Review of The Living Daylights (1987) by Luke P — 22 Nov 2014

Towards the end of Roger Moore's Bond run, it had become embarrassing watching him do stunts and chase after girls half his age. Some spring cleaning was needed for the franchise, desperately. Moore was replaced by Timothy Dalton (who had twice been considered for the role previously), and the tone shifted dramatically, from the campy humour of the Roger years, to a darker, back-to-it's-roots feel, with mixed results.

Dalton is great in the role, suave and tough, with a mischievous glint in his eyes, but it's a shame the script he has to work with lets him down. Dry, dull and humourless, I know they wanted a darker feel, but did they have to leave out any excitement? I can't think of a single memorable or exciting action scene from the whole movie, and, for a Bond film, thats criminal.

Theres also little to no sexual chemistry between Bond and the leading lady,no humorous moments and the whole villain and plot-line are uninteresting. Given something better to work with, Dalton could have been remembered as a great James Bond, but, due to this limp script, he will always be remembered as a transitional Bond.

Shame. He kicked arse in Hot Fuzz though...