DanTheMan 2
Never Say Never Again isn't a bad film because it's not an official Bond production, it's just a horrendous film in its own right. In case you were blissfully unaware, this is a remake of Thunderball only made possible due to a long-standing legal issue between Kevin McClory and Ian Flemming over a lack of story credit for an undeveloped screenplay turned novel. McClory had a myriad of talents at his disposal to create his Bond film, instead, he chose to waste them all in a film that only serves to try and one up its contemporaries rather than daring to do anything inventive with the material. The production chaos is visible on screen, with frequently mediocre editing, direction that looks like Irvin Kershner nodded off in the director's chair, lacklustre action and bland photography all emerging from the restricted budget. At the time, Never Say Never Again got away with it, thanks to public and critical pleasure at seeing Connery again. Nowadays, it's dated, slow and worst of all, looks cheap, faring badly even compared to the poorest of the Eon films. Connery gives off a half-decent performance here, probably because it was a good payday although Barbara Carrera as Fatima Blush is the real highlight, the rest of the film wastes its rather well-cast roles. The brilliant Max von Sydow gets nothing to do as Blofeld, confined to a meeting room for the entire runtime, Klaus Maria Brandauer as Largo is just a perv seemingly bored of his scheme and one who'd rather be playing video games while Kim Basinger is completely miscast as Domino. The only other noteworthy roles are poor Rowan Atkinson and Alec McCowen who make an impression but are barely even in the film. Propped up by a hokey, nonsensical script and an absolutely atrocious musical score by Michel Legrand, it's hard to recommend Never Say Never Again to anyone other than the most desperate among us. It's worth a look for the novelty but don't be surprised when you end up finding an ugly, lazy and cynical cash grab instead.
Rated 1.5/5 Stars •
Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars
04/23/24
Full Review
alan g
The worst james bond movie ever. Sean should have have stated retired. Jogging in underear with with sock stays? Video game with shocks? Poor acting. Extremely weak plot. Avoid.
Rated 0.5/5 Stars •
Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars
04/10/24
Full Review
Mul D. B
A mostly enjoyable movie for the average viewer but a must-see for the James Bond enthusiast (even though purists eschew this release). Sean Connery returns, after a 12 year absense, to once again play Britain's ultimate spy. Armed with a rapier wit and dripping with Silver Fox machismo, Connery's Bond navigates an obstacle course of Villains and Femme Fatales while romping with a series of beauties headed by a young Kim Bassinger. The more memorable female role, however, is Barbara Carrera's Fatima Blush; a sadistic assassin who clearly enjoys her profession. While the plot is necessarily reminiscent of the earlier Bond film, Thunderball, (the screen play was a preliminary treatment for that film), it still manages to find several new side adventures even if the general plot is familiar. Connery, himself, is very good as are the three other primary actors, Klaus Maria Branduer, Basinger and Carrera. Other than the rehashed central plot, my main criticism would be that it seems to run a bit long and does drag a bit by the latter stages. It is almost as if those involved in the making of this film were milking every last second out of the experience. Ultimately this film was a success and belongs in the pantheon of Bond movies despite being made outside of Eon Productions (which seems to be the primary source of criticism of this film).
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
04/05/24
Full Review
Tim M
Sean Connery's return to the role of 007 isn't up to par with his glory days, but Never Say Never Again is certainly the superior Bond outing of 1983.
Rated 3/5 Stars •
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
01/18/24
Full Review
Tony S
Good humor in the opening. Who knew free radicals are so funny? Nice pacing throughout for the most part. The evil Spectre organization continues to threaten the world; fortunately, there is James Bond to the rescue. Rowan Atkinson has a small role, and Kim Basinger a much larger one. Some goofy technology, a few plot improbabilities, but overall, an enjoyable addition to the Bond franchise.
Rated 3/5 Stars •
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
12/03/23
Full Review
Marc F
I suppose after a lobotomy, and a dozen martinis it could seem watchable.
Rated 0.5/5 Stars •
Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars
10/31/23
Full Review
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