We start the Top '007'. You finish the Top 10. Who would James Bond be without his cool gadgets? Sure, he would still be a great spy with a license to kill but would there be 22 movies about the man? Bond fans remember the old films when Q would introduce some new gadgets with each new installment. Q may be missing in the latest films but Bond still has some slick tools. Even some of Bond's adversaries dabble in gadgetry but this list will be strictly MI6.
With Quantum of Solace opening on Friday, it's a great time to look back at some of past films and the gadgets Bond uses to dispose of henchmen, save himself and ultimately save the world.
7. Diamonds Are Forever (1971) - Electromagnetic RPM Controller Ring
Recap: The British Government wants to know why large shipments of diamonds are disappearing. When Bond (Sean Connery) goes undercover to catch the smugglers he soon finds there are bigger plans for the diamonds and he must stop evil plans (are there any other kind) to destroy Washington D.C.
Reason: The electromagnetic ring Q issues Bond isn't the most complex or flashy gadget he has ever had but it serves it's purpose. When used properly the ring ensures a jackpot on any slot machine, which happens to be relevant when Bond heads to Las Vegas. And out of all these gadgets, it would have helped me most in my life.
6. GoldenEye (1995) - Omega Wristwatch
Recap: When access codes for a deadly satellite weapon system fall into the wrong hands, Bond (Pierce Brosnan) races to find out who is responsible. Surprised at the identity of the mastermind behind the plot he must battle an old friend to save the world.
Reason: Bond goes through wristwatches like he goes through women. Some of them contain communication devices, others have electromagnets or Geiger counters. In GoldenEye his Omega watch contains a detonator and a laser cutting tool, which comes in handy when he needs to escape a self-destructing armored train.
5. The Living Daylights (1987) - Explosive Key-chain
Recap: After organizing the defection of a Soviet officer, Bond (Timothy Dalton) learns of a KGB plan to eliminate all Western agents. Bond travels the world to investigate in an effort to disrupt the evil plot.
Reason: A key-chain may seem harmless enough but if James Bond carries it, be prepared for anything. Not only does this key-chain hold a lock pick that Q claims can open 90 percent of the world's locks, it also doubles as an alternate weapon. Activated by whistling, the key-chain can release stun gas or detonate an explosive charge just in case Bond finds himself out of bullets.
4. Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) - Mobile Phone
Recap: A British warship sinks in Chinese waters and James Bond (Brosnan) is sent to investigate. As Bond uncovers the details behind the ship's demise he must act quickly to prevent a war and stop the evil plans of a crazed media mogul.
Reason: Bond's mobile phone may not have internet access or hundreds of downloadable 'apps' but it does have just about everything else. A spy never knows when he might need a stun gun, a fingerprint scanner to analyze and open biometric locks, a remote lock pick or a remote control for his BMW. Good thing this phone has it all.
3. You Only Live Twice (1967) - Little Nellie
Recap: When a US space capsule disappears, James Bond (Connery) is sent to find out who took it and where they are keeping it to prevent further world crisis.
Reason: Bond gets a new toy in this installment, the Wallis WA-116 Series 1 gyroplane (codename Little Nellie). The aircraft can be broken down to fit into several small cases and comes complete with machine guns, rocket launcher, air mines and rear flame-thrower. Great for airborne reconnaissance and fighting off armed helicopters.
2. From Russia With Love (1963) - Briefcase
Recap: Russian secrets are at risk and Bond (Connery) must find the Lektor, a Russian decoding machine, before the evil SPECTRE organization discovers it first.
Reason: To help him take care of business Bond is equipped with a new briefcase (not the ordinary kind). The case includes a disassembled AR-7 .22 rifle with an infrared sight and ammunition. It also conceals a throwing knife in the handle and a gas bomb set to detonate if opened improperly. Nothing says 'spy' like a loaded briefcase.
1. Goldfinger (1964) - Aston Martin DB5
Recap: James Bond (Connery) is sent to investigate Auric Goldfinger (Gert Frobe), a wealthy tycoon who is stockpiling gold. He soon discovers Goldfinger's plot to disrupt the world economy with an attack on Fort Knox and must do everything in his power to thwart the evil plan.
Reason: Bond gets a new car this time around, a modified Aston Martin DB5. It's fully loaded with guns behind the headlights, rear bulletproof shield, revolving license plates and rear defenses including smoke screen and oil slick. On top of that, it comes with a passenger ejector seat to take care of any 'backseat drivers'. Who wouldn't want this car? It's rumored that one of the models built for publicity tours sold for over $2 million in 2006.
There’s the Top 7, now what should be in the Top 10?