Review of Diamonds Are Forever (1971) by Steve L — 20 Aug 2008

This is when James Bond started getting a bit silly. Tongue in cheek where it just wasn't the right thing to do. Great story, Disappointing execution.

Where the humour works best is the interplay between 007 and M, and Felix Leiter. "I have a friend in the C.I.A. who can fix almost anything".

In the 1960s when the series launched (I dont think even then the producers would've known just how successful it would become) but while there's essentially a brilliant story in here, it gets lost under a lot of the innuendo and slapstick humour - even after the rather grisly pre-title sequence which if you've never seen this film before leaves you wanting to see a lot of action - and if you have, then like me probably wish it would maintain its initial momentum.

Briefly, it sees the return of Blofeld (for those of you who don't know much about 007 please look it up in wiki pages) and a stash of diamonds that leaves a trail of death in its wake.

Sean Connery made a reluctant return to the role after George Lazenby took the part for the film preceeding this one - and it shows. He's sleepwalking the role and it's still essentially an enjoyable romp, but not as strong as it could've been.