In this exciting episode of “The Rating Bond Movies Podcast,” we continue our journey through the James Bond series with a review and rating of Thunderball (1965), Sean Connery’s fourth outing as 007. Join us as we dive into the high-stakes underwater adventure that has captivated audiences for decades. We’ll explore the film’s plot, dynamic characters, and groundbreaking special effects. Using our unique rating formula, we’ll evaluate Thunderball and discuss its impact on the Bond franchise and action cinema. Whether you’re a die-hard Bond fan or just starting your adventure with 007, this episode offers in-depth discussions and insightful commentary on one of the most thrilling Bond films. Tune in and experience the underwater escapades of Thunderball!
Our ratings of Thunderball
Explore our Thunderball ratings! Here you’ll find our scores, derived from our detailed podcast analyses. Feel free to agree, disagree, or discuss. Join the conversation by commenting on our scores at the bottom of the page. We love hearing your thoughts and insights on every 007 adventure!
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About Thunderball
Release year: 1965
Director: Terence Young
Writers: Richard Maibaum, John Hopkins and Jack Whittingham
IMDB rating: 6,9
Thunderball is a James Bond film released in 1965, directed by Terence Young. It follows the 1964 Bond film Goldfinger and is the fourth installment in the James Bond series produced by Eon Productions.
Top Cast
- Sean Connery as James Bond: The iconic British MI6 agent known for his suave and sophisticated demeanor.
- Claudine Auger as Domino: Bond’s love interest in the film, a beautiful and enigmatic woman.
- Adolfo Celi as Emilio Largo: The main antagonist, a high-ranking member of the global criminal organization SPECTRE.
- Luciana Paluzzi as Fiona Volpe: A fiery and seductive SPECTRE agent.
Storyline
Thunderball features James Bond on a mission to recover two stolen nuclear warheads, taken by the nefarious SPECTRE organization. The story unfolds as Bond travels to the Bahamas, where he encounters Emilio Largo, the SPECTRE operative responsible for the theft. The film is renowned for its extensive underwater scenes, which were revolutionary at the time. As Bond works to thwart Largo’s plan to detonate the warheads in a major American city, he engages in a series of thrilling underwater battles, using technology and wit to outsmart his enemies.
Reception
Upon its release, Thunderball was a box office success, grossing over $141 million worldwide. Critics praised the film for its innovative underwater cinematography and high-stakes narrative. However, some reviewers criticized it for its length and pacing, which they felt dragged in comparison to previous entries in the Bond series. Nonetheless, Thunderball won an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, further cementing its reputation as one of the more memorable films in the James Bond series.
FAQ: Thunderball
Thunderball, the 1965 James Bond film, remains a standout entry in the iconic series. Directed by Terence Young, it brought thrilling underwater sequences and high stakes to the forefront of spy cinema. Here are some frequently asked questions about the film: