Nick G – Google

Thunderball remains the most commercially successful film of the Bond series in terms of bums on seats in cinemas. Made at the height of Bond and spy film mania this film has a unique swagger that still delivers and sets it above most Bond films. Sean Connery drives the simple narrative in his best performance as James Bond as he saves the world from nuclear disaster. He is simply superb in this the most physical of all the Bond films. If you want to capture the confidence and colour of the swinging sixties this is the film for you. Admittedly some of the, at the time, cutting edge underwater scenes can flag at times, but that doesn’t diminish what is arguably one the best films of the series.

This the third film perfected the formula for the Bond series. It boasts some of the most memorable scenes from the entires series, ranging from a girl sprayed in gold to the gadget ridden Aston Martin to the laser torture scene to odd job. It’s whole however is not as strong as these individual parts and for me it flags as it nears its end in Kentucky. That said for many this is considered amongst the series best and if you want mid sixties chic it’s all there in Goldfinger right down to Shirley Bassey’s belting theme song.

The second James Bond film is the closest in tone and feel to the original Ian Fleming Bond novels. This complex, character driven Cold War thriller is a departure from its more fantastical predecessor Dr No. A brave move for the producers and one which demonstrated the versatility of the Bond series. It lacks the polish of the later Bond films, but compensates through a strong story driven by an array of colourful characters. If you like your Bond films to be more realistic and down to earth this one set the bar.

The first James Bond film is often overlooked and yet it remains a strong entry in the series. It retains a pace, energy and colour which belies its age. Most striking of all is Sean Connery’s hard edged portrayal of Bond as a cold hearted assassin. We didn’t see this level of intensity again until 2006s Casino Royale. The formula may not yet be fully in place (we’d have to wait until Goldfinger) but a great villain, strong Bond girl and colourful locations are all in place in this often underrated Bond film.

With his third film Roger Moore finally hit his stride as James Bond. Structure wise this is arguably the best film of the series, providing perfect formula escapist entertainment. It’s boasts many iconic Bond series moments from the Union Jack parachute to the under water lotus esprit to the henchman Jaws. Director Lewis Gilbert perfectly understood that a more tongue in cheek approach to the series was perfect for Moore and indeed the times. Two hours of superb family entertainment provided you love the late 1970s!

Sean Connery’s final official Bond film works best when viewed as a comic story for adults. Though past his physical best Connery gives a fine light comedy performance. He’s clearly enjoying himself in this the wittiest film of the series. Add some eccentric US characters and locations and you get an enjoyable romp, which is very much of its time. Popular on release the film is somewhat unjustly underrated today.

It was average when it came out and time has not treated it well. It’s a misogynistic and tonally uneven film, ranging from high suspenseful drama to slapstick pantomime humour. As an audience you simply don’t know what your watching, From Russia With Love or Moonraker! Pity because some of the action sequences are superb. Roger Moore should have retired after the previous film For Your Eyes Only, which was a far stronger Bond film.