Rent James Bond: The Living Daylights (1987)

Underrated Bond Adventure - James Bond: The Living Daylights review by GI

Timothy Dalton's first outing as James Bond is a neat crossover from the Roger Moore series and predicts the style of the Pierce Brosnan films and ultimately to Daniel Craig's interpretation. It's interesting that the film was conceived for Roger Moore and when he stepped down Brosnan was to be the next 007. Contractual problems led to Dalton who had been on the cards to take the role way back in 1969. The Living Daylights contains nearly all the tropes you'd find in the earlier films especially Moore's; gadgets, bevies of bikini clad girls, an Aston Martin and the odd comedic quip but also in here is a dark espionage film, sometimes struggling to get out but definitely there if you watch closely and some brutal violence from Bond to remind us he is after all an assassin. Dalton was an excellent Bond and could've gone onto some great future films with the right scripts. This one lacks a decent arch-villain, Joe Don Baker as an overweight arms dealer doesn't really cut it but the twists in the story of a Soviet defector and the move across the world from Bratislava to Afghanistan (then under Soviet control) make up for this. A worthy addition to the franchise and certainly a Bond film to re-evaluate in light of the series today with Craig.

Unmemorable - James Bond: The Living Daylights review by JD

The plot does not stand out as Fleming's most original nor is the film outstanding from other of the Bonds. Dalton plays well, some of the minor characters play poorly but the stunts are trademark of James Bond, well ahead of their time.

Great return to form for the Bond franchise. - James Bond: The Living Daylights review by AK

Reading the books, Dalton explores the more human aspect of James Bond. He goes beyond the superficial. He is not copying what was done before, but, going back to the source of the novels. In the books you get a better idea of Bond's internal dialogue and his moments of doubt.

Amazing how Craig gets credit for what Dalton explored first. Dalton gave us a fresh look on an old character and gave the old dog new tricks.

The film is very enjoyable and the opening sequence is brilliant. Also we are all introduced to the fact that Bond is an assassin in the sniper scene. Very well acted by Dalton.

A shame Dalton only did two films. He is a credit to the series. Connery and Dalton are my favourite Bonds. Though Moore and Brosnan were great too.