Goldfinger **** (out of 5) (1964)

Cast: Sean Connery, Gert Frobe, Honor Blackman, Shirley Eaton, Tania Mallet

Directed by Guy Hamilton

 

Auric Goldfinger has built himself a small fortune by stockpiling international gold bullion by buying and reselling in world markets for higher prices. Agent 007 is sent to investigate, and discover's Goldfinger is planning something called Operation Grand Slam, which requires breaking into Fort Knox and detonating a small nuclear device, making the majority of the country's gold untouchable for 54 years and increasing the price of his own supply astronomically. Now James Bond must find a way to escape his evil clutches and take him down.

Arguably the best of all the James Bond series (FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE being the other honorable mention), this is a thrilling and often laugh-out-loud funny adventure that never fails to entertain no matter how many times you've seen it. Connery is terrific as the British secret agent with a passion for women, while Goldfinger and his assistant Odd Job (the large Korean gentleman with the deadly steel-brimmed derby) provide for very memorable villains. A snappy script, terrific jazzy soundtrack, and engaging direction keeps the film always moving while never losing the humorous tone. It may not be the best spy film ever made, but in the world of action-fantasy, GOLDFINGER is perfection.

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