James Bond 007
Dear friends,
Today I am going to be looking to one my biggest STAN’s. Some of you might know, James Bond 007. Did you know I was a James Bond Fan? Yes, No? well if you didn’t there have been clues around in a lot of the stuff I write. If you read Unusual You, I made a good couple references to it. I had an idea since were are near the end of the year, and 2022 is the movies franchises 60th anniversary, I might as well declare my STAN-hood.
My history with the franchise is all down to British television. As my Mum like to put it, “it’s not a bank holiday without Bond” as such I would watch, watch is a loose term, when they came on tv. As my Mum and Granddad would watch them whenever they were on. When I was younger I had no idea what these movies were about, I apricated the action and gadgets. Things all changed of course, when I was older enough to apricate it. Since I have I have been a fan. Of course, like all my STAN’s I love it when one hits that sweet spot of being in so many different kinds of media. As I should hope you know 007 was a book first, then movies, then games and tones of other merchandise. So this one can really hit my wallet hard if I am not careful.
As for the books themselves, I have only read two official novels. Mostly due to a the time when I was looking for them they were out of print. I do fully intended to read all of Fleming’s books, when I am able to. As their aren’t many of them. When will I get around to it? Who knows, as I still got the 6 or 7 volumes of GOT to read, so it’s on the list. Not to mention I have Young Bond to read. I don’t have the full set of those either. However, when I saw them on sale, I told myself I would buy them to put in my classroom. Which I intend on doing, if I get a from group. Just like Power Rangers, there are comics, a series I have is Agent of Spectre, which I have digital. Which I have read and it’s a good medium for Bond to be on.
As a gamer from the 90’s no gamer was better than Goldeneye 007. Which of course, like many played to death back in the day. It was the first game I got for my N64, and I made the terrible mistake of selling. I did buy my back the exactly the same bundle when I was getting a replacement. At the time I felt all other Bond games were inferior so I never bothered with the other movie tie in games. Things changed however with the PS2 Era of games.
007 Agent Under Fire, was a game I played with friends, and played a bit of, but never really did the story mode properly. I did eventually get around to buying a copy (two actully) and planned to do a Platinum Collection post, but had technical difficulties (hence the second copy) and was finally able to complete it a couple weeks ago. I enjoyed it, and I would like to play the others.
Since about 2006/7, I have then gotten every James Bond video game, and I can say with I have played them all and completed them. To me as a fan I did enjoy all of them. Some critics might have an issue with them, but as a fan I had a good time. Which why I hope, the next game is going to be a smash.
Okay you may not care about, books games, but the movies you do care about. I have seen them all, multiple times over. Some more than others, but I did do a thing last year, and I’m doing it again this year. As there are 25 movies, and there are 25 days in advent I did the James Bond Movies Advent Calendar. One movie every day until Christmas. The plan was to watch then rate them, and do a Re-Rewind review/ranking, of some kind. Sadly, my copy of No Time To Die, didn’t come till after Christmas, due to an weird stocking issue. This year though I have been more vigilant, and have kept records, so many that will come out some time later this season. Keep an eye on socials for it.
As for the movies themselves, I don’t love them all. I like more some than others, some have really bazaar elements, and some a just shot really weird. As we know art is subjective, so I have my thoughts and opinions, but I enjoy them over all. To me they have this formular of being good, then you have a not so good one and them good again. Which why with each of the actors who play bond (with one exception) I have their best and their worst. As watch them again this year, I remember a lot of the movie this time and feel like I can give my honest opinion on wither or not they are good. As I say I like the franchise over all, so it’s not like I’m saying I hate certain movies. I enjoy them in some way, and I have elements in some I don’t like.
I think one area that I have a lot of love for bond is in the merch department. As I have such a random assortment of things. Some of which I’m not even sure I hot got it. I know back in the early 00’s I used to collect the magazine but it got cancelled. Which is why I have the Tin. I got the Pop Vinyl from as a random find in a HMV when I was looking for Christmas gifts, and it was on sale too. As for the shaker, I got that as free gift from buying the 007 Fragrance, which has now been discontinued. I still make my shaken martini’s (they are strong as fuck BTW!). The best thing they merchandise is the music.
Ahh James bond music, how do I love it. With every film they release a new version the album with the new theme. Which is why I haven’t bought one yet. As you have to keep buy a new one every movie. However, what they have done for the 60th Anniversary, is released an orchestrated version of all the songs, on CD and Vinyl. I think being the collector I am, it’s one of those special albums I would like to have. Which mighty apricate in vale in 10 years. Doesn’t matter if it doesn’t, it’s just a lovely album to listen to (what I’m doing as write this).
To me James Bond means a lot. It was something me and my friend (who is no longer with us) enjoyed. Which is why now when I think about it, I feel I keep it in my heart. When I think about him, I think about how we shared this thing, and had a lot of the same stuff. Which I think is a nice thing to horror his memory, and my Granddad’s too as they both enjoyed it. I don’t know how much, but I feel like I carry enough for the both of them.
Even though a lot of Bond seems misogynistic, racist and homophobic. I understand all the criticisms, and I can see how things have slowly changed as time has gone on. Which I’m happy to say, as a fan, it is making it more open to have more people enjoy it. Would I recommend everyone start from the beginning? No I would not. As a lot of the old fashion attitudes could offend some people. if you like the more modern stuff, and want to stick with it, cool. As I have gone from beginning to end so many times, I can see how the series has evolved, and glad for it. I hope going forward, it continues to do so.
If you are a James Bond STAN let me know, or if you would like to become one; let me know and I will give you my personal recommendation as to where to start. As for me I’m going to enjoy my 25 days of movies. Let’s see if my favourite movies still stays at number 1.
Xo FabEs
