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entertainment weeklyAn Ominious Bond Article

Hey Bond fans just thought I would give you a heads up on the magazine article
in the recent edition of Entertainment weekly if you haven’t seen it already. A cover
story on James Bond! Unfortunately with the headline ‘Goodbye Mr. Bond’ it’s not
something to get excited about. It would have been so much nicer if it were some
news on the next film involving casting, locations, plot and when we can expect to
see it, rather than…..well probably the worst news fans could get.

I’m not going to recount the whole article, but simply say it details what is going on
with the Bond series currently, why plans for the next film have been stopped and
what the current state of MGM (Bond’s studio) is and its potential future might be.

None of it is good news and the likelihood of us lining up for the next Bond film is
beginning to look further and further away. Typically the Bond films have maintained
a pretty consistent release schedule between on average two to three years. Now it’s
looking like it will go much longer. Possibly this could eclipse the longest duration
between films the series has had - six years (License to Kill ,1989 – Goldeneye, 1995).

It’s not really a record I was hoping to see broken.

 

As you might guess, this could throw Daniel Craig’s participation as the current Bond in a tailspin. Since there’s no telling when
production can be expected, by the time it does the producers and Craig might very well feel it’s better to part ways. It’s not
inconceivable. Since starring as Bond Craig’s career has taken off, he’s become a popular leading man and has been working
consistently in a variety projects ever since. When bond finally returns it might be time for him to be yet again recast in another
reboot of the franchise.

Check out the EW article it’s worth reading. Under here you can check out my initial reaction to when this news first broke at the
beginning of the year. Appartently things just got worse since then.

I still think the predictions by some that Bond might ‘never’ return to movie screens are a bit overboard though. One of the most
popular ficitional characters in history….he’s not just going to disappear like that. But there’s still no telling when we’ll see him
again.

 

 

DanielCraigBOND 23 DELAYED!

Fans of 007 have been passing the ominous news around – development
on the 23rd Bond film has been postponed indefinitely. The film originally
was scheduled for release 2011 or 2012.

It seems the studio behind the 007 films, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer isn’t in
the best of shape and are now awaiting a buyer. While the studio is trying
to navigate through this uncertain situation and are looking for a new owner,
Bond producers Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli have decided to
postpone work on Bond 23 until MGM’s issues are all settled.

The producers said: “Due to the continuing uncertainty surrounding the
future of MGM and the failure to close a sale of the studio, we have
suspended development on Bond 23 indefinitely We do not know when development will resume and do not have a date for the
release of Bond 23.”

Of course there’s more to how Bond ended up in this situation, but the bottom line is no one knows when filming will get under way
and when fans will see 007 again.

Daniel Craig commented about the situation, “I have every confidence in Barbara and Michael’s decision and look forward to
production resuming as quickly as possible.”

This isn’t the first time 007 took a hiatus. Following the release of 1989’s License to Kill legal issues were raised over the control
of the series and the character and created a six-year delay between films, the longest gap between films in the series. By the time
work on the next film was set Dalton decided not to return, opening up the role to Pierce Brosnan. Hopefully this delay won’t last
as long.

This situation does raise a lot of questions. Some are speculating this is a strategic move by the producers to distance themselves
from the hurting MGM and might be considering the possibility of setting up their Bond Shop elsewhere.

Director Sam Mendes was set to helm the film. Reports had said he was extremely excited about it and that it was to have been
the most ambitious 007 film to date and he was going to re-invent the genre. Mendes had left the film 'Preacher' for the
opportunity to work on Bond 23. Now what will happen? Whenever this delay ends, will Mendes still be available or will a
new director be brought in?

Craig and Judi Dench were expected to return for Bond 23. Any other casting rumors of Bond Girls or Bond Villains that have
been passed around in the last year were just that – rumors. The only two actors that were confirmed to be in the film has always
been Craig and Dench.

QuantumSolace
Dench should easily return. She’s played M for the past
fifteen years in six films and there isn’t any reason why
she shouldn’t continue.

Craig doesn’t look like he’ll be going anywhere any time
soon either. His Bond contract calls for four films (at least
that’s the popular word on it), so he should be expected to
be back. Worst-case scenario would be if this delay should
last much longer than anyone expects (for example a License
to Kill to GoldenEye delay). By the time the dust settled and
such a long gap of time has passed and Craig would be better
suited to play Q than 007 and he felt it’s been too long a hiatus
(as Dalton did) and made an amicable split with producers,
well then maybe we might see a new Bond in the next film.

 

However, that is the absolute worst-case scenario and I don’t see it happening. It would have been much better to get news about casting,
locations, and the plot to Bond 23 to talk about, instead of this one. If I find out anything new I’ll be sure to pass along to you Bond fans.

It’s really a shame when you consider the bold move filmmakers took of rebooting the series in 2006’s ‘Casino Royale’. There they
took such an established, iconic character and attempted to make changes that fans were immediately resistant to, notably the casting. -
“Whoa! Daniel Craig has blonde hair!!! James Bond doesn’t have blonde hair! They can’t be serious!” – and ‘Casino’ ended up
being embraced by most fans and critics. With his one outing Craig drew arguments of being the best Bond since Connery. The series
looked to be heading into new, exciting directions and now it’s been brought to a dead stop.

So as we stand we hit a speed bump on the 007 Road. It has slowed things down and will try the patience of Bond fans that were looking
forward to the next entry in the series and we might have to wait awhile longer for it. However, I’m pretty confident like the closing
credits to the films say ‘James Bond will return’.

Eventually.

 

 

 

 

 

And to check out another one of my 'Bond-themed' vids CLICK HERE!

 

NEW BOND PICTURES REVEALED!

Lazenby
It's been over forty years now when Bond filmmakers were first faced with their biggest challenge - "Who would be the next James Bond?"

Coming after the reign of Sean Connery, who played the role in the last five films, finding a worthwhile candidate seemed like an impossible challenge. Still,
the franchise had to go on and this problem had to be tackled. So the process
began of trying to find the next 007.

As all Bond fans know the role eventually was handed to twenty-eight year old George Lazenby, a former Australian model, who would be the lead in 1969's
'On Her Majesty's Secret Service', his one outing as 007.

But what about all the other actors who were considered and auditioned? Life magazine had documented some of the process and the actors who took a shot at becoming one of the most famous characters in films and they've finally opened up their vaults so we can see.

I find it somewhat odd that some of these photos haven't been seen in so long, considering how big a deal getting a new James Bond was at the time. I mean, nowadays this would be a huge deal and every entertainment show and magazine would be feverishly reporting on every minute detail of it and the whole process would be documented and shown to audiences. But I guess that's what makes these photos so special.

It's an interesting look at some of the possible candidates at the time and to think of what might have been.

If you want to check out the photos you can find them at
http://www.life.com/image/ugc1023022/in-gallery/37692

 

 


 

BROSNAN SAYS, HE 'NEVER NAILED' BOND

PierceBrosnanHere’s an interesting tidbit I stumbled onto April 13. I thought I would pass it along to you Bond fans in case you haven’t read it already.

VeniceMag.com has reported that Bond actor Number Five, Pierce Brosnan says he fears he let down 007 fans because he never lived up to his iconic predecessors Sir Sean Connery and Sir Roger Moore.

Brosnan took over the role from Timothy Dalton and subsequently played 007 four times. His debut was in GoldenEye (1995), followed by Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), The World Is Not Enough (1999) and Die Another Day (2002). Brosnan’s departure of the role was said to not have been the most amicable split between him and the filmmakers. Daniel Craig stepped into the role in 2006’s Casino Royale.

Speaking about his second outing as Bond he said: “When I did Tomorrow Never Dies I knew the movie wasn’t up to speed, it wasn’t as good as GoldenEye.”

Despite having his tenure resulting in some of the biggest box office results in the history of the Bond series, Brosnan is convinced his portrayal isn’t a memorable part of the franchise.

“It was one of those things I always struggled with - I never felt I really nailed it - there was always a hint of Sean Connery and Roger Moore that was so indelible in my own mind. It’s a prestigious group to be in the company of.”

He also added: “I haven’t seen Daniel in the role. I tried watching it on an airplane. I thought 37,000 feet was a good distance to watch it from and it broke down right at the beginning. The attendant came and changed it and it broke down a second time, so I figured, ‘OK. The Gods must be saying something…..So I never went near it! I just thought, ‘Let sleeping dogs lie’.”

 

 

Connery"BOND. JAMES BOND."

Over forty years after making his big screen debut on movie screens Ian Fleming’s
James Bond became an iconic character who epitomizes style, class and toughness,
who along with these traits has a license to kill.

Since Dr. No in 1962 the film series has become one of the most popular
and successful in film history. With its unique blend of violence, sex,
action and witty humor, each Bond film would become a worldwide
event upon its release. Agent 007 would face off against sinister villain’s,
bed beautiful women travel to the most exotic locations and have the coolest
toys and shiniest cars at his fingertips, all the while never getting a wrinkle in his
elegant suit.

After getting a gritty and more realistic start in his films with Dr. No and From Russia With Love, 1964’s Goldfinger would
be the turning point in the series and establish James Bond’s world as one that was truly larger than life. Budgets went up,
even more movie tickets were sold (along with profits in cross merchandising) and audiences would anxiously await for the
next Bond film. In the meantime, little boys and men would sneak to the mirror and say those immortal words:
“Bond….James Bond”.

By the time 1967’s You Only Live Twice wrapped, Sean Connery stepped down from his role as Bond. This would be the start of an
ever lengthening chain of actors who would step into the role. Each actor would leave their own unique mark on their portrayal
of the character. With differing balances of humor, seriousness, sophistication and lethalness it would open the never-ending
debate as to who was the best Bond.

LazenbyIn 1969, former Austrailian model with little acting experience was cast as 007 in On Her Majesty’s
Secret Service. The massive scope of the film included all the Bond earmarks (but no earlobes)
that fans had come to expect – a powerful villain, extravagant locations, huge set pieces, beautiful
women and plenty of action. The film would also present Bond’s most personal journey as he falls
in love and gets married.

Despite being one of the highest grossing films that year, Majesty’s has mainly become a trivia question
to general movie audiences as Lazenby’s one-shot at portraying 007 before Connery was coerced into
returning for one more film - Diamonds Are Forever.

MooreWith Connery out for good producers cast Roger Moore, an already established star,
as Bond in1973’s Live and Let Die. This time out filmmakers tried to distance Moore’s
Bond from Connery’s (whereas Lazenby had broken the fourth wall in the opening
minutes of the film to acknowledge he was the new guy). The film departs from the
standard opening of Bond arriving at M’s office for his assignment. This time M knock’s
on Bond’s door.

With The Spy Who Loved Me Broccoli (who now was sole producer) gave Moore a
huge canvas to play his Bond on. No longer feeling hindered by Connery’s peformance,
Moore’s portrayal became more light hearted and humorous. Situations were more
fantastical, villians more cartoonish and Moore was surrounded by outrageous villians,
fighting cartoonish henchmen and showcasing even more over the top gadgets.

And audiences loved it.

By the time Moonraker premiered in 1979 (the notorious ‘James Bond in Space film) Moore had endeared himself to audiences
and would play 007 for a total for seven films. 1983 Would see the release of a competing Bond film that heralded the return of
Sean Connery. Despite a twelve-year hiatus from the role, Moore’s film ‘Octopussy’ would come out on top.

DaltonBy 1985 Moore had had enough. He announced his retirement from the role at age 58, the oldest actor to
have portrayed Bond. Filmmakers would select a new Bond and try to take the series back to its roots.
An attempt would be made to get the character back to the tough spy Ian Fleming had created. Losing the
jokes and the absurd nature of Moore’s films, Timothy Dalton would take the character back to basics
in stories with more intrigue and drama than the whimsy the series had shown in the past twelve years.

Dalton was true to his word. The Living Daylights would be an interpretation of the character true to
Fleming’s original character. Changes were made within the format of the film however. With the
increasing attitude of casual sex being irresponsible, Bond was given one leading lady to make time with.
A disclaimer of the dangers of cigarette smoking was added to the credits. The film would be a critical
success and gross more than Moore’s last two Bond outings.

However, after the disappoinment of 1989’s License to Kill and a six year gap between films, Dalton would not return.

BrosnanIn 1995 Goldeneye would mark the debut of Pierce Brosnan in the role. After having made a success
in television with a Bond-type of character, he seemed destined to play the part and was awaited to take
up the mantle by fans.

Rubbing off the grim aura Dalton had given the character, Brosnan went back to the template of suave,
dangerous with dashes of humor. With concerns over whether the character was still relevant in a post
Cold War era, after the film outgrossed Dalton's previous films and was a clear success, it seemed
Bond was still as in demand as ever by audiences.

His modernized Bond would be the first interpretation of the character that many younger-goers would
see on the big screen and Brosnan would guide the character through the 90’s and into the 21st century
with three more films.

CasinoIn 2004 the torch would be passed again, this time to actor Daniel Craig. Concerns over his
casting immediately made headlines. Fans questioned whether the selection of him was the
right one. He didn’t seem like the Bond-type. Plus, he was blonde!

All the skepticism was put to rest when Casino Royale premiered. After having been filmed
as an all-star parody in 1967, the Bond filmmakers finally got the rights to it and to tell the
story of Bond’s first double-O adventure. Craig would give an extremely physical and
ruthless performance and the film would receive raves from critics and audiences.

Quantum of Solace would follow. For the first time a Bond film would be an actual sequel
to the previous film and not simply as a stand-alone story.

Bond has seen adventures all over the world and there are no signs of him slowing up. Audiences are still lining up to see his films and
each subsequent release of the latest one is met with worldwide coverage and anticipation. He has become one of most iconic heroes
in film and literature. He has been passed down from one generation to the next, with each one thrilling at their James Bond on the screen.

Ian Fleming must be pretty pleased.

Fleming

 

 

Originally, this review series I began quite some time ago started as a goof. Just for the novelty of it and to try something different I thought I would try my hand at putting together a simple one-minute review of each film leading up to the release of Quantum of Solace. I really missed that deadline. As time passed this series has evolved into something much more comprehensive and involved than I initially planned. I wish I had planned this whole thing out better, (I still plan on going back and spending more time on the earlier films - they got shortchanged) but I really didn't think they would get as much attention as they have. So, I have to thank all you Bond Fans that have been following these, sharing your own opinions on the films and being curious as to what is coming up next. You've become a real motivation to continue this series.

Deciding to change things up a bit this part is what I'm simply calling 'The Bond Blueprint'. You can probably figure out what it's about. Essentially it's a dissection of the rules that most of the Bond films have followed. I take a look at the general formula that seems to weave through a 007 film. I had this idea for awhile and planned to dedicate Part 7 to it (just because I thought it would be an overly-poetic number to use for it).

The focus is on the films starting from 'Dr. No' in 1962 to 'License to Kill' in 1989, since I've covered them in previous entries. The most popualr question I've gotten regarding this series is: "what about the films of Pierce and Daniel, why aren't they included?" Well, since I still have yet to review their films I didn't want to jump the gun and suddenly throw them in here. Plus, I though just dealing with seventeen films (included is Never Say Never Again) was more than enough. Plus, there are some other reasons I state in the series.

I knew this project would be a challenge, it took much more time and patience than I expected. The writing, editing and research made me question if this was even a good idea at certain points and maybe just to give it up, but persistence prevailed. Overall I think it turned out pretty good. Hopefully it will provide some fun entertainment to you Bond fans. Once this is completed I will be taking a Bond break. I need to step back from Bond for awhile and do some different things. I won't leave 007 completely however. If I hear any news about Bond 23 or some random piece of information that I think is worth sharing you can find it here.

Once I'm ready to come back to Bond and my batteries are all recharged the 007 films of Pierce Brosnan will be next. I don't know when, but it is next on my Bond To-Do List.

Lastly, I want to thank all you Bond fans that have sat through this 007 series. Your comments and shared enthusiasm for Bond has kept me motivated to continue on with these projects.

THE BOND BLUEPRINT

 

Want to see where this Blueprint goes? Check out the rest of the series at my HaphazardStuff YouTube Channel!


THE BOND INFLUENCE

While working on the Blueprint project there were a lot of ideas and plans that I ended up scrapping. So keeping with beloved deleted scenes I thought I would share this segment anyway! This was meant to demonstrate the Bond films have had on the world of spy films, pop culture and being referenced. I think it's a pretty fun montage, but thought its inclusion into the Blueprint was a distraction from the real point of the project and painfully dropped it.

 

I've had several people contact me asking 'what film is that particular one from?' So for those who are curious and want an answer, here is a list of what all the clips are in order.

From Hong Kong With Love (1975) - Johnny Rivers performing ‘Secret Agent Man’ (1966) - Agent For H.A.R.M (1966) - The Goonies (1985) - The Man From U.N.C.L.E (1964-68) - Spy Hard (1996) - Spy In Your Eye (1966) - Bang! Bang! You’re Dead! (1966) - The Simpsons (1989- ) - Jason Lives (1986) - Stormbreaker (2006) - Secret Agent Fireball (1966) - Spy In Your Eye (1966) - Agent Cody Banks (2003) - Secret Agent Super Dragon (1966) - Altin Cocuk aka Golden Boy (1966) - Danger Girls (1969) - Secret Squirrel (1965) - The Pink Panther (2006) - The Second Best Secret Agent In The World (1965) - The Liquidator (1964) - Lightning Bolt (1966) - Danger Girls (1969) - Deadlier Than The Male (1966) - Inspector Gadget (1983-86) - The Silencers (1966) - What’s Up Tiger Lily? (1966) - Mission: Impossible (1966-1973) - Casino Royale (1967) - Kiss The Girls And Make Them Die (1966) - Johnny English (2003) - Chuck (2007- ) - Kiss The Girls And Make Them Die (1966) - ‘Secret Agent Man’ Performed By David Hasselhoff (2006) - The Man Who Knew Too Little (1997) - The Man Called Flintstone (1966) - Danger Mouse (1981-92) - Get Smart (1965-69) - The Avengers (1961-69) - Spy Kids (2001) - Mythbusters (2003- ) - Catch Me If You Can (2002) - I Spy (1965-68) - The Muppets Tonight (1996-98) - Saturday Night Live (1975- ) - Dr. Goldfoot And The Girl Bombs (1966) - Trainspotting (1996) - The Tuxedo (2002) - I Love You, Man (2009) - MacGyver (1985-92) - Bachelor Party (1984) - Caddyshack (1980) - The Family Guy (1999 - ) - Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade (1989) - Spy Hard (1996) - The Liquidator (1964) - If Looks Could Kill (1991) - James Bond Jr. (1991) - OK Connery aka Operation Kid Brother (1967) - The Return Of The Man From U.N.C.L.E (1983) - Austin Powers: International Man Of Mystery (1997) - A Man Called Dagger (1967) - Spy Vs Spy (1961- ) - Scorpions And Mini Skirts (1967) - Looney Tunes: Back In Action (2003) - Goldginger (1965) - The Silencers (1966) - Man On The Spying Trapeze (1965) - Carry On Spying (1964) - OSS 117: Cairo, Nest Of Spies (2006) - Our Man Flint (1966) - The Muppet Show (1976-81) - The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962-92) - The Cannonball Run (1981) - The Late Show With David Letterman (1993- )

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

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