In many ways, James Bond laid the template for what a modern-day action hero would look like: handsome, cool, badass, but most importantly, witty. The tradition of tough-guy one-liners may not have originated with 007, but it certainly had a good run within the franchise, and has continued to thrive across all genres of action today. Here’s some of the best of Bond’s zingers over the years.
1. “That’s a Smith & Wesson…and you’ve had your six. (Dr. No)
2. “Shocking… positively shocking. “ (Goldfinger)
3. “No more foreplay.”(Goldeneye)
4. “Bond. James Bond.” (Dr. No)
5. “But of course you are.” (Diamonds are Forever)
6. Why can’t nice guys be more like you? “Because then they’d be bad.” (Casino Royale)
7. “Man talk.” (Goldfinger)
8. “I’m now aiming precisely at your groin… so speak or forever hold your piece.” (The Man With the Golden Gun)
9. For England, James? “No…for me.” (Goldeneye)
10. Shaken or stirred? “Do I look like I give a damn?” (Casino Royale)
Previously in Movieline's Bond at 50 celebration:
For Your Ears Only − Ranking The 22 Bond Theme Songs From Worst To Best
John Jarzemsky is a contributor at LitReactor, Twitch, and can be read semi-regularly at his personal blog, the ineptly named Super Roller Disco Monkey Hullabaloo! or on twitter @jtjarzemsky. He is big in Japan.
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