Review of Licence to Kill (1989) by Mark S — 30 Oct 2012

Licence to Kill is an odd one in the Bond series because in many ways it doesn't feel like a Bond film. I've always thought it would be more at home in say the Die-Hard or Lethal Weapon franchises.

Just as the Bourne films have had a noticeable effect on the action genre in recent years, including with Bond in Casino Royale, perhaps Die Hard had the same effect in the late 80s, and with Licence to Kill coming out the following year it wouldn't be too surprising if Bond director John Glen and his crew had been influenced in some respects.

This is certainly the most 'American' Bond film. And it takes itself very seriously with Bond going rogue and vowing to avenge the maiming of his best friend Felix and murder of Felix's wife shortly after the pair were married.

It often gets voted as one of the worst Bond films but I don't think that's the case really; its poor reception is probably mainly down to the fact that it's not 'typical' Bond and also did relatively badly at the box office (seemingly mainly due to poor marketing).

Fair dues, the Bond girls aren't particularly great and sections of the story fall into the type of territory The Simpsons have mocked with McBain, but drug lord Sanchez is a memorable villain despite lacking gimmicks, and the action, particularly that at the beginning and end of the film, is decent.