2014 Film Olympics: Bond. James Bond.

Posted Sunday, February 9, 2014 at 12:01 AM Central

by John Couture

The name is Bond. James Bond.

At first blush, you might be scratching your head trying to figure out how James Bond is connected to the Winter Olympics. It's OK, I was unsure myself, but I thought I remembered a Bond film in which 007 came face-to-face with a gang of biathlon athletes.

The film I was recalling is For Your Eyes Only and indeed Roger Moore's James Bond does end up in the cross-hairs of a few biathlon competitors. Interestingly, I was watching the Olympics and I learned that the biathlon is to Russia like curling is to Canada.

For those of you unfamiliar with the sport, it combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. In other words, it is the perfect Olympic sport for James Bond. I'm sure he'd earn Great Britain a gold medal in the event without breaking a sweat.

So, to honor the biathlon events today, I came up with the medal winning James Bond films. As you'd imagine, Sean Connery's Bond led the way.

BRONZE

Not only is this a great James Bond film, but From Russia with Love also doubles as a tribute to the host country. Sean Connery really defines the Bond role in this film and the fight scene on the Orient Express is simply amazing.

SILVER

Believe it or not, the blond Bond made the list. I don't have as much animosity towards Daniel Craig as some people. In fact, I think he actually elevates the character in many ways. Sure, the traditionalists will point out that this incarnation of Bond seems to be more action heavy and less suave than the older versions, but if Skyfall is any indication, I'd like to have more.

GOLD

Goldfinger. There really isn't much more to say, is there? I realize that if you ask 10 people to name their top three Bond films, you'd get 10 different lists, but there's just something cool about this film that continues to resonate to this day.

The first weekend is behind us and we are off to a great start if I do say so myself.

Here is the medal count update. With the clean sweep today, MGM takes over the medal lead.

Check back tomorrow when I celebrate the glasnost properly.