In Like Flint

Derek Flint reappears with four more lovelies on another mission to save the world. Again, the strong point of this film is the interchange between James Coburn and Lee J Cobb. Again it's more realistic than it first appears - especially since I myself have said to someone about a book: "no, I haven't read it: I wrote it!" Other features to watch out for are Coburn talking to dolphins, suddenly appearing in Castro garb on a Cuban plane and the delectable Yvonne Craig as the ballerina. Obviously, the sequel squeezes the last drops of humour out of Lee J Cobb's reaction to Flint's universal talents. But it was right that a further sequel was never made; so the Flint series ends at just the right moment.

Did Flint (and the producers) know something America didn't in 1967? I'm making reference to that remark in the title of my review. Reagan was already Governor of CA at this point. :) Anyway, the plot is unique, the parody unqualifiedly silly but fun. All the cliches and spy references are present and accounted for. Of course there are plenty of continuity problems, bad special effects and inaccurate ones. James Coburn was in his prime and drawing good box office. What else did he need? More fun as witnessed here. Overall, an entertaining film with lots of eye candy as required.

Basically another in the endless series of Bond-knockoffs of the late 60's, the second Flynt movie (for some reason I keep missing the first one) is fun enough as a semi-parody. It's nowhere nearly as offensive/dumb as the Matt Helm stuff. Coburn makes a decent superman spy, although his lanky physique makes him look rather ungainly in the fight sequences (only Ted Danson looks more awkward). It's your basic Cold War type movie with some women who want to rule the world (and *oh the humanity* are betrayed by the military man they put their trust in, played by a fiendish Steve Inhat) tossed in.

This is James Coburn's second outing as Derek Flint. Though it is ultimately worth a viewing, it doesn't quite live up to it's predecessor. The film takes a while to get going and at times the spirit of fun that infected the original seems to be missing. But when that spirit is present, the film is loads of fun! Anyone know where I can buy a copy of Flint's Dolphin Language Dictionary? Never know when it might come in handy.

James Colburn is a super genius and super spy. He aids in a friend to help find three minutes missing while on a golf outing with the President. Something appears to be amiss. Colburn is a ladies man and ends up all over the world showing his many talents. I happened to find all of the set designs very detailed and colorful. I will be watching it again just for the costume design, furniture design and set designs. I love Colburn, this was nothing I expected from him. It is light heartedly silly and comical. I will leave all the critical reviews for someone else. I found it goofy and entertaining and it was surprising to see this side of Colburn. If I was a design student, artist or interior decorator, definitely worth the watch.

If you ever wondered about how the film series like Austin Powers came to be inspired, James Coburn does a memorable performance as Flint, original man of mystery in this film. The film is a spoof and farce from the James Bond spy thrillers. The plot includes the world being overthrown and manipulated by smart beautiful seductive women on a Caribbean Island where their leader is played by Anna Lee (General Hospital's beloved Lila Quartermaine). She is fantastic in her role. The film is a comedy and a statement about women's movement. The ending is now considered to be outdated by today's standards almost camp humor. Still, James Coburn did some of his best acting work here as the hero. The film is colorful and imaginative as well.

Well it looks like I'm in a minority with this one as I think 'In Like Flint' is better than 'Our Man Flint'! It's goofier than the original and for me that makes it more entertaining. It's filled with silly stuff like exploding golf balls, brainwashing via hairdryers, Flint talking fluent dolphin and Lee J. Cobb in drag. It's similar in approach to the 'Batman' TV series (Yvonne "Batgirl" Craig even appears as a Russian ballerina) so if you enjoy that show, and yes, Austin Powers, you'll have lots of fun.