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Where is the Love for A View to a Kill (AVTAK)???

posted 8 years ago by Ronsin1976
9 replies | jump to latest

While I will admit it is not the strongest of the overall Bond films, I do not think its the worst. Many Bondian scholars disagree. I am completely flabbergasted to the chilly reception this film invokes among Bondian scholars.

Some of the issues cited with the film:
Moore's age. Not an huge issue with me. He looked younger here than in OP. That's what cosmetic work is for. Now the film does sort of look old with the older staff (e.g. Monneypenny, M, Gray, Tibbett) but really it is not such a radical jump from OP. Besides he never did his own stunts, so it's not like we see an decrease of physicality from him. Actually, I contend his fighting scenes are better in this film compared to the others.

The rehashed bits taken from the storyline from GF. This has happened on several of the Bond films (ex: TSWLM). I see no problem with all of this.

Tanya Roberts as a Bond girl. I do completely agree she is not a great actress and was a very annoying Bond girl with her piercing James wails.

Now what I liked:
Christopher Walken as a psychopath. The guy not only plays the part to the T, but the man naturally looks like one.

Grace Jones- While yes, her strength is a little too superhuman like. Yet, it was great to see a woman who could kill men with her bare hands.

Moore and Macnee's chemistry. They were friends outside the film and you can see it on the film. It made the 1st half better than the 2nd one.

The locations: Paris, San Fran. I enjoyed them.

Shooting Zorin's rent a hour henchmen with rock salt, was a nice touch to the film.

The Bottom Line: AVTAK just like another derided film, QOS, brings in the goods.

Voting Tory will cause your wife to have bigger breasts and increase your chances of owning a BMW M3

[–] pking-2 8 years ago

One reason AVTAK is received as the worst is that it is the worst.

Now, this is a signature gun, and that is an optical palm reader.

[–] TheSharkFromJaws 8 years ago

It's somewhere.

Just not coming from me.

[–] FridayOnElmStreet 8 years ago

Hell its a favorite of mine!

[–] psychocosmic-1 8 years ago

Hi! I am here!

Shall we check why AVTAK is NOT the worst Bondfilm?

[–] HugeDaiCottermee 8 years ago

Verily I say unto thee...it has its moments certainly and like all the weaker Bond films of the last century gains in respect compared to the dreadful debacle that was QoS.

[–] psychocosmic-1 8 years ago

Sorry, but I use Ronsins OP as base:

Some of the issues cited with the film:
Moore's age. Not an huge issue with me either. I think its great that we have a "Bonds last case" and come on, moore is so suave and impressing, adding small stuff, probably adlibs, to many scenes. His fighting scenes are better in this film compared to the others. Well, he was never a great fighter but in OP he delivers some good jiu jitsu.

The rehashed bits taken from the storyline from GF. No news. common.

Tanya Roberts as a Bond girl. She is bloody one of the most beautiful women Iveseen, and she is not a "nonacting model", she is doing fine. And her smokey kinda screeching voice can be getting over with IF YOU WANT.

Now what I liked:
Christopher Walken as a psychopath. I am the only AVTAK lover who think Walken is not doing a sensational job. Some lines are delivered with dubious quality. But his real weird empty glare really fits his character.

Grace Jones- Exotic and dangerous. What clothes she wear!!! Look at her eyes. I would be running away from her quickly!

Moore and Macnee's chemistry. Scenes with Moneypenny is warm and funny as before. Lots of funny lines.

The scenes characteristic to AVTAK: Zorins mansion great looking environments. This is what I never see in other films but welcome the super upperclass life for once in a while. Beautiful shot!
Lift shaft on Fire! Bond on horse! Bondfight on top of the SF bridge! A trip with a zeppelin! Massacre and explosions in the mine shaft! The chase in the Eiffeltower! How blind can a "Bondfan" be? How many memorable scenes do we have in FYEO for example?

3 sexscenes! At last Bond goes to bed with a really black woman even if she´s a bit scary, boys!

I know, we have the firetruck sequence a la Buster Keaton but its not that worthless! Much better than watching something boring, pretentious...I know, the oldies fight a la 4 with a new wrapping technique, is embarrassing to the crowd, but things like this dont make a whole great film unwatchable! The most overacting dude is in this film, the cabdriver! Bond goes halfcar insanely threatening to kill innocent bystanders.The stuntmen look like many different nonlooking Moore´s but it is crazy stuff! Crazy!

BUT We have John Barry who really knows how to get people into the world of Bond supporting with different moods and undercurrance. I like the PTS too, where we see Bond, during the first shootout, he decides to follow the crumbling icebridge down with a looong jump that always makes me sit on edge. Thats a great stunt!

I know I cannot challenge you all on this film, but I am sincerely glad that you, Ronsin mentioned this. I just cant believe that so few watch it with a warm "pulpy" soul!

[–] Ronsin1976 8 years ago

You are most certainly welcomed. I easily raise the IQ levels on these boards, tenfold.

Voting Tory will cause your wife to have bigger breasts and increase your chances of owning a BMW M3

[–] wyanddeb 8 years ago

It's terrific. Regarding Tanya, she's gorgeous. That's her only requirement.