Our Man Flint

Our Man Flint

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Movie Reviews of Our Man Flint

Movie Review: 60's Renaissance Man...
Summary: 5 Stars

Flint was a modern Renaissance man. An independently wealthy man of high breeding and class, he possessed the all the tools, both physical and mental to achieve almost any goal in life. Despite some basic similarities to Bond, Flint had major problems with authority, and following rules. He decided which missions he would participate in. This rebellious independent streak, would be one of the key factors in defining the tone of the Flint films, which were pure escapism, and never meant to be taken seriously. Wild fantasy adventure rides, where Flint would always find a way to come out on top, no matter how crazy it got, with a wicked smile on his face.

James Coburn was a perfect choice to play the suave Derek Flint. Besides his obvious sex appeal, Coburn brought a reckless flair, and bold daring edge and to the character, along with a distinctive and ferocious fighting style. Coburn trained in the martial arts, and was a friend of Bruce Lee. Teaming Flint with his by-the-book former commander, Lloyd Cramden (Lee J. Cobb), only emphasized Flint's eccentric anti-authority persona.

Our Man Flint, is the more "serious" of the two Flint films, though it does take a few deliberate lighthearted jabs at the Bond films. "Galaxy", an organization led by three scientists, threatens the world by altering global weather patterns. Cramden is directed by the leaders of the world to enlist Flint, to help deal with the threat. Flint, a man with four live-in girlfriends, has no interest in any assignment. But, after some initial resistance, he is persuaded to take on the job, after Cramden is injured in an attempt on Flint's life.

An exotic recipe for bouillabaisse is a clue that points to Marseilles. At a steamy club there, Flint tangles with Connery lookalike "0008", dispatches an ex-nazi in a toilet stall, dons a towel as a disguise, then fires shots to clear the room, so he can detonate a bomb. When the smoke clears, Flint is on his way to Rome, to find cosmetics factory, and the lovely Gila (Gila Golan). Soon Flint is trapped in a safe, on his way to "Galaxy" island, a victim of Gila and her compatriot Malcolm Rodney (Edward Mulhare). Flint uses his yoga skills to feign death, and escape on the island. It is from here, that Galaxy is altering the weather. Farce turns into pure fantasy, as the island paradise is full of scantily clad women, who wander around in a dreamlike state, catering to the needs of Galaxy's men. Flint confronts the three scientists heading Galaxy, and after refusing to join their cause, is sentenced to death by disintegration. Gila, as a price for her failure, is to be reprogrammed as a "pleasure unit". From here, it's your standard, hero escapes exotic death, destroys the secret island hideout, and saves the world story.

Our Man Flint is somewhat unbalanced, the first half is very original and funny, but the quality does begin to slide a little after Flint hits Rome. Galaxy's fantasy island, features some large impressive sets, but the heavy chauvinistic attitude displayed towards women, may not resonate very well today. (Branding women?) Mulhare, as the cocksure Rodney is extremely annoying, and it is most gratifying when he takes a well placed knee to the groin from Flint. In fact, all associated with Galaxy pay a heavy price, and our heroes are all laughing at the end, when the island blows up, killing everyone there. That's the spy biz.

The DVD transfer is excellent for a film of this age. If Fox had not been so late to the party, and released the Flint films promptly, they wouldn't be playing catch up, comparing Flint to Austin Powers. After all, who copied who? The Bond movies have been out on DVD for years, while Flint sat on the shelf. Zero points for no extras except some trailers. After such a long wait, at least Flint is finally here. But for a budget price, Fox delivers a budget presentation. Also recommended for fans, is Jerry Goldsmith's soundtrack music for the two films.