Sean Connery starred in the Bond franchise. (Image: Diamonds are Forever)
A James Bond film dismissed by fans as “cringeworthy” and “lacklustre” is broadcasting on ITV4 this evening. Diamonds Are Forever, which premiered in 1971, sees Sean Connery reprise his role as the legendary British secret agent James Bond, assigned to probe a diamond smuggling operation that leads him from Amsterdam to Las Vegas.
The 007 agent discovers a scheme orchestrated by his longtime adversary, Ernst Stavro Blofeld, who is utilising the stolen diamonds to construct a laser-satellite weapon capable of menacing global superpowers. The picture marks Connery’s return to one of his most celebrated roles, though it fails to garner the acclaim of his other films, such as Goldfinger. Fan assessments of this instalment are harsh, with numerous viewers branding it “dull” and “boring”.
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On film ratings platform Rotten Tomatoes, it has achieved merely 64%, falling short of many other Bond entries. One review on the platform stated: “Diamonds Are Forever is a cinematic disaster that should have remained buried in the depths of film history. This film is a masterclass in how not to make a James Bond movie.
“From Sean Connery’s lacklustre performance to the uninspired plot, it’s a cringeworthy attempt at capitalising on the franchise’s success. The action sequences are laughably choreographed, and the special effects are so outdated that they make you long for the simplicity of the 1970s.
“The so-called Bond girls are forgettable, and the villain, Blofeld, is about as intimidating as a wet noodle. If you’re looking for a prime example of a Bond film gone horribly wrong, Diamonds Are Forever is it. Save yourself the pain and watch any other instalment in the series instead.”
Another shared similar sentiments, commenting: “All Shine, No Sparkle Diamonds Are Forever brings Sean Connery back as Bond, but the result feels tired and oddly lifeless. Bond survives danger through sheer plot armour rather than skill, and the action leans into clumsy, slapstick brawls that kill any tension.
“The stakes feel hollow, centering on the diamond industry instead of a convincing global threat, whilst the Bond girl once again serves as an overused trap. Mr. Kidd and Mr. Wint add an unsettling edge, and the humour occasionally works, but terrible-looking explosions and weak execution leave this entry feeling dull and unnecessary.”
Sean Connery returned as Bond in Diamonds Are Forever (Image: Rex)
One critic awarded it just a single star, stating: “Never have I been so bored watching a Bond film. Just a completely uninteresting plot, no interesting characters, and Connery blatantly past it and not caring about anything other than the pay.”
“The worst film in the series starring Sean Connery. I consider Dr. No and From Russia with Love his best. Goldfinger, Thunderball, and You Only Live Twice had good stories, but were increasingly silly,” remarked another.
However, not everyone agreed that this film was below average, with some reviews being positive. One satisfied viewer wrote: “In my opinion 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.”
Another shared similar sentiments, posting: “It’s hardly the spectacle that the Bond films of the 60s were, but Connery’s return keeps things watchable and, at times, even exciting.”
Diamonds Are Forever airs on Wednesday 25 February on ITV4 at 9pm.
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