Underrated Bond film that is ‘by far the best’ on TV tonight | TV & Radio | Showbiz & TV

Sean Connery is, without a doubt, considered to be one of the best Bonds by most people’s standards, especially avid fans of the 007 franchise. The legendary actor starred in seven James Bond films between 1962 and 1983 and is considered by most to be the benchmark of Bond style and slickness, all wrapped up in a seriously good-looking package.

Even after his passing in 2020, the iconic Hollywood star is still remembered fondly by millions around the world for his outstanding portrayal of the suave secret agent with a “license to kill”. Fans then, will be delighted to know that one of Connery’s most underrated Bond films is airing on the TV tonight, ready to captivate viewers once again.

Diamonds Are Forever will air tonight, February 25, at 9pm on ITV4. The 1971 spy action thriller directed by Guy Hamilton with a screenplay penned by Richard Maibaum and Tom Mankiewicz sees Connery in the lead, supported by Jill St. John, Charles Gray, Lana Wood, Jimmy Dean, and Bruce Cabot rounding out the stellar ensemble cast.

Based on Ian Fleming’s 1956 novel, Diamonds Are Forever is Hamilton’s second film out of the four he directed for the mega-hit Bond franchise, and serves as Connery’s sixth outing as the fictional MI6 agent.

The movie’s official plot summary states: “While investigating mysterious activities in the world diamond market, 007 (Sean Connery) discovers that his evil nemesis Blofeld (Charles Gray) is stockpiling the gems to use in his deadly laser satellite. With the help of beautiful smuggler Tiffany Case (Jill St. John), Bond sets out to stop the madman — as the fate of the world hangs in the balance!”

Generally well-liked by audiences and critics alike, Diamonds Are Forever has been hailed an underrated gem, with some fans even calling it “by far the best” Bond film in the 27-movie (till now) franchise.

On the review site Rotten Tomatoes, one critic said: “Bond looks better than ever, partly because Sean Connery has returned to play him.”

While another reviewer cheekily shared: “How good it was to see the gadgets again, the gymnastic grace of the fantasy-violence, the comedy of the imaginary sex, and that quality of the Bond pictures at their best which I can only call geniality.”

A third critic said of the film: “Only the British apparently (judging by dozens of unfortunate imitations) can make a crude sex-and-violence formula yield such refined, exhilarating entertainment as this.”

While another reviewer wrote: “Connery has a ball with great stunts, snappy dialogue and a bevy of typically Bondish beauties.”

A glowing audience review of the film was equally positive, with a fan writing: “In my opinion, [it’s] by far best of the early Bond films. Charles Gray for me, so far, reaches the culmination of ‘villains’ as one of Shakesperian acting capability in a quitely powerful, understated way. I am not an enthusiast or fan of royal patronage, however this gentleman ought to receive a posthumous knighthood for his contribution to the British entertainment stage. The reverse is applicable to most politicians! (sic)”

Another fan said of the film: “Sean Connery returns as James Bond in this outstanding 007 flick, elevated by incredible visuals and a stellar supporting cast.”

Yet another impressed audience member commented: “Diamonds Are Forever is an underrated Bond movie, and most certainly a massive improvement over OHMSS [On Her Majesty’s Secret Service]. Sean Connery is once again great as Bond. The action sequences are well made, and the plot really does work. This is a really good one.”

Diamonds Are Forever will be broadcast on television tonight, February 25, at 9pm on ITV4.

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