Tampabay.com
NOVEMBER 06, 2008

An All-Time High: James Bond in the '80s

Foryoureyesonly This is the podcast I've been waiting my whole life to do: James Bond in the 1980s. That's right, not one but THREE different actors playing Bond, some of the best theme songs, great story lines, classic cameos and the last of the truly cute Bond girls.

For this week's podcast, we're bringing in tampabay.com's version of Q -- film critic Steve Persall, who requires zero preparation to talk about anything movie related. Surely you haven't forgotten his genius contributions to our Oscars in the '80s and Remakes/Sequels podcasts.

How can you help? Tell us your pick for Best Bond Movie of the '80s, and tell us your favorite Bond flick of all time. We'll tabulate the reader vote and read some comments before giving you our own special ranking. Here are your choices:

FOR YOUR EYES ONLY (1981): Roger Moore is 007, with Carole Bouquet ("Melina"), Lynn-Holly Johnson ("Bibi Dahl") and Julian Glover as the villain, "Kristatos." [Theme song]

OCTOPUSSY (1983): Moore as 007, Maud Adams as the awkwardly-named "Octopussy" and Louis Jourdan as the villainous "Kamal." Also co-starring pro tennis player Vijay Amritraj. [Theme song]

NEVER SAY NEVER AGAIN (1983): The rogue Bond flick brought the return of Sean Connery as 007. Also, starring Max von Sydow, Kim Basinger and ... Rowan Atkinson? [Theme song]

A VIEW TO A KILL (1985): Moore's final appearance as Bond, with Tanya Roberts ("Stacey"), Christopher Walken ("Zorin") and Grace Jones ("May Day.") [Theme song]

THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS (1987): Timothy Dalton's debut as 007. Also, Maryam D'Abo ("Kara") and Joe Don Baker as the villain "Whitaker." [Theme song]

LICENSE TO KILL (1989): Dalton's second and final turn as James Bond, with Carey Lowell ("Pam Bouvier") and Robert Davi as the villain "Sanchez." But also featuring Wayne Newton and Benicio del Toro. [Theme song]

Hey, while you're thinking, what's the best Bond theme of the '80s?

[Photo from For Your Eyes Only]

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About the blogger

Relive the '80s music, movies and culture with Tampa Bay Times entertainment news editor Steve Spears. A teen during the greatest decade ever, Steve is obsessed with everything from Duran Duran to Journey, John Hughes to John Cusack, and parachute pants to Reaganomics.

E-mail Steve Spears:
stuckinthe80s@tampabay.com
Visit the Stuck in the 80s Facebook page
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Get '80s updates via Twitter

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