MovieChat Forums > Thunderball (1965) Discussion > The best Connery Bond Movie?

The best Connery Bond Movie?

posted 10 years ago by mclaughlinconnor338
23 replies | jump to latest

I honestly think so. It really created the basic bond plot formula, Connery possibly gave his best performance along with his turn in Goldfinger, the locations are wonderful, beautiful cinematography , easily the sexiest bond film (best collection of Bond Girls), Fiona Volpe was badass, the underwater battle was great too.
Look I'm not saying Thunderball is perfect, because it definitely had some problems mainly with the forgettable main bad guy, and some issues with the pacing. But overall, I think this movie is what James Bond is all about, and it represents the film character and his world very well, and I find it much more enjoyable than the more praised Goldfinger and From Russia with Love

[–] stevewyzard 10 years ago

Yes, Thunderball is much better than Goldfinger.

But no, it's not better than From Russia with Love, the ultimate Bond movie.

Knowledge is proud that it has learned so much
Wisdom is humble that it knows no more

[–] spookyrat1 10 years ago

...more enjoyable than the more praised Goldfinger and From Russia with Love.

You've kind of provided a response to your own thread question. In terms of the basic Bond plot formula that you list, most critics IMO go with the other 2 films. I guess what you having going for your side of the argument, is that Thunderball was a more popular film at the box office.

[–] 10 years ago

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[–] qormi 10 years ago

Definitely Connery's best Bond film. He was large and in charge....really into the role more so than in any other 007 flicks .

[–] Captain_Bob 10 years ago

I love Thunderball and rank it up with the best Bond movies, especially with the awesome soundtrack, shark pool, and scuba fights. But oh dear, the climactic sequence on the converted Disco Volante hydrofoil as it hyper-speeds towards the rocky crash it's ridiculous. So obviously and badly fabricated in a studio. Even as a child in the 70s seeing this on TV it was utterly unconvincing. Watch again: http://youtu.be/Ooy4VtKCVNo?t=1m27s

[–] Serbius 10 years ago

This and From Russia With Love, are my favorites from Connery.

Oh Man, I shot Marvin in the face

[–] enriquepollazzo 10 years ago

Goldfinger is the best Bond film.

[–] Ace_Spade 10 years ago

I prefer From Russia with Love and Dr. No.

[–] MonteCarloMan 10 years ago

I still think Dr No is the best of the lot and I've watched Connery's films multiple times. I think Thunderball was merely fair. I can hardly stand Diamonds are Forever, imho his weakest film in the series.

[–] Ace_Spade 9 years ago

I'll agree with Diamonds being weakest, though it's been awhile since I've seen it. I'd rate them this way, for what it's worth:

From Russia with Love
Dr. No
Goldfinger
Thunderball
You Only Live Twice
Diamonds Are Forever

The last two are largely forgettable and descend occasionally into the ridiculous.

[–] CrashHolly8 10 years ago

I think it is. It's better, than all of Roger Moore's Bonds (Not combined, that would make no sence). GoldenEye gets pretty close to Goldfinger and Thunderball. If theres top 5 Bond movies, I'd put On Her Majesty's Secret Service #5.