Hello folks, since October 5 2012 edition of Five of the Fifth happens to fall on Bond’s 50th Anniversary, all the questions have a SPY theme in honor of our super spy 007.
As is customary for this monthly feature, I get to post five random news item/observation/poster, etc. and then turn it over to you to share your take on that given topic. You can see the previous five-for-the-fifth posts here. So let’s get started, shall we?
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1. Well, now that Adele’s Skyfall theme song has been officially released, I’m quite pleased to see the classic ballad is back again. I’ve listened to it half a dozen times now and the melody easily gets stuck in my head. I like that there’s a trace of the Bond theme in it, and it doesn’t hurt that I’m a big fan of Adele’s voice. She’s channeling Dame Shirley Bassey, though I don’t think anyone could match the Welsh singer’s powerful pipes. So take a listen below…
Now on to the two-part question: Thoughts on Adele’s song AND which singer/band do you wish would sing the Bond theme song next?
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2. James Bond might be the world’s most famous spy character, but Ian Fleming isn’t the only popular British spy author. This article on Word and Film site lists all the films based on English author John le Carre’s classic British spy and espionage novels. I have only seen three of them on the list: Tinker Tailor Solider Spy, The Constant Gardener and The Tailor of Panama, and they’re all very good.
I’m curious to check out the rest from that list, especially The Spy Who Came in from the Cold starring Richard Burton. That sounds really intriguing.
Are you a fan of Le Carre’s work? Which of his books is your favorite?
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3. A few days ago I came across this Best Bond Movies poll that the MI6-HQ site conducted late last year. Below are the results of the ‘most favored’ James Bond films by the fans:
| Rank | Film | Actor | Score |
| 1 | Casino Royale | Daniel Craig | 75% |
| 2 | Goldfinger | Sean Connery | 54% |
| 3 | From Russia With Love | Sean Connery | 53% |
| 4 | On Her Majesty’s Secret Service | George Lazenby | 46% |
| 5 | GoldenEye | Pierce Brosnan | 37% |
The Living Daylights made the top 10 at #8 (which makes me happy), but what I find most interesting is that On Her Majesty’s Secret Service made the top 5!
So even though people didn’t like George Lazenby, apparently they still love the film. That’s one of the Bond films I really want to revisit again, I might do it yet this month as I don’t remember much about it aside from that heartbreaking finale. I’m even more curious as Christopher Nolan said it’s his favorite Bond film, so who knows, perhaps a remake is in order with a more capable Bond actor?
What’s your thoughts on the poll and/or OHMSS film specifically?
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4. Now switching gears from MI-6 to CIA… Americans’ got our own super spy too, y’know 😀 The name is Ryan, Jack Ryan. Ok it doesn’t have the same catchy ring to it and the franchise is not nearly as lucrative, but the Tom Clancy’s character has quite a fan base.
And the reboot coming up next year seems to be going back to basics, titling it simply Jack Ryan, and casting the young and hip Capt Kirk Chris Pine in the role. Interestingly enough, he’s surrounded by Brits: Kenneth Branagh is directing and starring as the villain and Keira Knightley as his wife. But hey, he’s got Kevin Costner as his CIA mentor.
For me, my favorite Jack Ryan actor is Harrison Ford, but it could be because Patriot Games was the first movie I saw of the franchise. I know most of you probably love Alec Baldwin most as he’s the first in The Hunt For The Red October, and I might revisit that movie at one point, but I quite like Ford’s intensity. He might appear curmudgeon, which somehow I find endearing, but to me he captures that hard life and being constantly on edge as what I imagined his job would entail.
So, who’s your favorite actor portraying Jack Ryan?
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5. Now, back to Bond again as today is Global Bond Day after all. As the franchise keeps going on and on, let me turn to the one who started it all: Ian Fleming. I’d love to see the creator of Commander Bond gets a proper biopic treatment on the big screen. Well, last May there were reports circulating that Duncan Jones (director of Moon, Source Code, etc.) is going to be at the helm. As The Guardian article says, Fleming’s fascinating life story seems to be worth telling and no doubt inspired his creation, inspired by his years in the British naval intelligence during WWII. He reportedly lived a hard life too, smoking and drinking (60 cigarettes a day??!), and was also quite the playboy.
I haven’t heard of who’d be cast as Fleming. I think I heard James McAvoy was rumored at some point, which would be a good choice I think, aside from the fact that Fleming has Scottish roots. Now if they decide to do a biopic on his later years though, I’d love to see Geoffrey Rush play him. I mean, I even found this photo when I was searching on Google, so obviously I’m not the only one who think of their uncanny resemblance!
Thoughts on this biopic, now who would you like to see portray Ian Fleming?
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Well, that’s it for the Special SPY edition of Five for the Fifth, folks. Now, please pick a question out of the five above or better yet, do ‘em all! 😀
FLIXCHATTER FILM BLOG 
1. Not a fan of Adele, but I can see why she’d be a natural choice. I suppose I might’ve been more interested to hear an Amy Winehouse track, alas.
2. No opinion. Still haven’t gotten around to TTSS. 😦
3. I have no problems with that Top 5…I might rearrange the order a little, but I agree with all of those. I really loved OHMSS and thought it was an exemplary Bond film. Wish we’d seen more of Lazenby.
4. No opinion, never seen any of this stuff.
5. I think you know what my opinion of this is: BRILLIANT. More Geoffrey Rush in all the things. 🙂
Yeah, nice to have a British singer sing the Bond song again and I’ve always loved ballads.
I’m curious to hear what you think of TTSS once you see it Sam. I was so anticipating it but the movie didn’t blow me away.
You’ve never seen a Jack Ryan movie eh? Are you at all interested in the new one?
He..he.. yes, more of Mr. Rush is always a good thing!
Happy Bond Day, Flixy 😛
I must admit I’m disappointed with Adele’s song, it is rather monotonous and cliché, wish she’d added something new and creative in it….
Hi Dezzy! Oh no, bummer that you didn’t like the song. You’re generally a fan of hers right? I kind of like the simplicity of the song, it’s rather elegant.
1. I love Adele’s song. 🙂 It might be too similar, but I’d like to see Duffy do a Bond theme song.
2. Haven’t read any of le Carre’s work, but I’ve seen Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, The Constant Gardener, and The Spy Who Came in form the Cold. (You should definitely see Spy, Ruth.)
3. Haven’t seen OHMSS yet! Very intrigued by its place in the poll though.
4. Favorite actor as Jack Ryan would be Alec Baldwin, but only because I still haven’t seen Patriot Games or Clear and Present Danger yet.
5. I’d like to see a biopic on him. Rush would be a slightly better pick than McAvoy for me.
Glad to hear you like it, Josh. Um, who’s Duffy??
I’ll look into ‘The Spy’ I quite like Le Carre’s work, but then again I LOVE espionage genre.
I’ve kind of forgotten about most of OHMSS, too, so I’m excited to rewatch it.
Oh, you should see the Ford’s Jack Ryan movies. They’re both good!
I really hope they’d cast a good actor to play Fleming. It’d be awesome if Rush does play him!
My spy movie experience is sadly lacking — haven’t seen most of the Bond films yet (only Goldeneye and the comedic 1967 Casino Royale), nor Jack Ryan, nor most of the films based on John Le Carre’s work. I have seen The Tailor of Panama, though, that was good.
It seems like most of the spy films I’ve seen are a bit off the beaten path so far (and most haven’t been that great). The Silencers (weak), the Dr. Goldfoot movies (awful), and The Quiller Memorandum (good, but not exciting) are the ones that come to mind.
Hi Morgan, no spy movies for ya? You just don’t like ’em or just haven’t got around to watching the films? I LOVE espionage movies, though I’m still missing a lot of the good ones as well, especially the classics.
I should check out the ones you mention.
I like them quite a bit, I just somehow haven’t had the opportunity to check out very many of them.
Ah I see. Well it’s never too late to get into the Bond bandwagon, or the Jack Ryan one for that matter 🙂
1. Thoughts on Adele’s song AND which singer/band do you wish would sing the Bond theme song next?
Love the song (of course). As for desired Bond singer – I dunno, I like Sharon Jones’ voice even if this were to be a ballad.
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2. Are you a fan of Le Carre’s work? Which of his books is your favorite?
Not a fan of his work and I know Richard Armitage is a fan (say what?).
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3. What’s your thoughts on the poll and/or OHMSS film specifically?
I never think of these films in terms of ranking but looking at the poll numbers, those are the films I most often hear of. But I think comparing the older ones to the newer, larger scale ones is kind of imbalanced.
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4. So, who’s your favorite actor portraying Jack Ryan?
Never really got into these movies …
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5. Thoughts on this biopic, now who would you like to see portray Ian Fleming?
I’ll say Rush – he looks like him 🙂
Have a great weekend Ruth!
Hi Iba! Glad you like the song, it’s pleasing to the ear and definitely makes me think of Bond. Um, I actually don’t know who Sharon Jones is [sheepish smile], do you have a link?
Ahah, yes RA actually mentions Le Carre in the Vicars of Dibley, and the actor’s a fan of the books too. Very cool of him!
Seeing how some people haven’t seen the Jack Ryan movies, obviously that franchise has nothing on 007, ahah.
Have a good weekend too, Iba!
I think Adele’s song is a nice throwback to classic themes like You Only Live Twice. It’s got those John Barry style chord shifts and a lush orchestral feel.
Hi there Mark, welcome to FC! Yeah, it’s definitely echoing the classic Bond song, I think John Barry would be pleased!
1) Wow, old school Bond music from Adele. Nice! I agree with SHK that Amy Winehouse would have been perfect to sing a Bond theme.
2) Haven’t read Le Carre but The Constant Gardener was my favorite adaptation of his books.
3) I’d have to put Goldfinger at number 1 although Casino Royale being so recent I can see why it blew the others away. I’d like to see what the 35 and over age group numbers were like. Wow it’s been so long since I’ve seen some of those movies like OHMSS (70’s-80’s). I need a refresher course.
4) It’s gotta be Baldwin. I was working at a movie theater back in ’89 whenRed October so I’ve see it almost 30 times. Seriously. His Connery impression is pretty spot on too. Ford off camera is kind of a curmudgeon. His gruff charm just never really worked for me and Affleck well… he just didn’t have the gravitas to pull off the role. Can’t wait to see Argo though. Not sure how Pine is going to do especially after playing another icon so soon in Cap’n Kirk. With Costner as his mentor… does that mean Pine is going to be an undercover Russian spy too. (Y’all not in the know can google that reference)
5) Flemming? Well now I can’t get Rush out of my head. So I guess I pick him.
Yeah, old school can be a very good thing, isn’t it? I’m kind of old school in my taste of music so works for me!
It’s been ages since I saw Goldfinger too, but no surprise that Casino Royale was rated so high, that was an excellent movie, not just an excellent BOND movie.
I should give ‘Red October’ another watch. In general I like Ford more than Baldwin though. Affleck was just miscast as Ryan, clearly the movie didn’t work.
I do hope the producers consider Rush for the biopic, I mean just look at him!
1.Love Adeles theme. And as for who i would want to do a bond theme, Christina Aguilera and One Republic come to mind.
2.I haven’t seen a lot of his work either. I liked Tinker,Tailor Solider Spy, and i would have to rewatch the Constant Gardener to say for sure whether i liked that one too but i think that is all i’ve seen of his work
3.Don’t think my bond knowledge is good enough to comment on that
4.Don’t think i’ve seen many Jack Ryan films.
5.I think Rush is a good choice
Really? Christina Aguilera. Okay…
Umm yes?
I think she’s a great singer, and with the right songwriter i think she could make a awesome theme
I never thought of her but yeah, Aguilera does have a powerful voice, I could see her belt out a Bond ballad nicely. You’re right Julian, the song itself is key though, who knows she might do it in the future.
Bring on Bond month!
Look at Lazenby… he’s only been in one movie but that movie is in the top 5 Bond films!!
Right on Asrap! Yeah, I’m super curious now about OHMSS, I need to give that one another go. Well one thing for sure, the Bond girl there is ace 😉
You Bond enthusiasts. What are you like? 😉
I enjoy Bond but I’ve never really been over-excited by them. Anyway, I thought I’d throw my tuppence worth in.
1: I love Adele’s voice and I quite like the song she’s contributed here. If I had a choice of anyone to continue the trend (and be most suited) it would be Florence and the Machine.
2: In all honesty I haven’t read any of Le Carre but I’ve enjoyed the film adaptations. I’m more of a crime reader.
3: I’ve never actually seen OHMSS. it’s probably the only Bond film I haven’t seen but it looks like I should check that out.
4: I’m not a big fan of the Jack Ryan movies. I found them to be pretty weak but I did enjoy Ford as character more.
5: Biopics are always intriguing (you know te one we’d both like to see) and I’d be interested in this one of Fleming. Couldn’t think of another actor now that you’ve posted such a perfect photo of Geoffrey Rush though. That’s definitely the actor to do it.
He..he.. we’re normal folks like the rest of you Mark, really 😉
Glad you like the Skyfall’s song, the more I listen to it the more it grows on me.
So which books are you currently reading Mark? I’ve actually never got into crime novels for some reason.
Have you seen Hunt for the Red October, Mark? As a Scot it should be a must-see given Connery’s in it 😉 It’s a very good film too, and I see now why people rate Baldwin highly as Jack Ryan.
He..he.. yes I am still holding on to hope that Burns will happen w/ GB, but that Fleming one should be made as well. He’s got quite an interesting life.
Geoffrey Rush would be a great choice! He is one of my favorite actors, he always brings in wonderful performance. I like Adele’s song but it’s not as great as it could be, I’d love for Radiohead or Interpol do to one for next movie. As for other questins I don’t really know what to say 🙂 I have no opinon on Le Carre or Jack Ryan
It seems a bit odd to me that Casino Royale was voted as best, I think older Bond movies were better than recent ones, glad to see Goldeneye on the list, though, that one would definetly be in my top 5.
Hi Sati, yeah Rush is always awesome on screen, though even he couldn’t save the Pirates of the Caribbean movie!
It could be that younger people are more likely to vote on it, but I do love Casino Royale.
1. a) I do love it, right up till the moment YouTube got plastered at 3:50 mark and “An error occurred. Please try again later.” This one is obviously pretty popular. The channeling of the old Bond tunes, circa Connery, is a wonderful throwback. As you are well aware, I’m a big Dame Shirley Bassey fan. Adele’s take with the tune is still a good one, though wouldn’t it have been wonderful if John Barry could have done the arrangement? Time will tell how well it holds up. b) These signature songs really demand someone with a good, distinct voice. Pink (Alecia Beth Moore), maybe? But, we’ll likely get for our sins Avril Lavigne or Nicki Minaj next ;-).
2. Probably ‘The Spy Who Came in from the Cold’ is my favorite on film (all the Alec Guinness Smiley miniseries for the tellie). For me, I like watching le Carre’s adapted work — I’ve never could get through an entire novel of his (and I’ve tried two or three times). He’s just not my cup of tea in writing.
3. I like the poll. OHMSS is not my all-time favorite (‘Goldfinger’ & ‘From Russia With Love’ top it), but the film for me has come up significantly through the decades. Admittedly, I didn’t like it much when it first arrived. Though Lazenby is nowhere close to my favorites in the role (Connery and Craig are that) and Telly Savalas’ Blofeld is entirely too thuggish, it has distinct qualities, nonetheless. Its primo story has no peer, the direction and action sequences represent some of the best in the series, John Barry’s score is iconic, and of course there’s Diana Rigg. All those overcome a lot of the problems to still make it my solid third pick in the entire OO7 line.
4. I’m a long-time Alec Baldwin fan for his work in ‘The Hunt For The Red October’ adaptation. To me, one of the wrong turns in his career was not running with the Jack Ryan character when he had a chance for the follow-up sequels. I don’t know if he regrets it, but I do. As someone who was very into Tom Clancy’s novels at one time, I thought Harrison Ford a little too old for it when granted the part. Alec had the better interpretation, IMO. Harrison was just ‘okay’ in the role.
5. If I could do fantasy casting, I’d pick director Terence Young (who directed Dr. No (1962), From Russia with Love (1963), and Thunderball (1965)) to do the role as Ian Fleming. Why? Not only did he favor Fleming in looks and personality, but because Young’s real life mirrored that of James Bond. Terence was a fascinating character and personality in his own right. He’d have been great in the biopic.
Thanks, Ruth.
“Avril Lavigne or Nicki Minaj next” That would be a nightmare if they decided to go with either of those two singers. Let’s hope that’ll never happened.
Not sure if you knew this Michael but Baldwin wanted to come back and play Ryan again but he got screwed out of the sequels because Ford wanted the part and that’s when Harrison Ford was still a big draw at the box office so of course the studio executives gave him the role in Patriot Games. The top executive at Paramount at the time told Baldwin if he decides to make any noise to the media about how he got screwed out of the sequel, he would ruin Baldwin’s career. I think they came up with an excuse saying that Baldwin wanted to star in some broadway show that’s why he didn’t come back for the sequel. I feel bad for Baldwin after that story finally came out last year.
I’d only read of the ‘excuse’ part. Thanks for the heads up, Ted. With this news, I’d only say a four-letter invective (out of respect for Ruth, I won’t ;-)). That is certainly crap as Baldwin in the role could have approached Harrison Ford’s popularity, I think. I, too, feel bad for Alec Baldwin.
Wow Ted I didn’t know that. Personally I think Red October had a better cast than all the other movies put together and McTiernan was certainly at the top of his game coming off Predator and Die Hard. The sub chase scene at the end is still one of my very favorite actions scenes ever. Now that I think about it I’ve seen Red October more than any other movie. 30 times, in bits and pieces, at least. Driving Miss Daisy (It reminded me of my grandma and I really liked it) would be a close second. I basically got paid by the theater to watch movies back in ’89. Not too shabby.
Yeah, here’s the article Baldwin wrote telling his side of the story:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/alec-baldwin/alec-baldwin-charlie-sheen_b_834847.html
I guess that executive is no longer working in Hollywood, probably why Baldwin can finally tell his version of what really happened.
Oh man, if only Mr. Barry is still alive, his Bond songs are top notch! And yeah, I LOVE Dame Shirley Bassey too, her voice is extraordinary, plus she’s got that panache that suits the subject matter perfectly.
Hmmm, interesting what you said about Le Carre’s writing style, I’ll stick with his films then. I’m curious now about ‘The Spy Who Came in from the Cold’ as it’s your fave.
As I said on Twitter, I’ll give OHMSS another go as soon as I can rent it. The theme song is one of my all time fave though.
Ok, after seeing ‘Red October’ last night, I totally get what you’re saying. I like Ford as an actor but I think Baldwin is perfect as a CIA analyst, he’s not an action hero as Ford depicted him.
I had to look up Terence Young, I’ve never heard of him but I guess he could be good, but it doesn’t look like he does acting though.
1. I really like the song too, brought back some memories of when I first started watching the old Bond flicks back in my teens. I think a band like Coldplay can do the song for the next Bond flick, they’re Brits so I’m sure they can come up with some cool song.
2. Never read any of John le Carre’s books but I like the film The Constant Gardner, Taylor of Panama started out good but fell apart the second half in my opinion. Haven’t seen Tinker Tailor Solider Spy yet but I’ll rent it soon.
3. Of course you know I love On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, it’s number 3 on my list of best Bond flims. It’s funny that more people are liking it more ever since Nolan mentioned it’s his favorite Bond film. I wonder if his fan boys/girls are liking the film because of what he said.
4. Alec Baldwin will always be Jack Ryan to me even though I saw Patriot Games first and then The Hunt for Red October. I like Ford’s take on the role but Baldwin nailed the part perfectly, wish he didn’t get screwed out of reprising the role in the sequels. Although I’m curious to see how Costner would’ve played the role since he’s the first choice for the part. It’s funny that he’s finally starring in the franchise as the mentor to Jack Ryan.
5. I hope Duncan Jones can get the project off the ground since I would love to see a biopic of Fleming. Jeffrey Rush would of course be perfect for the older version of Fleming. Hopefully if Jones made this biopic, he then can shoe in as the director of the next Bond flick, that would be awesome.
Glad to hear you’re a fan of Baldwin’s Jack Ryan. He did nail the character. And, of course, OHMSS is an under appreciated Bond film (Fogs knows this and it still baffles him :-)).
The song is awesome isn’t it? I’m just glad they go back to the classics this time. Oh yeah, I’m surprised Coldplay hasn’t done it, I like their style of music a lot!
TTSS is good but very, very slow. If it weren’t for the performances I’d probably turn it off early, ahah.
Ok, another reason to give OHMSS another go 🙂
Man, now that I’ve seen Red October again (first time I saw it years ago I didn’t remember much of it), what a bummer Baldwin didn’t get to continue as Ryan. Man whoever that studio exec is, he’s an @$$****! Glad that people know the real story now, man that is just brutal what they did to Baldwin.
Yes, I do hope Jones ends up doing it, I think he’s a talented director. I kept thinking that if he did a Bond flick, he should get his dad David Bowie to sing the theme song 😉
I wont be listening to the new song until the movie opens. I’ve always enjoyed hearing the song at the same time I see the movie, not changing that up now.
The OHMSS love baffles me. Seriously. Lazenby was terrible, but a lot of the hardcore bond fans (like the ones who hang at MI:6) love it for its faithfullness to the novel, the action scenes in the final third, and the fact that Bond has a romance instead of a fling.
I can’t stand that movie. One of my least favorites. Lazenby is a nightmare, and the romantic element is way out of character with the remainder of the series. Not in a good way, either. 😉
I suspect you’re holding back on OHMSS, Fogs ;-).
Oh that’s interesting Fogs, but now that I think of it, with the other Bond songs, I never heard of it until the film comes out, too.
Ahah, now I’m even MORE curious about OHMSS after your comment. You really hate that one huh? Yeah I know Lazenby was bad but in my hazy memory of it, I think the film itself wasn’t bad. I know the opening sequence was awesome. Well as far as the romance, I guess if he’s experience such a traumatic loss with the woman he loves, I could see why Bond became quite detached with other women after that. So to me, it doesn’t seem out of character.
1. I do like it, simple and she’s got a good voice. And I like the twist on the Secret Agent theme (you’ve got my number, now take my name). Makes me happy that there’s an unintentional Patrick McGoohan (the man first tapped to play Bond because of his Danger Man/Secret Agent TV show) reference.
2. I love Le Carre’s books. He’s one of my favourite authors. The whole Karla trilogy (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, The Honourable Schoolboy and Smiley’s People) is fantastic.
3. I haven’t seen enough of the classic Bond films to really have a valid opinion–all of the Craig and Brosnan ones, only a couple of the Connery films.
4. I’ve only seen The Hunt for Red October, so I suppose Alec Baldwin is my favourite Jack Ryan.
5. Geoffrey Rush is just amazing. He would be an awesome Fleming.
Hello Beth! Yes exactly, the simplicity is what I like about it, it’s elegant. My Bond history is terrible obviously as I don’t know who Patrick McGoohan is until you pointed him out.
Cool to see a Le Carre fan here. I wonder what other books of him will be adapted to the big screen.
You should give the Dalton Bond flicks a try, Beth, he’s an incredible actor!
As I said above, I get all the love for Baldwin as Jack Ryan now. And amen on your last comment!
I only know who Patrick McGoohan is/that bit of Bond history because I’m a massive fan of his show The Prisoner (I wrote one of my undergrad dissertations on the programme, the other was on Psycho). Great project, I ended up figuring out what the crux of the project would be whilst watching Dr No.
I would love to see the entire Karla trilogy adapted, but I heard that Honourable Schoolboy will be combined with Smiley’s People. A pity, it’s a sprawling epic of a book and would make for a good film.
I really want to! Hoping I can convince my flatmate that we need to have a James Bond marathon.
I’m just gonna comment on number 1. I’m not sure if I like it. It will stick in mind, but the music just felt in between hopeful or sad or something
I really should check out Casino Royale
Yeah I suppose the song is rather melancholy, but I don’t mind it one bit. And yes, please do check out Casino Royale pronto 🙂
It’s hard for me to relate to the Bond fans as I never quite got the appeal of the franchise, and it wasn’t until the release of Casino Royale that I was able to say I really enjoyed one of the films. Sure, I haven’t seen many of the installments, which I should get to perhaps, but from what I have managed to see, I can’t say I’ve enjoyed any other of the films.
As for the other bit of news, I did enjoy Patriot Games a whole lot. One of the best Harrison Ford roles. To see it come to life once again is indeed good news although I’m not sure if selecting “Jack Ryan” as the title is a good choice. It only reminds me of the debacle that was “John Carter” and how there were many out there that poked fun at the uninspiring name chosen for the hopeful franchise.
Which other Bond films have you seen Niels? It’s ok if it’s not your thing. There are a lot of franchises that I don’t get the appeal of either, there isn’t a single franchise that appeals to everybody.
I never thought of the title Jack Ryan would have the same effect as John Carter, I think more people are familiar w/ the CIA spy. I think if they market it right, even if people don’t know the character, they’ll just see it as an espionage movie and it’ll work just fine.
Another Jack Ryan movie intrigues me. I love Patriot Games quite a lot.
Since you seem to be a fan of spy movies, have you ever seen the French spy spoofs OSS 117?
Hi Ian, yes I have seen one of the OSS 117 w/ Dujardin. The one I saw was quite funny but not as good as I thought it would be. I’ll give the other one a shot though.
The one I saw was Lost in Rio, and I quite enjoyed it. I’ve heard that the Cairo one isn’t quite as good.
Ah, I knew I should’ve gone w/ the Lost in Rio one. The Cairo one is only funny in some parts, but overall it was kind of meh.
Fun post, Ruth! It heartens me to see that my favorite Bond film is doing well in that poll. You should definitely check it out again, it’s a great movie as well as being a great Bond film.
As for the new Adele song…I don’t know her from Adam, but I like the song quite a bit, and agree it has that nice, classic John Barry ballad vibe going on.
And kudos to your choice of who to portray Fleming in a biopic…Geoffrey Rush would be PERFECT!
Not a big Jack Ryan / Tom Clancy fan, so don’t really have much to say about the new project, other than I like Chris Pine quite a bit and think he’s got good star potential (loved him as James Kirk, and can’t wait for the next in the rebooted STAR TREK).
Will do Jeff, I was hoping to see it last night but not available to rent yet on iTunes until the 15th.
You don’t know Adele? Interesting as she seems to be everywhere. Glad you like her song though, yes John Barry would like it I reckon.
Funny you said you like Chris Pine. I was meh about him until Star Trek, now I think he’s a good choice as Jack Ryan. Hope the script is good though, but at least they have a good director there w/ Branagh.
Recently I’ve been reading Jo Nesbo after seeing the brilliant “Headhunters”. Currently I’m reading “The Snowman” which Scorsese is apparently due to make. I also love James Ellroy and Elmore Leonard’s stuff.
I have seen “The Hunt For Red October” and again it didn’t really grab me. I was okay but I liked Das Boot and Crimson Tide more.
1. I love Adele’s song! Somehow, it’s very Bond-esque but still her style, so I love that. I would love for the next Bond theme to be sung by Justin Bieber (KIDDING! HAHA). Coldplay would be perfect, I don’t know why they haven’t been asked yet. Or Daniel Merriweather (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BV5yRQO1zm0).
2. Can’t say I’m a fan of Le Carré since I’ve never read one of his books, but I really liked The Constant Gardener (the film). Does that count?
3. Even though I’ve only seen 3 Bond films so far, Casino Royale is my favorite, so I agree with the poll, hehe.
4. Never seen a Jack Ryan movie, but I like Pine, Baldwin, Ford and Affleck. They’re not among my favorite actors, but they´re pretty good.
5. It would be nice to see McAvoy play the young Fleming and Rush the older.
Hi Fernando, thanks for chiming in. I was just listening to the Bond soundtrack all day long and I think this Skyfall one would hold up well amongst the previous ones. Ahah, fortunately I think Biebster would have zero chance to do it even if he begged the producers!!
Le Carré’s movie adaptations and the Jack Ryan movies are worth a watch btw, they’re good espionage movies.
Yeah if they go with a comprehensive biopic of Fleming, I could see them casting the young and older version of the author. I’d LOVE to see McAvoy and Rush in those roles.
1. I like the song. Very much in line with what you would expect from a James Bond theme (pre-Casino Royale/Quantum of Solace). I vote for Regina Spektor next 😉
2. I feel like I should see The Constant Gardener again but I feel like the adaptations of Le Carre’s movie are slightly too cerebral and slow moving for me. Looking forward to the next movie, A Most Wanted Man though.
3. Yea Casino Royale is my favorite as you already know. So I’m all for this poll 😀
4. I love all the Jack Ryan movies that had Harrison Ford or Alec Baldwin. Hopefully, Chris Pine can pick up the torch from them and not Ben Affleck ahah
5. Enough of the biopics…I’m not really interested at this point
Um, clearly I’m not well-versed on current music, I have no idea who Regina Spektor is (sheepish smile)
I think you’re right that Le Carre’s movies are perhaps the anti-Bond films, I think I read somewhere that he shuns the ‘glamorous’ spy being depicted in movies.
Chris Pine should work much better as Affleck as Jack Ryan I think, but we shall see.
I hear ya about biopics but as a massive Bond fan, I definitely welcome a Fleming version.
Oh man, can’t believe I missed Five for the Fifth! Better late than never, I suppose.
1) I’m not much of a fan of Adele, but I can get behind this song.
2) I haven’t read any of le Carre’s work, but I did see Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. Perhaps I wasn’t in the right mood, but it didn’t do much for me.
3) Interesting results. I have only seen Casino Royale from it, so now I have an idea of what to catch next.
4) I haven’t seen any of the Jack Ryan films. Suppose I should get on that, too. 🙂
5) That pic is uncanny. Looks like a good match for me.
Indeed Eric, no such thing as a late comment 🙂 Glad you like the song. As for TTSS, I feel exactly the same. I like the cast but it was just too slow for my liking.
I’m still hoping you’d catch up on Bond, I hope you’ll blog about it once you see it. There are only 3 good ones in the Jack Ryan franchise, so that should be easy to catch up on.
I like Adele and I think this will work well with the new Bond film. Of course, it sounds like a “Bond” song and I think I’d prefer the sort of thing we got with Quantum of Solace…if only because it brings the films more up to date.
1. Adele’s Skyfall sounds classic to me. It’s not my type of music really but it seems perfect for the Bond movies!
2. Never read one but might do one day!
3. I hope one of the Roger Moore ones made the top 10 at least? I loved Casino Royale but still surprised it took number one!
4. Haven’t seen a single Jack Ryan film so will be interesting to see Chris Pine tackle it with fresh eyes!
5. Think you’re spot on with Rush to play Fleming in the later years. No idea who would make a good young Fleming.
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Found you through the Fog’s Blog a Thon,
The Skyfall song from Adele is terrific,
I read The early LeCarre novels, but only once and forever ago, I guess the Spy who Came in from the Cold,
Goldfinger is the Best Bond film, anyone telling you different is trying to sell you something. I’ve also gone a round or two with Fogs on OHMSS. I like it quite well.
Harrison Ford was the best Ryan but he was in two of the weakest movies (Red October being the Best)
I like Macavoy for the WWII fleming and Rush for the late fifties and sixties author.
Hello again Richard. Glad to hear you like Adele’s song, too. I haven’t seen Goldfinger in ages, but I’m partial to Dalton’s and Craig’s Bond films (save for Quantum of Solace) than the older ones, I don’t know, maybe it’s just too slow for me.
I like Ford as Jack Ryan a lot, but you’re right, after a recent rewatch of Red October, it’s definitely a much stronger film than Patriot Games and Clear & Present Danger. Yep, that’d be my wish for the Fleming biopic too!