Wednesday is Throwdown day at Keith & the Movies. It’s when we take two movie subjects, pit them against each other, and see who’s left standing. Each Wednesday we’ll look at actors, actresses, movies, genres, scenes, and more. I’ll make a case for each and then see how they stand up one-on-one. And it’s not just my opinion that counts. I’ll share my take and then open up the polls to you. Visit each week for a new Throwdown. Vote each week to decide the true winner!
With November’s release of “Skyfall”, the 23rd installment of the James Bond franchise, I thought it would be good to do a 007 Throwdown. Since the 007 franchise spans so many years, there have been an interesting array of actors who have taken on the role of James Bond. I decided to make this the old versus the new. Sean Connery versus Daniel Craig. Both actors have cemented themselves into Bond lore and rightfully so. But this is all about who is the best. As always you decide with your votes. Who is the best James Bond? Is it Sean Connery? Is it Daniel Craig? Is it Connery’s suave and slick old-school charm or is it Daniel Craig’s tough and gritty new era Bond? Vote now!
Sean Connery VS. Daniel Craig
Daniel Craig ushered in a new moodier and edgier era of James Bond and I have loved it. Craig has the style to sell the ladies man superspy angle that the series is known for. But he also brings a toughness and physicality to the role that gives the character an entirely fresh and new feel. This was never more evident than in the first sequence of Craig’s first Bond movie “Casino Royale “. What an introduction to today’s Bond. While many have had issues with his second 007 picture “Quantum of Solace”, I found it thoroughly entertaining even with its flaws. But he was back in top form with this year’s “Skyfall”, a brilliantly crafted spy thriller that mixed traditional Bond with the Craig interpretation. I’m all onboard with Craig in this role and I hope he continues for as long as he fits the part.
Sean Connery could be considered the Godfather of the James Bond series. He helped launch this wildly popular franchise in 1962 with “Dr. No”. He would go on to make six 007 pictures between the years of 1962 and 1971. He would even return for one more stint in 1983. There were a lot of doubts when they cast Connery but they proved off base. He was fabulous as Bond and the role catapulted him into stardom. He brought a suave and sexy sophistication to the role but he could be a tough cookie as well. More importantly, Sean Connery was instrumental in launching and making this adored James Bond franchise into the huge success that it is today.
So, the ball is now in your court. Who is the better Bond? Is it the classic Sean Connery or the new kid on the block, Daniel Craig. There will only be one winner and you decide who it is. Vote now!
Keith & the Movies 
Ooo, this is going to be interesting!
While I appreciate and did enjoy Sean Connery as Bond, Daniel Craig is pretty much my definitive Bond now. I don’t know if it’s more to do with the films and how Bond’s portrayed rather than with Daniel Craig himself. I prefer this Bond to Connery’s Bond. This Bond has flaws. Yes, he’s an amazing super spy, but he falters, makes mistakes, falls in love. Those are things that I’ve really enjoyed watching.
You hit a lot on what makes Craig’s Bond work so well with me. He is indeed flawed and he does at times fail and lack confidence. I love Connery, but I’m leaning towards Craig.
Great throwdown, I would say Connery as he set the standard.
I can see him getting a lot of votes. I’m hoping this one will be pretty close.
I’ve gone for Craig, but only just. I’m just not so sure Connery would have been so revered if he wasn’t the first. To take Bond by the scruff of the neck and already be thought so highly of, Craig has done a fantastic job.
Craig has been brilliant. No doubt!
Craig comes close but I’m going to have to go with Connery.
Mission accomplished! This looks like it’s going to be a close pole.
Wow, neck and neck early on! (I voted Connery btw… cmon, of course!)
You’re an old-school kind of Bond guy, huh?
Nice, very appropriate throwdown. I haven’t seen a Connery Bond film yet, so went with Craig.
I’m still thinking Craig is the right choice. Some interesting opinions on it though. Thanks for voting!
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, even when they are wrong. There is no criticism I want to make about Daniel Craig, he is the James Bond of our time. Sean Connery is the James Bond of all times. The persona he created made the films work in the first place. He could easily do the current films justice but no one has ever met the same standard of self assurance, sexuality, humor and worldliness that Connery started.
Love your defense of Connery. Those ate the qualities that made me include him. Great Bond which makes for a great Throwdown! 🙂
I knew somehow the race would be tight. Connery is such eye candy as Bond but he’s so um, relaxed as a spy, but Craig is sometimes a bit too ‘thuggish’ also. But if I had to choose based on the movies, I’d go with Craig. Of course he’s still NOT my favorite Bond.
I know who your favorite is! lol! Connery has the “classic” thing going for him while Craig has the “current” thing going. I gotta lean Craig!
I went with Daniel Craig, although Sean Connery was also great.
Looks like Craig is going to need a little help!
Great post, man! Me digs the Connery on this one. With Craig right behind.
Thanks Vic! Looks like Sir Sean has it in the bag!
It was tough for me to press the button on this one. because they are both so great. Connery introduced us to Bond and Craig currently carries the torch. But I had to give it to Craig ONLY because he embodies it pretty well for a current audience to still enjoy 50 years later. It’s a big responsibility and he does it well, hence his part is then more important that Connery’s and he wins my vote.
Excellent! The fact that its tough make it more intriguing! Thanks for contributing!
As awesome as ‘The Connery’ was in his day, I feel the new Bond movies have added a bit of realism which was lacking in the ones before it. I love Connery’s Bond… but gotta go with ‘The Craig’ if forced to choose.
I agree. It’s neck and neck so far!
Daniel Craig is badass and a more believable James Bond.
Sean Connery’s Bond is timeless, while I feel Craig is just for our current time.
This is what Bond is:
Classy
Sophisticated and suave
Elegant
Clearly a womaniser
None of which I think Craig embodies, in my opinion. His movies are more like a rehash of Jason Bourne and Transporter movies, that is not BOND. Bond is not about so much action and fighting. But he is a spy and about using gadgetries! And Bond does not need realism and dealing with emotions. He is a misogynist and only licensed to kill!
And that’s why I think Sean Connery is the best and timeless as he set the gold standard for other Bonds to follow. No one can replace him.
Interesting observation on Craig. I think my general apathy towards Bond proper is why I like Craig so much. I do like the more grounded, damaged character.