The Ambushers (1967)

Directed by Henry Levin. Starring Dean Martin, Janice Rule, Senta Berger, Albert Salmi, James Gregory, Kurt Krasznar, John Brascia, Beverly Adams.

Matt Helm…man-made flying saucer…need I say more? Third entry in the series is the nadir, spoof-y spy dreck so witless it made me long for Casino Royale…the 60s parody version, that is, not the “straight” one with Daniel Craig. Smug, stupid, sexist, and plenty of other negative S-words, but worst of all, it’s a complete bore without anything worth paying attention to (not even the various scantily-clad women). Even by Dino’s half-asleep/tipsy standards, he comes off entirely disinterested. The rear projection and levitation effects during the climactic chase are Hall of Shame bad for this type of picture. One more to go for Helm and company onscreen: The Wrecking Crew.

22/100