54. From Russia With Love

From Russia with Love is the first Bond movie to really establish 'the formula' of the many Bond films to follow and is a full on Bond caper from start to finish!

The pre-credits sequence, the introduction of Q, a proper theme tune and for the first time featuring some spectacular action sequences. A classic henchman turn from Robert Shaw and this really has whetted, my already considerably moist, appetite for the rest of the Bond 50 box set.

Onward!

53. Dr. No

After being lucky enough to receive the Bond 50 set on Blu-ray for Christmas I thought the least I could do was to work my way through them all. So here goes...

What needs to be said about Dr. No? Well it's the start of the greatest movie franchise ever and its as slick and engaging as many contemporary spy yarns. The one thing that really stands out is the Blu-ray print. This looks like a movie made today and set in the 60's - the image is crystal clear and the colour range is gorgeous.

The same however, cannot be said for the sound mix. The score sounds screeching high compared to everything else; although this may be optimised for surround set ups, which is something I don't currently own. Maybe I'll ask for that next Christmas...

50. Skyfall

Fifty Years of Bond and it all leads to number 50 on the blog and Skyfall. Can the series pick up from the pretty abysmal Quantum of Solace? Well yes, it does but after that movie, the only way is up.

It's a good solid Bond from start to finish and certainly Shit Bond's best. Not the greatest Bond (Man With Golden Gun, Goldeneye or Goldfinger for me) but very much a return to form with all the ingredients present and correct for a top quality caper.

I would say the only thing it lacks is a full on Bond girl - but the fan boy lip service is all very well received, especially when the DB5 makes an appearance...

Once they get the wise cracks back in, the series will be pretty much back to its best!