James Bond film series is distinguished not only by its longevity, but also by having two relatively major films which are considered non-canonical. The first, 1967 bizarre psychedelic quasi-parodic adaptation of Ian Fleming’s novel *Casino Royale* is nowadays justifiably forgotten. The second, 1983 film *Never Say Never Again*, is better known due to being the first remake of James Bond film and the last appearance of Sean Connery in his most iconic role.
This film is second adaptation of Ian Fleming’s novel *Thunderball*, previously made in 1965 as [eponymous part of the regular film series](https://peakd.com/aaa/@drax/retro-film-review-thunderball-1965), also starring Sean Connery. During production of this film Connery was visibly older and this was used as part of the plot. Years of smoking and heavy drinking apparently began to take toll on the abilities of British secret agent, so his young boss M (played by Edward Fox) orders him to go to luxurious spa and get back in shape through rigorous new health regimen. Bond there inadvertently discovers diabolical plot by criminal organisation SPECTRE that involves USAF Captain Jack Petachi (played by Gavan O’Herlihy), one of the patients. Using Petachi’s access to secret codes in the airbase, SPECTRE steals two cruise missiles carrying nuclear warheads and SPECTRE leader Ernst Stavro Blofeld (played by Max von Sydow) uses it to blackmail Western governments. Bond is immediately put back in the service and follows the trail to Bahamas, where he meets Petachi’s sister Domino (played by Kim Basinger), who happens to be mistress of wealthy megalomaniacal tycoon Maximilan Largo (played by Klaus Maria Brandauer), who is also one of top SPECTRE agents.
*Never Say Never Again* was made possible by 1963 settlement between Fleming and Kevin McClory, which had supposed to solve copyright dispute about original novel. McClory won the rights to *Thunderball*, as well as characters and plots involving Blofeld and SPECTRE. He attempted to use it to launch new James Bond film series. Connery, despite his original attention to end his involvement with franchise after *[Diamonds Are Forever](https://peakd.com/hive-166847/@drax/film-review-diamonds-are-forever)*, changed his mind and returned to the role, this time having to compete at the box office against his old friend Roger Moore playing Bond in *[Octopussy](https://peakd.com/hive-166847/@drax/film-review-octopussy-1983)* as part of the regular series. The film, directed by Irvin Kershner and produced by Jack Schwartzman, represented somewhat schizophrenic (and in many ways futile) attempt to exploit desire for the “good old” James Bond of Sean Connery era while asking the audience to disregard previous continuity or majority of previous James Bond, including those starring Connery. Despite that serious conceptual flaw, *Never Say Never Again* is solid, entertaining film within the quality standards of the regular series.
Scriptwriter Lorenzo Semple Jr. didn’t want to reinvent the wheel and the plot of the film mostly follows the plot of *Thunderball*, although with few interesting additions. Connery’s advanced age is recognised and the film features relatively few action scenes, at least those in which James Bond has to use brawns instead of brains or gadgets to get out of trouble. One such example is extensive fight scene in the spa in which Bond proves to be visibly inferior to giant-like SPECTRE assassin played by Pat Roach and wins only by chance. Script also takes into consideration technological advancements and the plot involves cruise missiles and the scene in which Bond tries his hand at video games. Another, not exactly fortunate addition, is character of clumsy British civil servant played by comedian Rowan Atkinson (who would decades later star in James Bond parody *Johnny English*); his presence puts this film within the realms of campy silliness that was characteristic for James Bond films during Roger Moore era. Director Kershner does this job well, although film doesn’t look too spectacular despite use of exotic and attractive locations like Bahamas, French Riviera or the huge yacht owned by Saudi tycoon Adnan Khashoggi. Dedicated James Bond fans might feel that is something missing, probably due to lack of stylish title scene like in the regular series. Uninspired musical score by Michel Legrand doesn’t help either and the title song, performed by Lani Hall, is dreadful.
What ultimately makes this film worth watching is the cast. Connery is very dependable in his iconic role, while his younger colleagues like Edward Fox, Pamela Salem and Alex McCowen are quite capable in the roles of alternative versions of M, Moneypenny and Q. Kim Basinger, on the other hand, despite her good looks lacks chemistry with Connery and her character is somewhat underwritten. This is compensated with formidable Austrian actor Klaus Maria Brandauer who very effectively plays Largo as seemingly cultured villain who hides true nature of homicidal and pathologically jealous madman. Brandauer’s performance is well matched by Barbara Carrera, exotic-looking former model who shines in the role of Largo’s beautiful but murderous henchwoman who doesn’t hide her delight in committing crimes. Carrera is probably the best thing about the film and, unsurprisingly, she became the only actress to receive Golden Globe nomination for playing Bond girl. Although overlong and with somewhat underwhelming final showdown, *Never Say Never Again* is slightly better film than *Octopussy*, but it wasn’t good enough for Connery to revisit the role again. On the other hand, the final scene, in which British secret agent enjoys his retirement, is really good way for Connery’s version of Bond to ride into the sunset.
RATING: 6/10 (++)
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