The Living Daylights (1987)

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  TheMovieDiorama

  8 / 10

  The Living Daylights is a serious iteration of the Bond character we all know and love. Timothy Dalton's debut was met with some criticism calling him too serious and lacking the campy fun that its predecessors pioneered. Whilst I agree, I can hardly class it as a negative. In fact I'm all for change which is why The Living Daylights works so well. The plot revolves around the KGB and the illegal shipment of opium. Plenty of assassination attempts and the rescue of a cello playing damsel who holds her own against Bond. There are no volcanic lairs, space stations or megalomaniacs, just a realistic plot that is one of the most plausible in the whole franchise. Timothy Dalton's portrayal of Bond was perfect, I really warmed to him. Fully sophisticated, quick witted and an absurd amount of charm, he was the perfect choice after the questionable Roger Moore. There were moments of emotional breakthrough, particularly scenes involving Kara, that were a step forward for the character. The primary antagonist wasn't particularly memorable, but henchman Necros was a good rival for Bond. The physical prowess of Arnold Schwarzenegger but with the hair of Max Headroom, although the acting chops of Tommy Wiseau. Excitingly inventive action set pieces including sliding down snowy mountains on a cello case and the final explosive cargo plane heist (which is one of my favourites from the franchise). Director John Glen's veteran experience with the series shows, he knows how to work the camera and create thrilling scenes. No quick cuts or innovative camera techniques. It was clinical, which I appreciate in the action genre. Everything felt authentic, including the stunt work and explosions. The gadgetry that Q introduces is innovative as well, shame the "ghetto blaster" wasn't explored further! A-Ha's theme tune is one of the stronger songs, but not a personal favourite of mine. The plot is fairly formulaic, but if you can get passed that and the lack of campiness then you are in for one of the strongest entries in the franchise.

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