There are few casting decisions in cinema history as important or impactful than that of Sean Connery as James Bond in "Dr. No." Ian Fleming's novels introduced us to the now-iconic MI6 spy 007, but it wasn't until 1962, when the first cinematic adaptation of those texts arrived, that the world at large came to know Bond, James Bond. Connery's casting is, perhaps, more than any other part of Terrence Young's seminal film, credited for its success. And even though Connery was a not terribly well-known actor at the time, he had a couple of demands that needed to be met before agreeing to take the part.
Published in 2015, Matthew Field and Ajay Chowdhury's book "Some Kind of Hero" chronicles the history of the "James Bond" films in great detail. In covering "Dr. No," the book contains an excerpt from an interview with Connery, who recalled how his journey as 007 began.
Published in 2015, Matthew Field and Ajay Chowdhury's book "Some Kind of Hero" chronicles the history of the "James Bond" films in great detail. In covering "Dr. No," the book contains an excerpt from an interview with Connery, who recalled how his journey as 007 began.
- 8/21/2023
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
One of the many James Bond franchise staples introduced in 1964's "Goldfinger" was 007's Aston Martin DB5. Throughout his 60-year cinematic run, Bond has had the pleasure of driving some of the finest vehicles in the world, but none have become as synonymous with England's greatest spy as the DB5. Which is why, to this day, Aston Martin's 1963 luxury grand tourer remains the best James Bond car.
Prior to "Goldfinger," there had been two Bond movies: 1962's "Dr. No" and 1963's "From Russia With Love." In the former, 007 was seen riding in a Sunbeam Alpine, and in the latter a Bentley Mark IV — an odd choice considering the car had been around for a good 30 years prior to Sean Connery's Bond making use of it. And in Ian Fleming's first Bond novel, "Casino Royale," the MI6 agent drove a 1930 Blower Bentley, a racing version of the Bentley 4½ Litre.
Prior to "Goldfinger," there had been two Bond movies: 1962's "Dr. No" and 1963's "From Russia With Love." In the former, 007 was seen riding in a Sunbeam Alpine, and in the latter a Bentley Mark IV — an odd choice considering the car had been around for a good 30 years prior to Sean Connery's Bond making use of it. And in Ian Fleming's first Bond novel, "Casino Royale," the MI6 agent drove a 1930 Blower Bentley, a racing version of the Bentley 4½ Litre.
- 8/21/2023
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
Looking for the UK Amazon Prime new releases? Click here instead!
It’s been awhile since the world has seen a new comedy from Greg Daniels, co-creator of The Office (U.S.) and Parks and Recreation. That all changes this month with Amazon Prime’s new releases for May 2020. That’s right, leading the pack of Amazon originals on May 1 is Daniels’ Upload, a comedy about digital afterlives. That should inject a healthy dose of sci-fi “middletopia” into our lives.
Also premiering in May is the second season of Amazon Prime’s twisty drama Homecoming. This season starts Janelle Monáe and premieres on May 22. After that, the rest of Amazon’s originals this month are fairly film-centric. The Goldfinch, Seberg, and The Vast of Night are the notable original films arriving in May.
Per usual the first of the month sees the biggest injection of movie content. Though there is...
It’s been awhile since the world has seen a new comedy from Greg Daniels, co-creator of The Office (U.S.) and Parks and Recreation. That all changes this month with Amazon Prime’s new releases for May 2020. That’s right, leading the pack of Amazon originals on May 1 is Daniels’ Upload, a comedy about digital afterlives. That should inject a healthy dose of sci-fi “middletopia” into our lives.
Also premiering in May is the second season of Amazon Prime’s twisty drama Homecoming. This season starts Janelle Monáe and premieres on May 22. After that, the rest of Amazon’s originals this month are fairly film-centric. The Goldfinch, Seberg, and The Vast of Night are the notable original films arriving in May.
Per usual the first of the month sees the biggest injection of movie content. Though there is...
- 5/2/2020
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
Amazon is out with its list of what’s new in May.
Highlights include the new Amazon Prime Original series “Upload,” Season 2 of “Homecoming,” “Seberg,” “The Goldfinch,” and an original comedy special from “Crazy Rich Asians” star Jimmy O. Yang called “Jimmy O. Yang: Good Deal.”
Here is everything available to Amazon Prime members for no additional charge in May:
May 1
Movies
10 Fingers of Steel (1973)
A Cadaver Christmas (2011)
Assassination Tango (2003)
Best of Shaolin Kung Fu (1977)
Who Saw Her Die? (1980)
Crooked Hearts (1991)
Escape From Alcatraz (1979)
Eurocrime! The Italian Cop And Gangster Films That Ruled The ’70s (2014)
Fearless Young Boxer (1979)
Five Fingers of Steel (1982)
Friday The 13th Part III (1982)
Friday the 13th Part IV: The Final Chapter (1982)
Gloria (2014)
Green Dragon Inn (1977)
House Of D (2005)
Torso (1973)
I Hate Tom Petty (2013)
Indie Film Artists: The Dmv Truth (2016)
Inferno (1980)
Night Train Murders (1975)
Seven Deaths In The Cat’s Eye (1973)
The Blood Spattered Bride (1972)
Lakeboat (2000)
Daughters of Darkness...
Highlights include the new Amazon Prime Original series “Upload,” Season 2 of “Homecoming,” “Seberg,” “The Goldfinch,” and an original comedy special from “Crazy Rich Asians” star Jimmy O. Yang called “Jimmy O. Yang: Good Deal.”
Here is everything available to Amazon Prime members for no additional charge in May:
May 1
Movies
10 Fingers of Steel (1973)
A Cadaver Christmas (2011)
Assassination Tango (2003)
Best of Shaolin Kung Fu (1977)
Who Saw Her Die? (1980)
Crooked Hearts (1991)
Escape From Alcatraz (1979)
Eurocrime! The Italian Cop And Gangster Films That Ruled The ’70s (2014)
Fearless Young Boxer (1979)
Five Fingers of Steel (1982)
Friday The 13th Part III (1982)
Friday the 13th Part IV: The Final Chapter (1982)
Gloria (2014)
Green Dragon Inn (1977)
House Of D (2005)
Torso (1973)
I Hate Tom Petty (2013)
Indie Film Artists: The Dmv Truth (2016)
Inferno (1980)
Night Train Murders (1975)
Seven Deaths In The Cat’s Eye (1973)
The Blood Spattered Bride (1972)
Lakeboat (2000)
Daughters of Darkness...
- 5/1/2020
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
There are few surefire successes in television. It just so happens that with its new releases for May 2020, Hulu almost certainly found itself one. May 8 sees the debut of all eight episodes of Solar Opposites, the latest sci-fi animated effort from Rick and Morty co-creator Justin Roiland. This is a brand new story featuring a family of aliens crashing to Earth and learning to live amongst the rest of us weirdos. But the animation style and sci-fi themes hew so closely to Rick and Morty that there’s no way this won’t be a hit.
On the off chance Solar Opposites doesn’t set the world ablaze, Hulu has some other intriguing content lottery tickets for May. The Great premieres on May 15 and is a comedic period piece about Catherine the Great starring Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult. You can’t accuse Hulu of not taking big swings this month!
On the off chance Solar Opposites doesn’t set the world ablaze, Hulu has some other intriguing content lottery tickets for May. The Great premieres on May 15 and is a comedic period piece about Catherine the Great starring Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult. You can’t accuse Hulu of not taking big swings this month!
- 4/30/2020
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
It goes without saying that the pandemic is keeping everyone stuck inside with little to do besides watch television, play video games, and read. Here’s some great news, though: There’s plenty coming to Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime in May, so put away the books and the games, and get ready to binge some excellent shows and films.
On Netflix, you can catch some notable comedy entries next month like the Jim Carrey-led Ace Ventura: Pet Detective and Fun with Dick and Jane, while action-horror fans may be delighted to hear that multiple Underworld films will be dropping on the service. The lesser-known Jarhead trilogy will be available on the 1st, and the first two pics in the Back to the Future trilogy will join the third film for streaming. Dozens more movies and shows will join these as well to ensure that Netflix reigns as...
On Netflix, you can catch some notable comedy entries next month like the Jim Carrey-led Ace Ventura: Pet Detective and Fun with Dick and Jane, while action-horror fans may be delighted to hear that multiple Underworld films will be dropping on the service. The lesser-known Jarhead trilogy will be available on the 1st, and the first two pics in the Back to the Future trilogy will join the third film for streaming. Dozens more movies and shows will join these as well to ensure that Netflix reigns as...
- 4/24/2020
- by Billy Givens
- We Got This Covered
Though much of the entertainment industry is currently paralyzed by Coronavirus and the lockdowns imposed to curb its spread, streaming services are now making out like bandits. Netflix and Amazon Prime both have reported record viewing figures, though that isn’t particularly surprising given that they have an almost literally captive audience.
Anyhow, with all eyes on the small screen, anything new and exciting is eagerly hoovered up. And after learning about all of the new and exciting shows and movies hitting Netflix in May, now it’s Amazon Prime’s turn.
Here’s the full release schedule:
May 2020
New Movies:
10 Fingers of Steel (1973)
A Cadaver Christmas (2011)
Assassination Tango (2003)
Best of Shaolin Kung Fu (1977)
Who Saw Her Die? (1980)
Crooked Hearts (1991)
Escape From Alcatraz (1979)
Eurocrime! The Italian Cop And Gangster Films That Ruled The ’70s (2014)
Fearless Young Boxer (1979)
Five Fingers of Steel (1982)
Friday The 13th Part III (1982)
Friday the 13th Part IV: The Final Chapter...
Anyhow, with all eyes on the small screen, anything new and exciting is eagerly hoovered up. And after learning about all of the new and exciting shows and movies hitting Netflix in May, now it’s Amazon Prime’s turn.
Here’s the full release schedule:
May 2020
New Movies:
10 Fingers of Steel (1973)
A Cadaver Christmas (2011)
Assassination Tango (2003)
Best of Shaolin Kung Fu (1977)
Who Saw Her Die? (1980)
Crooked Hearts (1991)
Escape From Alcatraz (1979)
Eurocrime! The Italian Cop And Gangster Films That Ruled The ’70s (2014)
Fearless Young Boxer (1979)
Five Fingers of Steel (1982)
Friday The 13th Part III (1982)
Friday the 13th Part IV: The Final Chapter...
- 4/23/2020
- by David James
- We Got This Covered
Hulu is out with its list of new additions coming in May, and everything that will be leaving the streaming service at the end of the months.
Highlights include Season 2 of “Ramy,” from Muslim American comedian Ramy Youssef, a new episode of “Into the Dark” called “Delivered,” in which a pregnant woman’s life is thrown into jeopardy when she realizes someone close to her has dark plans for her and the baby, and the series premiere of Hulu original series “The Great” about Catherine the Great, the famous Empress of Russia.
Leaving at the end of the month is “Good Will Hunting,” all three “Free Willy” films, 2006’s “Night of the Living Dead” and 2012’s “Night of the Living Dead: Resurrection,” “Zombieland,” 2002’s “Spider-Man,” and more.
Also Read: Julia Child Documentary From 'Rbg' Directors Acquired by Sony Pictures Classics
Here is the full list of everything coming and going...
Highlights include Season 2 of “Ramy,” from Muslim American comedian Ramy Youssef, a new episode of “Into the Dark” called “Delivered,” in which a pregnant woman’s life is thrown into jeopardy when she realizes someone close to her has dark plans for her and the baby, and the series premiere of Hulu original series “The Great” about Catherine the Great, the famous Empress of Russia.
Leaving at the end of the month is “Good Will Hunting,” all three “Free Willy” films, 2006’s “Night of the Living Dead” and 2012’s “Night of the Living Dead: Resurrection,” “Zombieland,” 2002’s “Spider-Man,” and more.
Also Read: Julia Child Documentary From 'Rbg' Directors Acquired by Sony Pictures Classics
Here is the full list of everything coming and going...
- 4/17/2020
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
Actor Paul Benjamin, who appeared in Spike Lee’s seminal 1989 film Do the Right Thing, died last month, the director announced Wednesday.
Lee penned a heartfelt tribute to Benjamin on Instagram, revealing the 81-year-old actor had died on June 28. A cause of death wasn’t immediately revealed.
“I’m Sad To Write That The Great Actor Paul Benjamin (Who Played Ml, {Far Left} One Of The Cornermen Passed This Past Friday,2 Days Before The 30th Anniversary Of Do The Right Thing. Rest In Paradise. Born 1/1/38. Died 6/28/19”
View this post on Instagram
I’m Sad To Write That The Great Actor Paul Benjamin (Who Played Ml,...
Lee penned a heartfelt tribute to Benjamin on Instagram, revealing the 81-year-old actor had died on June 28. A cause of death wasn’t immediately revealed.
“I’m Sad To Write That The Great Actor Paul Benjamin (Who Played Ml, {Far Left} One Of The Cornermen Passed This Past Friday,2 Days Before The 30th Anniversary Of Do The Right Thing. Rest In Paradise. Born 1/1/38. Died 6/28/19”
View this post on Instagram
I’m Sad To Write That The Great Actor Paul Benjamin (Who Played Ml,...
- 7/5/2019
- by Matt McNulty
- PEOPLE.com
Paul Benjamin, who played one of the men on the corner in Spike Lee’s “Do the Right Thing,” died June 28, Lee announced on Instagram.
“I’m sad to write that the great actor Paul Benjamin, who played Ml, far left, passed this past Friday, two days before the 30th anniversary of ‘Do the Right Thing.’ Rest in Paradise,” the director wrote.
View this post on Instagram
I’m Sad To Write That The Great Actor Paul Benjamin on Jul 2, 2019 at 10:15am Pdt
Born in South Carolina, Benjamin started out doing Shakespeare on stage in New York, and made his film debut with a small role as a bartender in “Midnight Cowboy.” He had a featured role in “Across 110th Street” in 1972, and appeared in Blaxploitation films like “The Education of Sonny Carson” and “Friday Foster” with Pam Grier.
Among his other appearances were in Richard Pryor comedy “Some Kind of Hero,...
“I’m sad to write that the great actor Paul Benjamin, who played Ml, far left, passed this past Friday, two days before the 30th anniversary of ‘Do the Right Thing.’ Rest in Paradise,” the director wrote.
View this post on Instagram
I’m Sad To Write That The Great Actor Paul Benjamin on Jul 2, 2019 at 10:15am Pdt
Born in South Carolina, Benjamin started out doing Shakespeare on stage in New York, and made his film debut with a small role as a bartender in “Midnight Cowboy.” He had a featured role in “Across 110th Street” in 1972, and appeared in Blaxploitation films like “The Education of Sonny Carson” and “Friday Foster” with Pam Grier.
Among his other appearances were in Richard Pryor comedy “Some Kind of Hero,...
- 7/5/2019
- by Pat Saperstein
- Variety Film + TV
Paul Benjamin, who appeared in Spike Lee’s Do The Right Thing, has died. Lee announced on Instagram that the veteran actor died June 28. The cause of death was not immediately known. Benjamin was 81.
Benjamin, who played one of the three wise Brooklyn “cornermen” in Lee’s 1989 film Do the Right Thing, began his career in 1969 as a bartender in Midnight Cowboy. He went to play small roles in Sidney Lumet’s The Anderson Tapes and Born to Win, then segued into more extensive TV work later in the 1970s.
He appeared as a death row inmate in a 1988 episode of In The Heat of the Night and also in the 1994 pilot episode of ER, which led to his recurring role of homeless man Al Ervin during the next few seasons. Benjamin also worked on the American Masters documentary of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Ralph Ellison, which aired on PBS, as...
Benjamin, who played one of the three wise Brooklyn “cornermen” in Lee’s 1989 film Do the Right Thing, began his career in 1969 as a bartender in Midnight Cowboy. He went to play small roles in Sidney Lumet’s The Anderson Tapes and Born to Win, then segued into more extensive TV work later in the 1970s.
He appeared as a death row inmate in a 1988 episode of In The Heat of the Night and also in the 1994 pilot episode of ER, which led to his recurring role of homeless man Al Ervin during the next few seasons. Benjamin also worked on the American Masters documentary of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Ralph Ellison, which aired on PBS, as...
- 7/5/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Livingston, Mont.– Actress Margot Kidder had a roller coaster ride of a life, which ended in Montana on May 13, 2018, at the age of 69. From her modest beginnings as a Canadian performer in TV and B-movies, to her work with Brian De Palma, and her peak as Lois Lane in the first set of “Superman” movies, Kidder forged her own path. That path included a bipolar disorder that plagued her later years.
She was born Margaret Ruth Kidder in Canada, and graduated from Havergal College, a boarding school in Toronto. She made her film debut in a short film called “The Best Damn Fiddler from Calabogie to Kaladar” in 1968, and followed that up with her American debut in “Gaily Gaily” (1969). She also did television for the Canadian Broadcast Company during that era, and was a semi-regular on “Nichols” (1971) with James Garner. She relocated to Los Angeles, and began a string of appearances in notable films,...
She was born Margaret Ruth Kidder in Canada, and graduated from Havergal College, a boarding school in Toronto. She made her film debut in a short film called “The Best Damn Fiddler from Calabogie to Kaladar” in 1968, and followed that up with her American debut in “Gaily Gaily” (1969). She also did television for the Canadian Broadcast Company during that era, and was a semi-regular on “Nichols” (1971) with James Garner. She relocated to Los Angeles, and began a string of appearances in notable films,...
- 5/19/2018
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Margot Kidder was one of the first leading ladies of the superhero genre. As Lois Lane in the “Superman” movies opposite Christopher Reeve, Kidder proved she was doing more than just playing a sidekick or a damsel in distress. She was ballsier, saltier and wittier than even some of her male co-stars, and she deserves to be in the conversation with female franchise stars like Carrie Fisher or Karen Allen. But she had a lucrative career outside of playing Lois Lane, including starring opposite Richard Pryor, Rod Steiger, Burt Lancaster, Howie Mandel and more. Here are some of those other unsung great roles.
“Sisters” (1972)
In Brian de Palma’s grizzly mystery film, Kidder plays a young model caught up in a murder case, but (Spoiler) she also plays the model’s twin sister who stabs her recent bedfellow and attempts to cover up the murder with the help of her...
“Sisters” (1972)
In Brian de Palma’s grizzly mystery film, Kidder plays a young model caught up in a murder case, but (Spoiler) she also plays the model’s twin sister who stabs her recent bedfellow and attempts to cover up the murder with the help of her...
- 5/14/2018
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Superman was faster than a speeding bullet, could leap tall buildings in a single bound and if pushed, could even make the earth spin in the wrong direction, but when it came to falling in love, he was as open and vulnerable as the rest of us. When Superman arrived in cinemas in 1978, we believed a man could fly®. Thanks to Margot Kidder and Christopher Reeve, we believed he could fall in love too.
Kidder was an unconventional but perfect choice. The more traditionally beautiful Anne Archer was all set to play Lois Lane, but something about Kidder swayed director Richard Donner’s mind. “She was charming and very funny. When I met her in the casting office, she tripped coming in and I just fell in love with her.”
Lois’s first meeting with her becaped intended, caught in mid-air after falling from a helicopter is one of the...
Kidder was an unconventional but perfect choice. The more traditionally beautiful Anne Archer was all set to play Lois Lane, but something about Kidder swayed director Richard Donner’s mind. “She was charming and very funny. When I met her in the casting office, she tripped coming in and I just fell in love with her.”
Lois’s first meeting with her becaped intended, caught in mid-air after falling from a helicopter is one of the...
- 5/14/2018
- by Cai Ross
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Hollywood stars took to social media on Monday to pay tribute to Margot Kidder, the film and television actress best known for playing Lois Lane in 1978’s Superman. Kidder died at the age of 69 on Sunday, according to the Franzen-Davis Funeral Home in Livingston, Montana.
In addition to her starring role in Superman, she also starred alongside Robert Redford in The Great Waldo Pepper and Richard Pryor in Some Kind of Hero.
A number of stars took to social media to pay tribute to the late actress. Kumail Nanjiani reflected on her film Black Christmas, while Mark...
In addition to her starring role in Superman, she also starred alongside Robert Redford in The Great Waldo Pepper and Richard Pryor in Some Kind of Hero.
A number of stars took to social media to pay tribute to the late actress. Kumail Nanjiani reflected on her film Black Christmas, while Mark...
- 5/14/2018
- by Katherine Schaffstall
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Margot Kidder, the actress who helped immortalize Lois Lane in the 'Superman' series, has died at age 69. Kobal/Rex Shutterstock
Margot Kidder, the actress who portrayed Lois Lane in four Superman films, died Sunday at her home in Livingston, Montana at the age of 69.
The Franzen-Davis Funeral Home & Crematory first announced Kidder's death, which was later confirmed to the Hollywood Reporter by the actress' representative. No cause of death was provided.
During the Seventies and Eighties, Kidder's most prolific decades, the actress starred in films like Brian De Palma's Sisters,...
Margot Kidder, the actress who portrayed Lois Lane in four Superman films, died Sunday at her home in Livingston, Montana at the age of 69.
The Franzen-Davis Funeral Home & Crematory first announced Kidder's death, which was later confirmed to the Hollywood Reporter by the actress' representative. No cause of death was provided.
During the Seventies and Eighties, Kidder's most prolific decades, the actress starred in films like Brian De Palma's Sisters,...
- 5/14/2018
- Rollingstone.com
Margot Kidder, who is probably best known for portraying Lois Lane opposite Christopher Reeve in the 1970s and ’80s Superman movies and starred in many other films including The Amityville Horror while struggling with mental illness, has died. She was 69. The Franzen-Davis Funeral Home in Livingston, Mt, said she died Sunday but did not reveal a cause of death.
Kidder appeared with many of Hollywood’s leading men during her 50-year career, including Robert Redford and James Garner, it was her role as the plucky Daily Planet reporter with a penchant for finding trouble in Superman (1978), Superman II (1980), Superman III (1983) and Superman IV (1987) that shot her to fame.
Born on October 17, 1948, in Yellowknife, Canada, Kidder started her career in TV in the late 1960s, guesting on such shows as McQueen and The Mod Squad. She starred opposite Gene Wilder in the 1970 film Quackser Fortune Has a Cousin in the Bronx...
Kidder appeared with many of Hollywood’s leading men during her 50-year career, including Robert Redford and James Garner, it was her role as the plucky Daily Planet reporter with a penchant for finding trouble in Superman (1978), Superman II (1980), Superman III (1983) and Superman IV (1987) that shot her to fame.
Born on October 17, 1948, in Yellowknife, Canada, Kidder started her career in TV in the late 1960s, guesting on such shows as McQueen and The Mod Squad. She starred opposite Gene Wilder in the 1970 film Quackser Fortune Has a Cousin in the Bronx...
- 5/14/2018
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Margot Kidder, the film and television actress perhaps best known for her role as Lois Lane in 1978's Superman, has died, her rep, Camilla Fluxman Pines, confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter. She was 69.
The actress died Sunday, according to the Franzen-Davis Funeral Home in Livingston, Montana. No cause of death was disclosed.
Kidder, known for playing Lois Lane in Superman I-iv, also starred opposite leading men including Robert Redford in The Great Waldo Pepper and Richard Pryor in Some Kind of Hero. She even appeared on the Superman-inspired TV series Smallville in 2004 (though as another character).
DC Comics' official Twitter...
The actress died Sunday, according to the Franzen-Davis Funeral Home in Livingston, Montana. No cause of death was disclosed.
Kidder, known for playing Lois Lane in Superman I-iv, also starred opposite leading men including Robert Redford in The Great Waldo Pepper and Richard Pryor in Some Kind of Hero. She even appeared on the Superman-inspired TV series Smallville in 2004 (though as another character).
DC Comics' official Twitter...
- 5/14/2018
- by THR Staff
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Out of Daniel Craig’s four films as James Bond so far, 2012’s Skyfall remains arguably the most successful. It was the first – and, at present, only – Bond movie to cross the coveted $1 billion mark at the box office and it was also met with pretty much universal critical and fan acclaim.
A lot of that success is to do with the storyline, which was surprisingly strong for a franchise that’s never been known for its incredibly well-written plots. Featuring several tweaks to the usual formula, including a climax in Bond’s Scottish family mansion, it’s most notable for killing off Judi Dench’s M, but it also gets an unexpected amount of emotion from Bond and M’s surrogate mother/son connection.
In the original treatment for the film, though, Skyfall sported a very different take on M’s last stand. As revealed in the 2015 book Some Kind of Hero,...
A lot of that success is to do with the storyline, which was surprisingly strong for a franchise that’s never been known for its incredibly well-written plots. Featuring several tweaks to the usual formula, including a climax in Bond’s Scottish family mansion, it’s most notable for killing off Judi Dench’s M, but it also gets an unexpected amount of emotion from Bond and M’s surrogate mother/son connection.
In the original treatment for the film, though, Skyfall sported a very different take on M’s last stand. As revealed in the 2015 book Some Kind of Hero,...
- 12/14/2017
- by Christian Bone
- We Got This Covered
Former 007 describes his ‘shock’ after being dismissed as the charismatic British spy in brief phone call with saga’s producers
Pierce Brosnan has revealed he was unceremoniously “kicked to the kerb” by James Bond producers following his final turn as the suave secret agent in 2002’s Die Another Day.
Interviewed for a new book, Some Kind of Hero: The Remarkable Story of the James Bond Films, by Matthew Field and Ajay Chowdhury, the Irish actor said his dismissal after four films as 007 came completely out of the blue. Die Another Day was the highest-grossing Bond movie at the time, though the film suffered from derisive reviews.
Continue reading...
Pierce Brosnan has revealed he was unceremoniously “kicked to the kerb” by James Bond producers following his final turn as the suave secret agent in 2002’s Die Another Day.
Interviewed for a new book, Some Kind of Hero: The Remarkable Story of the James Bond Films, by Matthew Field and Ajay Chowdhury, the Irish actor said his dismissal after four films as 007 came completely out of the blue. Die Another Day was the highest-grossing Bond movie at the time, though the film suffered from derisive reviews.
Continue reading...
- 11/24/2015
- by Ben Child
- The Guardian - Film News
Even though the James Bond series has moved on to Spectre, which is now the 8th highest-grossing movie of the year worldwide, there's still much to discuss about the previous installment. Thanks to the new book Some Kind of Hero: The Remarkable Story of the James Bond Films, we learn that the original incarnation of what became Skyfall was actually much darker. Here's what we know: Who were the original writers for the 23rd James Bond movie? Peter Morgan, who earned Oscar nominations for his scripts for The Queen and Frost/Nixon, collaborated with franchise regular Neal Purvis and Robert Wade. What was it called? Once Upon a Spy. Why did Morgan leave the production? Morgan's departure was first revealed after Sam Mendes signed on as director, but...
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- 11/24/2015
- by Christopher Campbell
- Movies.com
Before Skyfall, Guardian reports there was another 007 screenplay floating around Hollywood. Once Upon A Spy featured Bond learning about his supervisor M's days as an agent for MI6. Upon slowly unraveling the mystery throughout the film, Bond would realize the rogue agent and villain he had been searching for all along was his boss.
Once Upon a Spy did not survive, but its key elements were lifted for Skyfall. M is faced with a conflict from her past, and ultimately dies to be replaced by a new M, who is male. The information all comes from the book Some Kind of Hero: The Remarkable Story Of James Bond Films, which further lays out why the original screenplay doesn't work.
“We always found [the script] really, really difficult to make credible or satisfying. It was very dark … The only thing that remained was that M’s past comes back to haunt her...
Once Upon a Spy did not survive, but its key elements were lifted for Skyfall. M is faced with a conflict from her past, and ultimately dies to be replaced by a new M, who is male. The information all comes from the book Some Kind of Hero: The Remarkable Story Of James Bond Films, which further lays out why the original screenplay doesn't work.
“We always found [the script] really, really difficult to make credible or satisfying. It was very dark … The only thing that remained was that M’s past comes back to haunt her...
- 11/20/2015
- by Mick Joest
- GeekTyrant
This week on Off The Shelf, Ryan is joined by Brian Saur to take a look at the new DVD and Blu-ray releases for the week of September 22nd, 2015, and chat about some follow-up and home video news.
Subscribe in iTunes or RSS.
Episode Links & Notes Follow-up December Criterion Announcements Thunderbean Update News Warner Archive: Twice Upon A Time on September 29th Arrow USA: What Have You Done To Solange? Masters Of Cinema: Day Of The Outlaw, December 7th Sony: Better Call Saul / You Can’t Take It With You Kino Lorber Studio Classics: The Black Sleep / Donovan’s Brain Vinegar Syndrome Dilemma Oscilloscope’s new web store New Releases The American Dreamer Arrow: Season 3 Beginning Or The End Black Caesar Breaker Morant Busting Destructors Deuces Wild Dirty Work Doctor Who: Dark Water/Death in Heaven 3D Dog Day Afternoon 40th Anniversary Fatal Instinct Flash: Season 1 For Us the...
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Episode Links & Notes Follow-up December Criterion Announcements Thunderbean Update News Warner Archive: Twice Upon A Time on September 29th Arrow USA: What Have You Done To Solange? Masters Of Cinema: Day Of The Outlaw, December 7th Sony: Better Call Saul / You Can’t Take It With You Kino Lorber Studio Classics: The Black Sleep / Donovan’s Brain Vinegar Syndrome Dilemma Oscilloscope’s new web store New Releases The American Dreamer Arrow: Season 3 Beginning Or The End Black Caesar Breaker Morant Busting Destructors Deuces Wild Dirty Work Doctor Who: Dark Water/Death in Heaven 3D Dog Day Afternoon 40th Anniversary Fatal Instinct Flash: Season 1 For Us the...
- 9/23/2015
- by Ryan Gallagher
- CriterionCast
I’m not exactly sure why Richard Pryor’s 1982 Paramount film, "Some Kind of Hero," rarely gets mentioned, if it’s even remembered at all. Granted it’s not perfect, and it suffers from inconsistent shifts in tone, but it’s never less than interesting, and provides Pryor with one of his more fascinating characters. Although it was compromised in the studio process. The film gave Pryor some opportunities to explore his acting chops, and one feels that if the studio hadn’t gotten so chicken about the film, it might have been regarded as one of Pryor’s best. Directed by Michael Pressman, Pryor plays a soldier fighting in the Vietnam War in the 1970’s who is captured...
- 7/29/2015
- by Sergio
- ShadowAndAct
Cinema Retro has received the following press release:'
The History Press is delighted to announce that it will be publishing Some Kind of Hero this October.
For over 50 years, Albert R. Broccoli’s Eon Productions has navigated the ups and downs of the volatile British film industry, enduring both critical wrath and acclaim in equal measure for its now legendary James Bond series. Latterly, this family-run business has been crowned with box office gold and recognised by motion picture academies around the world. However, it has not always been plain sailing.
Changing tax regimes forced 007 to relocate to France and Mexico; changing fashions and politics led to box office disappointments; and changing studio regimes and business disputes all but killed the franchise. And the rise of competing action heroes has constantly questioned Bond’s place in popular culture. But against all odds the filmmakers continue to wring new life from the series,...
The History Press is delighted to announce that it will be publishing Some Kind of Hero this October.
For over 50 years, Albert R. Broccoli’s Eon Productions has navigated the ups and downs of the volatile British film industry, enduring both critical wrath and acclaim in equal measure for its now legendary James Bond series. Latterly, this family-run business has been crowned with box office gold and recognised by motion picture academies around the world. However, it has not always been plain sailing.
Changing tax regimes forced 007 to relocate to France and Mexico; changing fashions and politics led to box office disappointments; and changing studio regimes and business disputes all but killed the franchise. And the rise of competing action heroes has constantly questioned Bond’s place in popular culture. But against all odds the filmmakers continue to wring new life from the series,...
- 6/5/2015
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
"Some Kind Of Hero" brought us three heros in one episode and the emotions that swirled around it all were almost overwhelming.
First Jamie saved the baby from the burning building. Um, where were the parents? No one ever answered that but I suppose it wasn't the point. Jamie saved a life and the press was scrambling to cover it.
Frank should have been the proud papa and he was, but that was overshadowed by the police commissioner and protective father
That Jamie's undercover operation could come back to bite him wasn't a new thought. I'd be surprised if the mob family doesn't figure out who he is sooner or later. He's the commissioner's son for goodness sake.
This time they dodged a bullet thanks to Sgt. Renzulli. How odd it must have been to take credit for a heroic act you never committed. But by putting on this act...
First Jamie saved the baby from the burning building. Um, where were the parents? No one ever answered that but I suppose it wasn't the point. Jamie saved a life and the press was scrambling to cover it.
Frank should have been the proud papa and he was, but that was overshadowed by the police commissioner and protective father
That Jamie's undercover operation could come back to bite him wasn't a new thought. I'd be surprised if the mob family doesn't figure out who he is sooner or later. He's the commissioner's son for goodness sake.
This time they dodged a bullet thanks to Sgt. Renzulli. How odd it must have been to take credit for a heroic act you never committed. But by putting on this act...
- 4/7/2012
- by christine@tvfanatic.com (C. Orlando)
- TVfanatic
David Thacker, artistic director of the Octagon theatre and the man who masterminded Corin Redgrave's return to the stage, remembers the actor, who died this week at the age of 70
I first saw Corin's work at a special event at the Liverpool Playhouse. Corin, Vanessa, their father Michael and their mother Rachel Kempson were performing a variety of extracts from Shakespeare's plays and some of their favourite sonnets. It made a huge impression on me for a number of reasons. Michael was seriously afflicted by Parkinson's disease, and had by this time very limited short-term memory. I shall never forget Vanessa and Corin standing next to him, feeding him lines which he then delivered with astonishing sensitivity. The "seven ages of man" speech from As You Like It was performed with a depth of understanding that was completely new to me. Corin's contribution to the evening was equally memorable.
I first saw Corin's work at a special event at the Liverpool Playhouse. Corin, Vanessa, their father Michael and their mother Rachel Kempson were performing a variety of extracts from Shakespeare's plays and some of their favourite sonnets. It made a huge impression on me for a number of reasons. Michael was seriously afflicted by Parkinson's disease, and had by this time very limited short-term memory. I shall never forget Vanessa and Corin standing next to him, feeding him lines which he then delivered with astonishing sensitivity. The "seven ages of man" speech from As You Like It was performed with a depth of understanding that was completely new to me. Corin's contribution to the evening was equally memorable.
- 4/7/2010
- by David Thacker
- The Guardian - Film News
Beloved TV and stage star Nan Martin has died due to complications from emphysema. She was 82.
The actress was a first-year member of the revered Actors' Studio and first made her mark in 1960's Broadway hit J.B., which won her a Tony Award nomination.
She went on to marry roles in leading Shakespeare plays onstage with TV roles in shows like The Twilight Zone, The Fugitive and The Untouchables.
Martin appeared in theatre productions all over America and in London. She also enjoyed film success in movies like Toys in the Attic and Goodbye Columbus.
The actress suffered a stroke in 1981, but continued to work onstage and on TV until four years ago - and became a well-respected drama teacher.
More films came, including Castaway, Some Kind of Hero, and Nightmare on Elm Street 3, in which she played ghoulish Freddie Krueger's mum.
The actress was a first-year member of the revered Actors' Studio and first made her mark in 1960's Broadway hit J.B., which won her a Tony Award nomination.
She went on to marry roles in leading Shakespeare plays onstage with TV roles in shows like The Twilight Zone, The Fugitive and The Untouchables.
Martin appeared in theatre productions all over America and in London. She also enjoyed film success in movies like Toys in the Attic and Goodbye Columbus.
The actress suffered a stroke in 1981, but continued to work onstage and on TV until four years ago - and became a well-respected drama teacher.
More films came, including Castaway, Some Kind of Hero, and Nightmare on Elm Street 3, in which she played ghoulish Freddie Krueger's mum.
- 3/6/2010
- WENN
Richard Pryor, one of the most groundbreaking comedians of the late 20th century, died Saturday morning of a heart attack at his home in the San Fernando Valley; he was 65. Pryor had been suffering from multiple sclerosis for years, and according to his wife Jennifer Pryor, passed away very quickly with little suffering. Born in Peoria, Illinios, Pryor reportedly grew up in a brothel run by his grandmother, and was performing at as young an age as 7, when he played drums for a nightclub. After graduating high school and serving two years in the army, Pryor began his comedy career in the 60s, working in nightclubs and earning a reputation for himself. Soon talk show and variety show appearances led to small parts in movies throughout the late 60s and early 70s, with a noteworthy supporting role opposite Diana Ross in Lady Sings the Blues (1972). He also wrote for a number of television shows, including Sanford and Son, and worked on the script for Mel Brooks' Blazing Saddles. Pryor skyrocketed to fame, however, on the strength, appeal, and hilarity of his stand-up performances, which challenged the establishment at a time when censorship laws still held sway, and his explicit, profane routines, centering on racial and sexual topics and everything in between, won him both controversy and fame. He also became a highly popular (and highly paid) actor in the 70s, with hit films such as Silver Streak to his credit and a controversial TV show on NBC. His biggest film success, though, was with a concert film of his stand-up routines, and Richard Pryor: Live in Concert (1979) remains one of his best and one of the most influential comedy films of all time. Just as his fame reached its zenith in 1980 (the year the hit film Stir Crazy was released), Pryor almost lost his life in a notorious drug-related accident, as he suffered burns on over 50% of his body while freebasing cocaine at home. The incident began Pryor's long road to recovery, and he talked and joked freely about it in his next concert film, Richard Pryor: Live on the Sunset Strip. Free to make whatever films he liked, Pryor signed a $40 million, five-year contract with Columbia Pictures in 1983, which took him from cult hero to mainstream star, though the movies, including Superman III, The Toy and Brewster's Millions, diluted his considerable talent. He had more critical, if not commercial, success with two autobiographical-influenced films, Some Kind of Hero and Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life Is Calling, a thinly fictionalized biopic. By the late 80s, though, Pryor's films were becoming bigger and bigger failures, and he all but retired from performing in the 90s, after he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis; in 1990 he suffered a massive heart attack and underwent triple bypass surgery. He made a brief appearance in the film Lost Highway, and did a guest stint on Chicago Hope, which earned him an Emmy nomination, but rarely worked; in 1998, he received the first Mark Twain Prize for humor from the JFK Center for the Performing Arts. He married six times, and had two sons and three daughters, including actress Rain Pryor. Pryor is survived by his wife Jennifer, who was his fourth wife and whom he remarried in 2001. --Prepared by IMDb staff...
- 12/10/2005
- IMDb News
Richard Pryor, one of the most groundbreaking comedians of the late 20th century, died Saturday morning of a heart attack at his home in the San Fernando Valley; he was 65. Pryor had been suffering from multiple sclerosis for years, and according to his wife Jennifer Pryor, passed away very quickly with little suffering. Born in Peoria, Illinios, Pryor reportedly grew up in a brothel run by his grandmother, and was performing at as young an age as 7, when he played drums for a nightclub. After graduating high school and serving two years in the army, Pryor began his comedy career in the 60s, working in nightclubs and earning a reputation for himself. Soon talk show and variety show appearances led to small parts in movies throughout the late 60s and early 70s, with a noteworthy supporting role opposite Diana Ross in Lady Sings the Blues (1972). He also wrote for a number of television shows, including Sanford and Son, and worked on the script for Mel Brooks' Blazing Saddles. Pryor skyrocketed to fame, however, on the strength, appeal, and hilarity of his stand-up performances, which challenged the establishment at a time when censorship laws still held sway, and his explicit, profane routines, centering on racial and sexual topics and everything in between, won him both controversy and fame. He also became a highly popular (and highly paid) actor in the 70s, with hit films such as Silver Streak to his credit and a controversial TV show on NBC. His biggest film success, though, was with a concert film of his stand-up routines, and Richard Pryor: Live in Concert (1979) remains one of his best and one of the most influential comedy films of all time. Just as his fame reached its zenith in 1980 (the year the hit film Stir Crazy was released), Pryor almost lost his life in a notorious drug-related accident, as he suffered burns on over 50% of his body while freebasing cocaine at home. The incident began Pryor's long road to recovery, and he talked and joked freely about it in his next concert film, Richard Pryor: Live on the Sunset Strip. Free to make whatever films he liked, Pryor signed a $40 million, five-year contract with Columbia Pictures in 1983, which took him from cult hero to mainstream star, though the movies, including Superman III, The Toy and Brewster's Millions, diluted his considerable talent. He had more critical, if not commercial, success with two autobiographical-influenced films, Some Kind of Hero and Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life Is Calling, a thinly fictionalized biopic. By the late 80s, though, Pryor's films were becoming bigger and bigger failures, and he all but retired from performing in the 90s, after he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis; in 1990 he suffered a massive heart attack and underwent triple bypass surgery. He made a brief appearance in the film Lost Highway, and did a guest stint on Chicago Hope, which earned him an Emmy nomination, but rarely worked; in 1998, he received the first Mark Twain Prize for humor from the JFK Center for the Performing Arts. He married six times, and had two sons and three daughters, including actress Rain Pryor. Pryor is survived by his wife Jennifer, who was his fourth wife and whom he remarried in 2001. --Prepared by IMDb staff...
- 12/9/2005
- WENN
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