Customer Reviews

Never Say Never Again

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

"Never Say Never Again" was Sean Connery's last and perhaps best interpretation of James Bond-- older, wiser, a bit more wry and self deprecating, yet still an action hero and a man's man. A reworking of Connery's 1965 (has it really been THAT long?) "Thunderball," it explores Bond as an ageing spy having to prove himself in a world where he's regarded almost as a dinosaur.

Because the movie was not produced by EON and the Broccoli people, it received mixed and sometimes shrill reviews by the media and the fans, especially those who preferred the "formula" Bond with its well-worn stock of characters and known personalities.

All that changed with "Never" -- different actors, different attitudes and, yes, even a different(read "mature")007.This Bond was more vulnerable and accessible than previous (and most subsequent) episodes in the franchise, full of sly references to the past and the character's well-known personna. I found it a refreshing rethinking of who James Bond might grow up to be.

The soundtrack was also a refreshing departure, written by Michele Legrand rather than John Berry who, at eleven films, has almost a lock on the musical side of the franchise. Among Legrand's better known scores was the original "Thomas Crown Affair," so his reputation as a soundtrack composer is definitely secure. This score gets in the spirit of the film -- witty, sophisticated and subtle in keeping with the attitude of the film and its star's interpretation of his character. Gone is the swaggering brass, replaced by guitar, piano and strings, a far more intimate and human musical take on the Bond character.

I found the score a pleasant surprise, and the first Bond score I could actually remember anything more than the theme to. Yes, I love the Barry scores, but this musical interpretation, like the movie, is well worth the time and trouble to find. If you saw and liked the movie, by all means get the score!

NEVER SAY NEVER AGAIN may have deserved a better score but this soundtrack is really not bad. If you compare David Aronold's soundtrack to CASINO ROYALE to NEVER SAY NEVER AGAIN you begin to accept the musical avenues that each of these films took.

Inspite the total absence of the "James-Bond-Theme" (since Kevin McClory didn`t get the rights for it and the "Gunbarrel") is the cd able to convince the listeners about its qualities because there is a smashing tango on it (while Bond explains to her that her brother has been killed by Largo). The style of Michel Legrand`s score resembles the score of "For Your Eyes Only": typical 80s sound. The song doesn`t fit to any of the Bond-movies.The charm of the classical Bond-movies is not expressed here at all contrary to the original song of Tom Jones ("Thunderball").However, I recommend this cd not only for Bond-fans but for everybody because it fits into every cd-collection.

I was sitting down eating some lunch and a friend called and said he was watching one of the Connery Bond Films I asked which one? He said Never Say Never Again, I had never heard of it, so I found the DVD and bought it. I loved it, even lacking the classics, Connery pulled off a great film. I also noticed the music, but it did not contain the Bond theme(couldn't get the rights to it), I love the Bond Theme, and this was like listening to the Moonraker soundtrack, it just wasn't right. How ever it was an enjoyable CD, it would have been great if it just had the Bond theme. If you could stand listening to the Moonraker soundtrack(how ever playing the Bond theme alot in the film!), then by all means pick this up(if you can find the damn thing!), you might like it. It has a nice 21 tracks, and as most John Barry Bond Scores, it contains the Never Say Never Again theme in few tracks(Ok theme--Hate the song).

I was sitting down eating some lunch and a friend called and said he was watching one of the Connery Bond Films I asked which one? He said Never Say Never Again, I had never heard of it, so I found the DVD and bought it. I loved it, even lacking the classics, Connery pulled off a great film. I also noticed the music, but it did not contain the Bond theme(couldn't get the rights to it), I love the Bond Theme, and this was like listening to the Moonraker soundtrack, it just wasn't right. How ever it was an enjoyable CD, it would have been great if it just had the Bond theme. If you could stand listening to the Moonraker soundtrack(how ever playing the Bond theme alot in the film!), then by all means pick this up(if you can find the damn thing!), you might like it.

I was sitting down eating some lunch and a friend called and said he was watching one of the Connery Bond Films I asked which one? He said Never Say Never Again, I had never heard of it, so I found the DVD and bought it. I loved it, even lacking the classics, Connery pulled off a great film. I also noticed the music, but it did not contain the Bond theme(couldn't get the rights to it), I love the Bond Theme, and this was like listening to the Moonraker soundtrack, it just wasn't right. How ever it was an enjoyable CD, it would have been great if it just had the Bond theme. If you could stand listening to the Moonraker soundtrack(how ever playing the Bond theme alot in the film!), then by all means pick this up(if you can find the damn thing!). Look past the lack of the Bond theme you might like it! After all, it's Bond. James Bond.

Michel Legrand was Connery's idea. The producer was leaning toward James Horner. It is -- like the film uneven -- and ultimately, not very satisfying. It isn't just the lack of the Bond theme, it just doesn't have the kind of thematic thread that the Eon Films do. There are some jazzy elements and an awfully insipid title song sung by Herb Alpert's wife Lani Hall. Sticking on the opening action sequence with credits has to be one of the dumbest ideas in the history of dumb ideas. The poetential pre-credits sequence cried out for effective music and you get this lackluster, stupid theme song instead.

I feel bad for anyone who thinks of this movie.IT IS NOT A BOND FILM.Not only does the movie lack all the other characters played by the original acters like moneypenny,M...etc,It's missing a soundtrack by John Barry,though even he could not make it work.There is a feeling however,that the music doesn't match the film itself,if you look at it as a normal film score,as it should be,it is not a bond film,you can enjoy it,while it is in no way equal to John Barrys work,It is just allright,if you put all that aside,it is ...not bad.If you are a bond fan-think twice,it is not a bond film.If you collect bond soundtracks-remember,it is not a bond film,rather misplaced,typical 80's music,which is allright,if your'e into it.This is not for bond fans,and if you think it is an adequete bond film you are not a bond fan,but if you like the 80's and their soundtracks this is for you.Just keep one thing in mind...THIS NOT A BOND FILM.