The name’s Bond. James Bond.
Yes. We have our tickets and will be off tonight to see Casino Royale, the latest James Bond movie. I can’t wait. My whole family have all grown up watching Bond movies and there aren’t any I haven’t seen. The reviews are all very positive and it’s opening night last night smashed a Bond box office record, taking more in its first day of release than any previous 007 film. There’s 13 of us going together, so it should be a fun night!
Whilst I am a HUGE fan of 24 - and indeed Alias - there is something very unique about James Bond and - for me at least - he’s undoubtedly the ultimate secret agent.
Are there any other Bond fans out there in the City of Voices?
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November 17th, 2006 at 2:57 pm
I’ve seen a few, never been a big fan. I was just telling someone last night how I felt like it had the same plot line every time. Though I guess there’s something to be said about saving the world… Alias on the other hand, that was a thoroughly excellent series.
November 17th, 2006 at 2:57 pm
I love bond stuff. I saw this preview at the movies just last night. I was confused at how this ties into the typical Bond films. Let me know what you think of it.
24 rocks–but other good show: The Shield!!!
November 17th, 2006 at 3:03 pm
Lon - I’ve only seen series 1 of Alias so far. I definitely got into it and enjoyed it, though I was starting to find all the episodes quite samey. Having said that, I think part of my enjoyment of Bond is the way the core elements are the same…you sort of know what you’re getting - but not quite.
Mike - We’ve just spent the last week thoroughly engrossed in series 5 of 24 (the DVD set has just been released here in the UK). Truly addictive…I love it! I’ve not heard of The Shield. What’s that about?
November 17th, 2006 at 3:08 pm
The Shield is an interesting police drama about this dirty cop and his team. The shows theme (in my words) is about redemption and how no one is good, no matter what, so you have to choose what character you like based on something different than the typical good guy. Interesting stuff. You can get it on itunes–but not the first season I don’t think.
November 17th, 2006 at 4:25 pm
Sam,
Movie maven that I am, I’ve seen all the Bond films. I actually remember reading Ian Fleming’s Casino Royale when I was a kid (I believe it was the first Bond novel). Honestly, even though I’ve thoroughly enjoyed Bond through the years, I’m still waiting for a portrayal that comes close to the character in that book. Fleming’s Bond was a combination of dashing and ruthless. A man with a license to kill without consequence is a terrifying thing. Bond was an orphan at heart who had been rasied by the government to become the perfect espionage tool. Along the way he lost some of himself which probably manifests itself in his womanizing.
Connery (of course) remains the classic favorite, having pioneered the role. But is still too sweet bycomparison with the book.
Moore was maybe my least favorite. Don’t get me wrong, I loved watching him as the Saint, but I think he played Bond too cheeky.
Brosnan did a good job bringing a harder edge back to the character, and is probably the fullest portrayal to date.
Actually, the man I thought had the most Bond potential (even though sadly his films weren’t among my fav’s) was Timothy Dalton. There’s just something about him that reminds me of that character I first read in the book.
From the trailer, I have high hopes that Daniel Craig’s Bond may be just the ticket. He looks like he’s manage to return Bond’s cold steel edge. I hope it’s true and I’m looking forward to seeing it.
November 17th, 2006 at 8:10 pm
I love the Bond thing, the cars, the women, the gadgets all very exciting but quite a world away from reality for most of us. Maybe thats the element that is so great its like christmas full of fantasy and wonder (if you want it to be).
Speaking of Bond my mum has only recently retired but this week was recruited by counter intelligence
…………………………ooooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhh
i hear you cry
don’t panic however as they are a mystery shopping company who mystery shop local company’s..It did however just for one moment sound highly secretive and Bond like!!!
November 18th, 2006 at 12:27 am
Just back from seeing it. Loved it! And Daniel Craig makes a great James Bond. I’ll post some more thoughts tomorrow.
November 18th, 2006 at 8:22 pm
Have you seen Mandylion’s new avatar? One of his faces reveals his would-be identity!
November 18th, 2006 at 9:31 pm
Dean - I don’t know a lot about Bond and haven’t seen many films but from your description - “a combination of dashing and ruthless” - I think that Daniel Craig is exactly that. I’ve seen a couple of Sean Connery and all of Pierce Brosnan. This one is definitely ‘messier’ and meaner and very dangerous. I liked it.
November 19th, 2006 at 3:49 am
Sam, just saw casino. Awesome.
November 20th, 2006 at 5:16 pm
Fiona - Mandylion is looking very Bond-like in his new avatar!
Dave - good to hear from you…how’s things? What did you think of Daniel Craig? I really enjoyed his rawness. Not nearly as slick as the typical Bond. Very believable too.
November 20th, 2006 at 5:18 pm
Simon - I always knew there was something secretive and undercover about you and your family!
November 20th, 2006 at 10:37 pm
McManus. Alexander McManus.
darned. too many syllables.
November 21st, 2006 at 1:54 pm
Thanks for the comment. I’ve just been working as a full-time substitute teacher. One exciting development in the past couple months is Tiffany and I’s involvement in a fledgling church called The Green Chair. (I’ve been working on the website thegreenchair.org)
November 25th, 2006 at 8:12 am
That was the best Bond film yet. Daniel Craig was amazing as Bond. He was strong and ruthless yet kind and gentle … I loved the shower scene!
I also loved the banter between Bond and the girl. The dialog in train scene was so excellently crafted. The glances and unspoken body language were perfectly executed.
I liked the back story approach to this film. It is easier to understand now why Bond has always been portrayed as closed off when it comes to relationships.
It was a great, great film …
November 25th, 2006 at 9:02 am
We’ve seen it now, too. Much more real than the last couple which have been comical in parts. I’m with Tina, it helps us look at what made Bond. M was great as usual. We don’t always get to see films this early in their run, and it was a great experience when everyone laughed at the same moment.
I would have had a bit less of the early foot run, and a bit more of the DB9 chase, but hey, I’m picky. Daniel Craig was excellent - the poker games were rivetting. And the ending, well it had to be!
November 25th, 2006 at 9:34 am
My names irrelevant. Largely irrelevant.
Hang on… wrong. James Bond is a one off. I am with Sam in having a special thing about Bond. Read all the books in 60s paperback and seen all the films on ITV after the Christmas turkey and although this one didn’t have the ‘wow’ factor of the dam bungee jump from Goldeneye, or the 3000ft cliff parachuting of The Spy Who Loved Me films, it was far far closer to the spirit of the book and Craig’s toughness is so much more believable. It is a great ‘reboot’ for the franchise and boy did it need it after that idiotic invisible car and CGI surfing in Die Another Day! Roll on the DVD and the next Craig film.
How many men squirmed at that torture scene though?! (winces noticeably)
November 25th, 2006 at 6:47 pm
I just saw this last night with my brother-in-law and loved it as well. I’ve never been much of a Bond fan but this film might have changed that. Great entertainment!
November 27th, 2006 at 9:43 am
Tina - that dialogue on the train was really good. Worked very well.
Fiona - I have to say that I loved the early foot run. It was a bit different to the more expected car chases you get with Bond.
Snakesanddoves - very true about the torture scene!
Tony - I think you’re right. Rachel has never been a big Bond fan but she really enjoyed it too. I think this film has a much broader appeal than the typical Bond movie.
January 15th, 2007 at 3:43 pm
Well, there was another trailer - there could have been another star!
http://www.glumbert.com/media/jamesbond
April 28th, 2007 at 1:50 am
cheap adult movie…
Reviews of cheap adult movie….