Dossier #87: Breaking Bond
Bond & Beyond
This week, Alex and James are joined by friend of the show Simon Smith to discuss the moments that could have ended the entire Bond franchise. Following our Make or Break episode, we take a closer look at the Breaks: the films and behind-the-scenes developments that defined (and nearly destroyed) the future of 007. From the Connery-draining Thunderball to the baffling brother revelation of Spectre, these are James Bond's lowest moments... and how he rose from them stronger than ever. If you want to email us, you can do so via . You can find us on Facebook (just search 'Bond &...
info_outline
Dossier #86: The Make Or Break Bond Films
Bond & Beyond
In light of Goldeneye's recent anniversary re-release in cinemas (and given that not every 007 adventure will get the same treatment), Alex and James discuss which are the make-or-break Bond films. This is not about quality, nor is it killer vs filler. Instead, this is a look through the history of the James Bond films and defining the moments that could have ended the franchise or gave it fresh new life. Don't agree with our picks? Email . You can also find us on Facebook (just search 'Bond & Beyond'), Twitter (@bondbeyondpod) and all our episodes are at .
info_outline
Dossier #85: Was Mission:Impossible the new Classic Bond?
Bond & Beyond
Alex and James briefly turn their attention away from James Bond to discuss the adventures of Ethan Hunt. We take a look at the Mission: Impossible series, how it evolved over the course of eight films, as well as its strengths and weaknesses. Plus, keeping things on topic, we attempt to answer whether Tom Cruise's stunt-filled outings serve as a suitable alternative to Bond for classic fans who weren't won over by Daniel Craig's grittier, more grounded films. We'd love to hear your thoughts on Mission: Impossible vs James Bond, so please email us via . You can find us on Facebook (just...
info_outline
Dossier #84: 007 First Light first look
Bond & Beyond
Kicking off renewed efforts to deliver a more regular Bond & Bond listening experience, Alex and James share their impressions of the recent deep dive into upcoming video game 007 First Light. If you haven't already, make sure you before listening to this episode. We discuss our takeaways after being given a glimpse at two missions, as well as the range of options young Bond has to tackle any given situation. We compare how First Light is shaping up to past Bond games, plus the developer's storied Hitman franchise, and drill down into which elements of this title make it a more Bondian...
info_outline
Dossier #83: Discussing Denis Villeneuve
Bond & Beyond
As Amazon-MGM continue to drip feed us details of the next Bond film, Alex and James discuss what we could expect now that Dune and Blade Runner 2049 director Denis Villeneuve has been given the helm for 007's 26th adventure. If you want to email us your thoughts on Villeneuve and what he'll bring to the series, you can do so via . You can find us on Facebook (just search 'Bond & Beyond'), Twitter (@bondbeyondpod) and all our episodes are at .
info_outline
Dossier #82: 007 First Light reveal
Bond & Beyond
Alex and James are back to discuss the next 007 outing - not a film, but a video game. Hitman developer IO Interactive has finally revealed 007 First Light, an action stealth adventure game that reimagines the story of how James Bond became a Double-O agent. We discuss how the studio's success with Hitman and the agent fantasy it portrays sets them up perfectly for this game, as well as our hopes and initial reactions to the trailer. If you want to email us, you can do so via . You can find us on Facebook (just search 'Bond & Beyond'), Twitter (@bondbeyondpod) and all our episodes are...
info_outline
Dossier #81: How will Amazon handle 007?
Bond & Beyond
Alex and James emerge from semi-retirement to discuss the latest big Bond news (and first major development in the series since No Time To Die released). With Amazon taking both ownership and full creative control of the 007 franchise, what does this mean for the future of James Bond? We discuss our hopes, our concerns, our best guesses and our worst fears as the series enters a whole new chapter - the first Broccoli-less era and the biggest change in leadership since the films began. If you want to email us, you can do so via . You can find us on Facebook (just search 'Bond &...
info_outline
Dossier #80: The Ultimate James Bond Draft
Bond & Beyond
James and Alex return with something a little different. In this episode, we compete to see who can draft the Ultimate James Bond film by drawing from elements of all the previous films. We each choose our favourite Bond actor, villain, girl, henchman, vehicle, gadgets, locations, actions scenes and more in the hopes of creating a new Bond adventure that would be a worthy addition to the series. And here's the crucial bit: You decide who wins. Head to our and profiles to find the poll and vote for your favourite. You have 007 days, and we'll reveal the winner at a later date. So listen...
info_outline
Dossier #79: With A Mind To Kill
Bond & Beyond
Alex and James review Anthony Horowitz's third and final Bond novel, With A Mind To Kill. Set after the events of The Man With The Golden Gun (the original Ian Fleming novel, not the slide-whistle stunt film), the story sees Bond sent back into the heart of Russia to face the people who brainwashed him to kill M - while pretending that mission was successful. The stakes are raised as they evaluate him for another mission with dire consequences. Will he succeed? Will he be discovered? And how does this compare to Horowitz's Trigger Mortis and Forever And A Day? Spoilers abound, as we review...
info_outline
Dossier #78: Overdue Bonding
Bond & Beyond
Alex and James are back after a shamefully long absence, and the topic of this episode is all things Bond. We catch up on what we've been up to Bond-wise (and non-Bond-wise) for the past almost-year, including revisiting classic 007 video games, introducing the next generation of Bond fan to the original films, reading various Bond books, and weighing up the ongoing rumours as to who will be donning that tuxedo for Bond 26. It's good to be back.
info_outlineAlex and James are joined by Richard and Nia Setters – our first Bond fan couple.
The Setterses talk us through a particularly important coping mechanism for the COVID lockdown: a James Bond marathon. Every Monday night, they have watched a Bond film - from Dr No to Spectre.
We discuss the highs and lows of the series, their thoughts on the best and worst Bonds, and an intriguing alternative form of marathon: Curry Bond.
If you want to email us, you can do so via bondandbeyondpod@gmail.com. You can find us on Facebook (just search 'Bond & Beyond'), Twitter (@bondbeyondpod) and all our episodes are at bondbeyondpod.tumblr.com.