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Rating: 
Summary: Interesting Reading for Bond Fans
Review: Di Leo's book, THE SPY WHO THRILLED US, for me, made interesting reading. Sure, there were some debatable items, but anytime I pick-up a book, and an hour later, I'm still thumbing through it, it (the book) has passed my test. I thought that his opinions were not "heavy handed," and quite frankly, I agreed with most of them. And unlike the Bond "Encyclopedias," et. al. publications, this one wasn't so dry that it put me to sleep. If you're new to the movie series, or just like them, this will be a welcome addition to your bookshelf. It also would make a terrific present.
Rating:
Summary: Interesting Reading for Bond Fans
Review: Di Leo's book, THE SPY WHO THRILLED US, for me, made interesting reading. Sure, there were some debatable items, but anytime I pick-up a book, and an hour later, I'm still thumbing through it, it (the book) has passed my test. I thought that his opinions were not "heavy handed," and quite frankly, I agreed with most of them. And unlike the Bond "Encyclopedias," et. al. publications, this one wasn't so dry that it put me to sleep. If you're new to the movie series, or just like them, this will be a welcome addition to your bookshelf. It also would make a terrific present.
Rating: 
Summary: awesome
Review: James Bond's popularity began because of a list. President Kennedy put From Russia With Love on his favorite book list and everything took off. This 225 page book is not at all a guide, just a book of lists, with no insight, no behind the scenes information and, surprising, it is incomplete. It could have been a thirty page flyer. Ever since Kingsly Amis wrote the James Bond Dossier in the 60's, people have loved to break down the Bond stories into villains, plots, girls, gadgets, etc. In the 1970's John Brosnan brought that formula to "James Bond of the Cinema" and even recently, the "James Bond Legacy" has followed that pattern. In each case, and in the cases of most books, the authors give us insights and ideas that we might not thought about on our own. Not here. Mr. Di Leo tells us that he will give us no insight, but when it comes to knowing best from worst, he will "set the record straight." But he seems to have no background in film, no special expertise in the subject other than he saw the movies. But not consecutively. Here is where the author begins to lose me. First, he writes that he saw the actors who played Bond consecutively, except for George Lazenby. A list of five is not a long list and if you missed one, it doesn't count. And he saw his first Bond Movie, "Diamonds are Forever" when he was four. He must have been a very smart four to begin to put this all into context. But worst of all, I am sure this book was written for the fans who saw the movies. Instead of giving lists and explaining his reasons, Mr. Di Leo gives the lists and then summarizes the plot. Just what we need "Monarch" notes for James Bond movies. He considers "The Spy Who Loved Me" better than "Thunderball." So? There is no insight, no compelling theme, there is just his opinion. So I begin to skip over the part of how Bond meets Pussy Galore, I read the book, saw the movie and got the T-shirt. In giving his best and worst, Mr. Di Leo deliberately omits Never Say Never Again saying only it was a "rogue" production. That a Warner Brothers movie, based on a story, Thunderball with the same authors,, starring Sean Connery, Kim Basinger, Barbara Carrera, and Klaus Maria Brandauer is consider "less" a picture that "A View to A Kill" is more than trivial, it makes this guide incomplete. We are given lists for everything, Best Bond, Best Picture, Best Bond Girl, Best Bond Villain, best Femme Fatale, best one liners, Best Gadgets. I would have trouble keeping Kim and Barbara off those lists, but they are. Lotte Lenya however is on it. But equally as important, we are given little side bars: How many girls wore bikinis, how many movie feature atomic bonds, etc. These lists are inaccurate because the author omits a movie. Finally, I think chronology is important, something that Mr. Di Leo does not put in any context. Under best gadgets, Mr. Di Leo omits the briefcase in "From Russia With Love." At the time of its release, that briefcase was a big deal and the forerunner of things to come and the catalyst for one the greatest fight scenes ever in the James Bond series. Under best Bond girls, Mr. Di Leo omits Ursula Andress, who established the model for Bond Girls (especially Halle Berry) yet to come. Mr. Di Leo does not see these events in context. So instead of discussing how the elements he listed impacted the series we go onto the next list. Finally, under "Best Musical" scores he lists one by Arnold just because he didn't want to list five by John Barry. But if Barry's are the best they should be the winners. When I make my list of Bond books to buy, this one will not be one it. After all, it's just a "rogue" publication.
Rating:
Summary: A refreshing new take on everything BOND...
Review: My pal (who's also a Bond fanatic) recommended I buy this book. And he was right on the money. Author DiLeo slices the thick Bond topic with a refreshingly different serrated knife. And doesn't apologize for his candid and sharp opinions regarding the series -- yet always manages to entertain and enlighten us with his abundant knowledge and love of BOND. Great book! Pick it up!
Rating:
Summary: A refreshing new take on everything BOND...
Review: My pal (who's also a Bond fanatic) recommended I buy this book. And he was right on the money. Author DiLeo slices the thick Bond topic with a refreshingly different serrated knife. And doesn't apologize for his candid and sharp opinions regarding the series -- yet always manages to entertain and enlighten us with his abundant knowledge and love of BOND. Great book! Pick it up!
Rating:
Summary: Fun for Bond Fans
Review: O.K. all you James Bond lovers, here's a treat you won't want to miss. Michael DiLeo's book takes you on a ride that Ian Fleming himself I am sure would have enjoyed. From Connery to Brosnan, the villians, the girls, the cars and gadgets, DiLeo's is masterful in capturing the pulse of the James Bond mystique. You don't have to agree with his choices to enjoy the book you just have to be a fan.
Rating:
Summary: Awesome Book
Review: This books is a must have for James Bond Fans. Dileo captures the essence of the James Bond films.
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