Movie Review #6 - 007: Goldfinger (1964)

Bubbles

A few weeks ago, my girlfriend and I decided that we would watch a new 007 film once a week. For her, it introduced a sense of nostalgia, since she used to watch the films with her family. For me, it was a new experience. I had only ever seen one James Bond film (Shock, Horror!). Now we come to the third in the franchise, and to this point, the most enjoyable; Goldfinger

Godard reportedly said "all you need for a movie is a gun and a girl". Goldfinger is flowing with both, including a gold woman, and a golden gun. This is the film that Sean Connery seems truly relaxed in the role of the suave British spy. The jokes and one liners (shocking) fly thick and fast, and there is a cheeky charm to his delivery. He looks like he's having great fun with an assortment of women (who wouldn't?!), and he also really enjoys his Aston Martin.

The villain, Goldfinger himself, seems far more fleshed out than previous Bond villains. He is not a burly fighter or weapons expert, but rather a fat rich man who reminds me of Uter from The Simpsons. It is refreshing to see Bond pit his wits against a criminal mastermind, and not just slug it out blow for blow. Of course, he has his fights with the crazy henchman (Oddjob), and his frisbee hat. The girls, of course, are beautiful and flirtatious.

Even though I had not seen a James Bond film, you know what to expect. Guns, gadgets and girls. The premise of Goldfinger is that more is better and surprisingly it works, simply (take note Michael Bay), because it doesn't take itself to seriously. It knows that it is a ridiculous story, but the actors have fun. You enjoy taking a 2 hour ride with them. The film leaves you with warm, fun feeling, not shaken, but stirred.

4 Stars