Review of You Only Live Twice (2007) by Jared L — 17 Aug 2011

You Only Live Twice is sometimes regarded as one of the weaker Bond films and the worst of Connery's day. I, for one, disagree. You Only Live Twice is a little better than Thunderball and almost as good as Dr. No in terms of entertainment. The first two Connery outings were filmed as hard-boiled spy thrillers, the next two exciting and entertaining films with gadgets and endless fun. YOLT takes the best of both and throws them together. For the most part, it does a very good job.

There are many things in this film that add to its overall enjoyment. Donald Pleasence is fantastic in the little screen time he gets as the villain of all villains, Blofeld. He is the best actor of the three Blofelds, however I do enjoy Telly Savalas more in On Her Majesty's Secret Service. The rest of the new actors don't do as great but do a respectable job. The action scenes are also exciting and handled pretty well. The fight between Bond and the Osato henchmen near the beginning of the film is one of my favorite fights of the series. Bond having the air battle in Little Nellie is also a ton of fun despite it's ridiculousness.

If you enjoyed any of the first four Bonds (which is extremely likely) then you will enjoy this one. Take From Russia with Loves' serious tone and the gadgets of Thunderball and when put together, you get You Only Live Twice.