A legacy: shaken, not stirred

By: Paresh Jha

Posted: 11/13/08

"Bond. James Bond."

"Quantum of Solace" debuts tonight at midnight and the hype is fairly high. "Casino Royale" made James Bond relative to cinema again, and this first direct sequel in the franchise hopes to continue that trend. Keeping that in mind, it is an appropriate time to take a look at some of the best Bond movies to date. Check them out and save them for your Thanksgiving Break.

"GoldenEye"

Bond: Pierce Brosnan

Brosnan's first go-around as the British assassin ushered in a new era for Bond and adequately brought him into modern times. He successfully blended the attributes of Sean Connery and Roger Moore and created a persona that was gritty, sarcastic, suave and fresh. The film itself was chock full of exhilarating action sequences, an MI6 agent gone bad and a memorable yet disturbing performance by Famke Janssen as the Russian Xenia Onatopp.

"License to Kill"

Bond: Timothy Dalton

It is arguable that 007 has never been this lethal and invincible. If you guys thought Bourne was unstoppable, check out Dalton's second (and last) portrayal of Bond. While Dalton's stint as Bond is remembered as lukewarm at best, this movie is severely underrated. The giant explosions and over-the-top villains prove to be great fun here. It also features a revenge plotline that significantly mirrors another James Bond movie coming out sometime soon. Take that for what you will.

"Dr. No"

Bond: Sean Connery

The first movie in the Bond series is still one of the best. Connery inhabits the role perfectly and makes history with one of the most iconic portrayals in the history of cinema. While the film is not as flashy and extravagant as any of the other entries into the series, it is definitely one of the closest to Ian Fleming's original concept. Let's also not forget Ursula Andress as the very first - and still one of the most beautiful - Bond girls.

"Casino Royale"

Bond: Daniel Craig

Ever wondered why and how Bond became the way that we know him? How does one become a cold-blooded, sarcastic and emotionally cut-off assassin? "Casino Royale" answers all those questions in one of the smartest prequels ever put together. Daniel Craig brings the rough and toughness back to the Bond character that had been lacking for so long. "Casino Royale" is not just a great Bond movie, but also a great film in general.

"Goldfinger"

Bond: Sean Connery

In the words of Connery's best turn as Bond, "Shocking! Positively shocking!" This movie is the epitome of what makes a great Bond movie. Whether it is the ridiculous names for Bond girls (Pussy Galore) or the large-scale action sequences, this film has it all. Connery is arguably at his best and the villains are truly bone-chilling. This was the first Bond movie to have a famous artist sing the opening song for the movie, a trend that has continued to this day. One of the most famous lines of dialogue is also present in this film: "A martini, shaken, not stirred." "Goldfinger" still remains one of the best and most iconic spy movies of our time.