The School of Movies Archive

Spectre

[School of Movies 2015]

Bond is back! And this has been one divisive movie. On the one hand some folks hail it as a fantastic installment of the long-running series, proof that 007 is still flying high. On the other, it has been decried as proof of the exact opposite, seemingly underlining and exemplifying everything that was broken about the series back in the past when we had little else in the way of action movies to choose from.

We pick over what might be Daniel Craig's swansong as the most famous secret agent in history. 

Guest:

Gary Blower of GamerBurst

Skyfall

[School of Movies 2015]

The Craig era, previously discussed back in 2011 gets the royal treatment and we talk Sam Mendez, Roger Deakins, Thomas Newman, Javier Bardem, Ben Wishaw, Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris and Her Majesty, Queen Dench. 

Guests:

Gary Blower of GamerBurst

James Batchelor of Bond and Beyond

Alex Boucher of Bond and Beyond

 

James Bond 007: Brosnan / Craig

[Digital Gonzo 2011]

Part 3: After the Cold War

For the final part of our exploration of this epic series we cover the Brosnan and Craig eras of the 1990’s and early 21st century. These were the movies our generation saw in the cinema as we came of age. Consequently most people between 20 and 35 feel somewhat more identification with these than with the previous Bonds. As a result, this is a very enthusiastic show and we have plenty to say about all of them.

The transition to Craig is also very significant as it’s the first Bond that is starting entirely from scratch since Connery so all the continuity can be put aside in favour of a focused and energetic new direction. Though as Quantum of Solace proved, not always as measured as it could have been.

To round off the series we talk about all the Bond video games since GoldenEye 007 on the N64. Find out which are worth picking up and why Blood Stone and the GoldenEye remake on the Wii are actually quite essential for Bond Fans.

1. GoldenEye
2. Tomorrow Never Dies
3. The World is Not Enough
4. Die Another Day
5. Casino Royale 1967
6. Casino Royale 2006
7. Quantum of Solace
8. Bond in Video Games

Guests:

James Batchelor of Bond and Beyond

Gary Blower of GameBurst

James Bond 007: Moore / Dalton

[Digital Gonzo 2011]

Part 2: Back for Moore.

This second installment of the Gonzo Bond investigations covers the 007 career of the quintessential English gent; Mr Roger Moore. All seven of his films are covered along with the unofficial return of Connery in Never Say never Again. How did the raised eyebrow and suggestive quips affect perception of Bond and when was he at his best and worst?

After that we discuss Timothy Dalton’s short run as the most famous secret agent in the world. Was he underrated for a reason? What went wrong?

Next week for the final part: Brosnan and Craig, as well as the best and worst Bond video games.

1. Live and Let Die
2. The Man With the Golden Gun
3. The Spy Who Loved Me
4. Moonraker
5. For Your Eyes Only
6. Never Say Never Again
7. Octopussy
8. View to a Kill
9. The Living Daylights
10. License to Kill

Guests:

James Batchelor of Bond and Beyond

Gary Blower of GameBurst

James Bond 007: Connery / Lazenby

[Digital Gonzo 2011]

Part 1: Enter Bond.

James Bond has been thrilling us  all for over four decades and it’s high time we discussed this unkillable agent in detail.

So there are 22 movies, two unofficial releases and a boatload of hallmarks/cliches to chew over. The villains, the ladies, the guns, the gadgets, the cars and of course the men who have stepped into the tuxedo of 007. But since we never claimed to be the least bit objective on Gonzo this is a show charged with rabid opinion, and when the lows hit, we tear into them with the ferocity of Onatopp and the sharp-tongued witticism of Moneypenny.

This first week we cover the six official Connery films along with the brief in-and-out appearance of George Lazenby. Find out which films in our less-than-humble opinions are gems, which are duds and prepare to be reminded of the sheer, facepalm-inducing stupidity of the many many goofball moments in this notoriously inconsistent series.

1. Dr. No
2. From Russia With love
3. Goldfinger
4. Thunderball
5. You Only Live Twice
6. On Her Majesty’s Secret Service
7. Diamonds Are Forever

Guests:

James Batchelor of Bond and Beyond

Gary Blower of GameBurst