The Living Daylights marks Timothy Dalton's first performance as James Bond. Dalton presented a more serious Bond, but continued with the witticisms and humor that have been a trademark of the series. Tim Dalton also plays a broader range of emotions than his immediate predecessor, Roger Moore. The Dalton Bond features more dramatic moments, and the scenes with Maryam d'Abo are played especially well. Timothy Dalton gives perhaps the best performance of a new actor in the role of JB.

Jon Don Baker belongs in a cartoon strip, instead as the main villain in a Bond movie. Whitaker was expelled from West Point for cheating, this appears to be a trend for the way he gains his military power. However, Whitaker's enjoyment in discussing weaponary and combat is obvious from his tone and large grins while discussing the subject. Whitaker seems to identify with the previous conquerors, and his defense, as well as the wax figures of infamous tacticians is doubtlessly genuine. Still one of the worst villains. Koskov and Necros are the henchmen in the movie. Koskov is an intelligent and pampered General who often seems inept and unintelligent, but this is used to his advantage, and is invaluable for his many deceptions. Like the Whitaker character, Koskov is played by what seems to be a third-grader, and is not to be taken seriously. His, "I told you, I told you!" is evidence of that. Necros is like an updated version of Red Grant, but without the charisma. Him masqerading as a milkman in kidnapping Koskov worked well.

Kara is the prototypical Bond girl, smart, but finds herself in dire need of Bond's assistance. The only problem I have with this character, is that she's too inept to virtually do anything.

The movie itself features several great verbal exchanges, scenes, and action sequences. The Aston Martin chase, and the pre-title are the two that stand out the most. As usual John Barry composes a great score, with A-ha singing the title song. The Living Daylights embodies everything exceptional from the James Bond movies, and is definitely one of the best offerings from the series.