Bond & Beyond

Dossier #86: The Make Or Break Bond Films

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 bondandbeyondpod@gmail.com [bondandbeyondpod@gmail.com]. You can also find us on Facebook (just search 'Bond & Beyond'), Twitter (@bondbeyondpod) and all our episodes are at bondbeyondpod.tumblr.com [https://bondbeyondpod.tumblr.com/].

Dossier #85: Was Mission:Impossible the new Classic Bond?

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 bondandbeyondpod@gmail.com [bondandbeyondpod@gmail.com]. You can find us on Facebook (just search 'Bond & Beyond'), Twitter (@bondbeyondpod) and all our episodes are at bondbeyondpod.tumblr.com [https://bondbeyondpod.tumblr.com/].

Dossier #84: 007 First Light first look

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 watch the whole presentation [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwRpK8eoLLE] 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 experience than your standard action game. Finally, we drool over the special editions we're inevitably going to splash our cash on. We'd love to hear your thoughts on 007 First Light, so please email us via bondandbeyondpod@gmail.com [bondandbeyondpod@gmail.com]. You can find us on Facebook (just search 'Bond & Beyond'), Twitter (@bondbeyondpod) and all our episodes are at bondbeyondpod.tumblr.com [https://bondbeyondpod.tumblr.com/].

Dossier #83: Discussing Denis Villeneuve

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 bondandbeyondpod@gmail.com [bondandbeyondpod@gmail.com]. You can find us on Facebook (just search 'Bond & Beyond'), Twitter (@bondbeyondpod) and all our episodes are at bondbeyondpod.tumblr.com [https://bondbeyondpod.tumblr.com/].

Dossier #82: 007 First Light reveal

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 bondandbeyondpod@gmail.com [bondandbeyondpod@gmail.com]. You can find us on Facebook (just search 'Bond & Beyond'), Twitter (@bondbeyondpod) and all our episodes are at bondbeyondpod.tumblr.com [https://bondbeyondpod.tumblr.com/].