It's Finally No Time to Die, 007!

There's no question it will be worth the wait! The James Bond / 007 for the new century is easily Daniel Craig- and his last film, No Time to Die arrives this October. Who can pass this up? Not me.

This Bond is low on humor but big on angst. Perfect reflection of our times, don't you think?

(Top Image credit: Danjaq/ LLC / MGM/ Nicola Dove)

Timeless Shows Potential

What on earth could Abraham Lincoln, Frank Sinatra, and James Bond have in common? The answer: Seeds for a potentially captivating television series.

After the disappointment of what happened to Castle- an end of a series less than idyllic- I was skeptical we would find a television show of much interest, something with substance, humor, heart, and style. Then along came Timeless. 

Missing the first half of the premier episode was not a good way to begin judging a show for long term viewing. As my wife turned the channel to it, I was captured by the late 30's focused episode about the Hindenburg. Granted, the music of the era is truly timeless and the fashions beyond cool (the fedora is still being worn today), but I was still not 100% sold. 

Abigail Spencer's Lucy Preston is a likable if nervous history professor turned spy. She balances a fine line between compelling and not yet being the focus of the show. On the other end of the spectrum, Wyatt, played by Matt Lanter, started off written as fairly one dimensional. The most interesting of the trio so far is Rufus, Malcolm Barrett's hero caught in the middle of some spy on spy melodrama. 

I was satisfied enough to give the show a second viewing... and a third, and a fourth. The series continues to get more interesting as the characters grow richer, deeper, more complex. The artistic direction is beautifully done, and the tales increasingly of interest- even if history is altered a la Forrest Gump. 

Overall, it's not Beckett and Castle, but it is what it is. Who knows? It could end up being a favorite of mine. With likable characters, stylish representation, growing humor, and limitless ideas to draw from, the series could last awhile. The possibility of it becoming this fan's favorite new show increases each week. Unlike so many others, I'm happily willing to give this one a chance. 

Spectre: Bond Sees Himself Anew

Bond, James Bond. Without any spoilers, let me say that this film ranks among the best 007. Daniel Craig is perfect here. Perfect.

After the biting, powerful theme song by Sam Smith (Adele's was great as well- but Smith pulls it off), the fun begins. Viewers are treated to a visual feast set in Mexico City. It's one of the eeriest openings ever seen by Bond fans. 

As time goes on, James sees himself as a man that has a job to do but also one who is growing to understand himself in a new way. Spectre presents a hero in transition- still strongly connected to his roots and mission- but one longing for more. The thrills and chases and women are all there. But Skyfall this is not. 

Christoph Waltz is a cool headed detached villain without much on screen bite, although things do perk up toward the end. Compared to Skyfall, in the villain arena, it is a bit of a letdown. The deranged  Javier Bardem's Silva would eat this guy for lunch. Ralph Fiennes does a fine job with what little he is given, and that seems to be the case with most of the actors, including the beautiful and underused  Monica Bellucci. The equally beautiful Lea Seydoux shines in more ways than one and provides our hero with one of the best pick up lines ever.  Unfortunately, Eve Moneypenny (Naomie Harris) doesn't yet get to show her acting chops. Maybe next film, although pointed out to me by my youngest son, she is in Pirates of the Caribbean as the voodoo priestess Tia Dalma . Let's just say I was in shock to discover this. 

Will this be the last Bond for Craig? I certainly hope not. For this viewer, he represents the best Bond ever. Sorry Sean Connery.

Hello Adele, Hello

25. It's about time. The woman who changed the face of modern music by being an excellent vocalist is back. Adele. So many hits in so little time, and all without tricks up the engineer's sleeve. The November release date cannot come fast enough.

Spectre: 007 Returns

The current title holder for favorite film series is Bond, James Bond. Mr. 007 himself, Daniel Craig, is the absolute best Bond ever brought to the screen. Somehow this trailer for the new film Spectre skipped my sight, but now here it is for your pleasure.

Bond, James Bond

The recent running debate in our house is "Who is the Best James Bond?" Of course, 007 has been played by many men. Purists would say Sean Connery, newbies reply Daniel Craig- of which I echo the sentiment. Mr. Craig brings style, dry wit, and a toughness required for the role- and his new movie in 2011 cannot happen fast enough. Your choice for best Bond?

Turning New Tricks

Taking an old and tired but respected torch song and turning it into the next James Bond 007 theme is just one trick in Michael Bublé's latest bag. His Cry Me A River startles after hearing the same tune recorded by Olivia Newton-John a few years back on her Indigo disc. Who could ever have guessed the song could sound like this! An instant favorite once the jolt wears off.

The disc brims with cuts expected like Georgia on My Mind, which would do Ray Charles justice, and the title song orginally recorded by Van Morrison. However, it is the unexpected choices and arrangements that make the collection stand out.

Haven't Met You Yet surprises with its horn section similar to that found on Fleetwood Mac's Tusk. The following two songs move this album into greatness: All I Do is Dream of You sparkles while the gorgeous Hold On picks up on the relationship where his classic Home left off.

One of the biggest acts of magic is David Foster's production. Just when you think Michael needs a new producer and all you'll get another stylistic retread from past albums, David pulls off a remake of the Eagle's classic Heartache Tonight with such pananche. It's enough to make the listener think the tune always had this much swing. As fun as the arrangement and production are, it is the vocals of this new age Rat Packer that takes it to a new level.

The fun continues on- including an old song from Sandra Bullock's movie Two Weeks Notice: Baby (You've Got What it Takes) sounds absolutely terrific. The unexpected island influenced vocals on Startdust also startle, but ultimately the song is not as successful as with the opening cut. Lastly, the bonus cut, Whatever It Takes with Ron Sexsmith, surprises with its bromance anthem- maybe crossing over as a blatant bid for play at gay clubs. It is, in fact, a very tender song of hope with their voices playing beautifully against each other. Right about now, whether straight or gay, we all need a little hope.

In a tight economic market, gaining new listeners may be the biggest trick of all- and with a #1 debut on the Billboard charts, Crazy Love has just enough magic moments to pull it off.