Spring Break
A legacy: shaken, not stirred
Paresh Jha
Issue date: 11/13/08 Section: Focus
"Bond. James Bond."
"Quantum of Solace" debuts tonight at midnight and the hype is fairly high. "Casino Royale" made James Bond relative to cinema again, and this first direct sequel in the franchise hopes to continue that trend. Keeping that in mind, it is an appropriate time to take a look at some of the best Bond movies to date. Check them out and save them for your Thanksgiving Break.
"GoldenEye"
Bond: Pierce Brosnan
Brosnan's first go-around as the British assassin ushered in a new era for Bond and adequately brought him into modern times. He successfully blended the attributes of Sean Connery and Roger Moore and created a persona that was gritty, sarcastic, suave and fresh. The film itself was chock full of exhilarating action sequences, an MI6 agent gone bad and a memorable yet disturbing performance by Famke Janssen as the Russian Xenia Onatopp.
"License to Kill"
Bond: Timothy Dalton
It is arguable that 007 has never been this lethal and invincible. If you guys thought Bourne was unstoppable, check out Dalton's second (and last) portrayal of Bond. While Dalton's stint as Bond is remembered as lukewarm at best, this movie is severely underrated. The giant explosions and over-the-top villains prove to be great fun here. It also features a revenge plotline that significantly mirrors another James Bond movie coming out sometime soon. Take that for what you will.
"Dr. No"
Bond: Sean Connery
The first movie in the Bond series is still one of the best. Connery inhabits the role perfectly and makes history with one of the most iconic portrayals in the history of cinema. While the film is not as flashy and extravagant as any of the other entries into the series, it is definitely one of the closest to Ian Fleming's original concept. Let's also not forget Ursula Andress as the very first - and still one of the most beautiful - Bond girls.
"Casino Royale"
"Quantum of Solace" debuts tonight at midnight and the hype is fairly high. "Casino Royale" made James Bond relative to cinema again, and this first direct sequel in the franchise hopes to continue that trend. Keeping that in mind, it is an appropriate time to take a look at some of the best Bond movies to date. Check them out and save them for your Thanksgiving Break.
"GoldenEye"
Bond: Pierce Brosnan
Brosnan's first go-around as the British assassin ushered in a new era for Bond and adequately brought him into modern times. He successfully blended the attributes of Sean Connery and Roger Moore and created a persona that was gritty, sarcastic, suave and fresh. The film itself was chock full of exhilarating action sequences, an MI6 agent gone bad and a memorable yet disturbing performance by Famke Janssen as the Russian Xenia Onatopp.
"License to Kill"
Bond: Timothy Dalton
It is arguable that 007 has never been this lethal and invincible. If you guys thought Bourne was unstoppable, check out Dalton's second (and last) portrayal of Bond. While Dalton's stint as Bond is remembered as lukewarm at best, this movie is severely underrated. The giant explosions and over-the-top villains prove to be great fun here. It also features a revenge plotline that significantly mirrors another James Bond movie coming out sometime soon. Take that for what you will.
"Dr. No"
Bond: Sean Connery
The first movie in the Bond series is still one of the best. Connery inhabits the role perfectly and makes history with one of the most iconic portrayals in the history of cinema. While the film is not as flashy and extravagant as any of the other entries into the series, it is definitely one of the closest to Ian Fleming's original concept. Let's also not forget Ursula Andress as the very first - and still one of the most beautiful - Bond girls.
"Casino Royale"
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