Review of You Only Live Twice (2007) by Carl G — 13 Apr 2012

Bond meets The Thunderbirds is probably the best way to describe the poorest of Connery's outings. It starts well and ends well, but the middle is a complete mess.

What it does have going for it is John Barry's excellent score which would have to be the best yet. Any Robbie Williams fan would have no trouble recognising it. Plus the Ken Adam sets are amazing with the extinct volcanic lair being an absolute standout.

Now the bad. Besides the messy plot, I just can't get past Donald Pleasance as Blofeld. There is no criminal mastermind in his performance as he almost cowers in Bond's presence. I can see why Mike Myers chose this Blofeld to parody because it's almost a parody in itself.

The Bond girls are also almost non-existent especially when we arrive in Japan. Yes they are beautiful but unfortunately not memorable as I can't even recall their names.

Also Connery as a Japanese fisherman?? He looks more like Ringo Starr than anything remotely Asian.

You Only Live Twice does have some good moments, but one can't help feel that Connery is over it and it's time to move on.