With Quantum of Solace about to release in the U.S., the time is right to ask: Who is the real James Bond? Classic Bonds, new Bonds, Bond wannabes, Bond competitors, Bond parodies… Is the “new” Bond in Quantum or in another series altogether?  Here’s my pick of thrilling secret-agent espionage on Jinni in the Bond series and beyond.

Dr. No (1962)

Sean Connery, considered by many to be the best Bond so far, stars in the very first Bond adventure. Featuring the unforgettable Ursula Andress in a white bikini, this movie practically launched the secret agent sub-genre, and introduced many of the familiar Bond themes we learned to love, such as the gun-sight opening shot, the theme music and the Bond girls.

The Ipcress File (1965)

Way back in 1965, this excellent Michael Caine thriller offered a more realistic, less glamorized view of the spy business than the Bond films. Caine plays Harry Palmer, a soldier who reluctantly chose to become a spy instead of going to prison. He’s investigating the disappearance of several scientists only to realize he was chosen to do everyone else’s dirty work.

On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969)

Poor George Lazenby only had one chance as Bond, replacing the retiring Connery. Some say Lazenby quit, convinced the series would become anachronistic in the next decade. Right… So Connery came to the rescue (in more than one way…) for Diamonds are Forever. Lazenby’s take is the second part in the villainous Blofeld Trilogy (played by 3 different actors, rivaled by 2 different Bonds…). This film shares with Casino Royale a rare element in the series: Bond allows himself to fall in love and tragically loses his loved one.

The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)

There is of course great debate among James Bond fans who is the best Bond. Although Connery usually takes the lead, Roger Moore’s Bond is really not that far behind him, and was even Ian Fleming’s favorite. In this film, considered Moore’s best Bond, our agent is matched with a Russian rival agent to track stolen submarines. But the film is memorable for the introduction of the gigantic steel-mouthed Jaws (Richard Kiel).

Licence to Kill (1989)

Timothy Dalton’s turn as the glamorous spy wasn’t glamorous at all. He can take comfort in the fact that he did twice as many Bond films as Lazenby…  Licence to Kill, the better of Dalton’s attempts, plays on Bond’s sometimes ambivalent feelings towards his organization and is centered on a quest for revenge outside the Secret Service. Perhaps the darkest of the 007 films, Licence to Kill shows a previously unseen side of James Bond. Maniacal at times, ex-agent 007 detonates everything in his way on the road to revenge.

GoldenEye (1995)

The first Bond movie to star Pierce Brosnan was a success both critically and financially. The film makes the transition to a more modern image for the series. Bond’s out-of-date womanizing is presented with a feminist challenge from the newly casted Judi Dench as impenetrable M, and Samantha Bond as a wiser Moneypenny.

Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997)

The Bond series is so successful, it was bound to be mocked: from 1967’s Casino Royale to Rowan Atkinson’s Johnny English and Steve Carell’s Get Smart. But the most notable, funniest, and successful attempt that spawned a series of its own is of course the Austin Powers Trilogy - beginning with this film, in which Mike Myers makes sure not to skip any possible joke, served with his familiar crude style.

XXX (2002)

Vin Diesel was regarded briefly as James Bond – the next generation. James Bond on speed could also be a good description. Like Michael Caine, Diesel is forced to choose between being a convict or a spy. Successful enough to be followed by a (bad) sequel, this rebellious-nihilist-secret agent effort isn’t really in the same league as Bond, though it has the basic components –master villain, biochemical threat, hi-tech gadgets, cynicism, and falling for the seductive villain’s girl. However, as a stand alone, it delivers an effective 2-hour thrill ride.

Casino Royale (2006)

The most recent before Quantum of Solace, this film rebooted the entire story, and started all over again, with a different style, tone and character, arguably more suited to the contemporary environment. Following the controversy, the movie went on to be a huge critical success and the highest grossing Bond to date. Will Quantum of Solace – the first direct sequel to its predecessor - rise to expectations?

The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)

One of the most heated debates these days centers on who is the superior secret agent: Jason Bourne or James Bond. Some even say Quantum of Solace is a Bourne wannabe. Audiences, however, embrace both interpretations of the secret agent thriller: the slick and glamorous Bond, and the rough and rugged Bourne. The Bourne Ultimatum, the grand finale of the Bourne series, finds Bourne once again racing around the globe, desperate to uncover the secrets of his identity. His search for answers is now fueled by a desire for closure and revenge.

Want more thrilling secret agent espionage? Search on Jinni.com for:

Secret Agent * Based on novel * Thrilling * Slick * Espionage * Spy * Wannabe * Mistaken Identities * Rough * Master villain * On-the-run * Uncover truth * Heroic mission * Undercover * Humorous * Suspenseful

What’s your take?

Popularity: 11% [?]

It’s hard to see why the bad economy is good news for anyone but successful hedgers and bankruptcy lawyers. And the financial fallout is likely to continue for a while, even with a new president. But I think artists and entrepreneurs have reason for hope. New ideas and small projects can sometimes edge in as convention falters and giants fail. So for all the creative and innovative types out there, here are 5 reasons culled from around the web to look on the bright side.

5. More chances for new TV
As an interesting article in the Hollywood Reporter observes, low-rated shows like Sarah Connor might have the economy to thank (at least in part) for their continuation. Notorious for cancelling well-loved shows that don’t rate high enough, networks are now choosing to play it safe, keeping the advertising they’ve managed to attract and limiting fresh production costs, rather than pulling the plug on struggling shows.

4. It’s time to travel
Seeing new places dislodges daily banality and inspires new ideas. And if you can afford it, hotels in Reykjavik (Iceland) have never been cheaper. See this New York Times article for more travel bargains.

3. Even Hollywood has fresh ideas
The Commies are dead (or at least slipping) and perhaps we’ve had enough of vaguely middle-eastern terrorists for now. Hollywood needs a new villain for a new crop of blockbusters – and Wall Street has provided one, with NBC developing Outrageous Behavior, and The Wolf of Wall Street on Warner Bros’ priority list - as Nikki Finke reports in her Deadline Hollywood Daily.

2. Think of Microsoft and Apple
Investments are drying up and pessimism about new ventures abounds (see e.g. Jason Calacanis’s much-talked about post on the lookout for startups) . But Microsoft and Apple both started up in the last really bad economic stretch, in the 70s, as Paul Graham points out. Tight times can benefit technical innovators who bring cost and time savings. As others have noted, budget slashes could boost the importance of social media of all kinds as a cost-conscious marketing approach - see for example this post by Blonde2.0.

1. Artists are supposed to suffer
It sounds facetious, but there’s truth to it. Artists take inspiration from life, and those who live through interesting times often have more to say. Just think of John Steinbeck and Charlie Chaplin. With the Great Depression came talented new actors like Spencer Tracy, Katharine Hepburn, Bette Davis, Shirley Temple, and timeless classics like Gone With the Wind.

More thoughts on the creative potential of troubled times? Please add below!

Popularity: 4% [?]

A new American President will be elected on November 4. Whether Barack Obama or John McCain, here are 10 pieces of important advice from the movies for our new president.

10. Be imaginative and sincere as your campaign comes to an end.

Bulworth (1998)
This surprisingly entertaining political comedy features a funny, magnetic Beatty as disillusioned politician Bulworth. He’s arranged his own assassination but decides he wants to live after all – and so he begins to tell the complete truth at all times, not worrying about the repercussions. Oh yes, and he starts rapping….

9. Be smart. Show us you didn’t get there by chance.

Being There (1979)
In this clever satire/comedy of errors, a dimwit by the name of Chance becomes a very influential man in politics without ever intending it. Peter Sellers is marvelous as the always-deadpan cipher in whom everyone sees whatever they need.

8. Have a sense of humor.

Man of the Year (2006)
Robin Williams and Barry Levinson reunite for this political comedy in which Tom Dobbs, host of a comedy talk show who’s fed up with the political system, decides to run for president. It’s a fast-paced, seriocomic look at 21st-century America.

7. Be orderly. Don’t bring chaos to the White House and the world.

Ali G Indahouse: The Movie (2002)
In this hilarious satire, Ali G joins an evil Chancellor’s plot to expel the Prime Minister of Great Britain. The British wannabe gangsta appears so infernally clueless that the Chancellor (Charles Dance) believes he will easily manipulate him in the campaign to oust his nemesis. He doesn’t count on Ali G’s ability to unknowingly stumble into greatness…

6. Love and be loved.

The American President (1995)
Love isn’t easy, especially when you’re President. And politics aren’t easy when your love life gets in the way. Andrew Shepherd (Michael Douglas), charismatic President and eligible widower, learns this the hard way when he falls for lobbyist Sydney Ellen Wade (Annette Bening).

5. Have a stable tenure, kind of like Queen Elizabeth’s.

The Queen (2006)
Helen Mirren delivers a royally stirring performance as Queen Elizabeth II in Stephen Frears’ fictional romp. What begins as a humorous critique of the stuffy royal family becomes an unexpectedly sympathetic portrait of a woman who carries the weight of a nation on her shoulders. A devilishly clever script and expert performances make the film an exhilarating ride.

4. Don’t start unnecessary wars.

Duck Soup (1933)
In this laugh-out-loud spectacle of politics gone haywire, Groucho, leader of Freedonia, frustrates his cabinet and offends the aggressive neighboring country to the point of war. Chico and Harpo are foreign spies. Verbal byplay and one-liners abound. A must-see, considered by many critics to be the Brothers’ funniest movie.

3. Be an idealist.

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)
In this classic Oscar winner, Mr. Smith finds nothing but deep-rooted corruption when he ascends to Capitol Hill. Refusing to submit to cynicism, he tirelessly takes the message of the American people right to their out-of-touch representatives.

2. Be peaceful. Do your best to avoid violence.

Gandhi (1982)
The acclaimed dramatization of the life of Mohandas “Mahatma” Gandhi: from his beginnings as a South Africa-educated lawyer through his historic struggle to free India from British colonial rule. This classic biopic won 9 (!) Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor.

1. Be ethical and just - not cruel and corrupt.

The Last King of Scotland (2006)
Idi Amin’s horrific reign of Uganda is shown through the eyes of a fictional character, a young idealistic doctor from Scotland who travels to Uganda hoping to do good. The film belongs to Forest Whitaker: as he shifts from charming to maniacal in the space of a breath, he infuses Amin with startling humanity.

Want even more politics? Search on Jinni.com for:
Politics * Political corruption * President * Royal family * Intrigue * Americana * Idealism * Rise to the top * Verbal byplay * Satire * Washington D.C. * Social injustice * (and any combination)

Feel free to add your thoughts below. And vote tomorrow!

Popularity: 12% [?]