Today’s quick review: Never Say Never Again. While at a health clinic, British secret agent James Bond (Sean Connery) uncovers a crucial lead in a plot by SPECTRE to steal two nuclear warheads and hold the world ransom. With just seven days to locate the warheads, Bond travels to the Bahamas to talk to Domino (Kim Basinger), an innocent woman with crucial information, and investigate Largo (Klaus Maria Brandauer), the man behind it all.
Never Say Never Again is a spy adventure and Sean Connery’s final appearance as James Bond. Never Say Never Again is not part of the main Bond series, but rather an adaptation of Thunderball produced by a separate company. As such, it serves up an alternate take on Bond that keeps the core elements while dropping many of the franchise’s signature flourishes. The movie is a mixed success, making for an effective adventure but lacking consistency.
Never Say Never Again gets enough of the core Bond formula right to make for an enjoyable watch. Sean Connery slips back into his classic role with ease. While his performance lacks the intensity of his earlier films, it’s a comfortable fit and gives the film the air of a victory lap. Klaus Maria Brandauer makes for a charismatic and well-developed villain as Largo. The movie also doesn’t skimp on its action, with a more hands-on role for James.
But in spite of a strong core, Never Say Never Again has a few peculiarities that make it an uneven watch. The film’s humor never fits in well, coming from odd directions and undermining a few of its more serious moments. Largo’s subordinate Fatima (Barbara Carrera) also makes for an oddly cartoonish villain. More generally, the movie is missing the raw spectacle and sense of class that the best Bond films are known for, leaving it somewhat mundane.
Watch Never Say Never Again if you’re a Bond fan hoping for one more outing with Sean Connery. The movie is not James Bond at his best, but it is a serviceable adventure with a good mix of plot and action. Those willing to accept a few concessions to get their Bond fix will enjoy the film. Those hoping for something polished or original will want to skip it. For a flashier, more satisfying adaptation of the same story, try Thunderball.
6.2 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for a competent but uneven take on the Bond formula.