One has to wonder why they even tried. Perhaps with a fresher story and more spectacle this film could have been a classic. As is, the film is incredibly boring.
This non EON production did well in the box office but is one that doesn't hold up quite to the standard of the proper James Bond films. One of the reasons is because of the story. Or should I say lack of. It's a remake of Thunderball. Not one I am particularly fond of mainly because of the underwater scenes. Perhaps the ones who love that kind of thing would like it more. For me it's just boring. Why not tell a new story with an older Bond who can't do the same things he used to. However, because of his vast experience in the field still have him as a great player. For example, there is a big fight between a goon and him. The goon is gigantic and easily can crush him. Bond eventually defeats him in a funny way. Yet, all this time I was like, why would he even entertain this guy. There were moments he could have fled the scene and pick up a gun. He never does this. I would say that an older bond would rely more on his weapons and gadgets than a younger bond.
Next to the lack of story, there is a lack of action and spectacle. There are only a few action sequences and they were hardly exciting. Some people are very positive concerning the motorcycle chase. I am not one of them. Some bits look cool, but I didn't care. The one I did like was in the opening sequence. They should have had more of those but with more gun combat. Unfortunately, like with Thunderball the focus lies on (under)waterscenes.
There are some redeeming factors to make it somewhat worth your while. Starting with Connery as Bond. He seems relaxed and is more jokey than usual. Bond might be older he still is a ladies killer. Then there is Barbara Carrera. One of the big baddies who is beautiful but deadly. In my opinion, they should have ditched Kim Bassinger and have Connery interact with her more. Much better chemistry and would have also created more tension. Rowan Atkison is briefly in this and perhaps it is here where the idea of Johnny English started. Bernie Casey's version of Felix Leiter is cool. Maybe he had paved the way for Jeffrey Wright. Who knows?
Overall, Never Say Never Again, is not a film I am going to watch anytime soon. In my youth I was more positive about this film since back in the day, I absolutely loved everything James Bond. I still do, but obviously I am far more critical. And even if I weren't. James Bond films are loved for a couple of reasons. One of that is the action and spectacle. It's non existent here. For this reason alone this title is not worth your time!
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