THN’s Top (00)7 Movie Spies

To celebrate the upcoming DVD release of spy sequel JOHNNY ENGLISH REBORN, we at THN have gone deep undercover to select the best bunch of super-spies for a top secret mission. Well, not exactly. We just wanted an excuse to pick our top cinematic heroes best known for serving Queen and Country, or at least, protecting the helpless from those hell-bent on world domination. Who needs THE AVENGERS with this batch of loyal daredevils already primed and ready for action? Although I wouldn’t fancy any of their chances in taking out a giant green-skinned HULK or hammer-swinging demi-god THOR, unless it was to lunch.

7. Austin Powers (AUSTIN POWERS SERIES 1997-2002)

Okay, maybe not the best spy to have on your side but you can’t have a list of the best without mentioning the comic-inspired equivalent of 007. Mike Myers gave us some hilarious characters throughout the franchise’s three films. While his villains – Dr. Evil, Fat Bastard and Goldmember – got the best laughs, Powers himself is now cemented in comedy folklore, his bad teeth and lost mojo made his lovable but frozen 1960s British agent, defrosted in present day, a modern comedy icon. The films themselves were never masterpieces. All they needed were enough quotable lines, outlandish characters and catchphrases ingrained into popular culture, and they became perfect fodder for friends and families, looking for a crazy and fun film.

6. Robert Scott (SPARTAN 2004)

One that may not be immediately known, (if at all) is the character played by Val Kilmer in his final exceptional lead performance before his descent into straight-to-video obscurity (barring the odd terrific supporting role in the likes of DEJA VU or BAD LIEUTENANT). His Robert Scott is obsessively-determined as the mysterious agent entrusted with recovering the President’s kidnapped daughter from a sex-slave ring within a two-day time period – all before the press get wind. In another filmmaker’s hands SPARTAN could have been so run-of-the-mill, but David Mamet surrounds Kilmer, who is one clever-but-brutal bastard here, with a super set of character actors and script so rich with twists and turns that once it ends you could watch it all over again, and it would still feel as fresh. SPARTAN easily erases the memory of Kilmer’s disastrous 1997 attempt at bringing another spy to the big screen, THE SAINT.

5. Harry Palmer (HARRY  PALMER series 1965-1996)

Three films in three years made Michael Caine’s step from ZULU stand-out to charming leading man to these classics (THE IPCRESS FILE, FUNERAL IN BERLIN, MILLION DOLLAR BRAIN) appear effortless. Caine’s interpretation of Len Deighton’s counter-espionage agent was made to capitalise on the recent success of the first Bond film DR. NO. Caine is superb in THE IPCRESS FILE especially, the film which solidified his reputation as an actor. He later went back to revisit the character in mid-1990s with the double (and disappointing) BULLET TO BEIJING and MIDNIGHT IN SAINT PETERSBURG.

4. George Smiley ( TAILOR TINKER SOLDIER SPY 2011)

Gary Oldman had a difficult act to follow after Alec Guiness’ mesmerising turn as John Le Carre’s retired ‘spook’ brought in from the cold to root out a mole. The superb BBC mini-series TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY and sequel SMILEY’S PEOPLE are still remembered fondly. However, Oldman made Smiley his own in Tomas Alfredson’s big-screen adaptation. He may not feel the need to crack a villain’s skull but George Smiley never has need to. He is, after all, a wise old man, using all his wits and experience gained over several decades of grueling Cold War exploits to play psychological mind games with his enemies. When other films have their hero use an arsenal of weapons or flying fists, Oldman equally excites just by sitting in a smoke-filled room, using perfect facial reactions to punctuate each revelation of the film’s intricate plot. Last year’s hit didn’t need the usual action set-pieces so often seen this genre, yet TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY is edge-of-your-seat filmmaking at its very best. Oldman’s recent Oscar nomination is truly well-deserved. He is expected to return to ‘The Circus’ for the sequel SMILEY’S PEOPLE. The sooner, the better we say.

3. Ethan Hunt (MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE series 1996-2011) 

Based on the 1970s television show by Bruce Gellar, MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE’s big-screen overhaul was masterminded by producer and star Tom Cruise. Taking the lead as Ethan Hunt, Cruise oozes charisma as the super spy aided by a team of talented individuals – each with their own skill – in four thrilling adventures. Cruise’s decision to go with a different director on each film may have come as a suprise originally. Brian DePalma after all did a fine job with the franchise kick-starter. It’s served him well though, with each helmer bringing their own unique vision to every blockbuster entry (although the less said about John Woo’s M:I 2, the better). Whether he is chasing villains, being framed by colleagues, scaling vertigo-inducing heights or using an array of high-tech gadgets and weaponry, Cruise is always ace. The passion he has for the character of Hunt and the faith he has always shown in the franchise can never be doubted, which makes for pure popcorn entertainment.

2. Jason Bourne (BOURNE series 2002-2007)

After a thump on the head, poor Jason Bourne was left without a memory, and piecing together his identity – throughout the three films –was part of the fun for the audience. The original Doug Liman-directed film was a strong opening for the character credited with kicking Bond back to life. It wasn’t until Paul Greengrass’ superior and ground-breaking sequels did Bourne’s exciting exploits begin dropping film fan’s jaws. Spectacular action set-pieces together, brilliant plotting and inspired acting choices for the supporting characters made Bourne essential viewing. Author Robert Ludlum’s creation had previously been seen in a dull thriller starring an ageing Richard Chamberlain. Now with Greengrass’ gritty shooting style giving the viewer a sense of actually be involved in the carnage, Damon’s now iconic portrayal of Jason Bourne will be a difficult one to match for Jeremy Renner’s upcoming Aaron Cross, the fellow C.I.A. covert operative set to headline THE BOURNE LEGACY.

1. James Bond (JAMES BOND series 1962-2012)

After 50 years, 22 movies and six actors, there was only ever going to be one name at the top of this list. The fact that most of the characters and films above have either paid homage or been inspired by Ian Fleming’s world renowned British Agent, makes James Bond, number one by a country mile. Each actor brought their very own unique spin on Bond, and with that gives every follower their own favourite. Connery’s brooding Bond is regarded by most to be the first and best, while Roger Moore’s slick and silly interpretation added some outlandish comic elements and dry, witty one-liners. George Lazenby was regarded as a success by fans of the franchise, but only lasted one entry. Many book fanatics have always said Timothy Dalton’s dark portrayal is the closest any actor has come to capturing Fleming’s original vision. After impressing with his first two outings, Pierce Brosnan’s take on 007 was undone by bad writing and ridiculous plotting, and one feature that included an invisible car! This brings us to present Bond, Daniel Craig, whose original casting announcement infuriated fans, all because of his blonde hair. The critics soon ate they words when the brilliant CASINO ROYALE was not only the highest-grossing Bond ever, but contained the most thrilling action and spectacular set-pieces ever seen in the series. A hard act to follow for sequel QUANTUM OF SOLACE, which was a let down but Sam Mendes currently-shooting SKYFALL looks to be putting that right with some impressive casting and writing decisions.

JOHNNY ENGLISH REBORN is released on Blu-ray and DVD on the 13th February 2012