Some perceive Timothy Dalton's time as James Bond as being somewhat uneventful. Licence To Kill is prove that he was a ground breaking breath of fresh air. This is a gritty, violent thriller that is in line with Bourne and the Daniel Craig era, but was the first to do so,
ten years before it's time. Bond is on his own and squares up against a ruthless south american drug boss, to avenge his friend Felix Leiter. Dalton is superb as the desperate, disavowed 007 hell bent on reeking bloody revenge on the evil Sanchez, by infiltrating his organisation. This is a Bond movie that has been overlooked and should be held up as one of the best in the series. I just wonder what the third Dalton film would have been like if it had been made. Take another look at this one, with a fresh perspective. It will be worthwhile.
Reviews
8 Reviews
Extraction II
(2023)
Non Stop Action
17 June 2023
Action sequels rarely deliver. Normally they are a diluted rehash of the first. Not so Extraction 2.
Hemsworth, back from the dead, seeks redemption in another suicide mission to rescue his ex-wife's sister and her family from her gangster husband and his psychotic brother. To do this he must infiltrate a maximum security prison, where the family are being held. Here starts the rollercoster that will leave you breathless until the final scene. Helmsworth is perfect as the ex Australian SAS, mercenary with a troubled past. All in all it's cracking entertainment and a worthy successor to the enjoyable first outing. Lets have more of the same.
Hemsworth, back from the dead, seeks redemption in another suicide mission to rescue his ex-wife's sister and her family from her gangster husband and his psychotic brother. To do this he must infiltrate a maximum security prison, where the family are being held. Here starts the rollercoster that will leave you breathless until the final scene. Helmsworth is perfect as the ex Australian SAS, mercenary with a troubled past. All in all it's cracking entertainment and a worthy successor to the enjoyable first outing. Lets have more of the same.
One of the Best Bonds in the series
11 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
If I were to put my top Bond films in order this one would be number two, below Goldfinger and just above Casino Royale. OHMSS is without doubt an under estimated classic of the series. With one of the best scripts, staying faithfully to the Fleming novel, one of the best directors in Peter Hunt, who having edited the previous episodes in the Bond saga, had a complete understanding of the franchise. One of the best Bonds in Lazenby, who could have proved himself if he had done more and one of the best Bond girls in Diana Rigg. This is Bond stripped bare, with none of the gadgets to depend on, just his wit and licence to kill to get the mission done. The location photography is fantastic and the ski chases magnificent. Not only an adventure but also a romance with Bond falling in love and getting married. A Bond to re-watch and re-evaluate.
Bank of Dave
(2023)
A Joyful British Gem
18 January 2023
I came across this one on Netflix, not having heard anything about it and was pleasantly surprised. It's the glorious, true story of the little man taking on the establishment. Self made Millionaire Dave Fishwick decides to start a bank in his home town of Burnley to help support local businesses,creating jobs and services for the community. In doing so he comes face to face with the banking establishment, who use all their dirty tricks to prevent him. In a way mirroring the sentiments of classics like It's a Wonderful Life, this film shows what can be achieved when people come together to take on the powers that be. An uplifting gem.
Two Way Stretch
(1960)
Prison Comedy Classic
30 December 2022
This has to be one of my favourite films from the era. A wonderful example of well written well performed, british humour, with Peter Sellers and Co giving a first class turn as the inmates of a cushy jail where the prisoners rule the roost. While inside they plan the perfect heist, by escaping for one night to steal a Sultan's jewells, thus giving them the perfect alibi. A highlight from a golden age of british filmmaking and one of Seller's best. Just about every character actor from this period make up a stella cast. Also providing an influence and some of the ideas for the hit TV sitcom Porridge. Well worth a watch.
The Big Lebowski
(1998)
Coen's Master Comedy Tribute to Raymond Chandler
8 August 2022
It makes me laugh when I read the negative reviews of this movie. Not all comedy has to be constant gags to be funny. This is character humour at it's finest. From Donny who always gets the wrong end of every conversation to Walter's constant references to Veitnam and the Dude playing amateur sleuth in the Chandler like plot of a missing wife. It all comes together beautifully as an all time cult classic. If you don't get Lebowski, then you don't get the Coens.
These characters are in our lives in one form or another and they are very, very funny.
These characters are in our lives in one form or another and they are very, very funny.
The Gray Man
(2022)
Seriously Daft/Great Entertainment
23 July 2022
Sit down, make yourself comfortable, choose your favorite snack. This is nothing we haven't seen many times before, an action thriller which
defies logic. Let's not analyse this to closely, sometimes all you want is mindless action and this certainly delivers. Let's just enjoy it for what it is, an enjoyable couple of hours. Best Netflix action movie I've seen in a while.
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