Ian Fleming is perhaps best known for being the creator of James Bond and the series of novels that center the character, but he's also the mind behind the 1964 children's novel "Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang: The Magical Car," which was subsequently turned into the beloved, Academy Award-nominated fantasy movie musical and later, a stage musical. The story focuses on the Potts family, namely, siblings Jeremy and Jemima, who desperately try to set up their widowed inventor father Caractacus with a beautiful woman named Truly Scrumptious. And people had the audacity to make fun of the character names in "The Hunger Games" series? Tsk. Tsk. During a day at the beach, Caractacus tells the children a fantastical tale about the villainous Baron Bomburst, the tyrant ruler of the land of Vulgaria, and his attempts to steal their magical family car, the titular Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
"Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" is a whimsical story through and through,...
"Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" is a whimsical story through and through,...
- 4/6/2024
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
One of the many James Bond franchise staples introduced in 1964's "Goldfinger" was 007's Aston Martin DB5. Throughout his 60-year cinematic run, Bond has had the pleasure of driving some of the finest vehicles in the world, but none have become as synonymous with England's greatest spy as the DB5. Which is why, to this day, Aston Martin's 1963 luxury grand tourer remains the best James Bond car.
Prior to "Goldfinger," there had been two Bond movies: 1962's "Dr. No" and 1963's "From Russia With Love." In the former, 007 was seen riding in a Sunbeam Alpine, and in the latter a Bentley Mark IV — an odd choice considering the car had been around for a good 30 years prior to Sean Connery's Bond making use of it. And in Ian Fleming's first Bond novel, "Casino Royale," the MI6 agent drove a 1930 Blower Bentley, a racing version of the Bentley 4½ Litre.
Prior to "Goldfinger," there had been two Bond movies: 1962's "Dr. No" and 1963's "From Russia With Love." In the former, 007 was seen riding in a Sunbeam Alpine, and in the latter a Bentley Mark IV — an odd choice considering the car had been around for a good 30 years prior to Sean Connery's Bond making use of it. And in Ian Fleming's first Bond novel, "Casino Royale," the MI6 agent drove a 1930 Blower Bentley, a racing version of the Bentley 4½ Litre.
- 8/21/2023
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
Among James Bond movies, "Goldfinger" stands as the film that cemented 007's status as a global icon. Guy Hamilton's 1964 effort has since become known as the blueprint for all future Bond films, establishing longstanding tropes that still define the franchise today. A globe-spanning adventure, "Goldfinger" introduced that gadget-filled Aston Martin DB5 alongside legendary Bond girl Pussy Galore, played by the late Honor Blackman. Then there was that famous laser beam scene, in which Sean Connery's Bond is strapped to a table and forced to await an inexplicably slow death.
But it wasn't just gadgets and Bond girls with dodgy names that "Goldfinger" brought to the table. Richard Maibaum and Paul Dehn's script also introduced more subtle staples to the 007 saga, including an opening sequence seemingly unrelated to the film's main plot and a testy relationship between the titular spy and Desmond Llewelyn's Q that established the pair's dynamic going forward.
But it wasn't just gadgets and Bond girls with dodgy names that "Goldfinger" brought to the table. Richard Maibaum and Paul Dehn's script also introduced more subtle staples to the 007 saga, including an opening sequence seemingly unrelated to the film's main plot and a testy relationship between the titular spy and Desmond Llewelyn's Q that established the pair's dynamic going forward.
- 8/14/2023
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
Whether you want to know about kitting out James Bond or sinking his claws into Paddington Bear, Britain’s most likable actor is here to tell all
You’ll probably know Ben Whishaw best for taking over from Desmond Llewelyn (and briefly John Cleese) as Q in the past three James Bond films. And as the voice of Paddington Bear, where he was brought in at the last minute to replace Colin Firth.
Whishaw brings something so very likable to every role he plays: John Keats in Jane Campion’s Bright Star, Sebastian Flyte in the 2008 version of Brideshead Revisited and the grown-up Michael Banks in Mary Poppins Returns. And that includes his TV work: Norman Scott in A Very English Scandal and junior doctor Adam Kay in This Is Going to Hurt.
You’ll probably know Ben Whishaw best for taking over from Desmond Llewelyn (and briefly John Cleese) as Q in the past three James Bond films. And as the voice of Paddington Bear, where he was brought in at the last minute to replace Colin Firth.
Whishaw brings something so very likable to every role he plays: John Keats in Jane Campion’s Bright Star, Sebastian Flyte in the 2008 version of Brideshead Revisited and the grown-up Michael Banks in Mary Poppins Returns. And that includes his TV work: Norman Scott in A Very English Scandal and junior doctor Adam Kay in This Is Going to Hurt.
- 1/26/2023
- by Rich Pelley
- The Guardian - Film News
While everyone has their favorite James Bond movie, you’ll be hard-pushed to find someone who doesn’t love Sam Mendes’ Skyfall. A decade after the credits rolled on Daniel Craig’s third outing as the martini-swilling spy, it’s time to look back on the movie that could’ve been. Because the rumors are true: Skyfall once planned to pull Sean Connery out of retirement. Yet 10 years later, that twist now looks like it might’ve ruined the franchise forever in retrospect.
In Skyfall, things culminated in a bloody showdown between 007 (Craig) and the villainous Raoul Silva (Javier Bardem) at the titular Skyfall estate, Bond’s surprise childhood home. Also along for the ride were M (Judi Dench) and the estate’s jolly gamekeeper, Kincade, with the latter being a tie to James Bond’s childhood. Although Kincade was played by the legendary Albert Finney, the original plan was...
In Skyfall, things culminated in a bloody showdown between 007 (Craig) and the villainous Raoul Silva (Javier Bardem) at the titular Skyfall estate, Bond’s surprise childhood home. Also along for the ride were M (Judi Dench) and the estate’s jolly gamekeeper, Kincade, with the latter being a tie to James Bond’s childhood. Although Kincade was played by the legendary Albert Finney, the original plan was...
- 11/1/2022
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
This meticulous docu-drama is still the best show about the Titanic, the awesome disaster that has never lost its grip on the imagination. Roy Ward Baker leads an enormous cast of Brit character actors through 2.5 hours of true-life terror in the icy Atlantic — Kenneth More, Honor Blackman, David McCallum, Laurence Naismith, Anthony Bushell. No stupid subplots and no insulting anachronisms, just an awful sinking death trap and 1600 passengers facing the freezing water. [Imprint] brings some new extras to the mix, too.
A Night to Remember
Blu-ray
Viavision [Imprint] #135
1958 / B&w / 1:66 enhanced widescreen / 123 min. / Street Date June 29, 2022 / Available from / 39.95
Starring: Kenneth More, Honor Blackman, David McCallum, Laurence Naismith, Anthony Bushell, Alec McCowen, John Cairney, Michael Goodliffe, Ronald Allen, John Merivale, Jill Dixon, Kenneth Griffith, Frank Lawton, Tucker McGuire, Ralph Michael, George Rose, Joseph Tomelty, Jack Watling, Michael Bryant, Bee Duffel, Thomas Heathcote, Andrew Keir, Jeremy Bulloch, Desmond Llewelyn, Derren Nesbitt, Beth Rogan,...
A Night to Remember
Blu-ray
Viavision [Imprint] #135
1958 / B&w / 1:66 enhanced widescreen / 123 min. / Street Date June 29, 2022 / Available from / 39.95
Starring: Kenneth More, Honor Blackman, David McCallum, Laurence Naismith, Anthony Bushell, Alec McCowen, John Cairney, Michael Goodliffe, Ronald Allen, John Merivale, Jill Dixon, Kenneth Griffith, Frank Lawton, Tucker McGuire, Ralph Michael, George Rose, Joseph Tomelty, Jack Watling, Michael Bryant, Bee Duffel, Thomas Heathcote, Andrew Keir, Jeremy Bulloch, Desmond Llewelyn, Derren Nesbitt, Beth Rogan,...
- 7/12/2022
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
Cinema Retro's 18th season begins with issue #52, which is now shipping worldwide.
Highlights of this issue include:
"The Sand Pebbles"- James Sherlock explores the trials and tribulations behind the filming of Robert Wise's epic film which gained Steve McQueen his only Oscar nomination. "Dr. Syn: Alias the Scarecrow"- Dave Worrall's in-depth history of the character in film and literature, concentrating on the evolution of the Walt Disney three-part TV episodes starring Patrick McGoohan which would later emerge as a feature film.
"Tarzan's Greatest Adventure"- Nick Anez argues it's the best Tarzan film ever and his analysis might convince you to agree with him. Gordon Scott starred as the King of the Jungle and te gang of villains included young Sean Connery. "The Pink Panther"- John LeMay presents the fascinating history behind the first film to showcase Peter Sellers as Inspector Clouseau.
"The Golden...
Highlights of this issue include:
"The Sand Pebbles"- James Sherlock explores the trials and tribulations behind the filming of Robert Wise's epic film which gained Steve McQueen his only Oscar nomination. "Dr. Syn: Alias the Scarecrow"- Dave Worrall's in-depth history of the character in film and literature, concentrating on the evolution of the Walt Disney three-part TV episodes starring Patrick McGoohan which would later emerge as a feature film.
"Tarzan's Greatest Adventure"- Nick Anez argues it's the best Tarzan film ever and his analysis might convince you to agree with him. Gordon Scott starred as the King of the Jungle and te gang of villains included young Sean Connery. "The Pink Panther"- John LeMay presents the fascinating history behind the first film to showcase Peter Sellers as Inspector Clouseau.
"The Golden...
- 2/8/2022
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
This article contains Tenet spoilers.
Throughout the Daniel Craig era of James Bond, the influence of Christopher Nolan has been hard to miss. A year after Nolan reinvented Dark Knight mythology with Batman Begins, and created the industry term of a “reboot” in the process, 007 had his own back-to-basics reset in Casino Royale. And following The Dark Knight’s praise for reconfiguring its iconography again for a post-War on Terror world, Skyfall would receive similar acclaim a few years later for its chilly, realpolitik tone.
But no matter how many developments in the Bond canon end up attributed to Nolan’s influence, it should be recognized that Bond influenced him first. That fact is almost inescapable after watching Tenet, which just premiered on HBO Max. It’s the filmmaker’s latest time-bending thriller, and the one that most resembles a 007 flick. With its smoothly dressed secret agent hero, its allusions to British intelligence,...
Throughout the Daniel Craig era of James Bond, the influence of Christopher Nolan has been hard to miss. A year after Nolan reinvented Dark Knight mythology with Batman Begins, and created the industry term of a “reboot” in the process, 007 had his own back-to-basics reset in Casino Royale. And following The Dark Knight’s praise for reconfiguring its iconography again for a post-War on Terror world, Skyfall would receive similar acclaim a few years later for its chilly, realpolitik tone.
But no matter how many developments in the Bond canon end up attributed to Nolan’s influence, it should be recognized that Bond influenced him first. That fact is almost inescapable after watching Tenet, which just premiered on HBO Max. It’s the filmmaker’s latest time-bending thriller, and the one that most resembles a 007 flick. With its smoothly dressed secret agent hero, its allusions to British intelligence,...
- 5/5/2021
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
James Bond has used every imaginable gadget to get him out of all manner of jams, but he would be nothing without his technologically-inclined aide. The secret agent’s contraptions are given to him by a man known as Q, which is short for quartermaster. Q is the department head of the experimental research and development division of MI6. Despite never appearing in any of author Ian Fleming’s original texts, Q and his laboratory of engineers have been a constant presence throughout the Bond franchise and have supplied the super spy with gizmos aplenty in all but a few of the films. The armorer’s first appearance was in 1962’s “Dr. No” where he played a character by the name of Major Boothroyd who equipped Sean Connery’s James Bond with the secret agent’s signature Walther Ppk handgun for the first time.
Across Eon Productions’ 25 Bond films, Q...
Across Eon Productions’ 25 Bond films, Q...
- 2/20/2020
- by David Viramontes
- Variety Film + TV
Here’s the latest episode of the The Filmmakers Podcast, part of the ever-growing podcast roster here on Nerdly. If you haven’t heard the show yet, you can check out previous episodes on the official podcast site, whilst we’ll be featuring each and every new episode as it premieres.
For those unfamiliar, with the series, The Filmmakers Podcast is a podcast about how to make films from micro budget indie films to bigger budget studio films and everything in-between. Our hosts Giles Alderson, Dan Richardson, Andrew Rodger and Cristian James talk how to get films made, how to actually make them and how to try not to f… it up in their very humble opinion. Guests will come on and chat about their film making experiences from directors, writers, producers, screenwriters, actors, cinematographers and distributors. They also shoot the breeze about their new films, The Dare, World of Darkness,...
For those unfamiliar, with the series, The Filmmakers Podcast is a podcast about how to make films from micro budget indie films to bigger budget studio films and everything in-between. Our hosts Giles Alderson, Dan Richardson, Andrew Rodger and Cristian James talk how to get films made, how to actually make them and how to try not to f… it up in their very humble opinion. Guests will come on and chat about their film making experiences from directors, writers, producers, screenwriters, actors, cinematographers and distributors. They also shoot the breeze about their new films, The Dare, World of Darkness,...
- 11/13/2019
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
By Todd Garbarini
Laemmle’s NoHo 7 Theatre in Los Angeles will be presenting a Digital Cinema Package (Dcp) screening of John Glen’s 1989 James Bond outing Licence to Kill. The 133-minute film, which stars Timothy Dalton in his second and final stint as 007, also features Cary Lowell, Robert Davi, Anthony Zerbe, and Desmond Llewelyn. Director Glen also helmed For Your Eyes Only (1981), Octopussy (1983), A View to a Kill (1985), and The Living Daylights (1987).
Licence to Kill will be screened on Thursday, August 23, 2018 at 7:30 pm.
Please Note: At press time, Licence to Kill actor Robert Davi will participate in a Q&A after the screening at the NoHo on Thursday, August 23.
The NoHo 7 Theatre is located at 5240 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, CA. The phone number is (310) 478 – 3836.
Click here for tickets.
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Laemmle’s NoHo 7 Theatre in Los Angeles will be presenting a Digital Cinema Package (Dcp) screening of John Glen’s 1989 James Bond outing Licence to Kill. The 133-minute film, which stars Timothy Dalton in his second and final stint as 007, also features Cary Lowell, Robert Davi, Anthony Zerbe, and Desmond Llewelyn. Director Glen also helmed For Your Eyes Only (1981), Octopussy (1983), A View to a Kill (1985), and The Living Daylights (1987).
Licence to Kill will be screened on Thursday, August 23, 2018 at 7:30 pm.
Please Note: At press time, Licence to Kill actor Robert Davi will participate in a Q&A after the screening at the NoHo on Thursday, August 23.
The NoHo 7 Theatre is located at 5240 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, CA. The phone number is (310) 478 – 3836.
Click here for tickets.
Normal 0 false false false En-us X-none X-none...
- 8/20/2018
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
By Todd Garbarini
Laemmle’s NoHo 7 Theatre in Los Angeles will be presenting a Digital Cinema Package (Dcp) screening of Peter Hunt’s 1969 James Bond outing On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. The 142-minute film, which stars George Lazenby as James Bond in his only performance as the beloved spy, features Diana Rigg, Telly Savalas, Lois Maxwell, Bernard Lee, and Desmond Llewelyn.
It will be screened on Thursday, August 9, 2018 at 7:30 pm.
Please Note: At press time, George Lazenby is scheduled to appear in person for a discussion about the film following the screening.
The NoHo 7 Theatre is located at 5240 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, CA. The phone number is (310) 478 – 3836.
Click here for tickets.
Laemmle’s NoHo 7 Theatre in Los Angeles will be presenting a Digital Cinema Package (Dcp) screening of Peter Hunt’s 1969 James Bond outing On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. The 142-minute film, which stars George Lazenby as James Bond in his only performance as the beloved spy, features Diana Rigg, Telly Savalas, Lois Maxwell, Bernard Lee, and Desmond Llewelyn.
It will be screened on Thursday, August 9, 2018 at 7:30 pm.
Please Note: At press time, George Lazenby is scheduled to appear in person for a discussion about the film following the screening.
The NoHo 7 Theatre is located at 5240 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, CA. The phone number is (310) 478 – 3836.
Click here for tickets.
- 8/4/2018
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Highlights of this issue include:
"The Sand Pebbles"- James Sherlock explores the trials and tribulations behind the filming of Robert Wise's epic film which gained Steve McQueen his only Oscar nomination. "Dr. Syn: Alias the Scarecrow"- Dave Worrall's in-depth history of the character in film and literature, concentrating on the evolution of the Walt Disney three-part TV episodes starring Patrick McGoohan which would later emerge as a feature film.
"Tarzan's Greatest Adventure"- Nick Anez argues it's the best Tarzan film ever and his analysis might convince you to agree with him. Gordon Scott starred as the King of the Jungle and the gang of villains included young Sean Connery. "The Pink Panther"- John LeMay presents the fascinating history behind the first film to showcase Peter Sellers as Inspector Clouseau.
"The Golden Lady"- Tim Greaves shines the spotlight on the little-seen and little-remembered spy...
"The Sand Pebbles"- James Sherlock explores the trials and tribulations behind the filming of Robert Wise's epic film which gained Steve McQueen his only Oscar nomination. "Dr. Syn: Alias the Scarecrow"- Dave Worrall's in-depth history of the character in film and literature, concentrating on the evolution of the Walt Disney three-part TV episodes starring Patrick McGoohan which would later emerge as a feature film.
"Tarzan's Greatest Adventure"- Nick Anez argues it's the best Tarzan film ever and his analysis might convince you to agree with him. Gordon Scott starred as the King of the Jungle and the gang of villains included young Sean Connery. "The Pink Panther"- John LeMay presents the fascinating history behind the first film to showcase Peter Sellers as Inspector Clouseau.
"The Golden Lady"- Tim Greaves shines the spotlight on the little-seen and little-remembered spy...
- 5/23/2018
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Can a pirate be a substitute monster? Hammer Films gives yet another genre a spin with this box-office winner that launched a sideline in costume adventures. The Hammer crew makes it work: Christopher Lee, Marla Landi, Marie Devereaux, Michael Ripper, Oliver Reed and Andrew Keir, plus yank assistance from Kerwin Mathews and Glenn Corbett.
The Pirates of Blood River
Blu-ray
Twilight Time
1962 / Color / 2:35 widescreen / 87 min. / Street Date October 17, 2017 / Available from the Twilight Time Movies Store / 29.95
Starring: Kerwin Mathews, Christopher Lee, Andrew Keir, Glenn Corbett, Marla Landi, Michael Ripper, Peter Arne, Oliver Reed, Marie Devereux.
Cinematography: Arthur Grant
Production Design: Bernard Robinson
Art Direction: Don Mingaye
Film Editor: Eric Boyd-Perkins
Original Music: Gary Hughes
Written by John Hunter, John Gilling, Jimmy Sangster
Produced by Michael Carreras, Anthony Nelson-Keys
Directed by John Gilling
Hammer Films didn’t start out as a horror studio, but after their big Technicolor successes in 1957-...
The Pirates of Blood River
Blu-ray
Twilight Time
1962 / Color / 2:35 widescreen / 87 min. / Street Date October 17, 2017 / Available from the Twilight Time Movies Store / 29.95
Starring: Kerwin Mathews, Christopher Lee, Andrew Keir, Glenn Corbett, Marla Landi, Michael Ripper, Peter Arne, Oliver Reed, Marie Devereux.
Cinematography: Arthur Grant
Production Design: Bernard Robinson
Art Direction: Don Mingaye
Film Editor: Eric Boyd-Perkins
Original Music: Gary Hughes
Written by John Hunter, John Gilling, Jimmy Sangster
Produced by Michael Carreras, Anthony Nelson-Keys
Directed by John Gilling
Hammer Films didn’t start out as a horror studio, but after their big Technicolor successes in 1957-...
- 11/4/2017
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
In the James Bond films, the character Q heads the fictional research and development division of MI6 and provides Bond with all of the gadgets he needs on his various missions. Though the character has always been played by a man since the first Bond film in 1962, CNN reports that the real head of MI6 Alex Younger has now revealed that “the real-life Q is a woman,” though her actual identity obviously remains a secret. Watch the video unpacking the news below.
Read More: Tom Hardy on Whether or Not He’s in Contention to Play James Bond: ‘If I Mention It, It’s Gone’
“Glass ceilings are being broken,” says former Chief of Disguise for the CIA Jonna Mendez. She believes that a woman might bring “an empathy, an ability to communicate with people, a kind of softness, not so much of an edge, but a natural ability to...
Read More: Tom Hardy on Whether or Not He’s in Contention to Play James Bond: ‘If I Mention It, It’s Gone’
“Glass ceilings are being broken,” says former Chief of Disguise for the CIA Jonna Mendez. She believes that a woman might bring “an empathy, an ability to communicate with people, a kind of softness, not so much of an edge, but a natural ability to...
- 1/27/2017
- by Vikram Murthi
- Indiewire
The character has been played by Ben Whishaw, John Cleese, Desmond Llewelyn and, just once (and very briefly), Peter Burton.
But it seems 007 casting directors have been getting one crucial thing wrong about James Bond's legendary provider of rocket-firing cars, nifty last-minute life-saving gadgets and that magnetic watch that can undo zips: Q.
Delivering the keynote speech at the Women in It Awards, held in London Wednesday, the head of Britain's Secret Service, Alex Younger, revealed that the real-life Quartermaster is female.
"If any of you would like to join us … the real-life Q is looking forward to...
But it seems 007 casting directors have been getting one crucial thing wrong about James Bond's legendary provider of rocket-firing cars, nifty last-minute life-saving gadgets and that magnetic watch that can undo zips: Q.
Delivering the keynote speech at the Women in It Awards, held in London Wednesday, the head of Britain's Secret Service, Alex Younger, revealed that the real-life Quartermaster is female.
"If any of you would like to join us … the real-life Q is looking forward to...
- 1/26/2017
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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We complete our series looking back at the James Bond movies, with a detailed look at Spectre, starring Daniel Craig...
This article contains big spoilers for Spectre and Star Trek Into Darkness.
Daniel Craig’s fourth or Roger Moore’s eighth? The former of course but you get the point. The almost-realistic stylings of early Craig have given way to the full blown pantomime excess of mid-Moore (or late Connery, in fairness). Desert lairs, endless car chases, free-wheelin’ helicopters and indestructible airplanes are all very much back in vogue. The result is a largely enjoyable, extremely silly film which attempts to tie previous Craig outings together at the expense of consistency and logic. There isn’t a plot: more a succession of scenes stitched together. And it still can’t manage a decent finale! Fun but ultimately frivolous. Now who does that remind me of?
The Villain: It’s Blofeld!
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We complete our series looking back at the James Bond movies, with a detailed look at Spectre, starring Daniel Craig...
This article contains big spoilers for Spectre and Star Trek Into Darkness.
Daniel Craig’s fourth or Roger Moore’s eighth? The former of course but you get the point. The almost-realistic stylings of early Craig have given way to the full blown pantomime excess of mid-Moore (or late Connery, in fairness). Desert lairs, endless car chases, free-wheelin’ helicopters and indestructible airplanes are all very much back in vogue. The result is a largely enjoyable, extremely silly film which attempts to tie previous Craig outings together at the expense of consistency and logic. There isn’t a plot: more a succession of scenes stitched together. And it still can’t manage a decent finale! Fun but ultimately frivolous. Now who does that remind me of?
The Villain: It’s Blofeld!
- 1/24/2016
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
Back in 2012, our staff decided to group together and come up with a list of the best films in the 007, James Bond franchise. With Spectre rolling out this weekend, we decided to republish the article. Let us know which is your favourite, and be sure to check out our review of Spectre here.
#1: From Russia With Love
Directed by Terence Young
Written by Richard Maibaum and Johanna Harwood
1963, UK
50 years later, and with twenty three “official” entries, From Russia With Love represents the very best of the Bond franchise. Skyfall is the closest to be considered, at best – almost equal to what was achieved in ’64 – but From Russia With Love is still unparalleled. Although it is the second in the series, and although it feels like no Bond film that followed, it is the film that solidifies all the Bond elements into a formula – a template that carries on,...
#1: From Russia With Love
Directed by Terence Young
Written by Richard Maibaum and Johanna Harwood
1963, UK
50 years later, and with twenty three “official” entries, From Russia With Love represents the very best of the Bond franchise. Skyfall is the closest to be considered, at best – almost equal to what was achieved in ’64 – but From Russia With Love is still unparalleled. Although it is the second in the series, and although it feels like no Bond film that followed, it is the film that solidifies all the Bond elements into a formula – a template that carries on,...
- 11/6/2015
- by Ricky da Conceição
- SoundOnSight
On Her Majesty’s Secret Service
Written by Richard Maibaum
Directed by Peter Hunt
UK, 1969
To call On Her Majesty’s Secret Service underappreciated is to call the sky blue. Only in the years since the release of Daniel Craig’s introduction to the series, Casino Royale, has Ohmss begun to be reappraised as a realistic, character-driven approach to the Bond series. Its failure at the box office compared to the Connery entries that preceded it led to the producers, Albert “Cubby” Broccoli and Harry Salzman, returning to the Goldfinger formula of larger than life villains, iconic henchmen, ludicrously elaborate take-over-the-world schemes, and a generally heightened sense to the proceedings, all of which are noticeably absent from Ohmss.
Sean Connery had a rough experience during filming of 1967’s You Only Live Twice. The media scrutiny, long filming periods, and promotional duties caused him to leave the role that had made his career.
Written by Richard Maibaum
Directed by Peter Hunt
UK, 1969
To call On Her Majesty’s Secret Service underappreciated is to call the sky blue. Only in the years since the release of Daniel Craig’s introduction to the series, Casino Royale, has Ohmss begun to be reappraised as a realistic, character-driven approach to the Bond series. Its failure at the box office compared to the Connery entries that preceded it led to the producers, Albert “Cubby” Broccoli and Harry Salzman, returning to the Goldfinger formula of larger than life villains, iconic henchmen, ludicrously elaborate take-over-the-world schemes, and a generally heightened sense to the proceedings, all of which are noticeably absent from Ohmss.
Sean Connery had a rough experience during filming of 1967’s You Only Live Twice. The media scrutiny, long filming periods, and promotional duties caused him to leave the role that had made his career.
- 11/2/2015
- by Gabriel Bucsko
- SoundOnSight
From Russia With Love
Directed by Terrence Young
Written by Richard Maibaum and Johanna Harwood
1963, UK
50 years later, and with twenty-three “official” entries, From Russia With Love represents the very best of the Bond franchise. Skyfall is the closest to be considered, at best – almost equal to what was achieved in ’64 – but From Russia With Love is still unparalleled. Although it is the second in the series, and although it feels like no Bond film that followed, it is the film that solidifies all the Bond elements into a formula – a template that carries on, even today.
Spectre’s Persian-stroking nemesis/mastermind Ernest Blofeld makes his first appearance and so does Desmond Llewelyn’s gadget-friendly Q (starting a run that continued until his death in 1999). Screenwriters Richard Maibaum and Johanna Harwood return, as does director and editor Terence Young and Peter Hunt. John Barry supplies the fine score by utilizing Monte Norman’s theme,...
Directed by Terrence Young
Written by Richard Maibaum and Johanna Harwood
1963, UK
50 years later, and with twenty-three “official” entries, From Russia With Love represents the very best of the Bond franchise. Skyfall is the closest to be considered, at best – almost equal to what was achieved in ’64 – but From Russia With Love is still unparalleled. Although it is the second in the series, and although it feels like no Bond film that followed, it is the film that solidifies all the Bond elements into a formula – a template that carries on, even today.
Spectre’s Persian-stroking nemesis/mastermind Ernest Blofeld makes his first appearance and so does Desmond Llewelyn’s gadget-friendly Q (starting a run that continued until his death in 1999). Screenwriters Richard Maibaum and Johanna Harwood return, as does director and editor Terence Young and Peter Hunt. John Barry supplies the fine score by utilizing Monte Norman’s theme,...
- 11/2/2015
- by Ricky da Conceição
- SoundOnSight
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A peroxide Terminator, a magnificent M, and stunning set-pieces. We revisit Sam Mendes' first Bond film, Skyfall...
The film: Brilliant first half, problematic second. But even the second half is still pretty good. Manages to celebrate the traditions/clichés of the franchise without ever descending into parody. Stunning set-pieces in Istanbul, Shanghai and Macau showcase the globetrotting and glamour that has served the franchise so well (naturally, we end in Scotland). The plot disappears halfway through and finale is again underwhelming, although less so than the previous Craigs. Ultimately Skyfall is a great Bond film on first watch, a very good one thereafter.
The Villain: A fine antagonist, although certainly not the best ever. The first camp baddie since Wint and Kidd in Diamonds Are Forever (and they were only henchmen). Silva is a heap of fun. His deep, sexy voice charms you, but those cold...
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A peroxide Terminator, a magnificent M, and stunning set-pieces. We revisit Sam Mendes' first Bond film, Skyfall...
The film: Brilliant first half, problematic second. But even the second half is still pretty good. Manages to celebrate the traditions/clichés of the franchise without ever descending into parody. Stunning set-pieces in Istanbul, Shanghai and Macau showcase the globetrotting and glamour that has served the franchise so well (naturally, we end in Scotland). The plot disappears halfway through and finale is again underwhelming, although less so than the previous Craigs. Ultimately Skyfall is a great Bond film on first watch, a very good one thereafter.
The Villain: A fine antagonist, although certainly not the best ever. The first camp baddie since Wint and Kidd in Diamonds Are Forever (and they were only henchmen). Silva is a heap of fun. His deep, sexy voice charms you, but those cold...
- 10/23/2015
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
Max Williams Nov 19, 2018
Christmas Jones? Robert Carlyle not feeling pain? Welcome to the 3rd Pierce Brosnan James Bond movie, The World Is Not Enough.
This article comes from Den of Geek UK.
This one is a real curate’s egg (and not the Faberge' type). A daring twist on the formula or a tired limp into the new millennium? The case for the prosecution: mostly dull action sequences, a Bond girl memorable for the wrong reasons, an underpowered climax and a plot thinner than a dieting ghost. The case for the defense: a unique duo of villains, a welcome abundance of M, some really interesting ideas, and perhaps the most affecting of all James Bond’s kills.
The Villains: A couple to give a relationship counselor nightmares. He’s a slowly dying terrorist who can’t feel pain, she’s a seductive oil heiress with an overwhelming urge to nuke Istanbul.
Christmas Jones? Robert Carlyle not feeling pain? Welcome to the 3rd Pierce Brosnan James Bond movie, The World Is Not Enough.
This article comes from Den of Geek UK.
This one is a real curate’s egg (and not the Faberge' type). A daring twist on the formula or a tired limp into the new millennium? The case for the prosecution: mostly dull action sequences, a Bond girl memorable for the wrong reasons, an underpowered climax and a plot thinner than a dieting ghost. The case for the defense: a unique duo of villains, a welcome abundance of M, some really interesting ideas, and perhaps the most affecting of all James Bond’s kills.
The Villains: A couple to give a relationship counselor nightmares. He’s a slowly dying terrorist who can’t feel pain, she’s a seductive oil heiress with an overwhelming urge to nuke Istanbul.
- 9/28/2015
- Den of Geek
Before Casino Royale took James Bond down a darker path, there was Timothy Dalton's final 007 outing, Licence To Kill...
So this is the anti-Bond. Stripped of the requisite wit and mischief. Short of temper, heavy of touch. The SPECTREs of yore replaced by a drugs cartel. World domination downgraded to a heroin monopoly. Glamour smothered by grit. Joy drowned in the bloodshed. The icon of British cinema reduced to an American cop show – MI6 Vice, Hawaii 007 – timeless style swamped by the vulgarity and cash of the late-1980s, a case of ‘Sayonara, Mr Bond’ and everything you stand for. Derivative, needlessly violent, no identity, no soul – it’s just Not Bond, dammit! All nonsense, of course. The open-minded know this brutal, brilliant outing is about as good as the series can get.
The Villain: Franz Sanchez is unquestionably the great forgotten villain of the franchise. He possesses all the vital characteristics: charm,...
So this is the anti-Bond. Stripped of the requisite wit and mischief. Short of temper, heavy of touch. The SPECTREs of yore replaced by a drugs cartel. World domination downgraded to a heroin monopoly. Glamour smothered by grit. Joy drowned in the bloodshed. The icon of British cinema reduced to an American cop show – MI6 Vice, Hawaii 007 – timeless style swamped by the vulgarity and cash of the late-1980s, a case of ‘Sayonara, Mr Bond’ and everything you stand for. Derivative, needlessly violent, no identity, no soul – it’s just Not Bond, dammit! All nonsense, of course. The open-minded know this brutal, brilliant outing is about as good as the series can get.
The Villain: Franz Sanchez is unquestionably the great forgotten villain of the franchise. He possesses all the vital characteristics: charm,...
- 7/5/2015
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
I interviewed Pierce Brosnan in conjunction with his third outing as James Bond, in Michael Apted's The World Is Not Enough, in 1999. Brosnan was alternately charming, erudite, thoughtful and intense during our two hour chat. His native intelligence shone through it all, as did a sense of decency which many people seem to acquire after enduring and surviving hardship in their formative years.
Bonding With Brosnan
By
Alex Simon
There are several dangers in becoming a cultural icon, not the least of which is the stigma that your public will forever keep you imprisoned in the mold of your iconography, allowing the recipient a privileged, if imprisoned, existence, particularly if that person is an artist. Sean Connery faced just such a dilemma during the height of James Bond-mania in the mid-60's. A serious actor, Connery desperately wanted to break out of the action hero mold that was British Superspy James Bond,...
Bonding With Brosnan
By
Alex Simon
There are several dangers in becoming a cultural icon, not the least of which is the stigma that your public will forever keep you imprisoned in the mold of your iconography, allowing the recipient a privileged, if imprisoned, existence, particularly if that person is an artist. Sean Connery faced just such a dilemma during the height of James Bond-mania in the mid-60's. A serious actor, Connery desperately wanted to break out of the action hero mold that was British Superspy James Bond,...
- 6/24/2015
- by The Hollywood Interview.com
- The Hollywood Interview
The first of Timothy Dalton's pair of James Bond 007 adventures. We look back at The Living Daylights...
This one's strong, if uneven. The Living Daylights has a lot going for it, not least a lean, sharkish Timothy Dalton, tight of smile and cold of eye. Other strengths include a plot that actually goes places (even if they aren’t always the right ones), a great soundtrack, a palpably menacing hitman and the enjoyably retro prominence of the Cold War. All well and good. However, the central villains are a weakness, neither really working alone or as a duo. The girl is admirable but a little trying. The pace sometimes flags and the stakes never rise. Despite a standout fight aboard an aeroplane (as good as Bond gets) the film never quite takes off.
The Villains: A three-in-one deal. Never a great sign: quality is rarely offered in quantity. Georgi Koskov is a cheerful,...
This one's strong, if uneven. The Living Daylights has a lot going for it, not least a lean, sharkish Timothy Dalton, tight of smile and cold of eye. Other strengths include a plot that actually goes places (even if they aren’t always the right ones), a great soundtrack, a palpably menacing hitman and the enjoyably retro prominence of the Cold War. All well and good. However, the central villains are a weakness, neither really working alone or as a duo. The girl is admirable but a little trying. The pace sometimes flags and the stakes never rise. Despite a standout fight aboard an aeroplane (as good as Bond gets) the film never quite takes off.
The Villains: A three-in-one deal. Never a great sign: quality is rarely offered in quantity. Georgi Koskov is a cheerful,...
- 6/21/2015
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
Sean Connery as Bond. Honor Blackman as Pussy Galore. Auric Goldfinger. Oddjob too. Our 007 lookbacks arrive at the iconic Goldfinger...
For many this is the Bond film. The quintessential Bond facing the ultimate villain who utters the greatest line midway through the most iconic scene. Plus you have the coolest henchman, the best car, the most memorable death, the loudest song, and the Bond girl with the silliest name. Plus Honor Blackman could easily lay a claim to being the premier leading lady. While Goldfinger can’t claim all the aforementioned categories, there’s little doubt that the film is a peak, a marrying of critical acclaim and popular appeal rarely achieved since.
The Villain: Monumental. A hugely charismatic figure and the most jovial of baddies, the Big Man utterly dominates the film. He interacts with Bond perhaps more than any other antagonist: over golf, cocktails and, immortally, beneath a laser.
For many this is the Bond film. The quintessential Bond facing the ultimate villain who utters the greatest line midway through the most iconic scene. Plus you have the coolest henchman, the best car, the most memorable death, the loudest song, and the Bond girl with the silliest name. Plus Honor Blackman could easily lay a claim to being the premier leading lady. While Goldfinger can’t claim all the aforementioned categories, there’s little doubt that the film is a peak, a marrying of critical acclaim and popular appeal rarely achieved since.
The Villain: Monumental. A hugely charismatic figure and the most jovial of baddies, the Big Man utterly dominates the film. He interacts with Bond perhaps more than any other antagonist: over golf, cocktails and, immortally, beneath a laser.
- 2/22/2015
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
John Cleese has criticised the direction of the new James Bond films.
The actor - who played long-time Q actor Desmond Llewelyn's assistant in The World is Not Enough and his replacement in Die Another Day - complained that the comedy has gone out of the classic spy franchise.
"I didn't see [Skyfall], because I have criticisms of the new Bond movies," the Monty Python legend told Shortlist.
"Two things went wrong - the plots became so impossibly obscure that even professional writers couldn't figure out what they were about, and the action scenes, which are supposed to make the adrenaline run, go on far too long.
"They discovered these movies were popular in places such as the Philippines and South Korea, and so they dropped the humour because no one there is going to understand jokes about the English class system. They're financially incredibly clever, as the take goes up by $100m every movie,...
The actor - who played long-time Q actor Desmond Llewelyn's assistant in The World is Not Enough and his replacement in Die Another Day - complained that the comedy has gone out of the classic spy franchise.
"I didn't see [Skyfall], because I have criticisms of the new Bond movies," the Monty Python legend told Shortlist.
"Two things went wrong - the plots became so impossibly obscure that even professional writers couldn't figure out what they were about, and the action scenes, which are supposed to make the adrenaline run, go on far too long.
"They discovered these movies were popular in places such as the Philippines and South Korea, and so they dropped the humour because no one there is going to understand jokes about the English class system. They're financially incredibly clever, as the take goes up by $100m every movie,...
- 10/23/2014
- Digital Spy
The James Bond series - based on Ian Fleming's spy novels - is one of cinema's biggest ever film franchises, thrilling fans now for over half a century.
1962's Dr No and the following year's From Russia with Love lay the groundwork, but it was with 1964's Goldfinger that the 007 movies became a true global phenomenon.
A 50th anniversary Blu-ray re-issue of the Sean Connery classic is available to buy from today (Monday, September 22). To mark the occasion, Digital Spy explores how Goldfinger shaped Bond as we know and love him.
1. The Extravagant Pre-Titles Sequence
The previous film, From Russia with Love, was in fact the first Bond to feature a pre-titles sequence. But that scene, which saw Robert Shaw's Red Grant stalk and kill a 007 impersonator, was short and simple - and didn't even feature the real Bond.
Goldfinger was the first film to take full advantage...
1962's Dr No and the following year's From Russia with Love lay the groundwork, but it was with 1964's Goldfinger that the 007 movies became a true global phenomenon.
A 50th anniversary Blu-ray re-issue of the Sean Connery classic is available to buy from today (Monday, September 22). To mark the occasion, Digital Spy explores how Goldfinger shaped Bond as we know and love him.
1. The Extravagant Pre-Titles Sequence
The previous film, From Russia with Love, was in fact the first Bond to feature a pre-titles sequence. But that scene, which saw Robert Shaw's Red Grant stalk and kill a 007 impersonator, was short and simple - and didn't even feature the real Bond.
Goldfinger was the first film to take full advantage...
- 9/22/2014
- Digital Spy
It.s hard to look back on Skyfall and not consider the film a raging success. The reviews were among the best the James Bond series has ever received. The box office netted more than one billion dollars in worldwide grosses, and the majority of fans seem to think the franchise is in better shape now than at any point since Sean Connery was leading the charge in the early to mid 1960s. The majority of fans, however, does not include everyone, and for a reminder of that, I now bring you Monty Python co-founder and beloved actor John Cleese. The seventy-four-year-old Englishman famously worked with 007 on The World Is Not Enough and Die Another Day, first as the assistant to Desmond Llewelyn.s Q and later as Q himself. When the series rebooted with Daniel Craig as James Bond, however, he was not asked to return, and if John...
- 6/24/2014
- cinemablend.com
With Hugh Jackman currently negotiating to play Wolverine for a seventh and eighth time, Cinelinx takes a look at actors who’ve played the same role eight times or more. Who has played the same character most often? Come in and find out.
Hugh Jackman has already played Wolverine five times--x-Men (2000), X2: X-Men United (2003) X-Men: The Last Stand (2006), X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009), and The Wolverine (2013)—as well as a cameo in X-Men:First Class (2011). Soon we’ll be seeing him fully clawed again on the big screen in X-Men: Days of Future Past. Recently, he told Collider that he might shoot Wolverine 3 and X-Men: Apocalypse “back-to-back”, which would make a total of eight times (9 times with the cameo) that he’ll portray the Canadian mutant.
You might be thinking “Wow! That’s amazing! I’ve never heard of anyone playing the same role so many times.” Well, for those who may not know it,...
Hugh Jackman has already played Wolverine five times--x-Men (2000), X2: X-Men United (2003) X-Men: The Last Stand (2006), X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009), and The Wolverine (2013)—as well as a cameo in X-Men:First Class (2011). Soon we’ll be seeing him fully clawed again on the big screen in X-Men: Days of Future Past. Recently, he told Collider that he might shoot Wolverine 3 and X-Men: Apocalypse “back-to-back”, which would make a total of eight times (9 times with the cameo) that he’ll portray the Canadian mutant.
You might be thinking “Wow! That’s amazing! I’ve never heard of anyone playing the same role so many times.” Well, for those who may not know it,...
- 5/13/2014
- by feeds@cinelinx.com (Rob Young)
- Cinelinx
From the arrival of cinema and a train steaming into La Ciotat Station cinema audiences have long been in love with both the fast and the furious. The adage ‘the car’s the star’ has long been evident in Hollywood’s annals with Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Herbie, the Batmobile or the family of Minis (Minions?) in The Italian Job taking centre stage and linger in the memory.
In association with the people from Van Monster we stood atop our internet tower and gazed at the past, then plucked five of the most iconic vehicles to appear in movies.
5) 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
As featured in: Smokey And The Bandit (1977)
Registration plate: Ban One
Hired by Texan double-act Big Enos and his son Little Enos to transport then-prohibited Coors beer to Georgia in under 28 hours, Bo ‘Bandit’ Darville requests a fast car to act as a blocker – a distraction for...
In association with the people from Van Monster we stood atop our internet tower and gazed at the past, then plucked five of the most iconic vehicles to appear in movies.
5) 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
As featured in: Smokey And The Bandit (1977)
Registration plate: Ban One
Hired by Texan double-act Big Enos and his son Little Enos to transport then-prohibited Coors beer to Georgia in under 28 hours, Bo ‘Bandit’ Darville requests a fast car to act as a blocker – a distraction for...
- 3/8/2014
- by Simon Williams
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
This Sunday afternoon at 12.45pm, ITV1 screens the second James Bond film – which perfectly captured Fleming's incorrigible spy, and brought us the unforgettable Rosa Klebb
Reading on mobile? Watch the trailer here
"Oh James, James, will you make love to me all the time in England?" - Tatiana
After a period of being tucked away on Sky, the James Bond films are back where they're supposed to be – filling up huge swathes of the ITV weekend schedule until it's time to show all the Harry Potter films in order again. This is undoubtedly a good thing. James Bond is as much a part of ITV as Ant and Dec and those upsettingly sexually aggressive e-cigarette adverts. So, to welcome him back, here's a recap of 007's second cinematic outing, From Russia With Love.
From Russia With Love is over 50 years old now, and it stands a perfect document of James...
Reading on mobile? Watch the trailer here
"Oh James, James, will you make love to me all the time in England?" - Tatiana
After a period of being tucked away on Sky, the James Bond films are back where they're supposed to be – filling up huge swathes of the ITV weekend schedule until it's time to show all the Harry Potter films in order again. This is undoubtedly a good thing. James Bond is as much a part of ITV as Ant and Dec and those upsettingly sexually aggressive e-cigarette adverts. So, to welcome him back, here's a recap of 007's second cinematic outing, From Russia With Love.
From Russia With Love is over 50 years old now, and it stands a perfect document of James...
- 1/26/2014
- The Guardian - Film News
Though he spends much of his time hacking into computer systems and revealing top secret information as Q, actor Ben Whishaw chooses to remain very quiet about his private life.
In light of his announcement as the star of the upcoming Freddie Mercury biopic, Digital Spy brings you ten facts about this multi-talented individual, who is being widely hailed as one of the finest actors of his generation.
1. Benjamin John Whishaw was born in Bedfordshire on October 14, 1980 to Linda and Jose Whishaw, a cosmetics worker and an It consultant respectively. He has a fraternal twin brother, James.
2. Whishaw has been interested in acting from a young age; he was a paying member of the Bancroft Players Youth Theatre and eventually graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in 2003. Whishaw has a career that spans radio, stage, television and film! Do you think he just couldn't make his mind up?...
In light of his announcement as the star of the upcoming Freddie Mercury biopic, Digital Spy brings you ten facts about this multi-talented individual, who is being widely hailed as one of the finest actors of his generation.
1. Benjamin John Whishaw was born in Bedfordshire on October 14, 1980 to Linda and Jose Whishaw, a cosmetics worker and an It consultant respectively. He has a fraternal twin brother, James.
2. Whishaw has been interested in acting from a young age; he was a paying member of the Bancroft Players Youth Theatre and eventually graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in 2003. Whishaw has a career that spans radio, stage, television and film! Do you think he just couldn't make his mind up?...
- 12/10/2013
- Digital Spy
Derek Meddings creating the miniature satellite bunker set for GoldenEye Above is a shot of the late Derek Meddings (miniature effects supervisor) using flour and cat litter to create the Severnaya satellite bunker miniature set from the 1995 James Bond film GoldenEye and below are several more shots from behind-the-scenes and the film's set courtesy of Larry Wright on Twitter, but that shot above and the storyboard below of the skydive sequence from the film's opening are the main reason I wanted to post the rest. amz asin="B009NUV0E8" size="small"Included is the storyboard mentioned, some behind the shot looks at the camera rigs used on Bond's Aston Martin and the Ferrari used during the chase sequence, a promotional shot of the late Desmond Llewelyn as Q with his assortment of gadgets, another of Roger Moore and Pierce Brosnan together on the Leavesden set, a shot of the...
- 11/22/2013
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
The idea of a Michael Bay film being open to interpretive scrutiny is, quite frankly, so fanciful that it practically defies the laws of our known universe. As his champions are so fond of adamantly stating, his flicks are popcorn movies designed purely for entertainment and occasional pre-pubescent escapist wish fulfillment. But it is a fact that any story, no matter how limited or lacking in gravitas, can be twisted and turned to resemble something else entirely. For some viewers, it is a type of defense mechanism to psychologically overcome the trauma of watching an absolute turd on wheels. Seeking a combination of this factor and a long standing theory among film fanatics, this writer has turned to Bay’s finest film, by which he means the film that he doesn’t completely ruin but could have improved by turning down – The Rock. But this week we won’t be...
- 6/9/2013
- by Scott Patterson
- SoundOnSight
James Bond's watch from Thunderball has been found at a car boot sale.
Worn by Sean Connery in the 1965 film, the geiger counter wristwatch has been missing for several years.
The Breitling watch was bought for £25 at the car boot sale and is now being sold by Christie's in London with an estimated price tag of £60,000.
A spokesperson for Christie's said of the upcoming auction: "This is a great opportunity for collectors to acquire a unique piece of James Bond memorabilia."
The watch was given to Bond by Q, played by the late Desmond Llewelyn, to use as a gadget. One of the hands shows the strength of radioactivity during the film's famous aquatic scenes where Bond is sent on a mission to find two stolen Nato bombs.
The Christie's auction will take place on June 26.
60 years of James Bond in pictures:...
Worn by Sean Connery in the 1965 film, the geiger counter wristwatch has been missing for several years.
The Breitling watch was bought for £25 at the car boot sale and is now being sold by Christie's in London with an estimated price tag of £60,000.
A spokesperson for Christie's said of the upcoming auction: "This is a great opportunity for collectors to acquire a unique piece of James Bond memorabilia."
The watch was given to Bond by Q, played by the late Desmond Llewelyn, to use as a gadget. One of the hands shows the strength of radioactivity during the film's famous aquatic scenes where Bond is sent on a mission to find two stolen Nato bombs.
The Christie's auction will take place on June 26.
60 years of James Bond in pictures:...
- 5/22/2013
- Digital Spy
With James Bond’s latest outing ‘Skyfall’ available on DVD and Blu-Ray now, and the British spy celebrating over fifty years as a cinematic icon, what better time to look back over the previous films and recount some of 007’s greatest outings?
As a character which has represented the epitome of sophistication, violence and humour (occasionally all at once) Bond has been portrayed by six actors across twenty three films and has firmly stood the test of time, despite the emergence of the contenders like who have sought to take his mantle. But how has he retained his appeal? And which films have contributed the most to his success?
Over the course of this article I’ve outlined my own thoughts on the answers, but I’m sure many of you will have differing opinions. If you do, don’t forget to leave a comment and let us know!
Goldfinger...
As a character which has represented the epitome of sophistication, violence and humour (occasionally all at once) Bond has been portrayed by six actors across twenty three films and has firmly stood the test of time, despite the emergence of the contenders like who have sought to take his mantle. But how has he retained his appeal? And which films have contributed the most to his success?
Over the course of this article I’ve outlined my own thoughts on the answers, but I’m sure many of you will have differing opinions. If you do, don’t forget to leave a comment and let us know!
Goldfinger...
- 2/26/2013
- by Jamie Simpson
- Obsessed with Film
"Do you mind if my friend sits this one out? She's just dead."
The tremendous box office success of Skyfall reinvigorated the James Bond franchise after the lackluster performance of the previous film in the series, Quantum of Solace, but tonight's Double-0 MovieMovie is still far and away the most financially successful of the franchise, when adjusted for ticket price inflation. It was also a critical favorite at the time of its release and earned an Oscar for Best Visual Effects at the 1966 Academy Awards.
Thunderball finds 007 (Sean Connery) on a quest to recover two nuclear weapons stolen by the global terrorist organization Spectre — last seen in From Russia with Love — who threaten to blow up a major city in the U.S. or the U.K. unless Nato pays a ransom of £100 million in diamonds. Bond's investigation leads him to the Bahamas and the underwater fortress of Spectre's Number Two,...
The tremendous box office success of Skyfall reinvigorated the James Bond franchise after the lackluster performance of the previous film in the series, Quantum of Solace, but tonight's Double-0 MovieMovie is still far and away the most financially successful of the franchise, when adjusted for ticket price inflation. It was also a critical favorite at the time of its release and earned an Oscar for Best Visual Effects at the 1966 Academy Awards.
Thunderball finds 007 (Sean Connery) on a quest to recover two nuclear weapons stolen by the global terrorist organization Spectre — last seen in From Russia with Love — who threaten to blow up a major city in the U.S. or the U.K. unless Nato pays a ransom of £100 million in diamonds. Bond's investigation leads him to the Bahamas and the underwater fortress of Spectre's Number Two,...
- 2/10/2013
- by BrentJS Sprecher
- Reelzchannel.com
So...Bond is back, and after an astonishing run in the cinemas (he's still going too!), it would appear that he's more successful than ever. However, with the success of Skyfall (2012) comes an all too familiar question – just who is the best ever Bond?
Eight actors have tackled the part, with varying degrees of success; so here they are in reverse order: the best Bonds – according to me.
8. Barry Nelson (one TV episode)
Bit of a shame having to put him last! After all, he was the first ever Bond. This live television adaptation of Casino Royale (1954) was an episode of an American anthology drama series called Climax. Long considered lost in the TV vaults, it was rediscovered a few years back and has now achieved a belated cult status among fans. Nelson’s performance does have some curiosity value and for what it's worth, he rises above the fluffed...
Eight actors have tackled the part, with varying degrees of success; so here they are in reverse order: the best Bonds – according to me.
8. Barry Nelson (one TV episode)
Bit of a shame having to put him last! After all, he was the first ever Bond. This live television adaptation of Casino Royale (1954) was an episode of an American anthology drama series called Climax. Long considered lost in the TV vaults, it was rediscovered a few years back and has now achieved a belated cult status among fans. Nelson’s performance does have some curiosity value and for what it's worth, he rises above the fluffed...
- 1/4/2013
- Shadowlocked
The laser-charged “No Mr Bond, I expect you to die.” confrontation between Goldfinger and Sean Connery’s Bond has been named the nation’s favourite Bond moment in a new Top 10 poll from Sky Movies HD to celebrate the return of its dedicated Bond channel Sky Movies 007/HD.
After 50 years and 23 films to date, Sky Movies asked over 2,500 members of the public to name their favourite Bond moment as part of new Top 10 James Bond special called Bond’s Greatest Moments.
Second in the Top 10 poll was the breath-taking pre-title moment in The Spy Who Loved Me which showed Roger Moore skiing off the edge of an Austrian mountain to open a Union Jack parachute (7.6%), which narrowly beat the first ever, now definitive “Bond…James Bond” statement from Sean Connery in 1962′s Dr. No, which was third with 5.7%. Marking a change in direction for Bond at the time, Daniel Craig...
After 50 years and 23 films to date, Sky Movies asked over 2,500 members of the public to name their favourite Bond moment as part of new Top 10 James Bond special called Bond’s Greatest Moments.
Second in the Top 10 poll was the breath-taking pre-title moment in The Spy Who Loved Me which showed Roger Moore skiing off the edge of an Austrian mountain to open a Union Jack parachute (7.6%), which narrowly beat the first ever, now definitive “Bond…James Bond” statement from Sean Connery in 1962′s Dr. No, which was third with 5.7%. Marking a change in direction for Bond at the time, Daniel Craig...
- 1/2/2013
- by Phil
- Nerdly
Concluding a very successful James bond marathon, comes our list of the very best 007 films, as chosen by the Sound On Sight staff. In just 30 days, we managed to publish over 40 articles and reviews, making it our most successful monthly movie club to date. I’d like to once again thank everyone who participated and furthermore, thank everyone who voted for having good taste. I cannot argue with the final results. These are indeed the best Bond films. Enjoy!
#1: From Russia With Love
Directed by Terence Young
Written by Richard Maibaum and Johanna Harwood
1963, UK
50 years later, and with twenty three “official” entries, From Russia With Love represents the very best of the Bond franchise. Skyfall is the closest to be considered, at best – almost equal to what was achieved in ’64 – but From Russia With Love is still unparalleled. Although it is the second in the series, and although...
#1: From Russia With Love
Directed by Terence Young
Written by Richard Maibaum and Johanna Harwood
1963, UK
50 years later, and with twenty three “official” entries, From Russia With Love represents the very best of the Bond franchise. Skyfall is the closest to be considered, at best – almost equal to what was achieved in ’64 – but From Russia With Love is still unparalleled. Although it is the second in the series, and although...
- 12/3/2012
- by Ricky
- SoundOnSight
From Russia With Love
Directed by Terrence Stamp
Written by Richard Maibaum and Johanna Harwood
1963, UK
50 years later, and with twenty three “official” entries, From Russia With Love represents the very best of the Bond franchise. Skyfall is the closest to be considered, at best – almost equal to what was achieved in ’64 – but From Russia With Love is still unparalleled. Although it is the second in the series, and although it feels like no Bond film that followed, it is the film that solidifies all the Bond elements into a formula – a template that carries on, even today.
Spectre’s Persian-stroking nemesis/mastermind Ernest Blofeld makes his first appearance (even if he’s not referred to by that name), and so does Desmond Llewelyn’s gadget-friendly Q (starting a run that continued until his death in 1999). Screenwriters Richard Maibaum and Johanna Harwood return as does director and editor Terence Young and Peter Hunt.
Directed by Terrence Stamp
Written by Richard Maibaum and Johanna Harwood
1963, UK
50 years later, and with twenty three “official” entries, From Russia With Love represents the very best of the Bond franchise. Skyfall is the closest to be considered, at best – almost equal to what was achieved in ’64 – but From Russia With Love is still unparalleled. Although it is the second in the series, and although it feels like no Bond film that followed, it is the film that solidifies all the Bond elements into a formula – a template that carries on, even today.
Spectre’s Persian-stroking nemesis/mastermind Ernest Blofeld makes his first appearance (even if he’s not referred to by that name), and so does Desmond Llewelyn’s gadget-friendly Q (starting a run that continued until his death in 1999). Screenwriters Richard Maibaum and Johanna Harwood return as does director and editor Terence Young and Peter Hunt.
- 11/29/2012
- by Ricky
- SoundOnSight
It is important, in any series, that an instalment does not forget where it came from, but in Skyfall’s attempts to celebrate its roots, does it ultimately undermine them?
The title theme sounds quintessentially Bond, a custom absent in the last three films, for better or worse. It is also the first of the Daniel Craig era to feature the character of Q, reborn as a shrewd, with-the-times virtuoso who reacts with a level-headed confidence and wry wit when challenged by Bond that would make Desmond Llewellyn proud. Despite this, there are more than a few unwelcome alterations and an underlying insolence to certain aspects of the style and continuity of the series.
When Bond was officially rebooted in 2006’s Casino Royale, it offered the chance to see how 007 earned his status, but in a less antiquated setting. Newer cars, newer technology, but the same Bond (albeit grittier and...
The title theme sounds quintessentially Bond, a custom absent in the last three films, for better or worse. It is also the first of the Daniel Craig era to feature the character of Q, reborn as a shrewd, with-the-times virtuoso who reacts with a level-headed confidence and wry wit when challenged by Bond that would make Desmond Llewellyn proud. Despite this, there are more than a few unwelcome alterations and an underlying insolence to certain aspects of the style and continuity of the series.
When Bond was officially rebooted in 2006’s Casino Royale, it offered the chance to see how 007 earned his status, but in a less antiquated setting. Newer cars, newer technology, but the same Bond (albeit grittier and...
- 11/27/2012
- by Jack Haworth
- SoundOnSight
Whenever a new James Bond movie hits theaters, it’s an opportunity to bring up one of the greatest questions in the history of popular cinema: Which film about the dapper British superspy is the very best film. Which leads to a natural follow-up question: Which one is the worst? I grew up in a solidly pro-Connery household, and my personal favorite is the film that initially ended Connery’s run with the character: You Only Live Twice. After starting off with one of the series’ best openings (Bond gets killed!) and my personal favorite Bond theme song (sung by...
- 11/9/2012
- by Darren Franich
- EW.com - PopWatch
On Her Majesty’s Secret Service
Written by Richard Maibaum
Directed by Peter Hunt
UK, 1969
To call On Her Majesty’s Secret Service underappreciated is to call the sky blue. Only in the years since the release of Daniel Craig’s introduction to the series, Casino Royale, has Ohmss begun to be reappraised as a realistic, character-driven approach to the Bond series. Its failure at the box office compared to the Connery entries that preceded it led to the producers, Albert “Cubby” Broccoli and Harry Salzman, returning to the Goldfinger formula of larger than life villains, iconic henchmen, ludicrously elaborate take-over-the-world schemes, and a generally heightened sense to the proceedings, all of which are noticeably absent from Ohmss.
Sean Connery had a rough experience during filming of 1967′s You Only Live Twice. The media scrutiny, long filming periods, and promotional duties caused him to leave the role that had made his career.
Written by Richard Maibaum
Directed by Peter Hunt
UK, 1969
To call On Her Majesty’s Secret Service underappreciated is to call the sky blue. Only in the years since the release of Daniel Craig’s introduction to the series, Casino Royale, has Ohmss begun to be reappraised as a realistic, character-driven approach to the Bond series. Its failure at the box office compared to the Connery entries that preceded it led to the producers, Albert “Cubby” Broccoli and Harry Salzman, returning to the Goldfinger formula of larger than life villains, iconic henchmen, ludicrously elaborate take-over-the-world schemes, and a generally heightened sense to the proceedings, all of which are noticeably absent from Ohmss.
Sean Connery had a rough experience during filming of 1967′s You Only Live Twice. The media scrutiny, long filming periods, and promotional duties caused him to leave the role that had made his career.
- 11/6/2012
- by Gabriel Bucsko
- SoundOnSight
Skyfall actor Ben Whishaw has said his incarnation of Q plays a central role in the upcoming James Bond film. Q has been portrayed on the big screen by the likes of Desmond Llewelyn, Peter Burton and John Cleese over the last 50 years, but Whishaw said his version of the character differs from his predecessors. "Q sort of represents something in Skyfall, one of the conflicts in the film, which is between the 'old' and the 'new'," Flicks and Bits quotes him as saying. "It's a battle and a theme that runs through Skyfall, between the way the world is going now and the way that the intelligence services are traditionally run. He's (more)...
- 10/23/2012
- by By Justin Harp
- Digital Spy
You should know that when Q and 007 are talking about an old ship in the National Portrait Gallery during the latest clip from "Skyfall," they're not actually talking about a ship. It's deeper than that.
The brand new clip, which debuted online over at Yahoo! Movies, shows off the introduction of Ben Whishaw's Q, a lean, meaner, tech-ier version of the character made famous by Desmond Llewelyn.
As Daniel Craig's is a different breed Bond, Whishaw's Q has been brought into the 21st century. Gone are the gadget, replaced with a laptop, hacking skills, and an attitude to go with them.
Check out the clip after the jump!
As you can see in the clip, Bond and Q don't exactly see eye-to-eye, but there's always a playfulness to their bickering. As Q, Whishaw brings a sharper edge to the character and isn't afraid to call Bond on his brutal line of work.
The brand new clip, which debuted online over at Yahoo! Movies, shows off the introduction of Ben Whishaw's Q, a lean, meaner, tech-ier version of the character made famous by Desmond Llewelyn.
As Daniel Craig's is a different breed Bond, Whishaw's Q has been brought into the 21st century. Gone are the gadget, replaced with a laptop, hacking skills, and an attitude to go with them.
Check out the clip after the jump!
As you can see in the clip, Bond and Q don't exactly see eye-to-eye, but there's always a playfulness to their bickering. As Q, Whishaw brings a sharper edge to the character and isn't afraid to call Bond on his brutal line of work.
- 10/22/2012
- by Kevin P. Sullivan
- MTV Movies Blog
Keep your superheroes and demigods, I’ll take a sharp-dressed Brit with a gun and a penchant for philandering any day. James Bond has returned after a time of uncertainty and he’ll be gracing the big screen again in Skyfall, due November 9. Early reviews have been positive. Those who hated Quantum of Solace (which I quite liked) seem to be back on the Bond bandwagon, while those who enjoyed Quantum also seem to be in good spirits for the 23rd installment. All around, it seems as if we’re in for quite a ride. But more on that later. First, we get a new clip introducing Ben Whishaw as the new Q, or Quartermaster. He’s the man (or in this case, slightly overgrown boy) who provides Bond with all of those fancy gadgets. Wishaw follows a long line of stellar actors who’ve played Q in the past, including...
- 10/22/2012
- by Neil Miller
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
By Tim Greaves
July 1973. The Gaumont, Southampton. If someone had whispered to the boy sitting in that cinema waiting for Roger Moore’s debut performance as James Bond to unfurl before his excited-beyond-measure eyes, that he would one day be seeing the man himself within the walls of that same building...well, he’d probably scarcely have believed it. His fascination with 007 would continue and thrive throughout the ensuing years (indeed, he would catch The Man With the Golden Gun, The Spy Who Loved Me and Moonraker at the Gaumont during their first run).
October 2012. The Mayflower, Southampton (formerly The Gaumont). The years have flown by and that little lad, now sharing his 50th year with the cinematic incarnation of his favourite fictional spy, is spending “An Afternoon with Sir Roger Moore”. It’s one of a small number of stage appearances (also taking in Malvern, Kingston, Bournemouth, Bath, Basingstoke...
July 1973. The Gaumont, Southampton. If someone had whispered to the boy sitting in that cinema waiting for Roger Moore’s debut performance as James Bond to unfurl before his excited-beyond-measure eyes, that he would one day be seeing the man himself within the walls of that same building...well, he’d probably scarcely have believed it. His fascination with 007 would continue and thrive throughout the ensuing years (indeed, he would catch The Man With the Golden Gun, The Spy Who Loved Me and Moonraker at the Gaumont during their first run).
October 2012. The Mayflower, Southampton (formerly The Gaumont). The years have flown by and that little lad, now sharing his 50th year with the cinematic incarnation of his favourite fictional spy, is spending “An Afternoon with Sir Roger Moore”. It’s one of a small number of stage appearances (also taking in Malvern, Kingston, Bournemouth, Bath, Basingstoke...
- 10/18/2012
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Bond. James Bond. Synonymous with pop corn and over the top, ridiculous, mucho suave fun. We’ve come to know him through six iconic suave masters (some more than others) in Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig. Fifty years and twenty two films later, Bond is still alive and kicking, currently with a little more grit and a lot more blond. To celebrate MGM’s cash cow golden boy’s big 50 and the upcoming release of Skyfall, they have put together not only the most comprehensive Bond release to date, but one of the biggest home release packages ever released. All twenty two films, many of which have received thorough restorations and some of which are completely new to Blu-ray, are housed within a gorgeous shelf ready box set that contains an absolutely ludicrous amount of extra features. Bond fans rejoice! There is...
- 10/18/2012
- by Jordan M. Smith
- IONCINEMA.com
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