In 1965, United Artists pulled through with another good film. Not as good as
as its predecessors, but still good. Following Goldfinger,Thunderball is the fourth
installment in the series. Connery reprises his role as 007 in this adventure.
Emilio Largo (Adolfo Celi) is a high-reanked SPECTRE agent, who with some hired help,
has hijacked a NATO plane carrying two atomic warheads. Largo obtains the warheads and
holds the world ransom. 007 steps in to try to stop a terrible genocide before it occorrs.
He only has limited time to stop Largo's plan, and he gets help from both Felix Lighter,
and the admireable Q who is, as usual, on top of his work! Thunderball's Bond Girl, Domino,
is played by Claudine Auger. She does a good job here in this film. Her role has so much more
to offer than Pussy Galore's in Goldfinger. Unfortunately though, this Movie doesn't offer
anything much. Well not like Goldfinger.
London Symphony Orchestra play Thunderball (Taken from CD)
Don't get me wrong, this movie is enjoyable and for the most part, solid performances all
around. The plot is simple enough to enjoy and there nice parts of action including a great deep
sea climactic battle, but, don't be surprised if you find yourself yawning after an hour or so!
Coming off Goldfinger, Connery should have produced a little more effort, and although Largo is
a pretty nasty villain, we just don't seem to be scared of him! He isn't good at scaring people
like Joseph Wiseman was as Dr.No. But let's give him a little credit. He by no means HURT the
series in any way....A slower moving, dare I say Boring Bond film, was expected out at some time!
An Alternative Thunderball theme Song.(It can be heard during the film occasinally)
Despite it all, this movie does have its good parts. The music for one, if nothing else, should keep
you partially interseted. John Barry uses nice transitions into more intence sequences, and both the
Thubderball theme and the catchy 007 theme are cascaded nicely throughout. Thunderball is a movie you
should watch on a cold rainy day when you can make youself enjoy it. Although it eventually gets fun, don't
waste a sunny day on it!
**1/2 out of *****
© 1997 amonte007@hotmail.com
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