snoozejonc

This is one of the most entertaining movies of the franchise. It has humour, spectacle, and one of the best songs.

The plot has some very nice touches. 007's connection to XXX is a highlight, likewise the Russia/West collaboration. What I particularly like is even though Bond does plenty of individual heroics, it includes a contribution from other military personnel, as opposed to being the usual one-man army.

Visually it includes some of the highest quality spectacle. It mixes exotic location shots with studio work perfectly and has some brilliant set design.

When I watch Roger Moore's Bond films, they highlight how perfectly Sean Connery was suited to the role. Moore is fun and excels at comic delivery, but his persona takes me out of certain moments. He never convinces as a tough guy or an action hero the way Connery does (and some others). I appreciate that no Bond film should be taken seriously, but he always feels like he's spoofing the genre.

I have mixed feelings about the support cast. Regulars like Desmond Llewelyn, Walter Gotell, and Bernard Lee do good work, as always. However, Barbara Bach struggles with certain lines.

Goldfinger should be recognised for establishing a formula at the time of release that later films followed as a blueprint for success. For me, none ever bettered it until the modern era. Its entertainment and production values are top drawer.

Sean Connery is my favourite Bond, and he gives another memorable performance of strength, charm, and heroics. His delivery suits the film's lighthearted tone but retains just enough menace to convince you the character is not to be messed with.

The supporting cast contributes greatly, particularly Gert Fröbe, Desmond Llewelyn, and Honor Blackman.

It looks impressive. The filmmakers combine great cinematography and art design for excellent visual storytelling, enhanced by one of the best soundtracks of the franchise.

My favourite scenes are the pre-title sequence with the tuxedo, the card game, the laser, everything involving the Aston-Martin and the Odd-Job fight scene.

MI:2 is my least favourite of the franchise.

I think it starts well with its best scenes in the establishing moments. The aeroplane and rock climbing scenes are classic franchise moments, plus John Woo's style works in the early interactions between Ethan and Nyah.

For me, the midsection is where it goes wrong. There are too many overlong moments of visual style that attempt to create tension, but without success. Thandie Newton, Tom Cruise and Dougary Scott all have a striking screen presence, but there is only so much I can watch them strutting about in slow motion or giving each other various looks. I think it becomes tedious until Hunt has a tangible mission to achieve a specific objective. When the action starts, the interest picks up.

The final confrontation is hit or miss. There are some amazing stunts and visuals, but it feels so long and drawn out. Woo unfairly comes across as a slow-action one-trick pony.

If you're having a night in with friends, get some beer/spirits, put on this movie and take a drink every time you see a slo-mo sequence.