That’s one of the interesting questions. Where exactly does it pitch itself? There are plenty of other films doing the same thing. Even those that are apeing the genre are doing a bloody good job. Spy was pretty good, the first Austin Powers movie was close to genius, and very gentle in its pisstaking too.
With the principal actor changing often, the regulars having to leave on account of becoming very old, it is getting more difficult to say what qualifies him as uniquely Bond. The reboot had a go of making a new Bond for the new age, but by the end of Skyfall, I was thinking that the series was finally in a place where it is recognisably James Bond, and it’s got bugger all to do with Craig. New Q, new M, and the familiar varnished surroundings.
I think Craig is probably my favourite Bond, too. Ruthless bastard, actually looks like a killer and is a far cry from the regular Bond of my day, Roger Moore, the 60s Batman version of the character.
Having grown up with the Connery Bond he is the only one for me. Thunderball is my favourite Bond film with Goldfinger just behind but clearly very dated now.
I just think it would be cool twist if James Bond had motor neurone disease! They could fix it so when he is diagnosed M can’t sack him cos of Equal Opportunities Policy so they have to keep sending him on missions. It would work pretty good I think! Hawking has a kind of dry delivery that would be well suited to doing Sexy Banter with Bond Girls
Bourne over Bond for me. Only thought this in the last few years, watching re-runs of the first three films. Never thought I would go off Bond but iI just find it so routine and overblown now… Bourne is more gritty, less glamour. Great to hear Matt Damon is filming another one, almost certainly his last but bring it on.
Is it that Sam Smith is wearing a child’s jacket to save paying VAT, and that he has produced the worst Bond theme since the Wombles remixed Live and Let Die on their shelved concept album?