Goldfinger (1964)

Bond in scuba-gear emerging from the water, killing a guard, climbing a castle wall and planting a massive amount of explosives, before stripping straight to a tuxedo and entering a party. Was there ever a more fitting start to a Bond-flick. Naturally, there is time for a girl and a brawl before the vignette.

One of the first actions of Bond is to piss off Goldfinger (who was the first to have a golden gun) in a most petty and unnecessary way. Though this time it comes at a cost as it directly leads to the infamous death of Jill Masterson.

Connery is his usual flamboyantly deadly self, and most flirtatious, first with Lois Maxwell as Moneypenny in a very entertaining scene. The gem of his chemistry is the stable-scene with Honor Blackman though. Fröbe is an absolute treat with Blackman the resourceful, but persuadable damsel we've come to enjoy. The idea of a functioning mute with a deadly accurate hat is amazing and Sakata does it marvellously (and has great expressions and an even better death).

This flick also is the first to show off the Q-branch apart from just Q himself. As Q gives Bond a lot more information than he wants, Bond brings out the petulant child in his character, starting the banter that would carry on for decades.

Instead of a decent game of gambling, Bond and Goldfinger have a game of golf. As usual the villain will cheat and Bond will outsmart them. Despite Goldfingers pants, this game of golf is actually quite worthy of your time. He does get back at him with the legendary: "No, Mr. Bond. I expect you to die" though. Not to mention setting the perfect example for an unnecessarily elaborate death to be escaped.

The plot is of course nonsensical (though Fröbe and Connery really sells it in a delightful scene), even for a Bond-film, but it all makes sense nonetheless, to the extent it has to. Director Hamilton finds a wonderful pace, with just the right blend of action, plot and tension. The car chases are immense, the gadgets inventive and effective, and it has a great villain, henchman and love interest with a fantastic score to boot. And there are still some moments of good old cleverness and detective-work, as all spy-movies should have. After "FRWL" and this, it would take 50 years before they managed to make something as good as this for Bond.

9/10

Best car used: Aston Martin DB5. There never was a better Bond-vehicle
Most memorable drink served: Dom Perignon 53, but also his signature Dry Martini. (Mis)treated to a Mint Julep.
Henchmen: Harold Sakata as Oddjob is one of the finest and most beloved henchmen with his deadly bowler.
Villain: Gert Fröbe as Auric Goldfinger. Dubbed but still one of the more memorable.
Best one-liner: "Shocking. Positively shocking"
Song: Shirley Bassey. "Goldfinger". There was hardly a better match than Bassey and Barry. And this is their best collaboration. Perhaps the best of the entire series.
Bond-girl: Honor Blackman is a straight 10. Sexy, deadly and seductive like none other.