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Cassie Tremblay
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Licence to Kill (1989) - Full Reaction

My favorite Bond so far? Don't make me choose, but close! This one had it all, it was a lot of fun we loved the plot and villain (in like a he was good at being bad way) and a lot of great action! I still don't think he has the swagger of Sean Connery, but his seriousness and intensity brought something else! 

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Licence to Kill (1989) - Full Reaction

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Timothy Dalton, for me, was an excellent Bond, he was thrust into the role at a bad time, when fans wanted Pierce Brosnan in the role, and the producers were trying to make him a more PC Bond, which didn't help, and Dalton was held accountable for the changes. His third Bond film was in pre-production and he was ready to do it, when legal issues popped up between M-G-M/UA and Eon Productions. By the time it was all worked out, his contract was ready to expire, and he just let it lapse, because fandom were wanting Pierce Brosnan for the role, so in early 1994, Dalton stepped away from the role, leaving it open, now, for Brosnan to step in.

JPDotCom23

Well, you didn't recognize him but that was Benicio Del Toro as the henchman who recognized Bond

JPDotCom23

Wild seeing a young Benicio Del Toro.

Clay F

I am no Bond expert, but I liked Quantum of Solace. I knows that a minority view.

Clay F

I really liked Timothy Dalton in American Outlaws... Which, I just looked up on the web app, I'm the only one requesting 😳 Well, so much for that 🤣

Planner

He’s my second favorite Bond behind Craig. A Truly under appreciate Bond

Alex Gorell

What the hell are you talking about! I was 25 in the summer of 89 and saw every movie that summer. No one gave a shit about Bond then contact or no contract. They wanted Pierce Brosnan to play Bond all along. Dalton was second choice. People were completely bored of Bond at this point. You come off like arrogant ass! James Bond has been outdated since 1981. A hero from the 60s. In the 80s people wanted more human heroes. They wanted Harrison Ford, Mel Gibson. Everyone talked about how great Lethal Weapon 2 was not boring Bond. I never understood guys who Idealize Bond. I think how shallow and empty they are. Buddy boy I know a lot more about history then you! Who give a shit about Star Trek 5. To spend your time writing about a turd like that. I sure it was from your Moms basement. I was spending my time out 89 with women.

Tommy.J

Great reaction, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Quite a bit, based on your outro. I admit I was somewhat worried the darker tones and some events won't sit well with you. I did comment earlier that I don't know which of Dalton's movies I were to choose if you only watch one of them. Even after freshly rewatching them I can't decide which is my favorite of the two. They are so different movies and I like different things about them myself. I'm glad you decided to include both, and I didn't have to choose. 😀 I'm probably late to the party but here is a short featurette about the movie, including some of the spectacular stunts they performed, including the truck flip the stunt team actually performed real-life on camera: https://youtu.be/jEvB0fiYf10 This was the fifth and last Bond movie directed by John Glen. All that in a row, starting from 1981's FOR YOUR EYES ONLY until 1989's LICENCE TO KILL. This is making him the most recurring director of the franchise. I really enjoy his first three movies with Roger Moore as well, which are tonally much closer to Dalton's movies than the earlier Moore's you've reacted to. But his two Dalton movies are the best of the five IMO.

Gábor Árki

Both of Dalton's outings are two of my favorites, he really did a lot with a short run and this one had a spectacular cast, with Robert Davi, young del Toro, Priscilla Barnes and others.

Bubba Fett

Great reaction ladies. Dalton is a misunderstood and underrated Bond. You will see a return to the seriousness of Bond with Daniel Craig. Brosnan, in the beginning of his run, was a bit serious with some humor.

Bill Maurer

Thanks, Aaron. This guy's sense of history speaks to the fact he has no sense of history. He just wasn't around then. I remember the summer of 89 quite well. I had a very long critique of Star Trek V published in Starlog.

Anonymous Groucho

In my top 1.

Grad

GOLDENEYE is definitely a great Bond film. Easily Brosnan's best and top 5 of the franchise for me. I am confident the girls will love it.

Stick Figure Studios

It’s just what I saw after watching all the Bond films, in close succession, while forgetting any preconceived notions. Thanks for thinking I’m “so young.” Beginning to get to the point where I don’t feel like it.

Larry Darrell

Glad you liked it. I'm on record as really, really disliking this movie (mainly for the incredibly bad acting in it) but that's just personal taste. Based on your reaction to Dalton, I feel pretty confident that you're going to absolutely love Daniel Craig's run of films. As others have said, Dalton is kinda the prototype Craig.

Matt Rose

You buried the lede. Pierce was your first Bond? How? I mean, how can you have such opinions when you're so young?

Anonymous Groucho

Also, Goldeneye is my 2nd (maybe third?) fav Bond movie so I have much to look forward to.

Anonymous Groucho

I was actually surprised how much I disliked the movie on rewatch. Usually that goes the other way. Still, I love Dalton as Bond. Even if I only liked half the Bond he was in.

Anonymous Groucho

"Die Another Day - only Madonna can ruin a movie where Halle Berry wears a skimpy bikini." Amen. And I had totally forgot the fact that Bond fenced with Madonna.

Anonymous Groucho

Well, with all due respect, I'll bring up whatever facts I think will help me defend the film against unfair or inaccurate criticism. I don't mind people rejecting something that I embrace (be it a work of art or a person or an idea, etc), but it tends to lend more credibility to their argument when they can at least demonstrate they actually know what it is they're rejecting (it's not a straw man). As for the JOHN WICK comparison, I'm not sure how that's even relevant. As you point out, Bond did it first, so I feel like he has more "claim" to that premise that WICK does (although revenge stories are nothing really new; they've been around about as long as storytelling has, so neither this nor JOHN WICK is particularly original... though this is at least more unique for a Bond film). It seems kind of backwards to me to fault it for being too like something that came afterwards. Reminds me of that old joke I love about the guy who saw HAMLET for the first time and didn't like it because, as he put it, "it was so unoriginal... Every other line was a cliche." X-D

Stick Figure Studios

It would be a shame if she didn't watch it based on Shaun of the Dead, as much as I personally love that movie I think Hot Fuzz is superior in every way and much more enjoyable for Cassie too. Nicholas Angel is a much more likable character than Shaun and the buddy cop aspect as well as the mystery storyline and Timothy Dalton are all things I think she'd enjoy.

Matthew Scarth

Thanks for the Support. :-) I do think Brosnan is the same Bond as the previous Bonds, though. They Share the Same History. I describe my opinion on this in detail a number of Posts up from this one.

Larry Darrell

100% agree that this is the best sendoff for a character like Bond. Not what the Craig movies brought who only managed to replicate a little bit of what this one movie managed to show much clearer. The Brosnan Bond is the first full reboot and sadly didn’t get the same sendoff as the bond from Connery to Dalton.

Avastrasza

Yeah… it always tears me up when he goes down that hatch. The fact that he passed in a car accident on his way to the premiere of The World Is Not Enough is heartbreaking

Avastrasza

"Again, if they don't do anything for you, that's fine." That's probably more the problem for me than anything. Though I did bring up the 45 minute mark as something happening. You can't then bring it up in defense. This is proto-John Wick. Not Bond. I'm surprised they could squeeze in Q.

Anonymous Groucho

Watch the Inside Licence to Kill making of Documentary for some Fun Stories.

Larry Darrell

In my top 5 as well.

Stick Figure Studios

This movie is easily in my top 5 Bond films. I'm glad to hear that it's your favorite one so far. I can't wait for Goldeneye next(at least I hope it's next since it was the very next Bond film made after this). Pierce Brosnan is my favorite Bond!

Cody Nelson

Here is the other part of my original comment from the [YT] The Spy Who Loved Me. Absolutely! Especially when you factor in the Time that it takes to Write, Produce, Cast, Shoot, Edit and Release each Film. From Dr. No to Licence to Kill, 16 films were released, in 27 years. One Film Every 1 to 2 Years, only ONCE taking 3 Years. Over this Time, the Actors playing James Bond get either tired of playing the part; quit or get fired; or get too old for the part, and have to be Re-Cast. Also, the Look of the World changes, and in order to keep Each Film Current and Exciting, the World Ages with the Audience, but James Bond is still living His ONE LIFE. It Took 27 YEARS, 16 FILMS and 4 ACTORS to tell ONE MAN's LIFE STORY. --------------------------- I feel that the original 16 Films, in my opinion, seem to go together in a Linear Fashion, telling the Story of James Bond, with a Beginning and End. Each time the Actor changes, there seems to be a natural Attitude and Demeanor change, that reflects his History. I believe none of this was really planned by anyone making the films. However, when you have the same Producers, Writers and Actors creating the Stories, one right after another, A Natural Affinity occurs. When they wrote and Produced a New Film, the Previous Films were still Fresh in their Minds. James Bond existed in the Minds of His Creators and was aging with them. The Character was always moving forward and creating a History, even if it wasn't intentional. I know they intended to make another film with Timothy Dalton, but just like in life, Sometimes things happen for a reason. I know that sounds Metaphysical, but looking back on it, it seems right. Timothy Dalton feels like the End of the Character. After the Events of Licence to Kill, James Bond is at Peace with all of his past Conflicts. There really doesn't seem to be any reason to continue. The fact that they didn't, was perhaps Destiny... or just Fortuitous. For James Bond that is. Pierce Brosnan's films, to me don't feel naturally connected to the previous ones. They kind of feel like Remakes of the Sean Connery Era, but I know they're not. Brosnan's James Bond Character is more of a step backward, Development wise. It erases the Growth that was gained with Timothy Dalton. James Bond's History is only vaguely a part of Brosnan's films. Also, the switch from Roger Moore to Timothy Dalton was a great correction Age Wise, for James Bond. Timothy Dalton at 43, was right for that point in James Bond's Timeline. Pierce Brosnan, though, at roughly the same age Dalton was at the time, seems Younger than he should be in his portrayal. And even though it was only 6 Years, a lot happened in the 90s. To me, it feels like 10 or more years past. 1989 was still very similar to the 70s, but 1995 was Knocking on the New Millenia's Door. Too much time had passed and too much had happened between Licence to Kill and Goldeneye. The Affinity was Lost. This is more of the reason of why I call Pierce Brosnan's Films, "The Further Adventures of..." They wanted to make more Bond Films, so They did, just like John Gardner in 1981. I am Forever Grateful that they did too, because I have immensely enjoyed all of them. Even Die Another Day. Pierce was my first and childhood favorite, by the way.

Larry Darrell

Wow this was great both movie and reaction. Great stunts, action lots of twists and turns. I was like is that the guy from Goonies and what's Benicio del Toro doing here?

Canadianant

GOLDENEYE is also the last Bond movie made before the MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE film series starts up.

Stick Figure Studios

I'm not sure I believe in the 6 Year Gap theory. That Gap does not exist in Bond's world. It only exists in our world, the world of the audience, it is the limit of our perceptions. During that Gap time, Bond is off having all kinds of adventures.

Mike LL

It was filmed at Rumorosa Pass, in Mexicali, just south of the border with California. It has long been considered haunted by locals because all of the strange occurrences and terrible, unusual accidents. The crew of this film came away convinced of such legends because of all the mishaps they experienced while filming.

Steve Holton

Some of it went according to plan, but it was an intense, dangerous few weeks that they filmed that thing. Lots of close calls, some accidents and a bunch of nervous people. The result is one of the most genuinely thrilling and spectacular set pieces in the whole franchise.

Stick Figure Studios

I like that way of putting it, Larry. You're a smart guy.

Stick Figure Studios

Dear fans: I heard nothing went according to plan during filming the tanker chase and what you saw in the finished film was a series of happy accidents. Can anyone confirm that's true???

ROBERT CLARK

Fun reaction ladies! Pretty good movie! Although some of the deaths were pretty gruesome. But I did like a lot of the practical stunts they did. Unlike nowadays, where most stunts involve CGI. Not sure if you recognized Sanchez was played by Robert Davi. You might know him from The Goonies. He was one of the Fratellis. Also Dario was played by Benicia Del Toro. Who you might recognize from The Usual Suspects. On to Pierce Brosnan!

Robert da Spruce

Die Another Day - only Madonna can ruin a movie where Halle Berry wears a skimpy bikini. Man with the Golden Gun - I tried liking it, but they ruined a great villain and gave us that red neck sheriff ... again. Moonraker - rushed because they wanted to cash in on the Star Wars phenomenon. For Your Eyes Only was going to be the next Bond film. Venice is always great, but not enough for this one. I liked A View to a Kill. Though Moore was way too old for it. Not enough Walken and too much Tanya Roberts and Grace Jones

Bill Maurer

Thanks, Bill. I try. :-)

Stick Figure Studios

Well, they're certainly not for everyone. Anyway, thanks for stopping by.

Stick Figure Studios

Great reaction as always! A super-villain, a beautiful James Bond girl, a super James Bond! Honestly, the ending is just amazing! It's great to see a movie with little or no special effects!

Grégory Gautier

I do agree with James that every Bond film (even the worst ones) are still watchable. It's a hugely entertaining franchise.

Stick Figure Studios

For my money, the tanker truck chase is the most spectacular climax of any Bond film. Some of the things they get those rigs to do just defies belief... and they really did them (some of them specially designed for certain shots).

Stick Figure Studios

Just finished watching your full reaction. I knew you'd like this one despite the much harder edge towards violence (should've been rated R honestly). But this is Bond, I don't mind seeing exactly why his job is so dangerous in the first place. Also, Q's much expanded role was very welcome and it showed just how much he really cared about 007 despite him going rogue. I'm so glad this film is FINALLY getting the love it deserves, Davi's Sanchez and Benicio del Toro's Dario is one of the greatest Bond villain/henchman combos ever. I REALLY wish Dalton had done at least one more. It would've been called "Property of A Lady." You're both perfect as always! On to the Brosnan era now.

Evan

Well, the whole pre-title sequence (which include s Bond descending from a helicopter onto a plane in mid-air), Sanchez's bridge escape and Bond's battling of the guards at Krest's hideout. Those are all by definition action sequences (and a couple of them are imo pretty exciting). Plus, by the 45-minute mark another one is just beginning (with Bond underwater). Again, if they don't do anything for you, that's fine. That's your opinion and you're entitled to it, but to say they're "not action" is just not correct . For the record, I also love LIVING DAYLIGHTS (not better than this one, just different), but it's even lighter on action in its first half than LTK is.

Stick Figure Studios

Given the reaction to Shawn of the dead , I can't imagine either of the other two Cornetto films are on the list for reactions. Too bad as to me hot Fuzz was the best of them

Canadianant

Forget defending them.... I'm just asking you to identify them. The Living Daylights is such a far better Dalton Bond, it's not even funny.

Anonymous Groucho

Now I'm curious what those three by 45 minute mark action sequences are.

Anonymous Groucho

You don't have to spell out why other people like Bond. We know why we like Bond, but you might have to explain what it is you like about Bond, because I think this film, imperfect though it may be, has everything any fan could want from a Bond movie (and more) including spectacular action sequences featuring things never before seen in a Bond film (or any film). If you don't like the action in the film, that's fine, but to say they're not "proper" or, even more incredibly, don't exist (when I count at least 3 by the 45-minutes mark), suggests that you're so biased against the movie that you'vd been blinded to the good elements it has to offer.

Stick Figure Studios

Yes! THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH is Brosnan's best after GOLDENEYE and also features Desmond Llewellyn's final performance as Q.

Stick Figure Studios

And ROCKETEER.

Stick Figure Studios

Licence to Kill... The James Bond Coda. Right from the Start, when Timothy Dalton walks across the screen in front of the Gun Barrel, you'll notice the James Bond Theme Music is heavily re-worked. It's more Powerful and Packs more of a Punch than ever before. This tells you, this is not going to be your Normal Bond. We begin with a Wedding, which immediately alludes to On Her Majesty's Secret Service's Ending. One can't help but think of it. Ever since Tracy's Death, James Bond has kept his Emotions hid deep down and just went back to work. From Diamonds are Forever through a View to a Kill, James Bond's relations with women went in a 180 degrees from the way he was with Tracy. He was never going to allow himself to feel that strongly for someone else again. By the time we meet James Bond in The Living Daylights, the Wall he put up is almost completely crumbled and the jokes and sleeping with every woman has stopped. The Rage that he has been hiding since his Wedding Day is getting Closer to the Surface, as well as his Romantic side. Those Two Emotions have been linked ever since. When Bond sees that Della was murdered on her Wedding Night, you can be assured that Wall is no more. James Bond is right back in that car on the side of the road, holding Tracy in his arms. He is going to settle a score for Felix, who is incapable, and settle a score within himself, that is Long Overdue. "I owe it to Leiter. He’s put his life on the line for me many times.” M shouts, “Oh, spare me this sentimental rubbish! He knew the risks.” “And his Wife!” Bond retorts. There it is. M tried to stop James Bond, but he decided to Resign and go Rogue, just as he did in On Her Majesty's Secret Service, only this time it's For Real. James Bond is on a Vendetta, unlike any we have seen him on before. The first Bond Girl he meets is Lupe, Sanchez's "Kept Woman." Seeing her on Milton Krest's boat, harkens back to another Bond Girl from his past, Domino from Thunderball. Also a "Kept Woman." This was the first time Bond started to go against the mold he had created for himself in the earlier films and gave a preview of what was to come in On Her Majesty's Secret Service. I won't go into detail, because Cassie & Carly haven't seen it, but I will say, Domino left a larger impression on Bond than any Bond Girl up to that point and seeded something in him that would only grow bigger and bigger. The second Bond Girl is Pam Bouvier, ex US Army pilot and CIA informant. When they meet at the bar, she asks, “You carrying?” Bond opens his shirt to show a holstered Walter PPK. “Tsk, tsk, tsk.” Pam shows a shotgun she is holding under table. “If they start shooting, just hit the deck and stay there.” During the fight, she seems the smartest one standing back and observing, using skill when needed. She totally saved Bond in the fight and got them out quickly. One of the first of many times Pam will save Bond. She was shot in the back getting in the boat, but only in my opinion, because Bond did not cover her. Pam was the stronger leader all the way through their first meeting, even when She Kissed Bond First. “Now why don’t you wait until you’re asked?” Bond says. “Well why don’t you ask me?” Pam replies I've said before, that the type of Woman that Bond is most attracted to, is Smart, Strong, Capable and Sensitive. Pam proved the first 3 right off the bat. Throughout the film, he continually tries to get rid of Pam, but she won't go. Pam is consistently saving Bond throughout and he is constantly surprised by her. After killing Sanchez with the Lighter that Felix and Della gave him. Bond sits back on a rock and sighs heavily looking at the End of His Vendetta. Bond looks down, shrinks his shoulders up as if he is about to break down in tears, but staves off the urge. In this moment, he hears the horn blowing of one of the semi trucks. He looks up and sees Pam driving up for his rescue. Musical chimes can be heard as she comes into view. “Well, what are you waiting for? Get in!” “Yes Sir.” Bond says to her, with a smile, acknowledging that he kind of likes this Arrangement. Another Smart, Strong, Capable woman once rescued him before. That was Tracy. At the Party, Bond talking to Felix on the phone, Bond politely brushes Felix off when he mentions M trying to contact him. Bond is in no hurry to go back to work, and just might decide to Not go. Bond is back, Emotionally, to where he was before his Wife died. He and Lupe walk off together and begin kissing. Lupe resembles the same old Bond Girl that James Bond usually ends up with. He spends time with her for a few weeks and then leaves to go back to work. Enter Pam and Q. Pam sees them kissing and doesn’t like it. Pam has certainly developed feelings for Bond. Bond sees Pam run off, hurt & crying. Bond now for sure sees Pam's Sensitive side. Lupe says, “You could stay here with me.” Bond now has a decision to make. Go with Lupe, which will surely last a few weeks, or go with Pam, which just might last a lot longer. “Excuse Me” Bond says as he walks away to the ledge. Bond has ran after a Hurt and Crying Girl once before, to "Remedy" a mistake. That was Tracy. Bond jumps off the ledge into the pool, going after Pam. He pulls her into the pool as well. He kisses her. “Why don’t you wait until you’re asked?” Pam says. “So why don’t you ask me?” Bond replies. Bond made a choice. A Lasting Choice. A Happily Ever After Choice. By the way, Do you remember this earlier scene? “Oh James. I wanted you to have something. You know the tradition…” Della says as she removes her Garter. “The next one who catches this, is the next one who…” Bond says, “ No… No. Thanks Della. It’s time I left.” Bond turns and walks away. “Oh James,” Dellas says laughing. Bond turns around and catches the Garter that Della tosses to him. He Caught the Garter and He Kept It. Need I say more. The Perfect Ending to The Coolest Story, and the Coolest Spy Ever, James Bond.

Larry Darrell

Fun reaction Ladies to a fun movie. Pretty girls. Lots of action. What more could you want?

Rick Williams

Osami Kawawo starred as "Oriental." I'd like to think we've come a long way since 1989.

Anonymous Groucho

The man with the golden gun is imo the worst. 😒😒

Björn Karlsson

I hope Carly gets to watch 'Hot Fuzz' with Cassie when she eventually gets round to it, think they'll both enjoy seeing Timothy Dalton as a supermarket manager 😂

Matthew Scarth

Forgot how good that one is. After this rewatch, probably one of the best Bond movies IMO. These, along with the Craig, Brosman, Connery (probably misspelled them, oh well) - top tier Bond.

Connor P

If you're interested, I posted this in the Comments of the [YT] The Spy Who Loved Me. It is my more detailed opinion on the Pierce Brosnan films. Their Place in continuity, not specifics of films. There was a 6 Year Gap, between Licence to Kill and Goldeneye, and, in my opinion, this had some effect on "how much" Pierce Brosnan is connected to the previous Bonds. I believe Pierce Brosnan's Bond shares the Same History, but in a different sense. (And No, I'm Not talking about a multiverse scenario; or a codename scenario) Pierce Brosnan's Bonds, again in my opinion, are more like "The Further Adventures of James Bond," put to film. Similar to what British Writer, John Gardner did from 1981 to 1996, when he Re-vived the series of James Bond Novels, and wrote 14 more Books. Pierce Brosnan's Bond is the SAME BOND as the Previous Bonds, but with Someone Else Telling the Stories, and Not Truly Connected to the Documented Life of James Bond, as Penned to Paper by his Creator Ian Fleming, or Put to Film by his Original Producer Albert R. "Cubby" Broccoli, or Typed to Paper by James Bond Script Writer (13 of the 16), Richard Maibaum, who died in 1991. Pierce Brosnan's Bonds were Produced by Cubby's Daughter and Step-Son, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, and Cubby on as a Consulting Producer only. Michael Wilson had been producing the James Bond Films, along with Cubby, since Moonraker. But, after the 6 Year Gap and the Stepping Down from the Top, by Cubby Broccoli, Pierce Brosnan's Bond, in my opinion, just has a "Different Edge." Still the SAME Blade, just Re-Sharpened.

Larry Darrell

The title tune Licence To Kill was sung by Gladys Knight. This was in 1989 after she had started her solo career and had left The Pips who she had been with since the 1950's. Gladys Knight and The Pips biggest hit record was Heard It On The Grapevine, which Cassie and Carly must have heard at some point in their lives. I don't know why Gladys Knight wasn't listed or given credit for the song in the movies credit sequence. Wikipedia says the song is based on the James Bond theme song and the horn section from the Goldfinger title tune. You can hear the James Bond theme in the tune.

Mike LL

And there we go. Thanks, Larry. You really think Brosnan is the start of a new Bond, though? Clearly Craig rebooted, but do you then view Brosnan as its own separate Bond? (Actually, in re-reading your original post, you spelled out your opinions about the very subject.)

Anonymous Groucho

“Oh James. I wanted you to have something. You know the tradition…” Della says as she removes her Garter. “The next one who catches this, is the next one who…” Bond shakes his head and says, “ No… No. Thanks Della. It’s time I left.” Bond turns and walks away. “Oh James,” Dellas says laughing. Bond turns around and catches the Garter that Della tossed to him. He caught the Garter and He Kept it. “Did I say something wrong?” Della asks Felix, to which he responds, “He was married once. But it was a long time ago.” Bond seeing Della Murdered on her Wedding Night brought him back to Emotions he had suppressed after Tracy’s Death. ------------------------------ You are correct. James Bond, from Dr. No (1962) through Licence to Kill (1989) is One Complete Story about One Man's Life.

Larry Darrell

I've had arguments with friends about this. Their argument is that 007 is a designation and not the same man from actor to actor. And I point to the fact that Bond references his dead wife throughout (explicitly doing it in For Your Eyes Only.) I did miss it here, though. Anyway, point being is I'm right and my friends can go (Popcorn in Bed's censorship) themselves.

Anonymous Groucho

My bottom tier is Diamonds Are Forever, The Man With The Golden Gun, and Quantum of Solace. I couldn't possibly pick the worst out of those three. Gábor Árki: But about Live and Let Die, that song, man, that killer, killer song! 😂

Mike LL

James Bond still Tops the List for Me.

Larry Darrell

Totally agree with Celeste and James. Thanks Ya'll. However, if I'm ranking them, I'll agree with Gabor. And that's not considering Craig's. He gets his own Ranking List, because he is a separate Bond.

Larry Darrell

I was struck in my watch of this film more than any other time the similarities in Bond's and Felix's unlucky marriages. Both had their wives executed on their wedding day by the movie's evil villain before they, uh, could have a proper honeymoon. Never thought about Bond having PTSD before, but that is a good point. There were 6 (main series) Bond films in the sixties, five in the seventies, and this is the last of the five (main series) movies in the eighties. On to the nineties in Goldeneye, there were only three movies, and we'll see two of them!

Mike LL

Instead of thinking of Felix's Leg as a Dog... think of Della as Tracy. Makes A Lot More Sense. On Her Majesty's Secret Service & Licence to Kill... 2 James Bond Films most people might consider "Not Proper James Bond." That's why I like them so much. The First is the "Bridge" of the Story and gives the Character of James Bond Emotional Conflict. The Second is the "Coda." The Ending to the Story. The Coda is usually Different from the Rest of the Story.

Larry Darrell

Was Tracy mentioned? I must have zoned out during that. I think the true reboot was with Craig, though.

Anonymous Groucho

Watching this is like reading one of Fleming's novels. Bond didn't fire a single shot from his Walther PPK until half-way into the novel Thunderball and only then to ward off sharks.

Anonymous Groucho

Bond goes slightly Rogue in the beginning of On Her Majesty's Secret Service, and goes Full Rogue at the End, working with Draco to rescue Tracy and Stop Blofeld, against Her Majesty's Government's wishes. Ultimately Leaving Her Majesty's Secret Service, for Married Life. At the End of Licence to Kill, M is trying to contact Bond, but Bond is refusing the Call. In my Opinion... James Bond does Not Return.

Larry Darrell

(-: I'll take Bond's Rich History over those other guys any day. :-)

Larry Darrell

👍 😁

Larry Darrell

Cassie may also have seen Carey Lowell in Sleepless in Seattle, unless she got the Title mixed up on that one.

Larry Darrell

I loved your reactions! This together with The Living Daylight are my favorite Bond movies. Timothy Dalton, I loved him as James Bond. Him and Pierce Brosnan are always competing for the "Best Bond" spot in my head. :D I think Brosnan wins by 'this' much due to having the "charm" down a bit more and his one-line delivery is perfect. I know you're only going to watch GoldenEye and Tomorrow Never Dies, but I secretly hope after those two, you consider watching The World is Not Enough as well. Those 3 are very good. Die Another Day.. good until halfway. Then it goes downhill fast sadly. But Brosnan's preformence there is on spot, even with the ridiculous plot.

Avastrasza

It's been No. 1 by a Great Margin for Almost a Year now... just sayin'. ;-)

Larry Darrell

Bond went Rogue in On Her Majesty's Secret Service. Just one of the many similarities between the 2 Films.

Larry Darrell

The other point to make is that all this is relative. I find something to enjoy in all Bond films. There are just some I like less well than others.

James UK

I switched. Die Another Day is the worst Bond movie. Though it's an entertaining commentary from Brosnan. When Halle Berry first appears onsccreen in a bikini he's like "Pause. Rewind. Rewatch."

Anonymous Groucho

Inside Licence to Kill Part 1 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmNrf43P04I Part 2 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxkGmkybP8k

Larry Darrell

Well, as far as this movie is concerned, just a friggin action sequence at all would be nice half-way in. But a proper Bond action sequence would be an action sequence that's fun and inventive. I really need to spell out why people like Bond?

Anonymous Groucho

True Lies was no.1 on Cassie's list last time I checked so I can pretty much guarantee it'll get watched, just a question of when.

Odd Thomas

Actually no, that’s not what happened. The film didn’t perform as well as expected but it still made a profit at the box office. What happened was Timothy Dalton was under contract to appear in three films as Bond, and the third film was already in the pre-production when a legal dispute began between MGM and the Broccolis whom owned the rights to James Bond, which halted production of the film for an extended time. During this time, Dalton’s contract expired, so they had to delay the film even longer while they recast Bond.

Aaron Ritchie

Die Another Day for me.

Tim Raths

I know this film got a lot of bad press due to it's darker tone but I thought it was a welcome change of pace. I'm glad Cassie and Carly thought of it so highly. Looking forward to your Goldeneye reaction I personally think it's the best film in the franchise. A couple of fun facts: The actor who played the president in this movie was the son of Pedro Armendariz he played Kerim Bey in From Russia With Love . The "He disagreed with something that ate him" was originally from the Live And Let Die novel.

ROBERT CLARK

I would rank Moonraker as the worst film for me

ROBERT CLARK

1989 was a hell of a year in the movies. So many classic movies came out. By the end of the 80s Bond was crushed by Indiana Jones and all the other actions heroes that were so much better than Bond. Han Solo, Mad Max, Snake Plissken, Rambo, Martin Riggs, John McClane. Harrison Ford, Stallone, Mel Gibson, Kurt Russell, all rewrote the action hero in the 80s.

Tommy.J

I saw this in the theatre and Indiana Jones had this point made Bond boring. Last Crusade was playing at the same time.

Tommy.J

She's hanging out at the video arcade in 'Ferris Beuller'..

Celeste McAllister

This movie failed when it came out because it was playing opposite Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and Lethal Weapon 2. By the end of the 80s Bond was a boring outdated character. People wanted action heroes like Indiana Jones, Martin Riggs, Han Solo, Mad Max, John McClane, Rambo, Snake Plissken. Thats way they took 6 years to release the next Bond.

Tommy.J

Worst is Never Say Never Again & 67 Casino Royale....worst in official series is a tie with Die Another Day & Spectre. I can find something entertaining in all the others.

Alberto Blanco

I don't believe there is a bad Bond movie,someone liked it..

Celeste McAllister

My top three worst are probably Live and Let Die, The Man with the Golden Gun and Die Another Day. If I had to pick one, based on a recent rewatch, that would be The Man with the Golden Gun.

Gábor Árki

What on earth is a "proper Bond action sequence?"

Stick Figure Studios

Die Another Day by far. It actually offended me how dumb it was.

Odd Thomas

I saw your name in the end credits of a Jen Murray video, Celeste. You do get around, don't ya? ;-)

Stick Figure Studios

I typed Cary. My damn phone autocorrected it Casey.

Stick Figure Studios

Bond aficionado here: for me, MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN is the worst Bond movie and LICENCE TO KILL is one of the best.

Stick Figure Studios

I’d also put The Man With The Golden Gun in the mix for the same reason re Christopher Lee.

James UK

Yes, he was!

Brad P

I think you may be right. A waste of Connery is at least worth a waste of Walken.

Anonymous Groucho

Wasn't Felix 'The Fly' in the 1957 version?

Celeste McAllister

Diamonds are Forever for me, I think.

James UK

Even though the critics didn't always like the Bond films,they made money at the box office..

Celeste McAllister

Worst Bond movie? I'm curious what Bond aficionados here think. This Bond fails on many levels but I will say A View To A Kill is the worst Bond movie. If only because it wastes Walken as a main vil.

Anonymous Groucho

I liked the thigh holster, I like her she's like a bad A sorority sister,gorgeous also! You meant Cary Lowell not Casey :)

Celeste McAllister

Definitely one of the best. I saw it in the cinema as an 8 yr old and Carey Lowell certainly, um, stuck in my memory, lol. It is wayyy more violent than the previous films and that worked against it if anything - at least in '89. People thought it went too far, but by today's standards it's fairly mild. The stunts at the end are still amazing and they blew up/crashed full size tankers and you can tell it's totally real. So yeah, one of my favourite cinema memories AND favourite Bond films. Can't wait for Goldeneye; I saw that as a teenager and again it really has nostalgic value. Brosnan's first and best.

Odd Thomas

Fun (?) story: I was in Las Vegas and saw the villain in an elevator, and as he left, I said, "Franz Sanchez. Awright!" And he said, "Thanks, man!" Years later I told that story on a podcast, mentioned the actor by name, and he called into the show the following week and appeared as a guest. He's...an interesting guy. Anyway, I love this movie.

Dave Sees Movies

That has to be the funniest reaction to stunt doubles ever. When one takes over for Dalton. "I don't know who that is."

Anonymous Groucho

45 minutes in and we still haven't seen a proper Bond action sequence.

Anonymous Groucho

In My Opinion... This was the END of James Bond's Story, that began with Dr. No (1962). It was a Perfect Ending. It was a Happy Ending. He Reconciled with his Past and the Death of His Wife, Tracy. James Bond finally left Her Majesty's Secret Service, which is what he Planned to do after his Wedding and is now Living Happily Ever After with Pam Bouvier… if she’ll stay with him, which She Always Has before. What follows, 6 Years Later with Pierce Brosnan, is more like the "Further Adventures of James Bond." Brosnan's Bond still has the same History as before, but the Character is Re-vived, not Re-made, and Someone Else is Telling the Stories, and Not Truly Connected to the Documented Life of James Bond, as previously seen.

Larry Darrell

Watching this reminds me of how much I dislike it as a Bond movie. (Spoilers for John Wick.) If you think of Felix's leg as John Wick's dog, then it's John Wick.

Anonymous Groucho

I think so too , I think Daniel Craig is one of the best Bonds , in my opinion

Wyatt Nuxoll

Glad you loved it. Dalton is a very underrated Bond

Bill Maurer

Great write up

Bill Maurer

This is a solid entry in the Bond franchise. Dalton was a good Bond, my third ranked Bond actually. This was the first time Bond really went rouge which was new and different, but gets over used later on. Glad you’ve enjoyed Bond so far. Think you will really like Brosnan as well

James1035

A few fun facts: The actors that portrayed Sanchez and the DEA agent that aids in his interrogation in an early scene (and later visits Felix in the hospital and tries to warn Bond off the case) also played the FBI agents in Die Hard. The loooooooong bridge at the beginning of the film was also featured prominently a few years earlier in Lucio Fulci’s horror masterpiece The Beyond. Also, the actor that plays the agent that betrays Felix also played the part of the priest in Silver Bullet, another superb option for “Scary But Not Too Scary” October. Finally, in the book version of Live and Let Die, Felix suffers injuries identical to those in this movie, also from a shark attack. He later joins the Pinkerton Detective Agency, featured so prominently in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. PS: The barroom brawl scene reminded me that Cassie REALLY needs to see Patrick Swayze’s greatest film, Roadhouse.

Just Plain Bob

The version that was released in the US removed some things so it wouldn't get R rating: https://screenrant.com/bond-license-to-kill-r-rating-changes/#sanchez-feeds-felix-leiter-to-a-shark

Marko T.

Never watched that show. The only other thing I remember seeing her is Fierce Creatures but in a small supporting role.

Gábor Árki

It's true. What GOLDFINGER was to Connery and SPY WHO LOVED ME was to Moore, GOLDENEYE was for Brosnan.

Stick Figure Studios

Based on their reaction to this one, they're going to love the Daniel Craig films.

Stick Figure Studios

I feel the same about Moore and Dalton, which is odd because they couldn’t be any more different as Bond.

James UK

Just finished your reaction, ladies, and it was fantastic. Even better than I expected (I knew it was dark and violent, so I was a little nervous going in, but I also knew it had a more emotionally involving story for you). Although this is a very polarizing Bond film, it's one of my favorites. It sadly didn't do as well at the box office as previous Bond films (partly because the summer of '89 was one of the most monumental in Hollywood history with a lot of competition between films... including BATMAN, LETHAL WEAPON 2, INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE, GHOSTBUSTERS 2 and HONEY I SHRUNK THE KIDS), but it has become much more appreciated in the subsequent decades. Absolutely agree about the MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE similarities (indeed, there's a sequence in GHOST PROTOCOL where the female agent pretends to seduce the rich guy wearing a white suit in his private bedchamber that is virtually identical to the scene with Pam and Professor Joe, a.k.a. Wayne Newton, in this film) and I love that Desmond Llewellyn is given far more to do as Q this time than just show up and give Bonc his gadgets. Robert Davi (who you might remember from DIE HARD and THE GOONIES) is phenomenal as Sanchez and did you recognize a young Benicio Del Toro as his henchman? Dalton really was a terrific Bond. He dug below the skin of the character to explore him as a human being and this was the first entry to suggest that Bond might have legit PTSD (the murder of Felix's wife Della on their wedding day clearly resurrects Bond's own past trauma and motivates much of what he does throughout the film). So glad you both liked this one. Now on to Pierce Brosnan with another top 5 Bond film for me: GOLDENEYE, which I also think you'll love.

Stick Figure Studios

I honestly love this movie more and more overtime. It’s probably the closest Bond has ever gotten to an R-rating and it absolutely earns it even when it is still a PG-13. I absolutely loved Timothy Dalton and really wish he got to continue. After Roger Moore, he is probably my favorite James Bond. Robert Davi was fantastic as Sanchez. He is easily one of my favorite Bond villains. Benicio Del Toro was also amazing in the film. As is the story, characters and action. Everything about the film is just amazing in my opinion.

Adam Grunther

James Bond movies are terrible

David Bunnetto

Tea

Saulty

I recommend True Lies (1994) too. Its a great spy movie starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and directed by James Cameron.

Marko T.

Cary Lowell also had short hair on LAW & ORDER.

Stick Figure Studios

I'm so excited to watch this reaction, but sadly I won't have time to do that before Monday. Carey Lowell’s Pam Bouvier is one of my top favorite Bond girls. I wonder if they preferred her with long or short hair. For me short, no question there. 😃 It is kind of a shame Dalton could only do two Bond movies. Definitely my favorite era of Bond and I always wished there would have been few more with him. But who knows, maybe it's like Firefly and we treasure it because there is so few of it.

Gábor Árki

I wanted to mention this connection to True Lies as well and recommend it once again. 😃 Also, that it is currently streaming on Apple TV+ and AMC+ on Prime, which might be a limited opportunity just like last October when it vanished again after a few weeks.

Gábor Árki

Hedison had great chemistry with both Moore (his close friend in real life) and Dalton.

Brad P

The next movie GoldenEye was the first one made after the collapse of Soviet Union. Many think of Bond as a very Cold War era character so it was a big change.

Marko T.

I preferred the Living Daylights to this personally but always found this one enjoyable enough. It remains a shame Dalton only did two. I always think if they were ever going to do a proper sequel to On Her Majesty’s Secret Service - a revenge for Tracy story - Dalton would have been the Bond for the job. Legal issues held production up on the next film for six years by which time Dalton had moved on. Ultimately he was willing to do one more but the studio wanted him to commit to three or four. He wasn’t prepared to so they went their separate ways. Brosnan got the job he was first offered, before Dalton, ten years earlier but contractual issues with his TV show meant he couldn’t accept at the time. He started strong with Goldeneye which you’ll see next. I won’t say much about it here other than I rank it alongside the likes of Goldfinger and The Spy Who Loved Me as an absolute classic Bond film. Enjoy!

James UK

Davi is amazing.

Stick Figure Studios

He's my personal favorite Felix.

Stick Figure Studios

LOL! X-D That's brlliant! In fact, the novelization makes it clear that Della was a former flame of Bond's (something only implied in the film). Bond actually introduced her and Felix.

Stick Figure Studios

"Was that a Friendly Kiss?" Look, James, Felix, and Della were in a three way marriage. The movie just didn't have the balls to admit it.

James Keller

The American spelling is license. The British spelling is licence, like this movie. I had to look it up, lol. That long bridge is indeed in the Florida Keys. You'd have a much closer look at a long stretch of it if you only would watch True Lies! The Felix Leiter in this movie was played by David Hedison, the same Felix that was in Live and Let Die. Hedison was the only actor that played Felix twice, this was the third Felix you have seen in the movies. Professor Joe Butcher was played by Wayne Newton, a singer and he was the most famous headliner in Las Vegas in his day, like really famous. I'm still watching and really enjoying how the both of you are really getting into this movie. They made it really personal for Bond in this one, loving the reaction.

Mike LL

David Hedison was the first actor to play Felix Leiter a second time. You also saw him as Felix in Live and Let Die.

Brad P

Bond went rogue before Bourne.

Mike LL

So in other words, they are halfway through their Bond watch, 7 down, 7 to go. Give or take a few stragglers (we hope!!)

Mike LL

Definitely my favorite villain of the series second to Lechifre from casino royale

Night King01

This is one of my favorites too. Dalton was supposed to do a third movie but there were legal problems with the companies so it was delayed many years. Then his contract expired in 1993.

Marko T.

Carly is curly. Glad you two liked this one, it is different with Bond going rogue for revenge. Robert Davi is an impressive bad guy drug lord as Sanchez. Some great action, esp. the barefooting behind the plane. The bar fight scene was at times kinda stupid though, esp. with the Marlin or Swordfish being used as a weapon. Give me a break. i thought it was great to see Q coming out to help Bond, and he needed the help.

Richard Bourne

This is the movie that inspired the opening of THE DARK KNIGHT RISES

Jason Dolan

Oh , okay I wasn't sure , thanks buddy

Wyatt Nuxoll

They've said they are watching two Brosnan films, and then all of the Craig films. I think Carly has seen some or all of the Craig films already?

Gabriel L.

Are you and Carly gonna watch the daniel Craig bond movies or have you bolth already seen them . Sorry if this question is a repeat and you've already answered this question in a previous episode

Wyatt Nuxoll


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