James Bond; the name itself is known not just nationally, but internationally. And, with the release date confirmed to be 2020 for Daniel Craig’s latest movie, it’s only fair to try and pick out five of Bond’s best moments.
Dr. No – “Bond. James Bond.”
It wouldn’t be James Bond without the tagline: “Bond. James Bond.” The very first movie – Dr. No – included the statement in 1962 and it’s since become perhaps the most famous introduction ever.
Sean Connery was the man of the moment, delivering the line with coolness, suavity and confidence – features that every Bond has exuded since that very moment. Of course, it was a casino scene where Connery made his intro, playing baccarat with a Ms. Sylvia Trench.
Such a scene in the 1960s may have shocked a number of people, but, in 2019, with the incredible rise in live – and particularly online – gambling with live betting, best bingo games and slots, it seems every bit the norm.
Goldfinger – Bond meets his sarcastic match
Everyone knows that Bond is renowned for his quick wit. So, when Auric Goldfinger gave Bond a taste of his own medicine in 1964 audiences were shocked.
Connery was again the lead man, asking Goldfinger – whilst he was strapped to a table with a laser bearing down on his private parts – “Did you expect me to talk?” to which Goldfinger replied “No, I expect you to die.”
Of course, not even a betting man would predict that Bond dies, but Goldfinger showed the importance of having strong, just-as-quick-witted villains to rival 007.
The World is Not Enough – Q waves goodbye
It’s an emotional one as Q – the quartermaster at MI6 – retires from the intelligence service. Actor Dennis Llewelyn played Q in nearly all of the Bond movies until The World is Not Enough. Sadly, Llewelyn died three weeks after the film’s release in 1999.
It’s a poignant end with Bond asking Q if he is retiring or not. Q retorts “I’ve always tried to teach you two things. First, never let them see you bleed.” Bond then asks, “And the second?” “Always have an escape plan.” In triumphant fashion, Q disappears down a hole in his laboratory floor.
Skyfall – Gung-ho in Shanghai
With the improvements in technology in the past few decades, James Bond reaped the benefits. Skyfall, in general, was a celebration of picturesque magnificence, but the Shanghai fight scene in particular, drove the movie into legendary status.
A fight between Daniel Craig and villain and would-be assassin Patrice takes place on the backdrop of blue neon lights. Of course, Craig as Bond prevails, but the silhouette-like fight was a moment of pure movie perfection.
Octopussy – Pain on a train
James Bond is no stranger to danger, but when Roger Moore took off on a train’s roof to escape enemies including Kamal Khan, audiences held their breath.
Moore is attempting to stop a nuclear warhead, but finds himself dodging obstacles left, right and centre on public transport’s finest bone-rattler.
