Cracking the Code of Spy Movies!

Can we be defending Denise Richards’ performance in THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH? Denise Richard’s performance has garnered a very wide range of opinions.  There are some people who loved her in the role of Dr. Christmas Jones.  Others have problems with her casting and her performance. So, Dan and Tom decode her performance in THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH and look at what worked and what didn’t. Some of the areas we examine include: Her character’s complexity Was she a believable nuclear physicist? Was she the right age for the role? Did the script and direction work for her role? Was her character fully developed? What is the correct pronunciation of “nuclear” Did her previous movie and TV roles hinder the public’s acceptance of her in TWINE? How did she do in her action sequences? What did Denise Richards think of the role of Christmas Jones? And more… Tell us what you think: How were we at defending Denise Richards' performance in THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH. So, take a listen and let us know what you think. What are your thoughts on Richards’ performance in TWINE? Do you agree with Dan and Tom? Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com.  The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be!  We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!   You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.   Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/4hUO5zQ  

Amazon recently released the spy movie CANARY BLACK.  This movie stars Kate Beckinsale, Rupert Friend, and Ray Stevenson. Is it worth a watch?  Join Dan and Tom as they decode CANARY BLACK.  It carries an “R” rating here in the U.S., and we think it is earned with the quantity of violence. Dan and Tom disagree with the impact of this violence. For those of you who want to find out what earlier movies may have influenced scenes in this movie, we drill into these scenes. As usual, there are some strong positives as well as some negatives to this movie. In this episode, we discuss: A high-level look at the plot without giving too much away The violence The actors and their characters How earlier spy movies influenced CANARY BLACK The company name of the main character’s cover company The sets A watch A bottle of wine The use of a Double Pursuit And more …. There is a lot to decode, so take a listen to find out why this movie gets mixed reviews and what we think. Tell us what you think about our decoding of CANARY BLACK So, take a listen and let us know what you think.  Have you seen CANARY BLACK?  If so, what did you think of it?  If not, did we give you enough information to help you decide if you want to watch it? Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com.  The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be!  We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!   You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.   Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/4fB0l6F

Join Dan for our October 29, 2024, edition of Spy Movie News.  If you prefer to read your news instead of listen, click here to read the article We start this episode talking about spy entertainment in development, then move on to some industry news, and then wrap with a tip of the hat to some industry workers who have passed in the last month. Then we will look at upcoming, yet-to-be-released movies and shows.  Some of the shows we discuss include: THE TRAITOR Two untitled projects, including a Christopher Nolan movie GHOST TRAIL CLASSIFIED SCORPION JASON BOURNE DILEMA INTO THE LION’S MOUTH AGENT 86 A LINE OF FIRE RED ONE KINGSMAN: BLUE BLOOD “The Agency” “Black Doves” “The Day of the Jackal” “Slow Horses” “The Old Man” And more … Tell us what you think about the October 29, 2024 edition of SPY MOVIE NEWS. Do any of these upcoming shows excite you?   If so, let us know which ones.  Also, if you have any thoughts about the format of Spy Movie News, we’d love to hear those thoughts. Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com.  The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be!  We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!   You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.   Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/3AoMv8c URLS Here are the URLs we either mentioned in the episode or used to develop this episode.  These links can provide more background information. Michael Fassbender Returns to TV With Richard Gere in First Look at The Agency Paramount Plus just teased Michael Fassbender's new spy thriller show — this looks tense | Tom's Guide https://deadline.com/2024/10/showtime-the-agency-cast-reza-brojerdi-1236110269/ Michael Krummenacher's 'The Traitor' Recounts World War II Spy Story Melissa Barrera, Brian d'Arcy James Cast in Simu Liu Thriller Series Cannes' Critics Week Film 'Ghost Trail' Lands U.S. Distribution Deal https://movieweb.com/christopher-nolan-next-movie-not-sci-fi-espionage-thriller/ Classified Review | Another Day, Another Aaron Eckhart CIA Thriller Aaron Eckhart To Star In CIA Action Thriller 'Scorpion' https://variety.com/2024/tv/global/eddie-redmayne-the-day-of-the-jackal-nbcu-1236188839/ https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/day-of-the-jackal-trailer-lashana-lynch-eddie-redmayne-1236028488/ https://movieweb.com/jason-bourne-6-sequel-gets-title-director/ 'Into The Lion's Mouth' Movie In Works; Harald Zwart Directing https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/keira-knightley-black-doves-christmas-spy-thriller-netflix-1236031276/ 'Agent 86,' China-Tunisia Action Film, Heads for Theatrical Release Kathryn Bigelow and Jason Clarke Reunite On Her Next Film At Netflix Cuba Gooding Jr., David A.R.White, Katrina Bowden In 'A Line Of Fire' New Predator Movie, Alien Romulus Sequel and Speed 3 Updates Revealed https://variety.com/2024/tv/global/slow-horses-renewed-season-6-apple-tv-gary-oldman-1236178258/ https://movieweb.com/slow-horses-season-6-renewal-apple-tv/ https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/the-diplomat-renewed-season-3-netflix-1236174440/ The Night Agent Renewed for Season 3 at Netflix Ahead of Season 2 https://movieweb.com/netflix-the-night-agent-season-3-renewal/ https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/reacher-renewed-season-4-amazon-1236028247/ https://deadline.com/2024/10/mr-mrs-smith-season-2-casting-jane-billie-eilish-1236118525/ https://movieweb.com/mr-mrs-smith-season-2-casting-new-leads-billie-eilish/ Varun Dhawan, Samantha's 'Citadel: Honey Bunny' Unveils Trailer https://movieweb.com/citadel-diana-original-series-connection-explained/ https://deadline.com/2024/10/citadel-diana-amazon-ratings-record-italy-1236117367/ https://deadline.com/2024/10/anthony-russo-citadel-diana-honey-bunny-1236107616/ https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/citadel-india-italy-spinoffs-1236178266/ https://variety.com/2024/film/news/prince-william-paul-greengrass-jason-bourne-movie-request-1236174148/ Chris Hemsworth & Sam Rockwell Guest Star In First Stuntnuts Movie Alvin Rakoff Dead: 'A Voyage Round My Father' Director Was 97 https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/alvin-rakoff-dead-voyage-round-my-father-director-1236034059/ Beverly Hills Cop And Midnight Run Star John Ashton Is Dead At 76 | Cinemablend https://variety.com/2024/film/obituaries-people-news/kris-kristofferson-dead-country-music-legend-actor-1236159472/ https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/john-lasell-dead-dark-shadows-twilight-zone-1236030980/ John Lasell Dead: 'Dark Shadows,' 'The Twilight Zone' Actor Was 95 https://variety.com/2024/film/news/nicholas-pryor-dead-risky-business-1236172341/ https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/nicholas-pryor-dead-risky-business-beverly-hills-90210-1236027800/ https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/bob-yerkes-dead-stuntman-back-to-the-future-remo-williams-1236023595/ Robert Watts Dead: ‘Star Wars,’ ‘Indiana Jones’ Producer Was 86 –

ARABESQUE is a 1966 spy movie starring Gregory Peck, Sophia Loren, and Alan Badel. Is it worth a watch? Dan and Tom decode ARABESQUE to enhance your viewing experience – is it worth a watch? There are some very strong positives as well as some negatives to this movie In this episode, we discuss: Why is this movie titled ARABESQUE? Did the cinematography help or hinder the movie? Which role might have been miscast? Was there chemistry between Sophia Loren and her leading male actors? What movies may have influenced ARABESQUE? What movies have ARABESQUE influenced? Was the shower scene funny enough? What did director Stanley Donen think of the script? Sophia Loren’s wardrobe What article of clothing is important to the plot? What famous stunt performer/coordinator had his first role in this movie? The benefit of disavowing a spy And more … As you can see, there is a lot to decode, so take a listen to find out why this movie gets mixed reviews.  Some people like it and some don’t. Tell us what you think about our decoding of ARABESQUE So, take a listen and let us know what you think.  Have you seen ARABESQUE?  If so, what did you think of it?  If not, did we give you enough information to help you decide if you want to watch it? Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com.  The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be!  We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!   You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.   Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/4dTya1i

What are some of the pet peeves of spy movie fans? Particularly, are there specific things that show up in spy movies that drive fans nuts?  Dan and Tom are joined by fans from their Facebook group to try to find out.  The members of this group are very devoted spy movie fans, and they don’t hold back on their opinions.  And occasionally they don’t agree. We’re joined by Bill Kanas, Morgan Lisney, Pietro Rossi and Eric Seabury.  So, listen to what they have to say about:  Release Timing The Use of Tropes The Use of Technology (real and unreal) Does the villain matter? Dark vs. Light Plot Twists Romance Subplots CGI And More …  Hey spy movie producers: take a listen to find out what spy movie fans REALLY think.   Tell us what you think about the Pet Peeves of Spy Movie Fans  Now that you’ve heard from some other spy movie fans, let us know what you think.  Do you agree or disagree with any of the points made by us and our fans?  Did we miss any pet peeves you have about spy movies?  Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com.  The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be!  We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!    You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.    Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/3BAIj5C 

Join Dan and Tom as they decode the Netflix spy movie THE UNION. Is this movie starring Halle Berry and Mark Wahlberg any good? Listen to find out what we think. THE UNION has an amazing cast, including 2 Oscar winners, 4 Oscar nominations, Tony Award winners, and Primetime Emmy Award nominees and winners. So, with this star-studded cast this has to be a great movie, right? In this episode, we look at: The extremely talented cast The writing The high kill count The action sequences How other movies have influenced it The initial title for the movie before it was changed to THE UNION and why that matters Some of the nods to the actors' earlier works What Matilda the Musical has to do with this one And more ... Tell us what you think about THE UNION. Have you watched THE UNION?  What did you think?  Are Dan and Tom right with their analysis? Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com.  The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be!  We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!   You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.   Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/4gXMkkI

Does the next James Bond actor matter? Dan and Tom decode the answer to this question: Dan and Tom decode the answer to this question: Why the Next James Bond Actor Doesn't Matter?  The debate over who should be the next James Bond and the future of James Bond often stirs up a lot of excitement and opinions.   But, we don’t think it matters who the next James Bond is because we think James Bond can go on indefinitely – Listen to find out why! What really matters?  Is the character consistent? Where does the “brand” stand?  James Bond actors have delivered some fresh perspectives, but could Bond grow stale? The supporting elements and cultural impact of the franchise have kept it strong.  Can EON Productions continue to enjoy a very strong franchise following and strength? As crazy as this may sound, we think who the next James Bond actor doesn't matter! Tell us what you think What do you think?  Do you agree with us that the next James Bond actor doesn’t matter?  Why or why not?     Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com.  The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be!  We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!   You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.   Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/4eNhbOW

James Bond is a Psychopath? Is James Bond a psychopath?   Well, despite the obvious fact that he is a fictional character who has had many authors, actors, and screenwriters involved in defining this character, just . . . maybe! In this episode, Dan and Tom bring in Dr. Stephen McWilliams, author of the book “Psychopath? Why We Are Charmed by the Anti-Hero” to discuss this topic. We’re getting deep into the mind of James Bond and with Stephen’s help, we define what a psychopath really is, then examine the known mind of James Bond to determine if he can be considered a psychopath.  (Hint, Bond doesn’t score 100 on the test).  We use the famed professor, Robert D. Hare’s psychology checklist as our driver for the analysis.  Hare’s checklist includes breakdowns of the following categories: Interpersonal Traits, Affective Traits, Lifestyle Traits, and Anti-Social traits. How many of those apply to the agent with the OO designation we know as James Bond?  Can you be a spy with a license to kill without some psychopathic traits?  Can you be a great spy and still be a psychopath?  Listen to find out. Stephen is a Consultant Psychiatrist at Saint John of God Hospital, Dublin, and an Associate Clinical Professor at the School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University College Dublin.  In addition to talking about James Bond, McWilliams’s book talks about other fictional characters such as Hannibal Lecter, Frank Underwood, Amy Elliott Dunne, and more. He has also authored the book “Fiction & Physicians – Medicine through the Eyes of Writers”. Tell us what you think So, before listening to this episode, do you think James Bond was a psychopath?  After, listening, did your opinion change? Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com.  The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be!  We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!   You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.   Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/3XA1xQe

SPY MOVIE NEWS IS BACK!!! Join Dan for our September 17 2024 edition of Spy Movie News.  We’re bringing the news back due to listener demand.  This is the only place to listen to a breakdown of what’s happening with spy movies, TV shows, and streaming shows. We start this episode by looking at some of the TV and streaming spy movie shows that were released in the recent past but are still available.   We also let you know if a new season is forthcoming or even in process, in some cases. Then we will look at upcoming, yet-to-be-released movies and shows.  Some of the shows we discuss include: “The Last Spy” THE ORDER “Tempest” The Joe Ledger Novels streaming decision KINGSMAN 3 THE UNION MY SPY: THE ETERNAL CITY “Slow Horses” “The Old Man” HARBIN “Lioness” OCEANS 14? MUTINY And more … Tell us what you think about the September 17, 2024 edition of SPY MOVIE NEWS Do any of these upcoming shows excite you?   If so, let us know which ones.  Also, if you have any thoughts about the format of Spy Movie News, we’d love to hear those thoughts. Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com.  The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be!  We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!   You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.   Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/3zxHZ6S URLS Here are the URLs we either mentioned in the episode, or used to develop this episode.  These links can provide more background information. https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a864035/kingsman-3-cast-release-date-trailer-plot-spoilers/ https://bgr.com/entertainment/7-must-watch-spy-series-on-netflix-hulu-prime-video-sundance-now-and-apple-tv-plus/ Chad Stahelski To Develop Jonathan Maberry’s Joe Ledger As TV Series (deadline.com) Korean Spy Thriller 'Harbin' Picked up for North American Release (variety.com) Dogwoof Boards World Sales on CIA Spymaster Documentary 'The Last Spy' (variety.com) Jude Law Pic ‘The Order’ To Open Zurich As Actor Feted With Golden Eye (deadline.com) https://whatsondisneyplus.com/disney-announce-new-korean-drama-tempest/ 'Lioness' Sets Season 2 Premiere Date At Paramount+; First Photos (deadline.com) The Diplomat: Alison Janney Is Latest Adversary In Season 2 Teaser (deadline.com) 'Oceans 14'? Director Edward Berger Courted To Join Clooney & Pitt (deadline.com) 'Peaky Blinders' Star Annabelle Wallis Joins Jason Statham In 'Mutiny' (deadline.com) Vijay's 'GOAT' Roars: AGS Entertainment on Its Biggest Venture Yet (variety.com) Why Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry Never Kiss in 'The Union' on Netflix (variety.com) James Bond Producer Barbara Broccoli Attends Qatari Dinner In Venice (deadline.com) Star Wars and Lion King's James Earl Jones receives tributes after death at age 93 (digitalspy.com) https://deadline.com/2024/09/j-richard-munro-dead-timewarner-ceo-obituary-1236078291/ https://deadline.com/2024/09/sergio-mendes-dead-1236080086/ https://deadline.com/2024/09/james-darren-dead-gidget-actor-singer-1236076023/ https://deadline.com/2024/08/tony-mcfarr-cause-of-death-chris-pratt-stunt-double-1236046203/ https://deadline.com/2024/08/robert-weatherwax-dies-second-generation-lassie-trainer-83-1236042834/  

Decoding UNDERCOVER GRANDPA In this episode, Dan and Tom decode the 2017 spy movie, UNDERCOVER GRANDPA.  This is one of our episodes that has Dan and Tom disagreeing as to whether they thought it was a good movie or not.  One of them thought it was ok.  The other didn’t like it at all. The basic plot involves a teenager named Jake Bouchard (Dylan Everett) who is smitten by a girl in his high school class.  His Grandpa (James Caan) has a background in special operations and tells Jake about some of his missions. But Jake thought this was just crazy talk until his girlfriend Angie (Greta Onieogou) gets kidnapped. So, in this episode, we look at: The plot The cast The treatment/positioning of old people The plausibility of Grandpa’s stories Could Grandpa really know Colonel Sanders of Kentucky Fried Chicken fame? The Pros and Cons of the Movie Aspic Other movies starring older actors Some tie-ins to other movies This movie has a star-studded cast of octogenarians, or near octogenarians, including James Caan, Louis Gossett Jr, Jessica Walter, Paul Sorvino, Lawrence Dane, and Kenneth Walsh.  With this cast, and it being a spy movie, you can bet that the theme of the age of the characters is a main plot point.  And, you would win that bet. Tell us what you think Have you seen UNDERCOVER GRANDPA?  If not, has this episode encouraged you to watch it?   If you have seen it, who’s opinion do you agree with more: Dan’s or Tom’s? Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com.  The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be!  We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!   You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.   Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/47pe2T5

Pierce Brosnan’s final two James Bond movies, THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH and DIE ANOTHER DAY had some very cool gadgets. How many of the gadgets do you remember from those movies? In this episode, Dan and Tom decode about 30 of them. Are these gadgets believable?  Realistic?  Based on any real science?  If you are a fan of this show, you probably know that DIE ANOTHER DAY is one of Tom’s bottom two James Bond movies. Yet, he liked its pre-title sequence in part due to some of the gadgets we’ll call out.  So, some things we decode are:  How much fun would you have firing a flamethrower from a moving hovercraft?  The OMEGA Seamaster – ya gotta love Watch gadgets!  We also saw a very cutting gadget (yes both puns are intended). Once we see it used for its real function. Then later and again in a more nefarious use.  We talk about a gadget that used to be advertised in the back of magazines.  Did any of you ever buy one?  And even M gets into gadget development.  Um, if Elektra asks you to sit in a chair, be very afraid.  A Single Digital Sonic Agitator, really?   And sometimes you can’t unsee what you can’t see. That one was a lame gadget  So have a listen, getting a better understanding of these gadgets will enhance your viewing experience next time you watch THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH or DIE ANOTHER DAY.  Tell us what you think about the gadgets in THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH and DIE ANOTHER DAY  Did we miss any gadgets?   Which are your favorite gadgets?  Did any gadgets strike you as believable?  If so, which ones?  Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com.  The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be!  We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!    You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.    Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/4e26Rm0 

How many of the gadgets do you remember from Pierce Brosnan’s first two James Bond movies, GOLDENEYE and TOMORROW NEVER DIES? In this episode, Dan and Tom decode about 30 of them.  We also let you know if we think a gadget is believable!  So, how many different pitons do we talk about in these two movies?  Do we think they are believable? Do you?  Tom calls out a favorite weapons/gadgets in any movie and how TOMORROW NEVER DIES enhances that!  How realistic is an exploding pen?  How about digital scopes with the ability to transmit data?  Would either of those things have worked in 1995 when GOLDENEYE was released or in 1997 with the release of TOMORROW NEVER DIES?  And, what was that thing in Wai Lin’s lab that took the one thug out?  How many different uses did we point out for the remote controlled BMW and it’s remote control?  So have a listen, getting a better understanding of these gadgets will enhance your viewing experience next time you watch GOLDENEYE or TOMORROW NEVER DIES.  Links we mentioned  In this episode, we mentioned an article about a guy who made a laser watch.  Here’s the link to that article: https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/home-made-laser-watch-is-real  Tell us what you think about the gadgets in GOLDENEYE and TOMORROW NEVER DIES  So, did we miss any gadgets?   Which are your favorite gadgets?  Did any gadgets strike you as believable?  If so, which ones?  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com.  The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be!  We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!    You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.    Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/4dBH705 

A Salute to George Lazenby Click here to watch the video version of this episode George Lazenby has announced his retirement from public life.  This is a well-earned retirement and we wish him nothing but the best. In this episode, Dan and Tom bring Mike Reyes back for a salute to the second Eon Productions actor to play James Bond.  George had huge shoes to fill in following Sean Connery.  We think he filled them very well. Some of the topics we decode include: How George Lazenby landed the role of James Bond The Hulu show “Becoming Bond” How his James Bond was introduced in the movie and his “This never happened to the other fella” line in the ON HER MAJESTY’S SECRET SERVICE pre-title sequence. The pressure of taking over for Sean Connery who emblazoned his version of James Bond in the moviegoers’ minds. Lazenby’s upbringing How his work on ON HER MAJESTY’S SECRET SERVICE shaped the role of James Bond for the rest of the series What they think the next James Bond movie George Lazenby should have done.  Hint, it isn’t DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER, which was the successor to ON HER MAJESTY’S SECRET SERVICE So, once again, we wish George Lazenby well in his retirement.  And we thank him for his work on ON HER MAJESTY’S SECRET SERVICE. You can read Mike Reyes’ articles on CinemaBlend.com. Tell us what you think Let us hear from you about George Lazenby.  What did you think of his performance as James Bond in ON HER MAJESTY’S SECRET SERVICE.  Do you wish he’d done another Bond movie? Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com.  The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be!  We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!   You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.   Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/3X8RO4j

  What makes a spy movie great?  Are they built with common elements? Dan and Tom decode the blueprint that most spy movies use in creating their story.  From the protagonist, the villain and a variety of other essential elements we look at how to build a spy movie. What do we need if we want to build a spy movie? Some of the things decoded include: Obviously a spy movie needs a protagonist or spy.  But, what characteristics does that, or those spies have? What does he or she look like? Importantly, do they have different characteristics if the spy movie is gritty, an action spy movie, or a comedy? Next, what are the characteristics of the mission?  We look at some examples of different spy movies to highlight some of these. And of course, every spy mission’s protagonist needs a villain. And these villains aren’t all carbon copies. They each seem to have their own physical traits. Again, we look at some examples of successful spy movie villains. If you have a male spy, do you need a femme fatale?  What about allies? And what are some examples of how locations influence spy movies?  What are some successful locations that we’ve seen in spy movies. One area of contention is around how much of the movie needs to be action sequences and what are some of the ways a studio can blow these for the audience? As we often talk about, there is a moral ambiguity in most spy movies.  We look at this ambiguity and how it has two sides. Of course, there is more that we discuss, but this list gives you some good reasons to listen to this episode: How to Build a Spy Movie. Tell us what you think Are you ready to build your own spy movie?  Are there things Dan and Tom missed? Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com.  The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be!  We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!   You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.   Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/3AiYKCR

HOGAN'S HEROES – a comedy spy WW II TV series “Hogan’s Heroes” was a comedy series in the US from 1965 to 1971. But it was a spy, espionage and sabotage show as well – with plenty of violence.   It was based on a group of prisoners of war in World War II who were assigned to Stalag 13.  On this show, spy missions rule!  Decoding this show, we will show you why! Dan and Tom tunnel their way into this series by looking at the characters, the actors who played them, and many of their missions. And yes, “Hogan’s Heroes” is a bit dated with some of its portrayal of Germans and women, but we still think it holds up today.  We talk about the German roots of some of the key people involved with the series and what Werner Klemperer required of the show for him to take on the role of Colonel Klink.  Klemperer was born in Germany and he had a specific demand. We also include clips from the show to highlight our points and bring fun to it as well. With the lunatics running the asylum, there are some classic lines in the series. Some Hogan's Heroes Influencers Some of the episodes we decode have ties to real-world events or other movies. For instance, did you listen to our episode THE HEROES OF TELEMARK-DECODED? Well, one of the “Hogan’s Heroes” episodes had roots in the underlying mission portrayed in the movie THE HEROES OF TELEMARK.  We tell you which one. Another episode of Hogan’s Heroes had similarities to the 1946 Sherlock Holmes movie, DRESSED TO KILL. Other episodes paid homage to TV game shows that were popular at the time. And what did synthetic fuel have to do with the war and this series? So, take a listen to hear about these and many more fun facts about this comedy spy series. Tell us what you think Have you watched “Hogan’s Heroes”?  What did you think? Is it a spy series? Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com.  The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be!  We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!   You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.   Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/4dzxDSG