322 replies to this topic

[rexster]

A buddy and I drove 100 miles to Houston, Texas in December of 1965 just to see Thunderball. It was my first Bond film to actually see; I started reading Fleming while I was a senior in high school the spring of 1965. I still remember the gun barrel, the Vulcan settling in the ocean after making the perfect landing on the water. Someone mentioned the scene at Cafe Martinique on Paradise Island (then Hog Island, I think)
Flash forward 31 years, and my wife and I are actually in the Bahamas, and the first thing we do is walk by Cafe Martinique and try to visualize the JB scene. About 6 years later (199?)I actually dive the Vulcan prop off New Providence. At the time, the only thing left were the tires and landing gear recognizable, rest of the fabric was gone, leaving just the tube frame. I did sit in the bucket where the copilot's seat was. Very cool. I have a picture of it somewhere. Every so often I put the DVD in, and go back in time when I was 17 again in a dark theatre watching the original widescreen.

Rex

[Turn]

A buddy and I drove 100 miles to Houston, Texas in December of 1965 just to see Thunderball. It was my first Bond film to actually see; I started reading Fleming while I was a senior in high school the spring of 1965. I still remember the gun barrel, the Vulcan settling in the ocean after making the perfect landing on the water. Someone mentioned the scene at Cafe Martinique on Paradise Island (then Hog Island, I think)
Flash forward 31 years, and my wife and I are actually in the Bahamas, and the first thing we do is walk by Cafe Martinique and try to visualize the JB scene. About 6 years later (199?)I actually dive the Vulcan prop off New Providence. At the time, the only thing left were the tires and landing gear recognizable, rest of the fabric was gone, leaving just the tube frame. I did sit in the bucket where the copilot's seat was. Very cool. I have a picture of it somewhere. Every so often I put the DVD in, and go back in time when I was 17 again in a dark theatre watching the original widescreen.

Rex

Great story, Rexster. I enjoy reading things like this. It's something that ties together several generations of Bond fans.

And unlike many other film series that have fanatical following such as Star Wars or Star Trek, you can actually visit some of the places Bond movies were filmed.

[Fiona Volpe lover]

I even love the two things most people complain about. Firstly, the leisurely pace. It allows one to soak in the beautiful locations and enjoy the great dialogue while helping the epic feel of the movie. Secondly, the underwater sequences, which I think are great coupled with Barry's music. The climactic battle never fails to astound me-they would never attempt somthing like that now, at least not without buckets of CGI.

Thank you.

My pleasure.

[double o ego]

ALways been my number 1 Bond film for a whole host of reasons, most of which have been mentioned.
Recently though i bought a large LCD screen and the first thing shown on it was TB and the underwater fight scene was just wonderful, i just wanted to dive in. I remember watching those scene's as a kid in absolute awe and falling for the Bond films in a big way. They sure don't make sequences like that anymore.

Seeing Fiona's juggs on a 37" HD screen is divine.

[Mr. Blofeld]

Live, dammit, LIVE!!!

[Judo chop]

ALways been my number 1 Bond film for a whole host of reasons, most of which have been mentioned.
Recently though i bought a large LCD screen and the first thing shown on it was TB and the underwater fight scene was just wonderful, i just wanted to dive in. I remember watching those scene's as a kid in absolute awe and falling for the Bond films in a big way. They sure don't make sequences like that anymore.

Seeing Fiona's juggs on a 37" HD screen is divine.

42" HD in my house.

[Judo chop]

In my opinion, the only thing missing from TB – the only thing that really comes across as a glaring ‘error’ – is follow through on the promises of Vargas. Or rather, Largo’s promises of Vargas.

Straight from mysterious baddie to boob, stopping along the way only to prove non-existent.

Potential: A-
Actual achievement: F

[Mr. Blofeld]

In my opinion, the only thing missing from TB – the only thing that really comes across as a glaring ‘error’ – is follow through on the promises of Vargas. Or rather, Largo’s promises of Vargas.

Straight from mysterious baddie to boob, stopping along the way only to prove non-existent.

Potential: A-
Actual achievement: F

Oh, that Vargas; such a cunning fellow. I sure hope dear Elvis doesn't turn out that way; I'd rather like him to be more like Leonard from North by Northwest.

[Judo chop]

Oh, that Vargas; such a cunning fellow.

But he does make for a good signature banner.

[DamnCoffee]

I love this movie, I'm watching it right now infact. It has a brilliant plot and the feel of a real spy thriller.

[Aris007]

I haven't seen it for a couple of months, but it's in my mind as the most atmospherical movie!

[Mr. Blofeld]

I haven't seen it for a couple of months, but it's in my mind as the most atmospherical movie!

Good to hear! I'm glad so many people like Thunderball.

[double o ego]

Honestly, I urge people to rewatch thunderball, it really is a great movie and my favourite Bond movie and imo Connery's best performance i.e. the best Bond performance of all 21 movies. Great story and has all the elements that make a great Bond movie.

[sthgilyadgnivileht]

Love TB, and its atmosphere. Be great to see a properly restored print, complete with Ted Moore's saturated cinematography, on the big screen.

[Mr. Blofeld]

Love TB, and its atmosphere. Be great to see a properly restored print, complete with Ted Moore's saturated cinematography, on the big screen.

Yes! Exactly my wishes; it'd need a little trimming, but I can see Thunderball alluring the audience with its furious charm...

[Mr. Blofeld]

Erm... well, at least this thread isn't getting the thrashing that the GoldenEye one received...

[PrinceKamalKhan]

Who else loves Thunderball? Name your favourite elements of this movie. Please, fans only; let's celebrate this classic film!

Count me in the Thunderball love crew.

Connery's superconfident performance as Bond is his best one. He exudes an alpha male, self confidence all of us guys would love to have. Dalton and Craig may be better dramatic actors but Connery's Bond in TB is the "definitive" 007. Every time I put on a tuxedo, I want to be Connery in this film.

This superconfidence extends to the entire production of the film. The Bond series was at its height of influence in the cinema world at this time.

Probably the most impressive gallery of women to appear in a single Bond film(Fiona, Domino, Paula, Pat and the extras). Bond has marvelous chemistry with both Fiona and Domino. I particularly like the scene where he woos Domino on the dance floor.

The fantastic and clever pre-title sequence.

The then innovative plot of having a criminal terrorist organization hijack nuclear weapons to hold the world for ransom.

Dr. No may have been the first Bond film, From Russia With Love may have been the most intelligently written Bond film, and Goldfinger was the leanest film and the one that perfected the early Bond formula but there's just something about Thunderball that blends the best of the first 3 with Panavision and a larger-than-life epic feel that makes it the best of the Connery films.

Turn would like to share in the Thunderball love fest.

As I stated in an earlier thread, for me TB has the best blend of Bond elements. It still has the feel of the early Bonds with Terence Young at the helm, but is also the first real epic without going too far over the top into fantasy. The two mesh to make TB unlike most everything else in the series, save for maybe OHMSS.

Well stated, Turn. As much as I love The Living Daylights and Casino Royale there's just something about the feel of Thunderball and On Her Majesty’s Secret Service and the way both films blend the fidelity to Fleming and his era with the epic feel that the Bond films made post-1970 can never really recapture.

I think it's also a praise to Thunderball, that Casino Royale tends to pay homage to it in the first half(Bahamas, Dimitrios and Solange recall Largo and Domino, the card game where Bond wins, Bond's flirting with the receptionist).

[Mr. Blofeld]

C'mon, folks; more Thunderball love!

[Mister E]

Erm... well, at least this thread isn't getting the thrashing that the GoldenEye one received...

Of course, GE is crap.

[Mr. Blofeld]

Erm... well, at least this thread isn't getting the thrashing that the GoldenEye one received...

Of course, GE is crap.

Good answer, man...

[DaveBond21]

I think it's also a praise to Thunderball, that Casino Royale tends to pay homage to it in the first half(Bahamas, Dimitrios and Solange recall Largo and Domino, the card game where Bond wins, Bond's flirting with the receptionist).

Agreed. When I first saw the trailer, I thought of Thunderball and Goldeneye. And I can't believe that miserable people who hate some of the Bond movies also criticise Goldeneye on a thread about Thunderball! They should get a life.

[sharpshooter]

I think it's also a praise to Thunderball, that Casino Royale tends to pay homage to it in the first half(Bahamas, Dimitrios and Solange recall Largo and Domino, the card game where Bond wins, Bond's flirting with the receptionist).

Agreed. When I first saw the trailer, I thought of Thunderball and Goldeneye.

Yep, same with me. It's a brilliant mix. I'm a big fan of Thunderball's sense of exotic lavishness. The Bahamas is just James Bond country through and through. The splendid score helps a lot as well.

[Mister E]

I loved the hotel Bond was staying at. KEN ADAM, PLEASE DESIGN MY HOUSE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Edited by Mister E, 02 September 2008 - 02:56 PM.

[Aris007]

I watched it today and a question came to my mind: "How the hell did Bond find out that Jack Bouvar was dressed like a widow?

Help, please!

[Mister E]

I watched it today and a question came to my mind: "How the hell did Bond find out that Jack Bouvar was dressed like a widow?

Help, please!

To quote Connery from the movie " My Dear Colonel Bouvar, you shouldn't have opened that car door by yourself".

[Aris007]

I watched it today and a question came to my mind: "How the hell did Bond find out that Jack Bouvar was dressed like a widow?

Help, please!

To quote Connery from the movie " My Dear Colonel Bouvar, you shouldn't have opened that car door by yourself".

Yes, I watched the scene in slow motion, zoomed in, but couldn't see anything!

[Mister E]

I watched it today and a question came to my mind: "How the hell did Bond find out that Jack Bouvar was dressed like a widow?

Help, please!

To quote Connery from the movie " My Dear Colonel Bouvar, you shouldn't have opened that car door by yourself".

Yes, I watched the scene in slow motion, zoomed in, but couldn't see anything!

LOL ! Sean Connery punched Bob Simmons, not an lady.

[Mr. Blofeld]

I always find it hilarious that Bouvar shrieks like a woman when Connery kicks him into the fireplace, considering what he's dressed in...

[Safari Suit]

Is it the all time best fourth entry in a movie franchise? I think so.

[Judo chop]

Is it the all time best fourth entry in a movie franchise? I think so.

Good heavens, yes! Not that there's much competition out there.