Throughout his long history as a character, James Bond has been many things, and those many things have been embodied by many different actors. The character was first played by Sean Connerybut in the decades since, several other actors have stepped into his shoes with varying levels of success.
Thirty-five years later, License to kill from 1989 feels like one of the least remembered Bond efforts. That may have something to do with its star, Timothy Dalton, who only got to play the character twice before being replaced by Pierce Brosnan (The Thomas Crown Affair). Because Dalton’s tenure was so short, many have assumed that the two Bond films he made are among the worst in the franchise. While neither of his Bond films are perfect, that’s definitely not the case. License to kill It may have earned a reputation as one of the worst James Bond movies ever made, but here are five reasons why you should take the time to watch it.
His darker tone has kept him relevant
Licence to Kill (1989) Official Trailer – Timothy Dalton James Bond Movie Hd
Dalton followed Roger Moore, who played the character much longer than he probably should have. With Dalton came a more serious tone, and a reminder that for all his style, Bond was also a killer. At the time of its release, License to kill It received criticism for the darkness of its story, but today, it is that same darkness that makes the film feel relevant.
Daniel Craig’s Bond films had a similar darkness to them, and it was that slightly grittier tone that so many people found refreshing about the character. Darkness on its own can be boring, but in this case, License to kill uses a slightly more evil tone to tell a less fantastical story.
Make the most of the agent-gone-rogue plot
There are certain types of spy stories that are always compelling, and one of the best is when the central spy goes rogue. Basically, every spy movie in the world is a spy story. Mission: Impossible They follow this premise, and there is a reason why they are so effective.
When you’re working against both the film’s real villain and the agency that’s supposed to be supporting you, it’s easier to feel like there are threats around every corner. In this case, Bond’s license to kill is revoked after he turns down an assignment in Istanbul because he wants personal revenge. As a result, he spends most of the film working outside the law.
Dalton finds a much-needed humanity in the character
MGM
There are many ways to play James Bond well, and Roger Moore excelled at making him seem so utterly convincing and charming as to seem otherworldly. Dalton, like Craig, brings a more human touch to the character, and the plot seems to follow him in that direction. Bond isn’t simply on a mission here.
In License to kill, ignore Dalton deliberately gives the orders because he wants revenge for something that happened to one of his friends. This personal vendetta can have the effect of making the character seem more flawed or harder to root for. At the same time, though, it helps us understand that this version of the character is driven by loyalty to those around him. Dalton plays a superspy, sure, but one that seems rooted in genuine feeling.
Your reputation has more to do with audience expectations
MGM
License to kill It is often considered a of the worst Bond moviesbut part of the reason is the film’s definitive departure from what many Bond fans were used to at the time. Roger Moore’s Bond films were frothy and fun, and while there’s still plenty of fun to be had in License to killthe film’s move toward a more serious tone was alienating to many who expected Dalton to pick up exactly where Moore left off.
In light of the Daniel Craig films, which are more successful as a whole than any of Dalton’s efforts, Dalton’s films seem less out there than they were at the time. License to Kill may be never be so universally loved as Casino Royalebut he doesn’t deserve all the hate he’s received either.
It does what you want from a Bond movie.
MGM
For all the discussion about its darker tone and more serious central performances, License to kill It’s not a complete departure from what James Bond is supposed to be, despite what its fiercest detractors might suggest. It’s true that the film was shot entirely outside the UK for budgetary reasons, but it still features all the elements you’d expect from a Bond film.
The stunts and set pieces largely work, and while the plot may be serious, some individual notes and beats are still as ridiculous as much of what happens in the average Bond movie. License to kill It’s not perfect, but it works, it’s entertaining, and it features Dalton’s toughest, angriest James Bond at its center. It’s not the worst film in this franchise by any stretch.
License to Kill can be rented or purchased at Amazon Prime Video.
