Diamonds Are Forever (1971)
Overall Rank- 15th
As I sat back thinking about Connery’s final outing as Bond, I remembered how much I liked parts of it. While I was not partial to Charles Gray’s portrayal of Blofeld, I especially enjoyed the setting of this Bond outing.
Perhaps it is because I have been to Las Vegas that I can relate to this film. There is actually quite an abundance of exciting scenes within this film.
In addition, this Bond film comes very near to being a sequel (though 2008’s Quantum of Solace will be the first officially recognized sequel to a Bond film). After the tragedy surrounding Bond’s marriage in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, Bond is hunting Blofeld for revenge. The fact that he is finally seeking out Blofeld for a very personal reason, makes the emotional stakes higher in this film.
The leading lady was not the most beautiful of past Bond women, though I suppose she still fits the typical view of a Bond girl.
Mr. Wint and Mr. Kidd were particularly nasty villains, and very nearly overshadow Blofeld in the realm of bad individuals. Blofeld seems very refined and less evil in this film.
With the fantastic setting of “Sin City” and the background leading into this film, it manages to hold its own. Though not one of my favorites, I find I enjoy it a bit more each time I watch.