You Only Live Twice

 
After four back-to-back films as 007, Connery was able to take a break in 1966 and focus on other projects including Irvin Kershner's poorly rated A Fine Madness but sure enough Bond would return a year later with You Only Live Twice featuring a new director, Lewis Gilbert, who would go on to make some of the franchises most loved films. Unfortunately for Gilbert, Connery announced during production that this would be his last Bond film which led to a rather 'checked-out' performance which marked a dip in quality from the adventures audiences had enjoyed until this point.

Following a similar line to Ian Fleming's book, You Only Live Twice sees Bond in Asia for the first time as he works alongside the Japanese Secret Service to put an end to a series of hijackings in space that could lead to war between the US and Russia. In my last few Bond posts, I've mentioned how the filmmakers started to use a template for the series and this is true again here from the briefing scene with M and Moneypenny, the three Bond girl routine (one sacrificial, one bad and the other a love interest) to the villain with their maniacal plans. 

Despite the reputation this one has, I still found there to be a lot to enjoy here with You Only Live Twice. Gilbert's direction, the glorious way the film is shot on location, a pleasing opening song/score and most of the cast are all great that kept this fun and entertaining but Connery just isn't on his finest form. There are moments where the legendary actor gets to shine and use some dry humour on occasion but considering the drama off the screen with him feeling tired of Bond and a rather forced love interest, when the sacrificial character boasted more charisma, there are moments where the film falls flat. 

Thankfully Gilbert still succeeds in offering a very enjoyable addition to the series and it is far from the worst Bond offering. Had this been Connery's final Bond film as initially planned, it would have been a decent send-off but he, like the character, would return in a few years time and thus begin the debated tradition of an actor's last film as Bond being their worst. But back to You Only Live Twice, this is an easy recommendation that will please audiences whether you are familiar with the series or a newcomer.