Goldfinger

Although a memorable film, Goldfinger, and indeed the entire Bond franchise with it, reflects very subtly, and sometimes to its detriment, how film trends change at breakneck speed, with the genre greats of yesteryear becoming films that tempt the rather benevolent outlook of contemporary audiences. That said, Goldfinger is not only permeated with a dynamic story that leaves no room for directorial routine under its flood of car chases, shootouts, and the cleavages of several sexy Bondgirls, but it also carries the fresh charm of a recently bursting genre and has so many great and unseen ideas that you cannot be angry with it as a work that in some of the twists and turns succumbs to its age far more noticeably than, for example, some equally old conversational dramas. A nostalgic and humorous movie that more than deserves its high rating as a classic of all spy classics, even if it is sometimes too "off the rails"... :) 75% (07/09/2015)

007__#3__For me the main draw is the casting of Goldfinger (the excellent Swiss Gert Frobe) and his henchman Oddjob, played by wrestler Harold Sakata – I'll never forget his killer bowler hat. The main villain, as one of the members of the criminal organization Spectre, which accompanied the Bond franchise from Dr. No to You Only Live Twice, does not want to take over the world, but thanks to an ingenious plan "only" to get as rich as possible, which makes the whole story more believable. Some of the scenes have aged, but otherwise I'm satisfied, though I don’t think this is the best Bond movie. (01/10/2005)

Not surprisingly, many people think of Goldfinger when they hear the word "Bond" (although they may not even know it). It's not Connery's best contribution to the franchise, but it certainly is flawless. You want humor? It's here. You want suspense, you want action scenes? Espionage? You get them. All of this presented in a literal golden coat with one of the best villains having one of the most interesting (and simplest) plans of all. John Barry (as usual) excels again and the music is like clockwork. And I haven’t even mentioned Pussy Galore, one of my favorite Bond girls. Best scenes: The opening brawl, Bond's "tuning in" to Goldfinger's waves, the whole Geneva part and of course the finale at Fort Knox. (16/05/2010)

The third and, as far as the later development of the series is concerned, also the most important 007 movie adventure. All the aspects that come to mind under the term Bond movie were established right here by Guy Hamilton. Above all, the entire plot is presented with significant hyperbole and completely diverted from the books the movies were based on. And this is where he killed the whole series of movies for me. I found the more realistic style of From Russia with Love much more pleasing. What has to be praised is the brilliant opening song. Connery’s charisma and overall entertainment are both there. Just that after this movie Bond will never be the same again. For some just what they want, for me a huge disappointment. (13/01/2008)

The opening song is vocally stunning and can be compared, for example, to Goldeneye by Tina Turner. The rest, however, is unfortunately weaker compared to the previous installment, even though it may seem impressive at first glance, a high-budget eye-candy joyride of that time. Perhaps fans were somewhat blinded by it back then, and today, the evaluation is hardly objective because sentiment plays its part, but Goldfinger cannot be a better film than the previous one. It is disgracefully simple, straightforward, and lacks various script elements, like, for example, the political conflict of the previous film. Instead of beautiful locations, we have a imprisoned Connery, and instead of darkness and intense fights, there is Mr. Tau and a Bond girl with the first name Pussy. What else can be said? The glossy facade hides its flaws. The quality is hardly average. (24/12/2013)