Spectre

There are a lot of throw-backs to 007 history in the new Bond film Spectre. The opening scene reminded me of Live and Let Die. When the plane flies through the barn in the final chase sequence, I thought of the opening scene of Octopussy. That sweet old Aston Martin shows up as well. The story? Not great. Daniel Craig is almost boring in this. Could not put my finger on what was missing, but this film was just average.

Skyfall

Skyfall is a dynamic dance, masterfully choreographed to a dramatic soundtrack, punctuated by gunfire. Bond is back, and we learn more of his background as he and MI6 battle a sadistic villain. We get to know the characters better in this installation and the music carries us through the action sequences beautifully. There are many nostalgic nods to past Bond films, which had me grinning in the dark. The chase scenes and crazy final act make this a solid addition to the 007 film dynasty. Skyfall is a wonderful celebration of 50 years of Bond. Loved it!

Quantum of Solace

The latest James Bond film, Quantum of Solace, is a solid action flick. A nice addition to the franchise. The story is all about revenge. Bond is focused on his line of vengeance, denying it all the way ..... much to M's dismay. The chase scenes are crazy and frenetic. Broken glass flies constantly. A couple of the chase scenes are punctuated with parallel action scenes, pretty cool technique.

I found these details interesting:
The martini recipe is shared by a bartender.
The Aston Martin meets an ugly demise, made me sad.
The SUV Bond drives later in the film, sounds like an Aston Martin, hmmm.
Tom Ford designed Bond's suits, nice job.
Communication technology is very cool, almost futuristic.

A fun Bond ride!

Note: The Star Trek trailer was shown in the previews. Looks awesome!

Octopussy

When I was fresh out of college, I had a job as the assistant to the director of an air show. I was 21, single, ambitious and loved airplanes. I met acrobatic pilots from all over, and more military flight jocks than any girl could dream. It was a fun job and a wonderful education. Our show was respected in the industry, and so was I. The pilots were always very sweet, and sometimes protective. At the frequent parties, if I was getting what appeared to be unwanted attention, I would feel an arm around my shoulders, and a familiar voice greeting me in a brotherly fashion. One of my guardian angels was the jet pilot Corkey Fornof. Not only a talented stunt pilot, but a hell of a nice guy and easy on the eyes.

In my continuing quest of viewing all that is James Bond, next was Octopussy. The opening sequence involves an escape from the bad guys in a miniature jet. As I watched, I thought, "hmmm, that move looks familiar." Upon checking the credits, sure 'nuff, the stunt pilot was my bud Corky Fornoff. Fun stuff. The movie was OK, a bit slow. I liked Maude Adams as Octopussy. Sexy and strong, a good Bond character. Most fun for me were the aerobatic stunts, thanks Corkey!

Moonraker

I remember seeing Moonraker, at the drive-in, back in the day. I'm amused that whenever I think of this film, I think of space sex and lawn chairs. This Bond adventure goes very hokey very quickly. Stolen space shuttle?!? Saving the world?!? An OK story, but the characters seem a little too camp, with a strong dose of cheesy. The Bond shine is dimming for me.

The Man with the Golden Gun

Continuing on my journey of Bond films, I've seen The Man with the Golden Gun. The last of Ian Fleming's books, published after he died, the story is about an assassin that wields a golden gun. Love the way it comes apart and goes together like a puzzle. There are beautiful women (one an agent), creepy henchmen and exotic locations. An environmental theme is attempted, but falls a bit flat. This film lacks the spark I've seen in past films. Quite honestly, the fight scenes were dull, and the one chase scene with potential, fizzled. A noble effort, but this one missed the mark with me. On to the next .......

Flick 4 Friday : Favorite Secret Agent

No contest on this question. Bond ..... James Bond is my favorite secret agent. In February I started a project to see all the Bond films in the Eon series. I'm 8 films into the 23 film franchise. Sean Connery will always be my favorite Bond actor, but Daniel Craig gives the character a fresh spin in the latest Bond film, Casino Royale. For all his gadgets, women and assignments, I have always been impressed with the cars he gets to drive. Loved the Aston Martin that sent out an oil slick. The real beauty of Bond is that he always completes the assignment, saves the world, gets the girl and never looses that cheeky sense of humor and style. Best secret agent ever!

Live and Let Die

Continuing my exploration of all that is James Bond, I saw Live and Let Die today. The first film in the franchise with Roger Moore as Bond. What I liked was that he does not mimic Connery. He brought his own style to the character and it works well. In the most controversial of Ian Flemming's Bond adventures, he chases a heroin ring from New York to New Orleans to the tropics. Voodoo and mysticism come to us in the exotic character of Solitaire, played by a 23 year old Jane Seymore. The sinister Mr. Big, Tee Hee, Whisper and Baron Samedi are all out to kill Bond, but the man is not easily disposed of. The stunts and chase scenes are thrilling and creative. One was only noted in the script as "Scene 56, the most terrific boat chase you've ever seen" ... and it is!

On Her Majesty's Secret Service

About an hour into the Bond film, On Her Majesty's Secret Service, I was pretty bored. And then Bond, played by George Lazenby, unpacked a kilt! Yes, the man dons kilty formal wear and looks hot! Can we talk about the tailoring of his shirts? Yikes! A strange story, with Bond hiding inside a strange character. I'm either missing Connery, or I just wasn't crazy about this Bond adventure.

You Only Live Twice

Impressive explosions, ninjas, astronauts and the iconic Blofeld, on which Dr. Evil from Austin Powers is based, appear in the fifth film in the Bond series, You Only Live Twice. Amazing to me that this film was made in 1967. The effects are so impressive, the dialogue snappy, the action non-stop! I'm having so much fun with his series!

From Russia With Love

In the second Bond film, From Russia With Love, 007 dodges murder to get his hands on a Russian encryption device. Assassins are no match for the super spy as he allies with a beautiful woman to save the free world. I liked the sequence on a train, complete with secret knocks, and a variety of perils.

Dr. No

Dr. No is the first Bond film in the famous Eon series. Sean Connery establishes Ian Flemming's Bond as dashing, debonair, tough and sexy. Dr. No is a crazy scientist, with a flame-throwing dragon truck, messing with NASA rocket launches. This is also the film that establishes the "Bond girls", as Ursula Andress makes her iconic entrance from the sea, as the shell collecting Honey Ryder.

Bond Returns in DVD

The remake of Casino Royale is a triumph for the 007 film franchise. After several tepid Bond adventures (World is not Enough, Die Another Day *ugh*), the spy is back with flair and intensity. Some of the best chase scenes . ever.

Goldfinger

Goldfinger was the third Bond film with Sean Connery as James Bond, agent 007. In 1964 I was only 8 years old, so while my Grandfather was taking me to see Mary Poppins, adults enjoyed the thrill of Bond, the wicked Goldfinger and the menacing Oddjob. I've seen parts of it on TV over the years, but I finally sat down and watched the whole thing, what a pleasure! I've decided to go back in the Bond filmography and see the Bond films I've missed. A little rental actvity to entertain me .... stay tuned!

Casino Royale

Daniel Craig is very effective as the latest actor to play Ian Flemming's James Bond, in Casino Royale. This prequal, establishes the story behind his attaining 00 status. Terrorist financing is the target of Bond's first mission. The enemy needs to be thwarted, and the vehicle is high stakes poker at Casino Royale. The story is easy to follow, a straightforward script works well. The chase scenes are thrilling, people in the theater gasped more than once! Bond even becomes vulnerable at one point, only to come back more badass than ever when he is double-crossed.