The Living Daylights (again)

This was on of the better James Bond movies. It focused more on the plot and the story than the second (and final) Dalton outing, which was more character driven rather than this its predecessor. This one was also the more profitable of the pair.  Dalton only did two do to his age and the whole Kevin Mc Clory lawsuit incident. Don't believe it was casting osa new 007 they asked Brosnan to do it before Dalton. Remember the whole Remington Steele ordeal? Brought to the publics attention by People Magazine. There are even rumors that Dalton was approached before Moore to be James Bond but that's only scuttlebutt. (as far I know) 

This movie is the 15th outing of the M16 agent 007. The plot is one of espionage and spy novel like stuff. It focuses on the conflict between Russia and Great Brittan. There is no one title villain, no vow for revenge, and no policing the world like so many other Bond flicks have focused on or were written about. This one takes you back to the original style of the Ian Fleming novels. An element lost both in the scripts and the acting of the Roger Moore outings. Dalton wanted to bring some elements of seriousness to the 007 character. Many fans though Moore brought a clown like element to the role. (personified in the Octopussy movie.) Dalton wanted to make the role darker, colder and more rigid. You know more like a cold blooded killer and spy would act. It was his way of paying homage to the late creator Ian Fleming. The writers actually had to rewrite many of his lines as a result. 

The final product is that of beauty. The plot movies like a well-oiled machine. The pacing is adequate and steady with a good mix of action and storyline. The girl Kara Milovy (Maryam d' Abo) was kind of annoying at times standing around and watching as James fought for there freedom then asking stupid question and being particularly perspicuity about her cello at times. All in all the film did work.  It was fun to watch the first time and enjoyable is subsequent viewings. I may have to add it to my DVD collection. 

                                                                                                                                                                                         Grade B+