82 replies to this topic

[stamper]

My viewer's cut is basically me reediting the movie into something greater, a bit like the Matrix Dezionised if you want.

I will call it "De Beach Boysised". But that will be for my eyes only, I won't share it, out of respect to eon, and legalities.

[Jim]

I'm very fond of it as a piece of utter piffle, even though I know it's absolute rubbish.

[TortillaFactory]

I, er...well, the bits with horses were cool. Breathing out of a tire. Clever, that. But May Day...Stacey...quiche...Moore's paunch...haven't been able to stomach it since. It's not a good film, but very few Bonds are.

[Skudor]

A View To A Kill is one of those weird Bond films that as a whole ends up at the bottom of my favourites lists, but still has some good things going in it. Zorin was a pretty decent villain, I like the Eiffel Tower scenes and the tire trick was pretty nifty. Then on the other hand we have geriatric Bond, awful Sutton, that horrible fire truck scene, and Roger Moore doubling for a bunch of running stuntmen. But it's a classic, isn't it!

[lefty007]

honestly i dont i thought it was a pretty bad film

[Qwerty]

...quiche...

That quiche just always seems to be the nail in the coffin for A View To A Kill.

[Diabolik]

On the bottom of my list, along with MR and DAD.

[Harmsway]

I just watched AVTAK again to re-evaluate it. It sucks. It sucks long, and it sucks hard. It's just hard to like a film that has absolutely no life to it.

Even the Eiffel Tower stuff is pretty mediocre. It's stained with the 80s, and not the good part. The action is laughable (especially that shotgun fight and fire truck chase), the settings unattractive, the tone inconsistent, the direction dull, the Bond girls laughable, the Bond villains mediocre, everything. It's just a mess and until TWINE was released in 1999, AVTAK was the low point of the series.

Oh yeah, and AVTAK also has the dubious honor of featuring the absolutely worst Binder title sequence. TLD and LTK may have been boring, but they weren't as cringe-inducing as what Binder cooked up here. Yeesh.

[stamper]

I can remove all the stuntmens out of shot by judicious editing.

That fire truck chase can be dropped too.

All Tania Roberts shrieks and "James !" will also be dropped, easy.

I think there is a great 1h40 movie out of this 2h +. The problem is, Bond producers hate their films being short, hence they leave everything in them, including stuntmen.

[Tinfinger]

AVTAK would make for a great drinking game

[Hitchcock Bond]

Maybe I was watching a different film, because there were plenty of silly comedy moments that I thought really hurt the film. Maybe there weren't any Jaws romances or floating gondolas or Tarzan yells, but there were a lot of times the comedy didn't need to be included and they threw it in anyway.

Moonraker in particular was a lighter Bond film, so the sillieness is expected there, and in some ways OP is kind of light with some seriousness. In AVTAK, it sticks out like a sore thumb.

It begins in the already mentioned ski chase. Other examples of intrusive humor not helping were the scene where Gogol and Pola find out Bond has switched tapes and the drunk watching Bond haul Stacy down the ladder from San Francisco City Hall.

The fire truck chase is, in my opinion, worse than the gondola chase from MR. They are in the city that set the pace for car chases with Bullitt and instead of getting something to compete with that, we get Bond flailing around like silent film star Harold Lloyd, kicking off cowboys hats in convertibles and shearing off camper tops to reveal sleeping couples all the while with Stacy screaming "James!" every few seconds. All that's missing is a couple of guys carrying a pane of glass across the street.

Then comes the ultimate cheap joke with the cop cars crashing from the raised bridge like some outtake from The Blues Brothers. And it doesn't stop there as the funny cop berates his fellow officers for letting their cars get wrecked and then gets his own car smashed. Sheriff J.W. Pepper come back, all is forgiven.

This all seems out of place because a few minutes later we have mass deaths through a flooded mine and miners being mowed down by Zorin and Scarpine. Then a few minutes later we have Moore being almost castrated by a weather vein while holding onto the mooring rope and a reappearance by the funny cop who crashes again.

Bond movies are supposed to be fun, but AVTAK is so out of balance, wanting to be very serious in some scenes and comic in others in a way few if any other films in the series are.
[/quote]
I don't see how silliness could be expected. Things like the Close Encounters door code, the increasingly preposterous manner that Jaws escapes death, the Barbara Woodhouse impersonation, and the Tarzan yell were included unnecessarily in my view in MR and OP; they are my definition of cheap jokes. I would agree that the fire truck chase is a little like a keystone cops sequence, but it is, for the lack of a better term, a proper chase. It involves proper vehicles. It takes the skill of stunt people to perform this type of scene. They are not ludicrous made up machines like the gondola in MR or an invisible car in DAD. I am not suggesting that AVTAK is a good film; I would also agree that the film is a little unbalanced between comedy and action thriller, but that has been the curse of many Bond films. I was originally of the opinion that it was the lowest point of the Bond franchise, and have only re-watched AVTAK recently. It certainly does have its bad points, which Bond film doesn't? However, it also has a lot to commend it in comparison to the the gadget laden, CGI fests of recent years. I also don't expect anyone to agree that it's not such a bad film, but then that's the beauty of this discussion forum.

[Red Barchetta]

Even though Rog is getting up there in age he pulls it off ok. Christopher Walken was perfect as Zorin!
The scene in the mine where Zorin is mowing his people down with a machine gun, and has to stop to change clips is a great scene. Probably the best in the movie.

[Turn]

I don't see how silliness could be expected. Things like the Close Encounters door code, the increasingly preposterous manner that Jaws escapes death, the Barbara Woodhouse impersonation, and the Tarzan yell were included unnecessarily in my view in MR and OP; they are my definition of cheap jokes. I would agree that the fire truck chase is a little like a keystone cops sequence, but it is, for the lack of a better term, a proper chase. It involves proper vehicles. It takes the skill of stunt people to perform this type of scene. They are not ludicrous made up machines like the gondola in MR or an invisible car in DAD. I am not suggesting that AVTAK is a good film; I would also agree that the film is a little unbalanced between comedy and action thriller, but that has been the curse of many Bond films. I was originally of the opinion that it was the lowest point of the Bond franchise, and have only re-watched AVTAK recently. It certainly does have its bad points, which Bond film doesn't? However, it also has a lot to commend it in comparison to the the gadget laden, CGI fests of recent years. I also don't expect anyone to agree that it's not such a bad film, but then that's the beauty of this discussion forum.

You made my point for me. The examples of the Close Encounters theme and all that are just quick things whereas AVTAK takes the time to set up that stupid joke with the falling cop cars on the bridge. That's the ultimate cheap joke considering it took considerable time and cost to set it up. You can have the real vehicles if you want. I'll take the Bondola because I at least have fun with it because it was meant to be fun all along.

You're right in that they all Bond films have their bad points, but in addition to the improper balance in AVTAK, I'd add Stacy Sutton, quiche, Chuck Lee and many other thing that make it a more glaring example of a lesser Bond film than most of the others.

[roboas]

I did like the opening credit music and scene, but I didn't think the complete work is one of the better films.

[Alec_Trevelyan]

I think it is ok. Aside from Bond being old and May Day *shudder* I think this movie is very good.

[Double-Oh Agent]

A View To A Kill is okay, but is easily one of the lesser Bonds. Roger Moore is too old for the role this time around, Tanya Roberts' hoarse screaming is not enjoyable, the stunts on the whole are uninspiring, and the mood of the picture is uneven (funny or serious). However, the music is solid, the theme song is the best of the series, the PTS is good, Christopher Walken is very entertaining (although I kind of wish he would have done something more like one of his later, more Walken-esque portrayals), and Grace Jones is good. Yes, it is a little discomforting when she beds Bond but it is supposed to be. Unlike some (most?) people on this site, I don't mind the scene. Besides, Bond has to do it to keep his cover (the things he does for England ).

A View To A Kill is not classic Bond, and it is not one of the better Bonds, but it is a decent Bond, and an above average movie experience.

[Hitchcock Bond]

You made my point for me. The examples of the Close Encounters theme and all that are just quick things whereas AVTAK takes the time to set up that stupid joke with the falling cop cars on the bridge. That's the ultimate cheap joke considering it took considerable time and cost to set it up. You can have the real vehicles if you want. I'll take the Bondola because I at least have fun with it because it was meant to be fun all along.

You're right in that they all Bond films have their bad points, but in addition to the improper balance in AVTAK, I'd add Stacy Sutton, quiche, Chuck Lee and many other thing that make it a more glaring example of a lesser Bond film than most of the others.

Well then we can only hope we see a return of the Bondola in Casino Royale!

[Scottlee]

Just to say, I don't see the big deal with quiche thing. It's not as if Bond was cooking beefburgers and McCain Oven Microchips (no joke intended). Isn't quiche meant to be sophisticated? If I cooked quiche for a girl I'm sure it would suit the mood.

[Qwerty]

I did like the opening credit music and scene, but I didn't think the complete work is one of the better films.

Welcome to the CBn Forums.

[Turn]

Just to say, I don't see the big deal with quiche thing. It's not as if Bond was cooking beefburgers and McCain Oven Microchips (no joke intended). Isn't quiche meant to be sophisticated? If I cooked quiche for a girl I'm sure it would suit the mood.

You're too young to remember this, but in the early '80s there was a popular book called Real Men Don't Eat Quiche (which if I'm not mistaken was written by future Bond writer Bruce Feirstein). It was a satire, but it was still fresh enough in people's minds that sense here was James Bond, one of the world's most virile ladykillers, baking for it a woman. If that wasn't bad enough, he then falls asleep by her bed in a rocking chair. Do we need much more symbolism?

It wasn't Moore's huffing and puffing that made him seem old in AVTAK for a lot of people. It was that scene.

[Lazenby880]

It might be cheesier than a big old pile of gorgonzola but it is still fun. Nutty Grace Jones, hammy Christopher 'More Powahh' Walken, geriatric Roger Moore and plain irritating Tanya Roberts are not trying very hard, but one nevertheless does delight in the pure 1980s excess. Dire, yes, but still enjoyable.

Plus, it may very well have provoked the 'fightback' THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS and the Dalton approach in general, for which I personally am grateful.

Edited by Lazenby880, 04 February 2006 - 11:33 PM.

[Fro]

It's okay and there's some enjoyable parts. Some great setpieces (especially the ending), John Barry brings his A-Game, and the title song is choice. Walken's a good villain too. On the other hand, there's some comedy stuff that doesn't fit in with the rest of the film done for pure laughs and some stuff obviously lifted from some other Bond movies. The PTS is flat-out embarassing with the Beach Boys music (and it's a Beach Boys 85 remix of "California Girls" with no Brian Wilson involvement as opposed to the original masterpiece, to boot) kicking in and turning the scene into a chase scene from "The Monkeys".

It's in the lower half of the films but it's still enjoyable, which shows how well the formula works.

Edited by Fro, 07 February 2006 - 06:41 AM.

[Santa]

Just to say, I don't see the big deal with quiche thing. It's not as if Bond was cooking beefburgers and McCain Oven Microchips (no joke intended). Isn't quiche meant to be sophisticated? If I cooked quiche for a girl I'm sure it would suit the mood.

Oh darling, we don't want to be cooked quiche. You must be single.

[Tinfinger]

A View to A Kill, the official James Bond movie endorsed by the AARP.

[red_grant]

i think a view to a kill was on of the better bond movies. it stuck to the formula and was hugely enjoyable. Moore did look great as bond. i also dont undrestand why the film get such a battering. Coz it one of those films that stuck to the formula. It did have some bad moments like the ugly black disgusting grace jones, but otherwise it went of just fine.

[Darksideoftheschwartz]

AVTAK is a good film. Moore is old, but who could have played Zorrin better than Walken?

[krypt]

While not my favorite Moore Bond, personally, I enjoyed AVTAK more than and MR and OP.

I recall that at the time AVTAK was released, some fans (myself included) felt that the film was inspired in part by the tone of Gardner's Bond novels.

On the plus side I'll list: excellent title song and score, fun baddies in Christopher Walken and Grace Jones (I may be the only person on this board who is fan of Ms Jones), less fantasy gadgets, Bond relying on his wits.

It is fun to imagine what AVTAK could have been like with Dalton though.

[rashid12]

moore might be old. so what? HE DIDN'T LOOK IT, AND OLD IS GOLD, YOU KNOW. Moore acting in this one was great and he carried off the scenes with style and charisma. why people hate this film beats me. poeple knitpick too much with this film. i mean, the fire engine scene is fine. its a bond movie, not a documentary.


It is fun to imagine what AVTAK could have been like with Dalton though.
[/quote]

it wouldn't have been as exciting. i mean, dalton would be too busy crying and getting emotional while zorin is blowing up the world.

[Publius]

moore might be old. so what? HE DIDN'T LOOK IT, AND OLD IS GOLD, YOU KNOW. Moore acting in this one was great and he carried off the scenes with style and charisma. why people hate this film beats me. poeple knitpick too much with this film. i mean, the fire engine scene is fine. its a bond movie, not a documentary.

He looked very old. His skin was sagging and he was obviously doing nothing approaching a stunt or action sequence of his own. Charisma, yes, but that was about it, as is usual with Moore.

As for the fire engine scene, it's just embarassing. It's a Bond movie, not Police Academy 8.

And nit-picking is what makes us die-hard fans, is it not? I do it to all the films, even my favorites.

It is fun to imagine what AVTAK could have been like with Dalton though.

it wouldn't have been as exciting. i mean, dalton would be too busy crying and getting emotional while zorin is blowing up the world.

Dalton? You must be thinking of Brosnan. And even he might have been better than completely unfunny, quiche-baking, wholly unexciting senior citizen Roger Moore.

Dalton would definitely have made the movie better. It would have been stripped of its more extreme silliness, which would allow Walken's character and plot to be as dark as they were obviously striving to be, and have made for a great counterpoint to Dalton's Bond. The only major change required would be replacing Tanya Roberts (if only) and toning down the weak "comedy."

It would have been exciting, fun, and dark all at the same time. Talk about magic. As it stands, however, it's easily (and unfortunately) the most schizophrenic Bond entry of them all.

[rashid12]

the film would have been a bore if dalton was in it. then again that is a good thing because no one would need to use sleeping pills. and roger unfunny? now that's a joke. also whats worng with quiche a touch of style goes along way. and old is gold. roger can certainly teach a thing or two to mr bard dalton about playing bond and not wetting your hankies every second. when you look at dalton you get that feeling that he wants his mother to hold his hand. and there's nothing wrong with a ride on a fire engine to keep you excited. its a bond film, not a documentary.

Edited by rashid12, 09 March 2006 - 06:34 PM.