The Living Daylights

Rating:
Summary: A New Era For Bond
Review: With THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS Eon productions returned to the style that made the James Bond films a success in the first place. Bond classics like FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE and FOR YOUR EYES ONLY are the template that director John Glen and writers Richard Maibaum and Michael G. Wilson (who also co-produced the film) used in creating a style to fit new Bond Timothy Dalton. Dalton's performance comes straight out of Ian Fleming's 007 novels, as he re-read all of Fleming's books before filming TLD. At times Dalton's performance echoes those of Sean Connery, but with a harder edge befitting a character who has been through as much, and come as close to death as many times as Bond has. Dalton's Bond is professional, but cynical, while maintaing a suave persona and a subtle sense of humor. The supporting cast is excellent as well, with Jeroen Krabbe and Joe Don Baker as particular standouts. The story echoes the decline of the cold war, and leads Bond into a new era where the Soviets are no longer the main threat for Bond to foil (like OCTOPUSSY, TLD features a rogue Russian General acting without the knowledge of his government). The action sequences are outstanding, and the locations are exotic (as usual), befitting a great Bond film. The DVD includes the best picture and sound that this film has ever seen, easily surpassing the VHS and LaserDisc versions. The special features include 2 documentaries, a "lost" scene, trailers and TV commercials, and more, making this DVD package a "must buy" even if you have already seen the movie several times. Timothy Dalton brought credibility back to Bond as an action hero, but, sadly, he was to appear in only one more Bond film, the outstanding LICENCE TO KILL.

Rating:
Summary: "The Living Daylights": Nobody does it better!
Review: With the release of "The Living Daylights", Bond fans finally saw another "Golden Bond Film" in the classic tradition of "Goldfinger". This film was, hands down, the best of the Dalton era films - the only other Bond movie with Dalton being the mildly disappointing "License to Kill". Timothy Dalton replaced Roger Moore as agent 007 when the gray haired Moore decided to call it quits after the release of "A View to a Kill" in the mid-eighties. Naturally, with a new Bond came a new style. I believe that Dalton's style was the most compensating to Ian Flemming's Bond; he wasn't a super man all of the time. He has moments when doubt or fears enter his mind. In other words, Dalton is a much more realistic Bond than Connery or Moore ever were. Unfortunately for Dalton, however, it seems many people like the unrealistic Bond better than the realistic.

"The Living Daylights" has a classic story and action. It's one for all Bond fans to definitely see, while being good enough to warrant the attention of first time viewers. No film (except perhaps "Goldfinger") has done it better than "The Living Daylights".

Rating:
Summary: "The Living Daylights": Nobody does it better!
Review: With the release of "The Living Daylights", Bond fans finally saw another "Golden Bond Film" in the classic tradition of "Goldfinger". This film was, hands down, the best of the Dalton era films - the only other Bond movie with Dalton being the mildly disappointing "License to Kill". Timothy Dalton replaced Roger Moore as agent 007 when the gray haired Moore decided to call it quits after the release of "A View to a Kill" in the mid-eighties. Naturally, with a new Bond came a new style. I believe that Dalton's style was the most compensating to Ian Flemming's Bond; he wasn't a super man all of the time. He has moments when doubt or fears enter his mind. In other words, Dalton is a much more realistic Bond than Connery or Moore ever were. Unfortunately for Dalton, however, it seems many people like the unrealistic Bond better than the realistic.

"The Living Daylights" has a classic story and action. It's one for all Bond fans to definitely see, while being good enough to warrant the attention of first time viewers. No film (except perhaps "Goldfinger") has done it better than "The Living Daylights".

Rating:
Summary: Tipping The Hat To Mr. Fleming!
Review: With Timothy Dalton replacing Roger Moore as James Bond, the franchise embarks on a new and welcome direction. Taking advantage of Dalton's tougher and more serious personality, "The Living Daylights" returns to the more authentic style and tone of the Bond novels and early movies, and in doing so recaptures the spirit of Ian Fleming. This was Dalton's original idea behind his portrayal, and the producers chose wisely to back it up. Rightfully so the DVD includes a wonderful documentary with Fleming as the subject. As a result of this renewed approach, the series once again shifts its focus to the Cold War (albeit it nearing its twilight), and the themes of espionage and political intrigue that have distinguished some of the better Bonds. In turn, the action becomes much more realistic and intense than that of the Roger Moore era, with fantastic stunts to be found all around. It's not a perfect film; it's biggest weakness being it's apparent lack of a truly menacing villainous presence. But it's a wonderful breath of fresh air after the Moore years and succeeds on most counts. John Barry contributes his final score to the franchise, beautifully updating the sound to reflect the late 80's, and collaborates with Norwegian rock group a-ha to deliver a good, underrated title song which has been unfairly bashed by many. You be the judge.

Rating:
Summary: Tipping The Hat To Mr. Fleming!
Review: With Timothy Dalton replacing Roger Moore as James Bond, the franchise embarks on a new and welcome direction. Taking advantage of Dalton's tougher and more serious personality, "The Living Daylights" returns to the more authentic style and tone of the Bond novels and early movies, and in doing so recaptures the spirit of Ian Fleming. This was Dalton's original idea behind his portrayal, and the producers chose wisely to back it up. Rightfully so the DVD includes a wonderful documentary with Fleming as the subject. As a result of this renewed approach, the series once again shifts its focus to the Cold War (albeit it nearing its twilight), and the themes of espionage and political intrigue that have distinguished some of the better Bonds. In turn, the action becomes much more realistic and intense than that of the Roger Moore era, with fantastic stunts to be found all around. It's not a perfect film; it's biggest weakness being it's apparent lack of a truly menacing villainous presence. But it's a wonderful breath of fresh air after the Moore years and succeeds on most counts. John Barry contributes his final score to the franchise, beautifully updating the sound to reflect the late 80's, and collaborates with Norwegian rock group a-ha to deliver a good, underrated title song which has been unfairly bashed by many. You be the judge.