Shows
School of MoviesLegends of Zelda: Breath of the Wild[School of Everything Else 2023]
This is actually the fourth of an ongoing series of Zelda episodes begun all the way back in 2010 when we had a guest-filled clip show covering every title from the NES original to the then-latest instalment, Spirit Tracks on DS. After that came Skyward Sword in very early 2012 after its release on the Wii, then in 2017 when Breath of the Wild emerged, we did a third show covering the remakes and remasters up to Majora's Mask on 3DS.
And now here, just as Tears of the Kingdom gushes forth, so too d...2023-05-052h 42
Bond & BeyondDossier #77: Woefully Late MailbagIn October 2021, you sent us your thoughts on No Time To Die. In June 2022, we recorded our responses. Now, in December 2022, we finally share them with you. We're very, very sorry. If you want to email us (we are reading them, we promise!), you can do so via bondandbeyondpod@gmail.com. You can find us on Facebook (just search 'Bond & Beyond'), Twitter (@bondbeyondpod) and all our episodes are at bondbeyondpod.tumblr.com.2022-12-0353 minBond & BeyondDossier #76: The Sound of 007Alex and James are joined by long-time friend of the show Rick Van Beem to discuss the Sound of 007 concert at the Royal Albert Hall, part of the 60th anniversary celebrations for James Bond's cinematic outings. James and Rick were able to go and see the concert live, and you can watch highlights on Amazon Prime Video (or via this sneaky YouTube playlist. The trio discuss their favourite moments, the quality of performances by an impressive roster of singers (including Dame Shirely Bassey herself), and a few surprises from the line-up. WARNING: Naturally, this being...2022-10-191h 05Bond & BeyondDossier #75: 60 Years, 60 Facts - Part 2Continuing our celebration of James Bond's 60th Anniversary in cinemas, we gather another 20 facts from the history of the franchise and attempt to out-fact each other with the trivia we have uncovered. (Why not play along, see how many you already know? And if you haven't done so, be sure to go back and listen to the first episode. Oh, and here's that Diet Coke ad you absolutely need to watch) Challenge us by sending in your own facts to bondandbeyondpod@gmail.com. You can find us on Facebook (just search 'Bond & Beyond'), Twitter (@bondbeyondpod) an...2022-09-1547 minBond & BeyondDossier #74: Reinventing BondEarlier this year (actually, the same week we recorded this episode - so sorry for the delay), Bond overseers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson hinted that the next 007 film would be something of a reinvention. Which leaves us with a LOT of questions. On this episode, we discuss the various implications of reinventing Bond - especially in light of how dramatically Daniel Craig modernised the character - and the delicate balance EON Productions faces in trying to find a new direction for 007 after the most recent era of films. If you want...2022-08-2626 min
The GamesIndustry.biz MicrocastGamescom Opening Night Live 2022James Batchelor is joined by VG247's Alex Donaldson to discuss the biggest reveals and announcements at Gamescom Opening Night Live. Over the course of the episode, we discuss the breadth (or perhaps lack thereof) of games on show, the importance of giving smaller publishers the opportunity to shine in the absence of major players, and the long-awaited reveal of Everywhere - the debut game from the studio formed by ex-GTA producer Leslie Benzies. We also share our personal highlights, and talk about the range of new IP on show. For more news...2022-08-2452 minBond & BeyondDossier #73: Goldenera interviewAlex and James are joined by Drew Roller, director of Goldenera - a documentary that extensively tells the story of Goldeneye 64. Drew shares with us more about how he become interested in the development of the most iconic James Bond video game of all time, his own experiences with the franchise, and the discoveries he made during this project. If you have any memory of Goldeneye 64, this is the episode for you - and the documentary is absolutely a must watch. You can find it here at Altitude, as well as via Amazon Prime Video...2022-07-2353 minBond & BeyondDossier #72: No Time To DieAlex and James have had nine months to let the initial impressions of Craig's final 007 outing settle and are now ready to share their full opinions on No Time To Die. We work through the film in our standard review format, weighing up the highs and lows, while trying really hard not to get caught up in speculation as to what comes next. If you want to email us, you can do so via bondandbeyondpod@gmail.com. You can find us on Facebook (just search 'Bond & Beyond'), Twitter (@bondbeyondpod) and all our episodes are at bon...2022-06-051h 42
School of MoviesBatman: Breakdown [Audio Drama][Digital Gonzo 2012]
This was my first full-length audio drama. It was designed to be enjoyed by folks who saw the Nolan films the Arkham video games or the Animated Series. I wanted to write something significant, honest and authentic about the Batman legend and with a lot of help from long-time serious Bat-fan, David Hartrick, I was able to shape a bunch of ideas into a hopefully coherent story. It was originally released a week before The Dark Knight Rises.
None of the cast, including myself were professional actors, but we all worked very hard t...2022-05-1356 minBond & BeyondDossier #71: 60 Years, 60 Facts - Part IAlex and James are back. In the first of a three-part episode, we'll be celebrating 60 Years of the James Bond with 60 facts - and here's the first 20. Your two hosts have each found 10 pieces of trivia about the films, actors, and more, and test each other's knowledge: for every fact the other co-host did not already know, the fact giver receives one point. (Why not play along yourself? How many do you know?) Challenge us by sending in your own facts to bondandbeyondpod@gmail.com. You can find us on Facebook (just search 'Bond & Beyond'), T...2022-05-1043 minBond & BeyondDossier #70: Bond (And Beyond) SoundtracksAlex and James are joined by composer and friend of the show Richey Rynkowski to discuss the best of Bond soundtracks. We speak to Richey about his experiences as a composer (including some brushes with Bond), and his thoughts on the highs and lows of the soundtracks found throughout the series. We also discuss the declining use of theme tunes, including in the Daniel Craig films - a topic that takes us on quite the tangent, and definitely into 'beyond' territory. If you want to email us, you can do so via bondandbeyondpod@g...2021-11-221h 07Bond & BeyondDossier #69: No Time To Die MailbagAlex and James read out your thoughts on No Time To Die, Daniel Craig's final and perhaps most divisive outing as 007. If you want to email us, you can do so via bondandbeyondpod@gmail.com. You can find us on Facebook (just search 'Bond & Beyond'), Twitter (@bondbeyondpod) and all our episodes are at bondbeyondpod.tumblr.com.2021-10-301h 23Bond & BeyondDossier #68: No Time To Die - initial reportThe long wait is finally over. After six years, more than half a decade, 72 full months... you can finally find out what we think of No Time To Die. This is not our full review, which will save for a much later viewing, but our initial impressions of the long-awaited 25th James Bond film and Daniel Craig's final outing. Needless to say, there are spoilers abound! We discuss the highs and lows of No Time To Die, speculate about the future of 007, and try to process our surprisingly mixed feelings at what is perhaps the...2021-10-061h 33Bond & BeyondDossier #67: Timothy Dalton retrospectiveAlex and James are joined by special guest Matt for the first out a new series of episodes in which we look back at the tenure of each James Bond actor. We start with Timothy Dalton, divisive in his own way but beloved by many fans. Dalton took over the role at perhaps the most interesting moment in the series, and had just two films to demonstrate his Bondness. What was Dalton's legacy and how does he compare to his fellow Bonds? If you want to email us, you can do so via b...2021-08-2756 minBond & BeyondDossier #66: Whatever happened to the real Bond cars?Something special for you this time, and the perfect follow-up to our Ranking The Bond Cars episode. Alex and James are joined by Alan Porter, author of The James Bond Lexicon and member of the Ian Fleming Foundation - the group that tracks down, restores and exhibits all the vehicles used in the Bond movies. We speak to Porter about his work chronicling the world of 007 in the lexicon and the surprising stories behind the Bond In Motion exhibits and where some of the most iconic Bond cars have been found, including the f**king...2021-08-171h 26Bond & BeyondDossier #65: Ranking The Bond CarsAlex and James are rejoined by friend of the show Sam for our third ranking episode. This time, we're talking Bond cars. Listen in as we debate which is the greatest Bond car, taking one from each of the 24 films and judging them based on appearance, gadgetry, use in action sequences, whether or not 007 drives it, and a ton of other criteria we may or may not have been making up as we went. You can find our final rankings here. Want to share your thoughts on our rankings? Email via bondandbeyondpod@gmail.c...2021-07-181h 08Bond & BeyondDossier #64: Forever And A DayFollowing our review of Anthony Horowitz's debut Bond novel Trigger Mortis, we take a look at his second 007 story. 007 is dead, and an up-and-coming young agent (one James Bond) has been sent to investigate. Listen in as we walk through this tale of intrigue set in the south of France built around a gangsters, a cruise ship with plenty of fire extinguishers, a brilliant older woman character, a great NotFelix, some strong action sequences, and a Spider-Man style villain. Spoiler alert if you haven't read the book. If you want to email us...2021-04-241h 28Bond & BeyondDossier #63: Trigger MortisJames and Alex tackle their first book review: Trigger Mortis by Anthony Horowitz. SPOILER WARNING: We basically break down the whole book. In this non-Fleming Bond novel written in Fleming's style, 007 must protect a British racing legend from Russian assassins during a dangerous race on the Nurburgring - but that's not actually the plot. We talk about Horowitz's blend of action and insight into Bond, his attempt at creating an iconic Bond villain, the return of Pussy Galore and more. If you want to email us, you can do so via bondandbeyondpod@gmail.co...2021-01-221h 31Bond & BeyondDossier #62: Bond GamesWith the announcement that Hitman developer IO Interactive is working on a new James Bond game, Alex and James are joined by friend of the show and game developer Simon Smith to discuss 007's track record with video games. Naturally, a good chunk of this show is dedicated to our hopes for IO's new game, but we also explore the lack of James Bond games in the past decade, some of the best titles from before that, and why Goldeneye 64 might have been the worst thing to happen to James Bond games. If you want...2020-12-121h 04Bond & BeyondDossier #61: Ranking the VillainsFollowing the fun we had with our Ranking The Bond Songs episode, we attempt to rank something even more challenging: the villains. Alex Shaw of the School of Movies podcast - and author of the New Century Multiverse series - joins us to weigh up each Bond villain's plot based on how dangerous (or not) it is to the world. Some want to start a war. Some just want to make money. Some want to start a war to make money. But all are off their rocker, and now we have definitively ranked how villainous...2020-11-201h 15
School of MoviesKingdom of the Crystal Skull[School of Movies 2020]
I recall when Crystal Skull came out it was around the time angry dudes on the internet were starting to really pick apart the prequels and why they had been betrayed on the promises made to them by George Lucas (to my shame that's how my movie podcast got started, but at least we'd moved on by week four). So the reception to this massively successful film was conversely very ugly in the fan community. And while we don't usually strive for a balanced argument this one felt like it needed a real examination...2020-11-132h 12Bond & BeyondDossier #60: Remembering Sean ConneryFollowing the sad news of Sean Connery's passing, Alex and James pay tribute to the man who defined James Bond for so many people. We reflect on his varied career and some of his best roles, the quality of his performance as James Bond, some of his most iconic moments, his surprising final turn as 007 and more. Want to share your thoughts and memories of Sir Sean? Email us via bondandbeyondpod@gmail.com. Or you can find us on Facebook (just search ‘Bond & Beyond’), Twitter (@bondbeyondpod) and all our episodes are at bondbeyondpod.tumblr.com.2020-11-0438 minBond & BeyondDossier #59: Bond MarathonsAlex and James are joined by Richard and Nia Setters – our first Bond fan couple. The Setterses talk us through a particularly important coping mechanism for the COVID lockdown: a James Bond marathon. Every Monday night, they have watched a Bond film - from Dr No to Spectre. We discuss the highs and lows of the series, their thoughts on the best and worst Bonds, and an intriguing alternative form of marathon: Curry Bond. If you want to email us, you can do so via bondandbeyondpod@gmail.com. You can find us on Faceb...2020-10-1434 minBond & BeyondDossier #58: (This is) No Time To DelayAlex and James are joined by friend of the show and regular guest Gez to discuss the terrible news: No Time To Die has been delayed. Again. Bond fans now have to wait until April 2021 to see 007's 25th outing, so in the meantime we kill about 40 minutes of the five-month extension to our wait by discussing: The Billie Eilish No Time To Die music video. The experience of going to the cinema during a pandemic. The Bondness of Tenet. The passing of Diana Rigg and Michael Lonsdale. Rumours that Tom Hardy or Henry Cavill c...2020-10-1042 min
School of MoviesIndiana Jones and the Last Crusade[School of Movies 2020]
The man in the hat is back, and this time he's brought his father. What could have been a much goofier, hapless escapade, diffusing the focus of Raiders, turned out to be the most personal journey for Henry Jones, (Junior and Senior).
There's a real thrill to be had from the idea of picking up a search that has spanned thousands of years and racing the Nazis to this immensely symbolic artefact, which itself contains a tricksy definition of what Eternal Life entails. This film is a masterful example of Spielberg being...2020-09-252h 13Bond & Beyond#Dossier 57: No Time To Die Trailer 2 DiscussionWith what is likely to be the final trailer for No Time To Die now availabe, Alex and James share their thoughts on this tantalising glimpse into Daniel Craig’s last outing. Tune in for a lot of excitement, a little apprehension and probably more speculation than is healthy give the trailer is less than three minutes long. Want to share your thoughts on the trailer? Email via bondandbeyondpod@gmail.com. Or you can find us on Facebook (just search ‘Bond & Beyond’), Twitter (@bondbeyondpod) and all our episodes are at bondbeyondpod.tumblr.com.2020-09-0335 minBond & BeyondDossier #56: Ranking The Bond SongsJames, Alex and special guest Sam attempt the unwise, perhaps the impossible: ranking the Bond title songs from best to worst. Setting themselves a strict(ish) time limit, our triumvirate picks apart each and every Bond anthem, weighing them up against each other as well as how well they stand up today. Some choices were easy, others were hard and heart-breaking. If you want to spoil the results for yourself, you can check out our final rankings here. This also includes the listener rankings as gathered via Facebook and Twitter (Thank you to everyone who...2020-08-0558 minBond & BeyondDossier #55: Bondisms on TVFollowing our look at Bond elements appearing in animated and family films, James and Alex turn their attention towards TV. Once again, we're not discussing straight up Bond parodies or homages such as Archer, Chuck or Alias. Instead, we're looking at specific moments that pay tribute to film's most famous spy and unpack the elements of the Bond formula that people most instantly recognise. Join us for a journey that takes us from Friends and Frasier, through Alan Partridge and The Muppets, via THAT Simpsons epiosde, and even a long-lost sketch where Roger Moore performed...2020-05-2046 minBond & BeyondDossier #54: Bondisms in animated and family filmsAlex and James look beyond Bond to see how 007 is honoured, referenced and even mocked in animated family films. Given the series' history of 50-plus years, it's no surprise that hallmarks of the Bond films appear in other movies but which key ingredients of 007's outings do people draw from? Our rambling discussion takes us from The Incredibles to Spies In Disguise, through Avengers and Bolt, and even to films as random as Monty Python's The Life Of Brian. Think of one we've missed? Email via bondandbeyondpod@gmail.com. Or you can find u...2020-05-0141 minBond & BeyondDossier #53: Watch Party AnnouncementHello, remember us? James and Alex are back with a short announcement: we're hosting a watch party, where we all gather on Facebook to share comments and thoughts on a classic James Bond film as we watch at the same time. We are starting (as Cubby's Law dictates) with Dr No, the 1962 big screen debut of Ian Fleming's superspy. We'll be pressing 'play' at 9pm GMT on Wednesday, March 25, 2020, and you can join in the fun right here: https://www.facebook.com/events/852079118641361/ And, since it's been a while, we fill the rest...2020-03-2323 minBond & BeyondDossier #52: No Time To Die Trailer discussionAlex and James share their thoughts on the first trailer for Daniel Craig's upcoming finale, No Time To Die. Was it everything we wanted for a trailer? Were we wrong about our previous predictions, and how many potentially new wrong predictions can we make from just two minutes of footage? Listen in to hear our first impressions of the trailer - and why not share yours with us, too? Email bondandbeyondpod@gmail.com, or find us on Facebook (just search 'Bond & Beyond') or Twitter (@BondBeyondPod). You can find all previous episodes at bondbeyondpod.t...2019-12-0622 minBond & BeyondDossier #51: Secret Cinema Casino RoyaleEarlier this year, Alex and friend of the show/semi-regular guest Gez attended a Secret Cinema showing of Casino Royale. Shortly after, we recorded this episode… and now we can finally release it. For those not in the know, Secret Cinema is an event where attendees engage in a roleplaying experience before watching a special presentation of the film on which it’s themed. Everyone who attends is sworn to secrecy - you even have your phone locked away - so this episode has been locked in the Bond & Beyond vault. With the event now over...2019-11-2147 minBond & BeyondDossier #50 - Casino Royale 1967Seven James Bonds went to Casino Royale... Alex and James review what is quite possibly the worst film ever to feature James Bond (albeit in an unofficial, parodical capacity). We discuss the absolute mess that is 1967's Casino Royale, a comedy film in which the real 007 (apparently) and a bunch of fellow agents sharing his name and number try to save the world. 'Save the world' sounds vague, we grant you, but that's because it's honestly difficult to work out what this film is even about. Listen in to enjoy our thoughts on unconvincing Scottish...2019-09-271h 49Bond & BeyondDossier #49 - Desert Island MailbagWe're back with our latest episode full of your message. This time, it's all centred around our (semi)recent Desert Island Bond episode. We asked you to choose the 007 film, novel, soundtrack, song, video game, gadget, vehicle, girl and Felix/Not Felix you would want if you were trapped on a desert island - and boy, did you deliver! (Please not this episode was recorded *before* EON announced the new title for Bond 25. We'll be discussing that and more on our next episode) If you haven't already sent in your Desert Island Bond...2019-08-291h 25Bond & BeyondDossier #48: Desert Island BondPicture, if you will, being stranded on an island -- like Crab Key without the Dragon tank/luxury villain's lair. To sustain you in our loneliness, you have a few items and characters from the history of Bond. Which do you choose? Alex and James discuss their desert island picks when it comes to film, novel, game, soundtrack, song, vehicle, gadget, Bond girls, Felix/Not Felix and more. We'd love to know your choices, and perhaps suggestions of other categories. Drop us an email via bondandbeyondpod@gmail.com and we'll read out as many as we...2019-07-1736 minBond & BeyondDossier #47: Bond 25 MailbagWe're back (again!). Alex and James are joined by long-time friend of the show and semi-regular guest Gez to dig through our inbox and share your thoughts on that awkward Bond 25 reveal. Given our lengthy absence (sorry again!), new information has come to light about Daniel Craig's final outing, including film locations and the director's choice of composer (much to James' composer). We also talk about Killing Eve, the possible directions from Rami Malek's villain and the return of Madelaine Swann, the potential for a Felix (or perhaps Felicia) Leiter spin-off, plus thoughts on whether B...2019-07-0451 minBond & BeyondDossier #46: Bond 25 RevealFollowing last week's much hyped 'reveal' of Bond 25, James and Alex dust of their mics and discuss how the whole affair, er, left them wanting. With no title and only minor plot details revealed, much of Bond 25's production seems up in the air. Does this worry us? Who do we think each of the new cast members will play? And why, oh why did it take EON Productions a full 20 minutes to say very little? We discuss all this and more, including (yet again) the debate as to whether the next James Bond should...2019-05-0239 min
School of MoviesThe Mummy Returns[School of Movies 2019]
Not long after the 1999 original hit theatres Universal were on the phone to director Stephen Sommers with a basic request; "We need another one". And another one they got.
The creeping mystery and classical style of the first film was left in the sand and instead this is a rip-roaring race against time treasure hunt action spectacular.
This time around we discuss the bonkers reasoning when it comes to putting souls into living bodies, Sommers' obvious adulation of Terminator 2 and how The Mummy series was kind of a prototype Marvel Ci...2019-04-192h 10
School of MoviesThe Mummy Returns[School of Movies 2019]
Not long after the 1999 original hit theatres Universal were on the phone to director Stephen Sommers with a basic request; "We need another one". And another one they got.
The creeping mystery and classical style of the first film was left in the sand and instead this is a rip-roaring race against time treasure hunt action spectacular.
This time around we discuss the bonkers reasoning when it comes to putting souls into living bodies, Sommers' obvious adulation of Terminator 2 and how The Mummy series was kind of a prototype Marvel Cinematic Universe.
And as a bonus, this epi...2019-04-192h 10
School of MoviesThe Mummy[School of Movies 2019]
The 1999 adventure has turned out to be one of our most eagerly-awaited podcasts.
This time we delve into costume and actions to get a bead on subtle character-building that isn't in the script. It's a triumph of set-design and music and pacy, memorable and surprisingly progressive filmmaking.
We also go into its lengthy pre-production run and the string of very different director's visions for the Mummy project. Next week we talk The Mummy Returns (plus the best bits from my Quick Review of the 2017 Dark Universe initiator "The Tom Cruise".2019-04-121h 43
School of MoviesThe Mummy[School of Movies 2019]
The 1999 adventure has turned out to be one of our most eagerly-awaited podcasts.
This time we delve into costume and actions to get a bead on subtle character-building that isn't in the script. It's a triumph of set-design and music and pacy, memorable and surprisingly progressive filmmaking.
We also go into its lengthy pre-production run and the string of very different director's visions for the Mummy project. Next week we talk The Mummy Returns (plus the best bits from my Quick Review of the 2017 Dark Universe initiator "The Tom Cruise".
Guests:
James Batchelor @James_Batchelor of Bond & Be...2019-04-121h 43Bond & BeyondDossier #45: On location for A View To A KillBond & Beyond is back, with a very special, slightly experimental episode. Bookending our break nicely, we return to A View To A Kill - but this time we're on location in San Francisco. Having flown out for a work trip, Alex and James met up to visit some of the most iconic locations from the film (well, two of them with a good view of a third). We start at City Hall, scene of the great fire and beginning of the city-wide car chase, and end up at Fisherman's Wharf, where anyone with a hankering...2019-04-0626 minBond & BeyondDossier #44: A View To A KillAnd so we finally come to the last Bond & Beyond review for 007's cinematic adventures (until they make more of them). James and Alex go through every detail of Roger Moore's final outing as the iconic British spy, from the questionable use of the Beach Boys to Max Zorin's on-brand choice of explosives and his eye for a bargain when it comes to Plot Tables. We waste an hour in France with horses, meet an Avenger (not the Marvel kind), pick holes in the geography of the San Francisco car chase, and spend far too...2018-09-012h 05Bond & BeyondDossier #43: Diplomatic MailbagAs we prepare to take a break from the podcast - panic not, Bond & Beyond will return - James and Alex dust off the last few emails and messages we've received. These address hard-hitting questions, like the ones posed to Mythbuster Matt about Never Say Never Again's urine fight, or whether we actually do any research for this show. APOLOGY: There seems to be a slight audio problem with this episode where our voices suddenly drop an octave for a few minutes at a time. It only happens twice before 17m23, and after that it's...2018-08-2234 minBond & BeyondDossier #42: Never Say Never AgainAlex and James take a look at the unofficial Bond film and Sean Connery's final silver screen outing as 007. Borne out of a legal dispute between Thunderball director Kevin McClory and everyone who actually made Bond film, Never Say Never Again is a beat-for-beat repeat of Connery's fourth adventure - in some way better, in other much worse. Listen in as we discuss Bond's challenging mission of... er... going on a diet, two of the nuttiest villains he's ever faced, the wonderful Pat Roach, a Blofeld who enjoys his job too much, a forgettable soundtrack, and the...2018-08-041h 58Bond & BeyondDossier #41: Universal MailbagWith EON Productions finally announcing both a distributor and a director, it's time to start speculating about Bond 25 (again). Trainspotting and 127 Hours director Danny Boyle takes the helm, meaning we can expect a very different Bond film compared to 007's previous outings, but that's just the beginning of our questions. How will Craig end his era of reinvention for the franchise? Will Christoph Waltz's Blofeld turn up? Will Boyle push for a jukebox-style soundtrack? Will there be time-hops? Will James Bond be revealed as a codename? Will Bond die? How upset will Alex and James...2018-06-0240 minBond & BeyondDossier #40: OctopussyWith apologies to Gobinda. Bond & Beyond finally gets round to reviewing one of Alex's favourites, and perhaps a hidden gem among Moore's various outings as 007 - and no, that's not a jewellery smuggling pun. Alex and James discuss the strangely perfect mix of camp and complex, where a film that is ultimately about James Bond disarming a nuclear bomb while disguised as a circus clown somehow manages to marry excellent villains, surprisingly strong female characters and a lot of cheesy gags together. Listen on as they discuss a plot that's so convoluted the...2018-05-172h 01Bond & BeyondDossier #39: Richard Jacques interviewAlex and James are joined by British composer Richard Jacques – best known for his work on countless video games, including 007: Blood Stone. Recorded in his own studio, this episode discusses what gives soundtracks that Bond-like quality, Jacques' own experiences (and various direct connections) to the franchise, and the art of making music for video games. If you want to email us, you can do so via bondandbeyondpod@gmail.com. You can find us on Facebook (just search 'Bond & Beyond'), Twitter (@bondbeyondpod) and all our episodes are at bondbeyondpod.tumblr.com.2018-03-2244 minBond & BeyondDossier #38: Diamonds Are ForeverAlex and James are once again joined by author and Bond fan Mark O'Connell to discuss Sean Connery's (sort of) swansong as Ian Fleming's 007. Once again recording in a secret (and absurdly professional) location, we discuss Diamonds Are Forever - perhaps the campest, definitely the Vegasest Bond outing to date. Listen in as we celebrate Tiffany Case, argue about Plenty O'Toole, groan over the Moon Buggy chase, delight in the laser-in-space plot and generally delve deeply into this all-time classic. If you want to email us, you can do so via bondandbeyondpod@gmail.co...2018-02-221h 16Bond & BeyondDossier #37: Mark O'Connell interviewAlex and James are joined by very special guest Mark O'Connell, author of Catching Bullets: Memoirs of a Bond Fan. Recording in a top secret location (hence the much better sound quality), we grill Mark about his earliest experiences with 007, his thoughts on the Craig films and where they might be heading, changing attitudes towards the series and his fascinating family connection to the filmmakers themselves. If you want to email us, you can do so via bondandbeyondpod@gmail.com. You can find us on Facebook (just search 'Bond & Beyond'), Twitter (@bondbeyondpod) and all our e...2018-02-0723 minBond & BeyondDossier #36: Christmas MailbagAlex and James wrap up 2017 with a few of the emails that have been piling up in the Bond & Beyond inbox. Listen in as we answer your questions about what makes a great callback to earlier Bond films, and which of 007's ladies we'd like to settle down with. We also share our listeners' insight into burning questions like whether you can parasail with an umbrella, if you're allowed to drop bodies into Hong Kong harbour and why we're completely wrong on every level. If you want to email us, you can do so via bondandbeyondpod@gmail...2017-12-1942 minBond & BeyondDossier #35: For Your Eyes OnlyHaving vowed to keep this reviews a little shorter, Alex and James rattle through Roger Moore's fifth outing as 007: For Your Eyes Only. Join them as they attempt to make sense of the seemingly endless and random string of incidents in which people try to kill Bond - all the while trying to avoid being distracted by that annoying ice skating teen, the so-bad-it's-brilliant soundtrack and Game of Thrones cameos. As always, our episodes can be found at bondbeyodpod.tumblr.com. You can chat to us on Twitter, @BondBeyondPod, or share you views at our...2017-12-061h 20Bond & BeyondDossier #34: You Only Live TwiceJames and Alex share their thoughts on what is perhaps Sean Connery's grandest outing. You Only Live Twice has everything: a sinister plot that threatens world dominations, great music, great locations, great action scenes, and plenty of insignificant holes for us to pick at. Tune in to find out more about the secret Golf Ball meeting room that we the British use to police the world, the true identity of Connery's foe in the Osato office fight, the horrifying lines that came from the mind of children's writer, and poor old Ling. You can find...2017-11-042h 11Bond & BeyondDossier #33: Bond in ConcertAlex reports back from Casino Royale Live at the Albert Hall, which gives James another excuse to geek about how good James Bond soundtracks - particularly David Arnold's - are. The duo also touch on other Bond concerts they've been too and discuss which classic films they'd like to see get the Albert Hall treatment. As always, our episodes can be found at bondbeyodpod.tumblr.com. You can chat to us on Twitter, @BondBeyondPod, or share you views at our new Facebook page - just search "Bond and Beyond". You can also email us via b...2017-10-1330 minBond & BeyondDossier #32: SpectreWe finally attempt to review Spectre properly, two years after our initial impressions - plenty of time for the hype to die down. Listen as we discuss Blofeld's lack of socks, the finale's lack of tension, and the soundtrack's lack of effort. We also nail down where exactly we feel the film begins to to fall down in terms of quality - for James, it's a lot later than you might think. Naturally given the recent news of Craig's confirmed return and the two-year wait for Bond 25, there is no small amount of speculation as to how S...2017-09-251h 19Bond & BeyondDossier #31: Bond 25 UpdateWe're back after another apologetically but unavoidably long absence. Having finally been drip-fed the first details on the next James Bond film and Daniel Craig's confirmed return, we ponder what we can expect from the future of the series. We also read out the latest letters that have made it to our inbox - an impressive feat, given that we've been giving you the wrong email address. If you do want to contact us, it's bondandbeyondpod@gmail.com. As always, our episodes can be found at bondbeyodpod.tumblr.com. You can chat to us on...2017-09-1636 minBond & BeyondDossier #30: Die Another DayStrap in and brace yourself - the Bond & Beyond review for Die Another Day is almost as long as the film itself (but hopefully better thought out and considerably more entertaining). Unquestionably the low point of the entire series and the unfortunate swansong for Classic Bond, Pierce Brosnan's fourth and final big screen outing is a mess of unrealised potential, clumsy anniversary references and truly awful dialogue. James and Alex wade through the plot, the characters, the music and more as they play Bond Anniversary Bingo, lament the film that could have been and struggle to...2017-07-181h 52Bond & BeyondDossier #29: Moore and mailbagAlex and James offer a belated tribute to Sir Roger Moore, reflecting on his time at James Bond as well as some of the other, more unusual roles he has played. We also discuss his contributions beyond acting and our favourite memories of the legendary actor. For the second half of the episode, we read out some of the emails we've received and try to prepare ourselves for our next Bond & Beyond review: Die Another Day. Fancy sending us an email? Write to bondbeyondpod@gmail.com As always, our episodes can be found at bondbeyodpod...2017-06-2933 minBond & BeyondDossier #28: MoonrakerJames and Alex are reunited with friend of the show Gez to discuss what is unquestionably the daftest entry in the entire series (though not necessarily the worst). Recording in our guest's London-based Bond Villian-style headquarters, we discuss Roger Moore's fourth Bond outing in extensive detail: from the opening parachute sequence to the lengthy and often laughable space sequences that make up the finale. Along the way, we touch on why Drax pretends to play piano, how much thought went into the Venice Coffin Boat of Death, Q's designs for his first fishing boat and w...2017-05-231h 14Bond & BeyondDossier #27: ThunderballJoin us for an unusually negative Bond & Beyond Review as we embark upon the fourth round of this classic series. This time Alex and James are joined by friend of the show and GameBurst co-host Gary 'Xantiriad' Blower to discuss Thunderball. Touching briefly upon the well-documented legal dispute that this film triggered between Ian Fleming, EON Productions and director Kevin McClory, we ponder why a film that involves a nuclear threat, the first major Spectre gambit for world domination and some genuinely great villains just seems to lack... something. As always, our episodes can be...2017-04-131h 19Bond & BeyondDossier #26: SkyfallHere it is, at long last: the Bond & Beyond review of Skyfall, Daniel Craig's third outing as 007. Alex and James discuss the many highs and occasional lows of Skyfall, as well as the many pressures it faced: following the flawed Quantum of Solace and, of course, marking the 50th anniversary of this great franchise. This episode also weighs up the new director, new composer, new MI6, and new direction for the franchise. As always, our episodes can be found at bondbeyodpod.tumblr.com. You can chat to us on Twitter, @BondBeyondPod, or share you views...2017-03-231h 28Bond & BeyondDossier #25: The World Is Not EnoughThe Bond & Beyond Review tackles the final 007 adventure of the 20th Century. Join Alex and James as they finally start to disagree on something: Denise Richards. They also weigh up Brosnan's third performance as Bond and whether it makes up for his crumbling English accent, and discuss the film's Action-Sex quota, where every ten minutes either leads to female encounters or some genuinely great setpieces. And yes, James goes on about David Arnold again. As always, our episodes can be found at bondbeyodpod.tumblr.com. You can chat to us on Twitter, @BondBeyondPod, or share you views a...2017-01-201h 27
The School of Everything Else ArchiveNintendo[School of Everything Else 2017]
Welcome to a show which explores why, after decades of producing consoles and video games, Nintendo feels special in a way that the others do not. More than two dozen people have recorded their memories and insight and sent them to me to arrange. A picture begins to emerge of a troubled relationship with someone capable of amazing creative endeavours and baffling business decisions. Someone who many of us can never fully let go because of the power of these happy memories of childhood, family and the hundreds of gaming worlds which we...2017-01-032h 54Bond & BeyondDossier #24: Bond 17James Batchelor and Alex Boucher track down the early screen treatment for what would have been Timothy Dalton's third Bond film: an adventure that takes 007 to Hong Kong in pursuit of a cat burglar who may be the key to investigating mysterious disasters at power plants and industrial facilities. For this episode, we tried something a little different. The first half is an audiobook-style narration of the film, while the second is a discussion about potential reactions had the movie been made as well as who we would bring in to star in the film, sing the...2016-12-241h 00Bond & BeyondDossier #23: The Spy Who Loved MeAlex and James are joined by returning guest Gez to discuss arguably Roger Moore’s greatest outing as 007. When a nutter with barely noticeable webbed hands plans to start a nuclear war between the US and Russia, apparently the only hope for humanity will be to move under the sea. That is, unless James Bond and KGB agent Anya Amasova can distract themselves from trying to both sleep with and kill each other long enough to save the world. We discuss the plot, the stunts, the car, the henchmen, the music, the girls, the gadgets, the cameos an...2016-11-201h 09Bond & BeyondDossier #22: GoldfingerThe Bond & Beyond Review comes to perhaps the most classic film of them all. Alex and James discuss Goldfinger, Sean Connery's third adventure and the source of so many 007 tropes - and parodies. While we might not tackle it in the most sensible order, everything is here: the laser table, the car, the golden girl, the song, the golf game, the raid on Fort Knox, Pussy Galore and the villainous Goldfinger himself. Enjoy! As always, our episodes can be found at bondbeyodpod.tumblr.com. You can chat to us on Twitter, @BondBeyondPod, or share you...2016-10-071h 20Bond & BeyondDossier #21: Quantum of SolaceThe Bond & Beyond Review takes an in-depth look at Daniel Craig's second outing at 007 – a film beset by problems, not the least of which were the 2008 Writer's Strike and the burden of following the acclaimed Casino Royale. Alex and James discuss how frantic camerawork, a stunning visual style, a surprisingly clever plot, an underrated Bond girl and a weedy Frenchman make this a far more impressive entry into the series than you might think. WARNING: Contains that awful Jack White/Alicia Keys song As always, our episodes can be found at bondbeyodpod.tumblr.com...2016-09-161h 25
School of MoviesEpisode 500[School of Everything Else 2016]
Alex's 500th Podcast.
I've been at this game for almost a decade and produced and hosted four media discussion shows, Digital Cowboys, Digital Gonzo, Digital Drift and School of Movies. What we have here is a collection of highlights from the first few years. This celebratory episode ended up as two, simply because there was so much to choose from. So Episode 501 will be released next week. Consider them like Kill Bill Volumes 1 & 2. This is significant interviews, first meetings, moments of particular insight and of course the absolute funnie...2016-09-162h 39
School of MoviesEpisode 500[School of Everything Else 2016]
Alex's 500th Podcast.
I've been at this game for almost a decade and produced and hosted four media discussion shows, Digital Cowboys, Digital Gonzo, Digital Drift and School of Movies. What we have here is a collection of highlights from the first few years. This celebratory episode ended up as two, simply because there was so much to choose from. So Episode 501 will be released next week. Consider them like Kill Bill Volumes 1 & 2. This is significant interviews, first meetings, moments of particular insight and of course the absolute funniest bits, many of which were suggested by you gu...2016-09-162h 39Bond & BeyondDossier #20: Tomorrow Never DiesIn our longest Bond & Beyond review yet, we revisit Pierce Brosnan's second adventure in which a mad media mogul brings the globe to the brink of war - to, er, sell some newspapers. Arguably one of the weaker entries in the series, there's still a lot to like here and it remains James' personal favourite. Listen in as he and Alex discuss the incredible action sequences, surprisingly engaging characters and phenomenal soundtrack that hold this film together. As always, our episodes can be found at bondbeyodpod.tumblr.com. You can chat to us on Twitter...2016-08-191h 22Bond & BeyondDossier #19: Licence To KillThe Bond & Beyond Review turns its attention to what many consider to be the black sheep of the Classic 007 family. Timothy Dalton's second and (sadly) final outing as Ian Fleming's iconic secret agent sees him defying Queen and country to settle a personal vendetta with notorious drug lord Franz Sanchez. Is this just another generic '80s action film donning Bond's tuxedo, or the foundations for the popular Daniel Craig formula? Or is it both? And why, oh why does Q chuck that expensive and top secret broom radio into a bush? Listen in as we discuss...2016-08-0456 min
Bond & BeyondDossier #18: The Man With The Golden GunThis time the Bond & Beyond Review turns its eye to the highly questionable The Man With The Golden Gun. Alex and James discuss whether a truly wonderful performance by Christopher Lee - plus some great M moments - are enough to make up for the many, many, many regretful aspects of Moore's second outing. And we're not just talking about the return of Sheriff J W Pepper! As always, our episodes can be found at bondbeyodpod.tumblr.com. You can chat to us on Twitter, @BondBeyondPod, or share you views at our new Facebook page - just...2016-06-1948 min
Bond & BeyondDossier #17: All the usual refinementsBond & Beyond is back with a quick news update on Daniel Craig’s alleged departure (we still haven’t heard it from him), thoughts on the Bond In Motion exhibit and an in-depth discussion about the cars of the series. As one of the franchise’s signature elements, we discuss what makes a great Bond car, whether you can have too many gadgets, and why oh why did they make that invisible car in Die Another Day. As always, our episodes can be found at bondbeyodpod.tumblr.com. You can chat to us on Twitter, @BondBe...2016-06-0345 minBond & BeyondDossier #16: From Russia With LoveThe Bond & Beyond Review moves on to the second round of films, starting with Sean Connery's return in From Russia With Love. Arguably the true beginning of the franchise, we discuss the groundwork laid by their globetrotting spy adventure, the tragic story of Kerim Bey, and even that weird video game released nearly fifty years later.
As always, our episodes can be found at bondbeyodpod.tumblr.com. You can chat to us on Twitter, @BondBeyondPod, or share you views at our new Facebook page - just search "Bond and Beyond".2016-04-221h 04Bond & BeyondDossier #15: An Alternative View On BondJames and Alex are joined by a very special guest this week: James' wife, Penny. Having endured as much as she can of Old Bond, and as a massive fan of New Bond, she's here to discuss her take on the series, it's high points and low points, the appeal of Daniel Craig, her reaction to Connery's more brutal moments, and 50+ years' worth of Bond Girls.
As always, our episodes can be found at bondbeyodpod.tumblr.com. You can chat to us on Twitter, @BondBeyondPod, or share you views at our new Facebook page - just search "...2016-04-0738 minBond & BeyondDossier #14: Casino RoyaleAlex and James are joined by returning guest Gez to discuss Casino Royale, the debut of Daniel Craig and the beginning of the new Bond era. Ten years on, how well does this film stand-up? Does it overcome excessive product placement to become the Best Bond Film, or is it just a bloody good film?
As always, find all our episodes at bondbeyondpod.tumblr.com and contact us via Twitter: @BondBeyondPod.2016-03-2457 minBond & BeyondDossier #13: The Next BondWith rumours abound that Daniel Craig has hung up his tuxedo for the final time - we'll believe it when we see it - James and Alex discuss the potential contenders to be the next James Bond. They're joined by honourary Bond & Beyonder and friend of the show Gez, who chips in to help weigh up what qualities the next James Bond actor should have.
As always, find all our episodes at bondbeyondpod.tumblr.com and contact us via Twitter: @BondBeyondPod.2016-03-0327 minBond & BeyondDossier #12: GoldeneyeThis week's Bond & Beyond review brings us into the Pierce Brosnan era with the fifth Bond's first (and perhaps best?) outing. Alex and James discuss the long wait fans had to endure before this film arrived, the new MI6 cast, the best of the action scenes and the worst of soundtrack.
As always, find all our episodes at bondbeyondpod.tumblr.com and contact us via Twitter: @BondBeyondPod.2016-02-0555 minBond & BeyondDossier #11: Bond's Buddies (or The Felixes and Not Felixes)This week, we discuss Bond's allies in the field, the informants and foreign agents that help him complete his mission.
Chief among these is, of course, Felix Leiter: a character that has appeared to be both comically incompetent and unapologetically heroic - although never in the same film.
We also discuss what we've lovingly come to know as the Not Felixes, ranging from Greek smugglers, Turkish agents, and the elusive other Double-Os.
As always, find all our episodes at bondbeyondpod.tumblr.com and contact us via Twitter: @BondBeyondPod.2016-01-2234 min
Bond & BeyondDossier #10: The Living DaylightsThe Bond & Beyond Review tackles the first of Timothy Dalton's two movies, in which a plot to make money spans over two hours, several countries and some excellent action sequences. A personal favourite of Alex's, hear him and James discuss the film's more unappreciated features as well as its more bizarre inclusions – fat Scouse jailer, anyone?
N.B. We are aware of some audio issues with this episode. We are working on sourcing better equipment and finding an alternative recording location, and we thank you for you patience.
As always, find all our episodes at bondbe...2016-01-0852 min
The School of Everything Else ArchiveEpisode 500[School of Everything Else 2016]
Alex's 500th Podcast.
I've been at this game for almost a decade and produced and hosted four media discussion shows, Digital Cowboys, Digital Gonzo, Digital Drift andSchool of Movies.
What we have here is a collection of highlights from the first few years. This celebratory episode ended up as two, simply because there was so much to choose from. So Episode 501 will be released next week. Consider them like Kill Bill Volumes 1 & 2.
This is significant interviews, first meetings, moments of particular insight and of course the absolute funniest bits...2016-01-082h 39
School of MoviesThe Force Awakens[School of Movies 2015]
Part 1: A film so important and so passionately adored by us that we needed two shows and two groups of guests to fully cover, welcome to part 1 of our Force Awakens show. With us for this first outing in which we discuss Rey, Finn, Ren, Han, Huxx, Snoke and the hugely positive side of this effectively being a retelling of the events of A New Hope.
Part 2: The second installment in our epic Force Awakens show brings in three new voices and a Star Destroyer-full of speculation. We move onto the characters we have not yet covered, a...2015-12-213h 53
School of MoviesThe Force Awakens[School of Movies 2015]
Part 1: A film so important and so passionately adored by us that we needed two shows and two groups of guests to fully cover, welcome to part 1 of our Force Awakens show. With us for this first outing in which we discuss Rey, Finn, Ren, Han, Huxx, Snoke and the hugely positive side of this effectively being a retelling of the events of A New Hope.
Part 2: The second installment in our epic Force Awakens show brings in three new voices and a Star Destroyer-full of speculation. We move onto the characters w...2015-12-213h 53
Bond & BeyondDossier #9: Live and Let DieOur third Bond & Beyond Review marks the debut of the most divisive 007 of all: Roger Moore.
Live and Let Die is an odd mix of supernatural powers, voodoo tricks, blaxploitation, racist sheriffs, crocodiles... and some genuinely great James Bond moments. We discuss the high and lows of Moore's inaugural outing as Fleming's secret agent, tackling every boat chase, train fight and unconvincing rubber snake along the way.
As always, find all our episodes at bondbeyondpod.tumblr.com and contact us via Twitter: @BondBeyondPod.2015-12-1650 min
Bond & BeyondDossier #8: Bond 25Following our initial impressions of Spectre, we ponder the film's ambiguous ending and wonder what lies in store for the inevitable Bond 25 (yes, it's inevitable - Bond makes too much money for them to stop now).
We look specifically at each of the characters and how we'd like to see them return, how the loose ends of Spectre could potentially be tied up, where we would like to see the series go in the years ahead and - most importantly - whether or not we expect to see Daniel Craig don the tuxedo once more.
...2015-12-0438 min
Bond & BeyondDossier #7: Spectre - Initial ReportBond & Beyond is back! And we return with our initial impressions on the long-awaited 24th James Bond adventure, Spectre. Has the film been worth the wait? How does the classic villainous organisation fit into the grittier world of Daniel Craig? Did you blink and miss Monica Belucci? And what do we think of THAT song? All this and more is discussed as we pick the newest Bond film apart.
Note: This is not the full review, which will come later in the series. We also do not discuss the ending extensively as we will be speculating about...2015-11-2745 min
Bond & BeyondDossier #6: What makes a good Bond song?Alex Boucher and James Batchelor discuss the musical enigma that is the Bond song. With 24 official title themes, unofficial and alternative themes, additional songs and parodies, there's a wide range of music with that certain level of 'Bondness', but what is the secret behind that magic?
This is the mystery that we fail to solve while ranking our favourite Bond songs of all time, lamenting the worst ones, and pondering which artists we'd like to try their hand at introducing a 007 adventure.
[PLEASE NOTE: This episode was recorded a few days before Sam Smith's Writing's O...2015-10-1526 min
Bond & BeyondDossier #5: On Her Majesty's Secret ServiceFor the second Bond & Beyond review, Alex and James discuss On Her Majesty's Secret Service, George Lazenby's one and only outing as Ian Fleming's iconic secret agent. In addition to judging Lazenby's performance, they also touch on the film's pacing, its plot, its central relationship and its comparison to the original novel.
Warning: Contains Lazenby puns.
Also, stay tuned at the end for Six Minutes of Everything Related to Spectre Headlines (or SMERSH). We stress that at the time of recording, the Sam Smith song had not been released.2015-10-0258 min
Bond & BeyondDossier #4 - Reconnaissance: SPECTREAlex and James are back with the first of potentially many episodes packed with Spectre speculation (Spectre-lation?). We discuss what little we know about the upcoming film so far, discuss what we hope it delivers and why it needs to break the dreaded Fourth Film curse.
Please note: this episode was recorded a few weeks ago. We'll be addressing the latest news, such as the revelation of the title song, on a future show.
You can find out all our episodes at bondbeyondpod.tumblr.com and contact us on Twitter via @BondBeyondPod2015-09-1833 min
Bond & BeyondDossier#3 – Dr NoAnd so we come to the first Bond & Beyond review, taking a look at the film that started it all: Dr No. We reflect on the 1962 classic, picking out the tropes that are still with us today, weighing up the film's best and worst bits, analysing the villainous Dr No himself and even pondering Honey Ryder, the first of many Bond girls.
As of now we'll be on a fortnightly release schedule, so keep your eyes peeled for our Spectre speculation episode in two weeks' time.
You can find all our episodes at bondbeyondpod.tumblr...2015-09-0455 min
Bond & BeyondDossier #2: Who is James Bond?Let's get things straight from the off: there is only one James Bond. Well, since Daniel Craig turned up there's two, and he didn't have a gadget-laden Aston Martin (or at least he shouldn't have). Alex Boucher and James Batchelor debate why, and we'd love to hear your thoughts.2015-08-2730 minBond & BeyondDossier #1: Mission BriefingWelcome to Bond & Beyond. In this brief intro episode, hosts Alex Boucher and James Batchelor discuss their plans for the show, plus share their stories of how they first encountered the iconic secret agent.2015-08-2715 min
The School of Movies ArchiveThe Force Awakens[School of Movies 2015]
Part 1: A film so important and so passionately adored by us that we needed two shows and two groups of guests to fully cover, welcome to part 1 of our Force Awakens show. With us for this first outing in which we discuss Rey, Finn, Ren, Han, Huxx, Snoke and the hugely positive side of this effectively being a retelling of the events of A New Hope.
Part 2: The second installment in our epic Force Awakens show brings in three new voices and a Star Destroyer-full of speculation. We move onto the characters w...2015-02-093h 53
School of MoviesBatman: The Killing Joke [Audio Drama][Digital Gonzo 2013]
This is an audio drama adaptation of The Killing Joke: written by Alan Moore, and originally illustrated by Brian Bolland for DC comics in 1988.
This show is dedicated to Mark Hamill and Kevin Conroy, two of my all-time heroes. Their inspirational work is a key reason why I love Batman so much, and their immense talent as voice-over artists is what made me want to produce performance pieces like this. All credit to Alan Moore for his excellent writing. The few minor changes I made were to facilitate the audio format. Also artist Bria...2013-07-171h 07
The School of Everything Else ArchiveBatman: The Killing Joke [Audio Drama][Digital Gonzo 2013]
This is an audio drama adaptation of The Killing Joke: written by Alan Moore, and originally illustrated by Brian Bolland for DC comics in 1988.
This show is dedicated to Mark Hamill and Kevin Conroy, two of my all-time heroes. Their inspirational work is a key reason why I love Batman so much, and their immense talent as voice-over artists is what made me want to produce performance pieces like this. All credit to Alan Moore for his excellent writing. The few minor changes I made were to facilitate the audio format. Also artist Bria...2013-01-191h 07
The School of Everything Else ArchiveThe Sound of Gonzo: Vol. 3 [James Bond][Digital Gonzo 2012]
Vol. 3 – Gary Blower & James Batchelor [Bond]
James Bond Theme - John Barry Capsule in Space - John Barry (5:YOLT) [Gary]
You Only Live Twice: David Arnold feat Bjork (5:YOLT) [Gary]
OHMSS - David Arnold & The Propellerheads (6:OHMSS) [Gary]
The Man with the Golden Gun - John Barry feat. Lulu (9:MWGG) [Gary]
Bond 77 (10:TSWLM) [James] A View to a Kill (14:VTAK) [Alex]
License to Kill (16:LTK) [Alex] GoldenEye Overture -Eric Serra (17:GE) [James]
The Juvenile - Ace of Base (17:GE) [Alex]
Backseat Driver (18:TND) [James]
Time to...2012-01-212h 06
The School of Everything Else ArchiveBatman: Breakdown [Audio Drama][Digital Gonzo 2012]
This is my first full-length audio drama. It was designed to be enjoyed by comic fans but also to people who are only familiar with the Nolan films the Arkham video games or the Animated Series. I wanted to write something significant, honest and authentic about the Batman legend and with a lot of help from long-time serious Bat-fan, David Hartrick, I was able to shape a series of ideas into a hopefully coherent story. None of the cast, including myself are professional actors, but we all worked very hard to capture the essence of t...2012-01-101h 02
The School of Movies ArchiveJames Bond 007: Brosnan / Craig[Digital Gonzo 2011]
Part 3: After the Cold War
For the final part of our exploration of this epic series we cover the Brosnan and Craig eras of the 1990’s and early 21st century. These were the movies our generation saw in the cinema as we came of age. Consequently most people between 20 and 35 feel somewhat more identification with these than with the previous Bonds. As a result, this is a very enthusiastic show and we have plenty to say about all of them.
The transition to Craig is also very significant as it’s the...2011-01-082h 29
The School of Movies ArchiveJames Bond 007: Moore / Dalton[Digital Gonzo 2011]
Part 2: Back for Moore.
This second installment of the Gonzo Bond investigations covers the 007 career of the quintessential English gent; Mr Roger Moore. All seven of his films are covered along with the unofficial return of Connery in Never Say never Again. How did the raised eyebrow and suggestive quips affect perception of Bond and when was he at his best and worst?
After that we discuss Timothy Dalton’s short run as the most famous secret agent in the world. Was he underrated for a reason? What went wrong?
...2011-01-072h 12
The School of Movies ArchiveJames Bond 007: Connery / Lazenby[Digital Gonzo 2011]
Part 1: Enter Bond.
James Bond has been thrilling us all for over four decades and it’s high time we discussed this unkillable agent in detail.
So there are 22 movies, two unofficial releases and a boatload of hallmarks/cliches to chew over. The villains, the ladies, the guns, the gadgets, the cars and of course the men who have stepped into the tuxedo of 007. But since we never claimed to be the least bit objective on Gonzo this is a show charged with rabid opinion, and when the lows hit, we tea...2011-01-061h 54