Bond & Beyond

Dossier #88: Introducing your children to Bond

James Bond is a generational franchise, often introduced by father to son. But when you find yourself in the role of the former, where - and, more importantly, when - do you start? Alex and James discuss their own earliest memories of Bond, their experience presenting Bond (or elements of Bond) to their own children, and some of the many considerations that need to be taken into account. Got your own story to tell? Email us via bondandbeyondpod@gmail.com [bondandbeyondpod@gmail.com]. You can also find us on Facebook (just search 'Bond & Beyond'), and all our episodes are at bondbeyondpod.tumblr.com [https://bondbeyondpod.tumblr.com/].

Dossier #87: Breaking Bond

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 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 #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/].