It is my firm belief that movies can suffer the effects of the “middle child syndrome.” Sequels in trilogies that don’t push the envelope enough or are forgettable for not being the beginning or end of a story, can often fall into this middle child territory. Falling in between the first James Bond(
Dr. No), and what is arguably perceived as the best James Bond (
Goldfinger),
From Russia With Love suffers this inglorious syndrome with no just reason other than its placement. It is superior to
Dr. No in every aspect, and if the series had ended with only two movies it would be viewed as a masterpiece. However, the success of
FRWL allowed the producers to make a third movie and with
Goldfinger the series took off to the stratosphere. Here now, let us take the opportunity to make the case for
FRWL and why it should be regarded as a Bond masterpiece.
***Spoiler Alert***This article is full of spoilers, so if for some ungodly reason you haven't seen
From Russia With Love then what is wrong with you? Watch it first, or at least don't complain. You've been warned.
