Review of Everything or Nothing (2012) by Caesar M — 06 Nov 2012

It goes without saying that the James Bond series has an interesting history, and has no doubt obtain a huge fan base over the course of fifty years. Yet, not even some of the most loyal of Bond fans ever heard of Everything or Nothing: The Untold Story of 007. This documentary on the James Bond series has it flaws, but it's a documentary that'll please fans and the average movie viewers alike.

This documentary tells the history of James Bond in chronological order. It's goes in depth about Ian Fleming and how he came to invent the character. We get interesting trivia like where James Bond name originated, Fleming addiction to writing these novel, Lanenby being send a woman for a sexuality test, and other interesting trivia. The information on Ian Fleming is represented in an interesting manner as we get to learn about Ian Fleming struggle to get the novels made into films, and ultimately a reflection of the author and how he's not so different from his creation. After the film gets pass Ian Fleming the documentary then change focus to the film series. The documentary is best when it's focusing on the endeavors the producers to sustain the license, success, and relevant of the series throughout the decades. Each actor return to give their own insights on the film series, and yes Pierce Brosnan discusses the invisible car. Out of the all the actors that portrayed Bond it's George Lazenby who despite only portraying James Bond once, has the most interesting insight of how he started to believe he was the character. The footage here helps send the message across better and wise choices of footage from the series is a plus for nostalgia value. The best part of the film is that it appeals to every audiences whether or not they are familiar with the series.

Though the documentary does have some flaws. One main one flaw is the documentary makes Sean Connery very unlikable, and representing him as this rude and thoughtless actor. The documentary never focuses on the Bond girls which is one of the key element in the series. Some information is certainly missing as some actors have more screen time to give their insight with Daniel Craig receiving the least amount of time. Though for it flaws it makes up for having actors, president Bill Clinton, and family and producer to talk about the whole Bond experience. It does overlooked or avoid discussing some topics signatures to the Bond series, but there is more than enough to satisfy.

Everything or Nothing: The Untold Story of 007 represents it's information on a long running series in an entertaining manner that it never feels like the documentary is just throwing information at you. It might as not be thorough as some might hope when discussing everything Bond related, but it's an interesting documentary to for anyone to check out.