| drbunnig said: Had a day off from work, so got a head start with On Her Majesty's Secret Service. I've always quite liked it, but it's better than I remember. If I could I'd go for an 8.5, but since there's no half scores I'm struggling, as I don't think it should be as low as an 8, but also shouldn't share billing with From Russia with Love... I will opt for an 8. Some notes: - Lazenby obviously had big shoes to fill, but he did a fairly good job. Some of his lines sound a bit awkward, although I think he delivers the humourous well (they don't sound as on the nose as before). He doesn't have the superstar aura of Connery, but I think it works quite well in the context of the film, as it's a much more grounded affair than the past three. It also helps that his co stars are superb. He has a good rapport with the stunning Diana Rigg, and Telly Savalas is arguably the best villain of the series so far (he is the definitive Blofeld in my eyes). That said, there's far more emotional depth than the majority of Bond films, and I'm not sure Lazenby totally convinces me in this regard. - The music... how have I never noticed how good it is? Fantastic score by John Barry. - A lot of the fight scenes are really well done. Other than a few over exaggerated punches, Lazenby certainly looks the part in this regard. - Christ, that henchman getting turned into mincemeat in that ski chase scene is absolutely brutal. The subsequent avalanche scene is wonderfully shot; it looks devastating. |
This pretty much captures my thoughts as well.
Lazenby is no Connery, although his vulnerability in the role may have helped him in story that's far more emotional than usual.
The supporting case--especially Rigg--is excellent here. And this is probably the best musical score of the series.
Some small issues: the winking at the camera in the first act, with Lazenby breaking the fourth wall and then going through his trophies from earlier films. Also, some of the fight editing is really choppy, where a shot of a fist flying will cut to a body halfway across the room, with nothing in between. The ski/bobsled stuff is spectacular but the fist fights are a bit jumpy. Oh, and the huge plothole, where Blofeld doesn't recognize a man who in the previous movie destroyed his volcano lair. I get that the movies and books are going in a different order, but throw us a bone!
This gets an 8/10 from me. This is the second best Bond movie after From Russia With Love. I'm still kicking myself for always avoiding this one in my younger days.
