Tag: James Bond

Top 10 James Bond films

James Bond, the iconic British spy, has been thrilling audiences for over six decades. The suave, sophisticated secret agent has starred in a whopping 26 films, each one featuring high-stakes action, daring stunts, and glamorous locales. With so many Bond movies to choose from, it can be tough to know where to start. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of the top 10 Bond movies of all time.

1. Goldfinger (1964)

Goldfinger is widely considered to be the best Bond film of all time. This classic features Sean Connery as 007, taking on Auric Goldfinger, a villain with a plan to contaminate the gold in Fort Knox. With iconic scenes like the Aston Martin DB5 car chase and the famous line “shaken, not stirred,” Goldfinger set the bar high for all Bond movies to come.

2. Casino Royale (2006)

When Daniel Craig took on the role of James Bond in 2006, there was a lot of skepticism about whether he could live up to the legacy of his predecessors. But Casino Royale put all doubts to rest. This gritty, action-packed film reimagined Bond as a more realistic, grounded character, and Craig delivered a standout performance. The high-stakes poker game and parkour chase sequence are two of the film’s most memorable scenes.

3. Skyfall (2012)

Skyfall was a game-changer for the Bond franchise. With a new director in Sam Mendes and a darker, more introspective storyline, the film breathed new life into the series. This time, Bond must face off against a former MI6 agent who is out for revenge. With stunning visuals, a haunting theme song by Adele, and an Oscar-winning performance by Javier Bardem as the villain Silva, Skyfall is a standout Bond film.

4. From Russia with Love (1963)

From Russia with Love was the second Bond film ever made, and it still holds up as one of the best. In this classic spy thriller, Bond must retrieve a valuable decoding machine while evading Russian agents and a deadly assassin. The film features some of the franchise’s most memorable action scenes, including a boat chase through the canals of Venice.

5. On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969)

On Her Majesty’s Secret Service is often overlooked in the Bond canon, but it deserves more recognition. This film marked George Lazenby’s only outing as 007, and he brings a fresh energy to the role. The story follows Bond as he falls in love with a woman named Tracy and takes on his arch-nemesis Ernst Stavro Blofeld. The film’s dramatic ending is one of the most emotional moments in the entire franchise.

6. GoldenEye (1995)

After a six-year hiatus, the Bond franchise returned with a bang in GoldenEye. Pierce Brosnan made his debut as 007, and the film was a hit with audiences and critics alike. The story centers around a stolen satellite weapon and features iconic villains like Xenia Onatopp and Alec Trevelyan. GoldenEye also introduced a new M played by Judi Dench, who would go on to become a beloved character in the series.

7. Dr. No (1962)

The first Bond film ever made, Dr. No set the tone for all the movies to come. Sean Connery stars as Bond, investigating the disappearance of a fellow agent in Jamaica. Along the way, he meets the beautiful Honey Ryder and takes on the titular villain, a sinister scientist with plans for world domination. Dr. No is a classic spy thriller with all the hallmarks of the Bond franchise.

8. The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)

The Spy Who Loved Me is one of the most beloved Bond films of the Roger Moore era. In this adventure, Bond teams up with Soviet agent Anya Amasova to investigate the disappearance of nuclear submarines. The film features one of the franchise’s most iconic villains in the form of Jaws, a hulking assassin with metal teeth. The underwater battle scene at the end is a highlight of the film.

9. Thunderball (1965)

Thunderball is another classic Bond film that sees 007 taking on the evil organization SPECTRE. This time, Bond must retrieve two stolen nuclear warheads and faces off against the villainous Emilio Largo. The film is known for its stunning underwater sequences and features a memorable theme song by Tom Jones.

10. Licence to Kill (1989)

Licence to Kill is a darker, grittier Bond film that sees 007 going rogue to avenge the death of his friend Felix Leiter. Timothy Dalton delivers a standout performance as Bond, and the film features a memorable villain in the form of drug lord Franz Sanchez. Licence to Kill was a departure from the typical Bond formula and is often overlooked, but it deserves more recognition as one of the franchise’s most unique and underrated entries.

The Bond franchise has given us some of the most thrilling and iconic films in cinematic history. From the classic spy thrillers of the 1960s to the more modern, action-packed adventures of recent years, Bond movies continue to captivate audiences around the world.

The 10 films listed here represent the best of the best and are essential viewing for any Bond fan.

Top 5 James Bond comics by Dynamite Entertainment

Dynamite Entertainment is a publisher of comic books that has produced a number of James Bond comics over the years. Here are the top 5.

1. James Bond: Casino Royale

This comic adaptation of Ian Fleming’s first James Bond novel is a must-read for any Bond fan. The story follows 007 as he takes on Le Chiffre, a French communist and paymaster of a Soviet trade union. The artwork by artist Gabriel Hardman captures the gritty, noir feel of the original novel, and writer Van Jensen stays true to Fleming’s source material.

2. James Bond: Hammerhead

Set in the present day, Hammerhead sees Bond investigating a sinister tech billionaire named Kraken. The story has all the hallmarks of a classic Bond adventure, with high-speed chases, beautiful women, and a dastardly villain. Writer Andy Diggle and artist Luca Casalanguida deliver an action-packed story that will satisfy any fan of the franchise.

3. James Bond: Vargr

Vargr is the first original James Bond comic from Dynamite, and it doesn’t disappoint. The story sees Bond investigating a drug smuggling ring in Berlin, and features a memorable villain in the form of Kraken, a former KGB agent with a grudge against MI6. Writer Warren Ellis and artist Jason Masters capture the spirit of Fleming’s novels while updating the character for modern audiences.

4. James Bond: Eidolon

Eidolon sees Bond taking on a shadowy organisation known as Eidolon, which is responsible for a series of deadly attacks around the world. The story features some of the franchise’s most iconic elements, including gadgets, car chases, and beautiful women. Writer Warren Ellis and artist Jason Masters deliver a fast-paced, action-packed adventure that will satisfy any Bond fan.

5. James Bond: Black Box

Black Box is a standalone adventure that sees Bond investigating a mysterious box with the power to destroy anything in its path. The story takes Bond to Tokyo, where he teams up with a Japanese secret agent to take on a ruthless villain named Tiger Tanaka. Writer Benjamin Percy and artist Rapha Lobosco deliver a thrilling story that combines the best elements of classic Bond with a modern sensibility.

The James Bond comics from Dynamite Entertainment offer a fresh take on the iconic spy, while staying true to the spirit of the original novels and films.

Whether you’re a die-hard Bond fan or a newcomer to the franchise, these comics are well worth checking out.

Why ChatGPT thinks Aaron Taylor-Johnson should be James Bond

There have been a lot of news articles recently, regarding the use of ChatGPT. So I thought I’d ask it the question everyone wants to know. Who should be the next James Bond? The below was written entirely by ChatGPT.

The idea of a James Bond film sparks excitement and anticipation around the world, as the series has become a beloved cultural institution, the only question on fans lips now is “who will take up the iconic role?”.

Out of all the names speculated, there’s only one that stands out. Aaron Taylor-Johnson. He’s the perfect choice for Bond. Known for his impressive range as an actor, Johnson has showcased his talent in both leading and supporting roles over the years. He is equally capable of portraying action, drama, and comedy.

As a character actor, Johnson is skilled in creating believable characters, with a vulnerability and charm that has captivated audiences around the world. He is adept at subtle character nuances, which will be an important skill to bring to playing Bond.

In addition to his exceptional acting abilities, Johnson is also an action star. He brings to the role a physicality that can handle the demands of a Bond movie. He is an expert in martial arts and stunt work.

He has the classic features of a James Bond that have become iconic through a wide range of interpretations of the character. His strong jawline and piercing green eyes give him the equivalent of Bond’s trademark masculinity. His physical stature are a requirement for any actor who takes on the coveted role. Additionally, Taylor-Johnson has an athletic build that enables him to handle more action-oriented roles, something that any actor taking on the role of James Bond must do.

Beyond physicality, Taylor-Johnson has the right experience to take on the role. He certainly has the pedigree of a capable action star, as seen in roles in action-packed films such as Kick-Ass, Bullet Train and Avengers: Age of Ultron. More importantly, Taylor-Johnson has demonstrated the psychological depth of a classically trained character actor.

With his proven acting chops and a track record of producing some of the biggest blockbusters of recent years, he has the star power and charisma to make the role his own. He is also in peak physical condition, allowing him to effectively explore the physically demanding action sequences that come with being James Bond. His natural charm, wit and confidence all fit perfectly with the Bond persona, making him an ideal choice for the role.

Episode 267: No time to die

Martyn, Gerrod, Chris and friend of the podcast, Antoni. Discuss the final James Bond film, from the Daniel Craig era. 

It’s spoiler-free for the first 8 minutes. 

The podcast is available from all good podcast services, such as but not limited to Spotify, Amazon Music,Podchaser, Player FM,Stitcher, and Apple Podcasts.

We also have a Smartlink.

Chris’ books can be purchased here.

Artwork by Penny Smallshire.

We sound familiar can be found here.

Comedians talking about football can be found here.

Equipment used in the creation of this feature was purchased through a grant from Graeae and The Paul Hamlyn Foundation.

If you’d like to support the show, then please shop via our Amazon link. A small percentage goes our way, at no extra cost to you. We also have a Ko-Fi.

Socials:

Twitter:

Antoni- @Antoni_Pearce

Martyn – @BadWilf

Gerrod –@InGerrodsMind

Pete – @BeeblePete

Sam-@SamJMichael

Chris-@ChrisWalkerTI

Instagram:

Podcast-@TheBWPodcast

Martyn-@BadWilf

Chris-@ChrisWalkerThomsonofficial

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Episode 265: Casino Royale (2006)

In which Martyn, Gerrod and Chris pay tribute to John Challis and Stephen Critchlow.

Your dynamic trio then attempts to review 2006’s Casino Royale, but the discussion quickly turns into a general chat about James Bond and, what their hopes and fears are for No time to die. 

The podcast is available from all good podcast services, such as but not limited to Spotify, Amazon Music, Podchaser, Player FM, Stitcher, and Apple Podcasts.

We also have a Smartlink.

Chris’ books can be purchased here. 

Artwork by Penny Smallshire.

We sound familiar can be found here.

Comedians talking about football can be found here.

Equipment used in the creation of this feature was purchased through a grant from Graeae and The Paul Hamlyn Foundation.

If you’d like to support the show, then please shop via our Amazon link. A small percentage goes our way, at no extra cost to you. We also have a Ko-Fi.

Socials:

Twitter:
Martyn – @BadWilf

Gerrod –@InGerrodsMind

Pete – @BeeblePete

Sam-@SamJMichael

Chris-@ChrisWalkerT

Instagram:

Podcast-@TheBWPodcast

Martyn-@BadWilf

Chris-@ChrisWalkerThomsonofficial

Sam-@Sammichaelol

Episode 237: Remembering Connery, Sean Connery

Martyn and Chris pay tribute to the late, great Sir Sean Connery, discussing his legendary portrayal of James Bond and his other notable film roles. They also explore what they’d like to see in future James Bond video games, from more creative and challenging missions to improved AI for enemies.

In addition, Chris shares his decision to quit Twitter, citing the toxic environment and negative impact it was having on his mental health. The conversation delves into the broader issue of online toxicity and the importance of creating a healthier digital space.

Listeners are sure to enjoy this thoughtful and engaging discussion of one of cinema’s most iconic actors and the wider issues surrounding social media.

Check out the history of James Bond games.

Equipment used in the creation of this feature was purchased through a grant from Graeae and The Paul Hamlyn Foundation.



The podcast is available from all good podcast services, such as but not limited to Spotify, Amazon Music, Podchaser, Player FM, Stitcher, and Apple Podcasts.

We also have a Smartlink.

If you’d like to support the show, then please shop via our Amazon link. A small percentage goes our way, at no extra cost to you.

Chris is taking part in Movember if you’d like to donate you can do so here.

Check out our Youtube, We Sound Familiar and, Comedians talking football.

Socials:

Twitter:

Martyn – @BadWilf

Gerrod –@InGerrodsMind

Pete – @BeeblePete

Sam-@Sammichaelcomic

Instagram:

Martyn-@BadWilf

Chris-@ChrisWalkerThomsonofficial

Sam-@Sammichaelol



Aidan Turner now bookies favourite for James Bond

Over the past few weeks, we’ve heard a few names thrown around in regards to James Bond.  Ladbrokes have now added a “odds-on” favourite for the role.

Irish actor Aidan Turner (Poldark, Being Human), is now the top contender. A spokesperson for Ladbrokes said:

“Money talks, and it’s the Poldark man that punters want as their next Bond. Turner’s been shaking and stirring the betting for the last week and it’s not a huge surprise to see he’s been backed into odds-on.”

I interviewed Aidan at the recent MCM Expo, interestingly, the press were banned from asking him about James Bond…

 

Henry Cavill wants to be James Bond

It’s well-known that Henry Cavill was once Hollywood’s unluckist actor. He was very nearly Superman in Superman returns, he was very nearly Batman in Batman begins. He was also very nearly James Bond in Casino Royale.

The actor is clearly having success playing Superman, so that rules out Batman. But he still has a keen eye on the role of Bond. Whilst promoting Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice on The Graham Norton Show, the actor was asked if he would consider taking over the role. Here’s what he had to say:

“I’m very busy with the Superman stuff, but if there were any windows and they wanted me to do that kind of role, it would be great. I would love to do it.”

Of course, despite speculation, the role is still Daniel Craig’s until he confirms his departure.

Pierce Brosnan wasn’t overly impressed by Spectre

There have been a lot of reviews about Spectre and now, the only one anyone is interested in has arrived. In an interview with Yahoo, former 007 Pierce Brosnan said: 

“I was looking forward to it enormously. But I thought it was too long. The story was kind of weak — it could have been condensed. It kind of went on too long. It really did. Its neither fish nor fowl. It’s neither Bond nor Bourne. Am I in a Bond movie? Not in a Bond movie? But Daniel Craig, in the fourth go-round, has ownership of it. He had a nice looseness to him. He’s a mighty warrior, and I think he found a great sense of himself in this one with the one-liners and a nice playfulness there. Just get a tighter story, and he’ll have another classic.”

What did you think of Spectre? Let me know @BadWilf

Review-Spectre 

In many ways Paramount are extremely lucky that Star Wars forced them to move Mission Impossible 5 from Boxing Day to a July release date, as MI:Rogue Nation and Spectre are pretty much the same movie. 

In Mission Impossible 5 Ethan Hunt has gone “rogue” and disappeared deep underground to track down and prove the existence of “the syndicate” as well as the man responsible for the death of his boss. Along the way, he is joined by his tech genius friend, Benji and a small fracture group whom are disobeying orders to help him. He also teams up with and saves a woman who has information regarding The Syndicate. All this happens whilst an outside force are trying to shut down the IMF agency.

In Spectre, James Bond has gone “rogue” and disappeared deep underground to track down and prove the existence of “Spectre” as well as the man responsible for the death of his boss. Along the way, he is joined by his tech genius friend, Q and a small fracture group whom are disobeying orders to help him. He also teams up with and saves a woman who has information regarding Spectre. All this happens whilst an outside force are trying to shut down the double-O programme.

So far, so similar and that’s Spectre’s biggest problem. It isn’t a terrible movie, in fact it’s actually quite enjoyable. It’s just very generic, it could be any summer blockbuster. 

The fight scenes and action pieces are stunning. The script is okay and the performances are strong, however it all just feels formulaic. It’s like someone making a lasagne from their nan’s recipe. It’s nice, but it’s just not quite right. Wait for Blu Ray.