You Only Live Twice (1967)

You Only Live Twice is Connery's fifth outing as Bond, James Bond, and though the film is not a breakthrough compared to previous efforts such as From Russia With Love or Goldfinger, the film is still a solid Bond film, and proves to be surprisingly enjoyable.
First off, there's the beautiful theme song and score. You Only Live Twice, sang by Nancy Sinatra, is a romantic ballad that sets the tone of the film perfectly. Indeed, as the theme recurs throughout the film, we are reminded what a romantic action film this is: the purpose of the film is not just to stop a world war, but to let us see James Bond exploring exotic locations, encountering exotic adventures (and women, of course) along the way. There are many instances where the music combined with the scene tells us that this film is all about that romantic adventurous spirit, such as the scene when Bond is at the roof of the building at the docks, fighting a dozen foes as he tries to escape. The camera pulls up - it's a helicopter shot - and the grand music hits in: it's not suspenseful at all, but just bold and adventurous, romantically so.
Secondly, it's the wacky gadgets and the plot overall. A SPECTRE vessel that can capture US and USSR spaceships? A jolly Little Nellie that's a copter which could be carried around in 4 suitcases? A cigarette that's really a mini-rocket? A Japanese intelligence boss that travels around Tokyo in his private subway? These devices fit the overall spirit of the film so well that we can forget how obviously silly they are, and be content enough to just enjoy the pleasant entertainment they provide.
And let's not forget Bond, or the Bond girls, this time really cute Asian girls.
Indeed, whatever misgivings we have about the film, they only occur after we regain consciousness from the hypnotic entertainment that is You Only Live Twice. Simply great entertainment, Bond style.
8/10