Timothy Dalton's debut was met with some criticism calling him too serious and lacking the campy fun that its predecessors pioneered. Whilst I agree, I can hardly class it as a negative. In fact I'm all for change which is why The Living Daylights works so well. The plot revolves around the KGB and the illegal shipment of opium. Plenty of assassination attempts and the rescue of a cello playing damsel who holds her own against Bond. There are no volcanic lairs, space stations or megalomaniacs, just a realistic plot that is one of the most plausible in the whole franchise. Timothy Dalton's portrayal of Bond was perfect, I really warmed to him. Fully sophisticated, quick witted and an absurd amount of charm, he was the perfect choice after the questionable Roger Moore. There were moments of emotional breakthrough, particularly scenes involving Kara, that were a step forward for the character. The primary antagonist wasn't particularly memorable, but henchman Necros was a good rival for Bond. The physical prowess of Arnold Schwarzenegger but with the hair of Max Headroom, although the acting chops of Tommy Wiseau. Excitingly inventive action set pieces including sliding down snowy mountains on a cello case and the final explosive cargo plane heist (which is one of my favourites from the franchise). Director John Glen's veteran experience with the series shows, he knows how to work the camera and create thrilling scenes. No quick cuts or innovative camera techniques. It was clinical, which I appreciate in the action genre. Everything felt authentic, including the stunt work and explosions. The gadgetry that Q introduces is innovative as well, shame the "ghetto blaster" wasn't explored further! A-Ha's theme tune is one of the stronger songs, but not a personal favourite of mine. The plot is fairly formulaic, but if you can get passed that and the lack of campiness then you are in for one of the strongest entries in the franchise.

Despite being near the least popular actor to play James Bond (the least honor goes to George Lazenby), Timothy Dalton turns in a very good role in "The Living Daylights." And, this 1987 edition of British Agent 007 (James Bond), has a number of pluses going for it. First, it has almost nonstop action and almost no carousing. Second, it has the most advanced special gimmicks for Bond's disposal, which adds to the excitement. And third, it has a complex plot with mystery, intrigue and many twists. All of that makes for a very entertaining film. And, Dalton as Bond has a wry cynicism combined with a smile that says he sees through his adversary of the moment. All of the cast are quite good in this Bond thriller, with the possible exception of Jeroen Krabbe. He plays General Georgi Koskov over the top, with such flamboyance at times that even the most naïve viewer would have trouble believing he could be in the Soviet KGB. This film had a nice touch of the Afghan revolt and the Soviet-Afghan War (1979-1989). It has a smashing chase scene with Bond and Kara Milovy (played by Maryann d'Arbo) in the special weapons car evading and disrupting what looks like half the Russian army. And it has a fantastic fight scene in the air between Bond and Necros (played by Andreas Wisniewski) holding on to just netting around a pile of opium bags suspended below the open ramp of the transport plane. Lots of action and intrigue, and even more globetrotting than usual make this a very entertaining and enjoyable film. It's definitely one of the best plots of the entire Bond series.

After Moore's final Bond in 1985, EON was on the hunt for their fourth OO7. The famous gun barrel was pointed directly at Pierce Brosnan but due to the revival of Remington Steele, a contract Brosnan was still tied too, EON turned their sights towards Timothy Dalton. The Living Daylights has all the elements that make a classic Bond, a script that uses Flemings original short story within the overall plot.The cast, locations and action sequences are all there but its Daltons portrayal that makes this Bond film one for todays fans. At the time, Daltons performance was not fully accepted by the movie going public, a far more ruthless, cold blooded interpretation of Bond, which was very different to Moores previous character. With todays audiences thirst for originality, Daltons decision to return to Flemings original has eventually paid off, a style that can be mirrored to Daniel Craig"s. EON must have been disappointed that NBC had a "licence to steele" Brosnan back but in hindsight, it was one of the luckiest scenarios in the series, providing the franchise with an actor that Fleming would have approved of.

An underrated film in the series. Timothy Dalton particularly changed the Bond character to make it more faithful to Fleming's books. Instead of being a suave playboy, he's a burnt-out assassin. His Bond is a palpable thread to his enemies and was far more energetic than past actors in the role. This means less philandering and more mission. Unfortunately, the "Bond girl" (Kara Milovy) and the villains didn't have memorable performances. With a better cast, this would've been a possible contender for the best film in the series.The plot in this movie is different from past Bonds. There's no world domination or global destruction. Rather it's a plot of Soviet defection and people conspiring together to commit treason. It's a welcome change to the formula not knowing exactly what's going to happen next. In the 2nd half, there's a big set piece of Bond on an airplane (in the midst of a war) that's one of the most ambitious action scenes in the series.Despite not being one of the better known Bond films, it was a very important one for the franchise. It pushed the series toward storytelling, action and established Bond as a more dark gritty character. The later films since then have not turned back.