Mendelson's Memos: Brandon Peters's 007 series retrospective final analysis part 1.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Brandon Peters's 007 series retrospective final analysis part 1.

This is the end. Hold your breath and count to ten. After three months of extensive and rather superb retrospective reviews of every single 007 film that's been currently released since 1962, it all comes down to this. What follows below is Brandon Peter's final analysis, split up into two sections. Part one, which deals with favorite characters, favorite villains, and the like, is below. Part two, which is a critical ranking of every single film, will hopefully follow in the next couple days. Following that is my actual review of Skyfall, which I saw on Monday night but am holding off writing about until Brandon finishes his series. And yes, once Brandon sees Skyfall (hopefully in IMAX, as it really should be seen in said format), he will offer his take on this site as well. But for now, let's start the end game for this epic 007 retrospective. As always, share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Final Analysis Part 1: Favorites/Least Favorites

JAMES BOND 007

1. Sean Connery (Kills – 66, Women 15)

When he’s on, he’s dynamite. When he’s almost there, he’s still great. In only one film is he totally checked out. There’s definitely opportunity for Daniel Craig to surpass him. Best performance: Dr. No

2. Daniel Craig (Kills – 29*, Women - 4*)

After five films we may be unanimously calling him the best Bond ever. I wanted to put him at #1, but I didn't because his run isn't over. I thought two might have been too high, but we’ll see. These are more so how I’m feeling after this current run of watching the series. Best Performance: Casino Royale

3. Pierce Brosnan (Kills – 81, Women – 10)

Right now, an underappreciated Bond, but hopefully people will go back and realize he made three good 007 pictures and gave a damn fine performance in four of them. He never slouched and never looked like he didn’t want to be there. Best Performance: GoldenEye

4. Timothy Dalton (Kills – 9, Women – 3)

Thought about putting him higher, but have always desired that nonexistent third Timothy Dalton outing. It’d really be telling if we could have seen just one more. But, hey, leave the audience wanting more, right? Best Performance: License To Kill

5. Roger Moore (Kills – 74, Women – 19)

I know I know. I’ve sat here defending this guy’s work and here he is at the bottom. That’s not a bad thing, just where I see him as James Bond. He’s better than people think, but I can’t put him above any of the previous four. Best Performance: The Spy Who Loved Me

6. George Lazenby (Kills – 14, Women – 3)

He wasn’t very good. He was carried along by his leading lady and a strong script. He was dubbed over for a good 45 minutes of the film. He’s watchable, but clearly many steps down from his cohorts. Best Performance: On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (by default)

*and counting

Top 5 Bond Girls