release year: 1989
genre: James Bond
viewing setting: home DVD, 1/23/2000
what I expected: n/a
what I got: by far and away, the most serious of the Bond movies
synopsis: After Felix Leiter is maimed and his wife killed by a drug lord, Bond seeks revenge.
impressions: Death and violence galore. Bond was determined to get some revenge, no matter what the cost. Notable: multiple shark mutilations, Bond resigning and fleeing from the British Secret Service, big drug operation, Hong Kong narcotics agents posing as ninja, fake televangelist setup, Q helping out, cliffside tanker chase/fight. Of special note was the way Bond infiltrated Sanchez' organization, causing strife and constantly changing his game plan as the situation warranted.
acting: Dalton was even more serious this time around - and after the long and goofy tenure of Roger Moore, this may not have been what audiences wanted. Be that as it may, I personally think Dalton did a great job here. Of equal note was Robert Davi as Sanchez - a truly dangerous and ruthless villain. Carey Lowell did well as a reasonably competent AND good-looking female lead. Talisa Soto also made a memorable impression, though her character Lupe tended to sleep with any man in sight.
chase scenes: helicopter & plane chase at beginning, multi-18-wheeler chase at end
mass fight at end: none, but a temple/drug lab blew up
neat gadgets: camera sniper rifle, explosive toothpaste
confirmed Bond kills: 7
confirmed Bond nooky: 2
obnoxious female name: Lupe
defining Bond moments:
- while climbing building, hangs onto breast of female statue
- ballsy casino antics
- sets up two of Sanchez' henchmen for execution
quotable:
(note found on Felix) "He disagreed with something that ate him."
Bond: (to Pam) "This is Q, my uncle. Q, this is my cousin."
Q: (to Pam) "We must be related!"
Bond: "In my business, you prepare for the unexpected."
Sanchez: "And what business is that?"
Bond: "I help people with problems."
Sanchez: "Ah...a problem-solver."
Bond: "More of a problem eliminator."
final word: Good revenge story; as a Bond story, your mileage will vary.
rating: B-