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You Only Live Twenty-three Times


As you know, I'm a bit of a movie lover.

There are classic films that rate very highly and must not be missed: Gone With The Wind, Citizen Kane, Hobson's Choice, The Ten Commandments, The Manchurian Candidate, etc. But just as much a part of the fabric of movie history are the movies that are just plain fun to watch. Stuff like Silver Streak, Please Don't Eat the Daisies, Some Like It Hot, the Police Academy movies and, of course the James Bond series of films. To date, there have been 23 Eon Production films in the James Bond franchise, and here we find out which ones are the best, and the worst.

Ready? Here we go....


1. A View to a Kill (1985)

A stone-cold classic, I don't care what anybody says. I mean, you've got Roger Moore (the best Bond), Grace Jones, Patrick Macnee, Tanya Roberts and Christopher Walken as Zorin, one of the best-ever Bond villains. 'nuff said.

2. GoldenEye (1995)

This is when Bond got really good again. Pierce Brosnan's first two outings (this, and Tomorrow Never Dies) were his best. This is a darker, more serious Bond, but not one that goes too far over the line (like Daniel Craig). And, of course, GoldenEye features the introduction of Judi Dench's M, at her toughest. The best M, bar none.

3. The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)

Pure classic Bond, during Moore's late-seventies' heyday. You've got the awesome henchman Jaws, the neat under/above-water base of the villain Stromberg, Bond's Lotus Esprit submarine car, and wonderful Egyptian locales. This movie rocks.

4. Octopussy (1983)

Another memorable score from John Barry helps set the mood for this solid thriller. The clowns, the circus, Octopussy's exotic castle, Louis Jourdan's calm but calculating villain.... it all adds up to one heck of a movie.

5. Skyfall (2012)

One of the series' more classy outings, directed by an Academy Award winner, Craig's third time in the role, Dench's seventh and last time as M, it's a strong story that is well-presented.


So, that's my Top 5. Here, then are the rest...

6. Dr. No (1962)
7. For Your Eyes Only (1981)
8. Thunderball (1965)
9. Moonraker (1979)
10. Goldfinger (1964)
11. Casino Royale (2006)
12. Tomorrow Never Dies (1997)
13. The Living Daylights (1987) 
14. On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969)
15. You Only Live Twice (1967)
16. The World Is Not Enough (1999)
17. License to Kill (1989)
18. The Man With the Golden Gun (1974)
19. Diamonds Are Forever (1971)
20. Die Another Day (2002)
21. From Russia With Love (1963)
22. Live and Let Die (1973)
23. Quantum of Solace (2008)


And, there it is. Another list of truth!




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