The Living Daylights (1987)

The piece argues The Living Daylights is one of the series' high points as a proper espionage thriller, praising Dalton's instinctive and devious Bond in quieter dramatic moments.

Despite a confused plot and globe-trotting digressions, this is the best Bond in years thanks to Timothy Dalton's emotionally committed take on 007 as a romantic hero. Specific praise for the gripping pre-credits sequence, the milkman raid, and the inventive final shoot-out; complaints about seedy villains and unmemorable Afghanistan scenes.

Debruge argues the film holds up better than prior entries in retrospect, restoring elegance and seriousness to the character through practical locations, a strong John Barry score and a more grounded approach.

The critic welcomes Dalton’s Bond for bringing a fresh, grittier tone and proper intrigue after the later Moore entries. The real-world 1987 setting, credible villains, and strong set-pieces are singled out as strengths.

The critic highlights Timothy Dalton's two underrated Bond films as now available on DVD with extras. It notes the first film's colourful villains and safe-sex Bond flitting across locations.

Maslin finds the film scenic, engrossing and well-cast, with Dalton bringing a fresh edge. She notes the formula remains intact and the pace can tire, but it keeps the series afloat.

Timothy Dalton's flinty, serious Bond is a refreshing change from the late Roger Moore era, delivering a human, romantic adventure with strong set pieces like the prologue and aerial sequence. Villains are colourless and the finale is lame, but overall an underrated escapade.

Benson sees the new Bond entry as more of the same pop-pop action and gadgets, with Dalton fitting the role but the overall formula feeling tired and forgettable after 25 years.

Ebert finds Dalton deficient in the humorous tone essential to Bond, making the preposterous elements fall flat. He praises some stunts but criticizes the uncharismatic lead actress and weak villain.

The film is flat and fails to generate consistent energy or memorable set pieces beyond its opening. Dalton never fully owns the role and the convoluted plot and shoddy screenplay smother any smaller delights.

The critic praises Timothy Dalton's back-to-basics portrayal of Bond as restoring jeopardy and fortitude to the series after Roger Moore's lighter tone. The film's strong action sequences and more vulnerable Bond are singled out as highlights.

The critic finds the film strong if uneven overall, praising its return to a harder-edged Bond with Dalton's lean, cold performance, solid plot elements, memorable henchman Necros, and Cold War atmosphere, while noting issues with weak central villains, an irritating Bond girl, and pacing that prevents it from fully taking off.