying to kill.

Bond thinks it is because they don't want competition from her Oil pipeline. However, the story takes a surprise twist that most won't see coming. For that reason I give this movie 5 stars; for this unusual twist that is not there in other Bond movies.

"M" is kidnapped!.......2006-05-10

This is the 19th "Official" James Bond film and the third for Pierce Brosnan. Returning: Judi Dench as "M", Samantha Bond as "Miss Moneypenny", Desmond Llewellyn as "Q", Colin Salmon as "Charles Robinson", Michael Kitchen as "Tanner" and Robbie Coltrane returns as "Valentin Zukovsky". Michael G. Wilson plays a man in the casino.
At the MI6 Headquarters in London, England, an old friend of "M" (Judi Dench), Robert King (David Calder) who she used to study law with, is building a new pipeline and believes terrorists may be trying to destroy it. When Mr. King leaves, Bond sits down to have a cordial drink with "M". After the ice in his drink begins to fizz, Bond suddenly gets the notion to run to the safe to stop Mr. King. As King gets near the billetes of money, the special pin on King's lapel sets off a bomb in the bulk of money. It kills Robert King instantly.
Later at the funeral, Bond is briefed about Robert King's daughter, Elektra (Sophie Marceau). When the MI6 returns to the Headquarters in Scotland, Bond is briefed on his next mission. "M" had sent an agent to kill Renard (Robert Carlyle) who is a terrorist. The agent shot him in the head, but Renard still lives with the bullet still inside. The bullet is moving and killing his senses. He feels no pain. Eventually the bullet will kill him. Renard gets stronger everyday and Bond must find him. Bond will have some help by Christmas Jones (Denise Richards), but the plot thickens when Bond realizes Elektra isn't as innocent as everyone thinks and "M" is kidnapped and held hostage.
After 36 years of playing "Q" (1963-1999), Desmond Llewelyn makes his exit after introducing "R" (John Cleese), his new assistant.
Desmond Llewelyn passed away December 19, 1999, just weeks after the film's premiere.
This VHS also includes the music video of "The World Is Not Enough" before the film begins and a special montage tribute to Desmond Llewelyn.

James Bond returns in DIE ANOTHER DAY (2002).

Average customer rating:

Good film but not one of my favorites
Dalton's Debut Is Impressive

The Living Daylights
Starring: Timothy Dalton , Maryam d'Abo , Jeroen Krabbé , Joe Don Baker , and John Rhys-Davies
Director: John Glen (II)
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B000NDEXPM
Release Date: 2007-05-22

Amazon.com

Timothy Dalton made his 007 debut in the lean, mean mode of Sean Connery, doing away with the pun-filled camp of Roger Moore's final outings. This James Bond is ruthless, tough, and romantic. The Living Daylights, set during the thaw of the cold war, begins with the defection of Russian KGB General Koskov (Jeroen Krabb) and his revelation of a Soviet plot to eliminate Britain's secret agent force. Assigned to eliminate Koskov's Soviet boss (John Rhys-Davies), Bond uncovers a conspiracy involving Koskov and an American arms dealer (Joe Don Baker). Veteran series director John Glen's action scenes have never been better--especially the show-stopping mid-air battle on the net of a speeding cargo plane--and he returns the series to the smart, rough, high-energy adventures that made the Bond reputation. --Sean Axmaker

Customer Reviews:

Good film but not one of my favorites.......2007-06-14

Dalton did a great job in his short time as Bond. They didn't give him a lot to work with in this one, but he still did a good job.

Dalton's Debut Is Impressive.......2007-04-04

The first thing that struck me about this film is that Timothy Dalton could act and he took the part very seriously. I found THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS to be one of the better James Bond films. I think it is the best since ON HER MAJESTY's SECRET SERVICE. I really liked Timothy Dalton as James Bond, the James Bond he gave us in this film (THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS). He was not the hard edged civil servant but more of a thinking man's blunt instrument as he demonstrated his reluctance to get the job done "their" way as opposed to "his" way.

John Barry delivered his last 007 score and it is one of his best. I also enjoyed a-ha's rich and lyrical theme song played over Maurice Binder's main titles, which are very reflective. This was also the last Bond film made during the actual cold war. We see a much more intelligent British agent discern that the KGB is not made up of a bunch of hoodlums but instead it is actually headed by an equally intelligent counterpart to "M" and the like. The dark yet richly colored photography and locations bring back much of the feel of the earlier Bond films.

Timothy Dalton deserved to be around much longer as James Bond based on his work in this film.

The Peter Sellers Giftset (The Pink Panther / What's New, Pussycat? / The Party / Casino Royale)

Average customer rating:

The Peter Sellers Giftset

The Peter Sellers Giftset (The Pink Panther / What's New, Pussycat? / The Party / Casino Royale)
Starring: Peter Sellers , David Niven , Robert Wagner , Peter O'Toole , and Woody Allen
Director: Blake Edwards , and John Huston
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
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On Blu-ray	CD Soundtrack	Why We Love Daniel Craig
The Amazon.com James Bond Store	Where Have I Seen Daniel Craig?	Bond on Set: Filming Casino Royale Book