Wednesday, July 5, 2017
The 'Works!
Once again, The Glunt Family have been true friends and got us to the VIP package at Penn State's 4th Fest. Armed with noise cancelling headphones and earplugs, I was able to enjoy the entire show. As we waited for dusk at 9:15, we unexpectedly got some shuteye as we waited for the show to start. The entire show was a blast from beginning to end, but the many highlights were a colorful jazz-themed show, a Beach Boys medley, and a Trolls-themed show, not to mention the grand finale. Thankfully, they did not use the "1812 Overture" during any of the displays, because many people don't realize the bombastic finale is only a small portion of an incredible 12-minute piece of music. However, snippets of a few other classical pieces like "Chester" were used, as well as some opera for the grand finale. There was a little too much country for my tastes, but it was still an incredible experience. Wow! Finally, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pm-tf6oeF8s is a great version of Copland's "Rodeo" by Bela Fleck and the Flecktones that would work really well with some patriotically themed fireworks. Also, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RG48STSjYSg&list=PLrqPLC1kCVgyvYKEzizyuYxUB_ZWHG_nC&index=9 is an amped-up version of "Sing, Sing, Sing" that would work well with some colorful fireworks.
10 greatest moviegoing experiences
Hello all! Since I am starting to get into more or less of a routine, I am going to write about my best experiences at the movie theater. As T-Swizzle says, I don't want to stir up any bad blood, so I will use discretion where needed.
Star Trek VI: Seen at Frank (formerly Eric) Theaters 7. This was in a very large auditorium full of Trekkers. Everyone applauded loudly when the "For Gene Roddenberry" dedication appeared on the screen. People were jumping up and down and high-fiving when the Klingon ship was destroyed. As corny as it was, All of us were giving a standing ovation during the autographs that kicked off the end credits.
From the Files of Police Squad: The Naked Gun: Seen at AMC 309 Cinema, Montgomeryville,PA: Mike Morawski and I saw this when we were in junior high school, and we could not stop laughing the entire movie. We especially enjoyed the press conference "pee" scene, and the scene with the statues. Jaci would call this "boy humor."
A Few Good Men: Seen at AMC Riverwalk theatre, San Antonio: I watched this alone during my brother's jazz band trip. I was reamed out by my mother, but it was worth it. The entire movie was a slow buildup as Tom Cruise's character had a long psychological battle with Jack Nicholson's character.
The Lego Batman Movie: seen at UEC Theaters 12. Saw this with our good friends, the Glunt Family. Despite our political differences, they are loyal friends and true helpers. This was a truly entertaining movie for all ages. Sadly, the directors were sacked in favor of Ron "Opie" Howard, so they wouldn't deviate too much from the core story.
Scream: Seen at AMC 309 Cinema, Montgomeryville. This is a unique theater to see a movie because of the fact that it sits at the mouth of the 309 expressway, which is basically a direct conduit to some of Philly's finest neighborhoods. This was fun because at least one person screamed whenever the killer showed up. Either way, late horror master Wes Craven deserves a ton of credit for restarting the slasher genre.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail: Seen at Strand Theatre, Kutztown. Lots of friends drove a distance to see this with me. Like any time we watch this film, all we did was laugh. Some people just don't "get" this movie, but we all did.
South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut: Seen at Regal Oaks theater. Despite the R rating, some idiot decided to bring a child because "it's a cartoon." After Chef made a joke about "finding the clitoris," She asked Jeff McCoach and I if we wanted to explain it to the child, and we said "Hell, no!"
The Perfect Storm: Seen at Regal Oaks theater: This became a "private screening" with just McCoach and I in the smallish auditorium: We were overwhelmed by the special effects, and may or may not have smoked a cigarette.
Back to The Future: Seen at Plymouth Meeting Mall Twin Cinema: I saw this with my mother and brother back in 1985. BTTF may very well be the perfect screenplay because I was able to perfectly understand and thoroughly enjoy a potentially complicated story about time travel as well as cause and effect.
Aladdin: Seen at Regal Oaks 24: This impressive animated flick was paced like an Indiana Jones film and seamlessly combined 2-D and 3-D animation. The magic carpet was astounding, and the Cave of Wonders sequence was unforgettable. We also can't talk about this movie without the hilarity of the late, great Robin Williams.
Toy Story: Seen at Ardmore Theater. Saw this with my old college pal and true helper Dominic. This was the first Pixar movie and the first fully CGI 3-D movie. I thought the novelty would wear off after a few minutes (like "Who Framed Roger Rabbit."), but we had no idea how much attention to detail there was, and how well-written and voice acted the story was. Although Disney Animation Studios is now a legitimate threat to Pixar (Cars 3 looks like a shitshow), there is a reason that Pixar execs are in charge of the Mouse's entire animation machine.
Inside Out: Seen at UEC Theaters 9, State College: Saw this with my family. Pixar had been churning out some mediocrity (Cars 2, Ratatouille), but "Inside Out" was a true return to form for the studio. All of us loved it and had a great time.
Star Trek VI: Seen at Frank (formerly Eric) Theaters 7. This was in a very large auditorium full of Trekkers. Everyone applauded loudly when the "For Gene Roddenberry" dedication appeared on the screen. People were jumping up and down and high-fiving when the Klingon ship was destroyed. As corny as it was, All of us were giving a standing ovation during the autographs that kicked off the end credits.
From the Files of Police Squad: The Naked Gun: Seen at AMC 309 Cinema, Montgomeryville,PA: Mike Morawski and I saw this when we were in junior high school, and we could not stop laughing the entire movie. We especially enjoyed the press conference "pee" scene, and the scene with the statues. Jaci would call this "boy humor."
A Few Good Men: Seen at AMC Riverwalk theatre, San Antonio: I watched this alone during my brother's jazz band trip. I was reamed out by my mother, but it was worth it. The entire movie was a slow buildup as Tom Cruise's character had a long psychological battle with Jack Nicholson's character.
The Lego Batman Movie: seen at UEC Theaters 12. Saw this with our good friends, the Glunt Family. Despite our political differences, they are loyal friends and true helpers. This was a truly entertaining movie for all ages. Sadly, the directors were sacked in favor of Ron "Opie" Howard, so they wouldn't deviate too much from the core story.
Scream: Seen at AMC 309 Cinema, Montgomeryville. This is a unique theater to see a movie because of the fact that it sits at the mouth of the 309 expressway, which is basically a direct conduit to some of Philly's finest neighborhoods. This was fun because at least one person screamed whenever the killer showed up. Either way, late horror master Wes Craven deserves a ton of credit for restarting the slasher genre.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail: Seen at Strand Theatre, Kutztown. Lots of friends drove a distance to see this with me. Like any time we watch this film, all we did was laugh. Some people just don't "get" this movie, but we all did.
South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut: Seen at Regal Oaks theater. Despite the R rating, some idiot decided to bring a child because "it's a cartoon." After Chef made a joke about "finding the clitoris," She asked Jeff McCoach and I if we wanted to explain it to the child, and we said "Hell, no!"
The Perfect Storm: Seen at Regal Oaks theater: This became a "private screening" with just McCoach and I in the smallish auditorium: We were overwhelmed by the special effects, and may or may not have smoked a cigarette.
Back to The Future: Seen at Plymouth Meeting Mall Twin Cinema: I saw this with my mother and brother back in 1985. BTTF may very well be the perfect screenplay because I was able to perfectly understand and thoroughly enjoy a potentially complicated story about time travel as well as cause and effect.
Aladdin: Seen at Regal Oaks 24: This impressive animated flick was paced like an Indiana Jones film and seamlessly combined 2-D and 3-D animation. The magic carpet was astounding, and the Cave of Wonders sequence was unforgettable. We also can't talk about this movie without the hilarity of the late, great Robin Williams.
Toy Story: Seen at Ardmore Theater. Saw this with my old college pal and true helper Dominic. This was the first Pixar movie and the first fully CGI 3-D movie. I thought the novelty would wear off after a few minutes (like "Who Framed Roger Rabbit."), but we had no idea how much attention to detail there was, and how well-written and voice acted the story was. Although Disney Animation Studios is now a legitimate threat to Pixar (Cars 3 looks like a shitshow), there is a reason that Pixar execs are in charge of the Mouse's entire animation machine.
Inside Out: Seen at UEC Theaters 9, State College: Saw this with my family. Pixar had been churning out some mediocrity (Cars 2, Ratatouille), but "Inside Out" was a true return to form for the studio. All of us loved it and had a great time.
A Day in the Life
This post is based on my favorite Beatles song. You can find the post on Vulture.com. The post is very biased against "Abbey Road" and "Let It Be" with the writer assuming that the band was not able to produce decent music given the strain on the band., preferring earlier songs like "I Wanna Hold Your Hand," and "She Loves You." We agreed on the No. 1 song, the epic tune "A Day in the Life." With my life developing into a routine of sorts, here is a day in my life:
6:30 pm: Picked up boys from day care. Offered to take them to IHOP.
7:15 pm: Decent meal. Jaci and the kids seemed to like it, but service and cost were poor. Blood sugar was 214.
8:15 pm: Back home. Kids continue to be noisy. Beginning to focus on family visit tomorrow. Few problems from "People of Walmart."
9:00 pm: Kids went to bed and stayed in bed. I am continuing to drink water. Jaci suggests calling Makayla tomorrow because her bakery fundraiser raised $180 for me. Trump continues to be an idiot.
10:00 pm: Interesting finds from magazines throughout the day. Car and Driver likes the 7-passenger VW Atlas, and loves the Ford GT. Time wrote about the "swamp" at the Trump International Hotel (formerly the Old Post Office Building). This is an instance where he is technically both landlord and tenant of his own building.
11:15 pm: Unfortunately, the night ends with a spat. I was going to call Makayla and give her the "real" reason I wouldn't be at her party. Jaci said she would calll herself and "soft pedal" the message.
5:30 am: OK sleep, more indigestion. The cycle starts over.
6:30 pm: Picked up boys from day care. Offered to take them to IHOP.
7:15 pm: Decent meal. Jaci and the kids seemed to like it, but service and cost were poor. Blood sugar was 214.
8:15 pm: Back home. Kids continue to be noisy. Beginning to focus on family visit tomorrow. Few problems from "People of Walmart."
9:00 pm: Kids went to bed and stayed in bed. I am continuing to drink water. Jaci suggests calling Makayla tomorrow because her bakery fundraiser raised $180 for me. Trump continues to be an idiot.
10:00 pm: Interesting finds from magazines throughout the day. Car and Driver likes the 7-passenger VW Atlas, and loves the Ford GT. Time wrote about the "swamp" at the Trump International Hotel (formerly the Old Post Office Building). This is an instance where he is technically both landlord and tenant of his own building.
11:15 pm: Unfortunately, the night ends with a spat. I was going to call Makayla and give her the "real" reason I wouldn't be at her party. Jaci said she would calll herself and "soft pedal" the message.
5:30 am: OK sleep, more indigestion. The cycle starts over.
Where to shop and save money
with two kids and no active job to speak of, It's not cheap to raise kids. Aside from depending on the faith of others because I am a proud person, it does cost money to raise kids. Here are some of the places we shop at to save money:
Dollar Tree: Simply put, everything is a buck. Of course, we're not talking about quality products here. We've found Bang spray cleaner, and crappy stationery products, but they are a great place to buy gift cards and bags, which can run for more than $5 at the Hallmark store.
Dollar General: Despite the name, not everything is a dollar. Still, you can get some good bargains here. We have found vegetable juice, craft items, "clean" food, medical supplies, laundry detergent, and more.
Ollie's: As Forrest Gump says, You never know what you're going to get. That's Ollie's. There are incredible clearance prices on items like being books, food, and even tools. Sign up for Ollie's Army and save even more. All while looking at the bad puns on the walls. My personal favorite is the "Complaint Dept." over the exit door.
Wally World: Despite the people of Walmart, this is the only store as far as Pappy is concerned. Cheap prices for basic needs like food, salad, produce and rotisserie chicken. Just watch out for rude people cutting you off and getting in your way.
Target: Obviously not as cheap as Walmart, but you pay for quality. Lots of good, clean food, some deals on clothing items and housewares, and their kids' clothes, branded "Cat & Jack" are well-made and guaranteed for life.
Wegmans: Great products, quality and prices. Ready-made food, including sushi is expensive, but worth it. What isn't worth it are snotty, self-entitled shoppers who won't hesitate to cut you off or walk in front of you without a word. Coming here on the weekend is like going to war.
Trader Joe's: A godsend, and not a poor person's Whole Foods. Every product with the Trader Joe's name on it is "clean" food. Their vegetable juice and refrigerated and frozen foods are among the highlights. Don't forget to go for the samples and help your kids find "Leo."
Dollar Tree: Simply put, everything is a buck. Of course, we're not talking about quality products here. We've found Bang spray cleaner, and crappy stationery products, but they are a great place to buy gift cards and bags, which can run for more than $5 at the Hallmark store.
Dollar General: Despite the name, not everything is a dollar. Still, you can get some good bargains here. We have found vegetable juice, craft items, "clean" food, medical supplies, laundry detergent, and more.
Ollie's: As Forrest Gump says, You never know what you're going to get. That's Ollie's. There are incredible clearance prices on items like being books, food, and even tools. Sign up for Ollie's Army and save even more. All while looking at the bad puns on the walls. My personal favorite is the "Complaint Dept." over the exit door.
Wally World: Despite the people of Walmart, this is the only store as far as Pappy is concerned. Cheap prices for basic needs like food, salad, produce and rotisserie chicken. Just watch out for rude people cutting you off and getting in your way.
Target: Obviously not as cheap as Walmart, but you pay for quality. Lots of good, clean food, some deals on clothing items and housewares, and their kids' clothes, branded "Cat & Jack" are well-made and guaranteed for life.
Wegmans: Great products, quality and prices. Ready-made food, including sushi is expensive, but worth it. What isn't worth it are snotty, self-entitled shoppers who won't hesitate to cut you off or walk in front of you without a word. Coming here on the weekend is like going to war.
Trader Joe's: A godsend, and not a poor person's Whole Foods. Every product with the Trader Joe's name on it is "clean" food. Their vegetable juice and refrigerated and frozen foods are among the highlights. Don't forget to go for the samples and help your kids find "Leo."
Monday, July 3, 2017
If You Have Time to Lean, You Have Time to Clean
I was encouraged to see "The Founder" by my cousin and fellow Michael Keaton fan, Terry. By the way, Keaton is still the best Batman for my money and an exceptional actor overall. In this movie, he plays entrepreneur Ray Kroc, who happens upon a McDonald's, and is shocked by the fact that he is served his food 30 seconds after ordering. He meets with the McDonald brothers, who describe their business model to Kroc. The most fascinating part was the description of a basketball court with a chalk drawing of a kitchen as the brothers coached the workers. He eventually is able to convince the brothers to franchise, making the franchise the worldwide juggernaut it is today. I also think McDonald's redefined the concept of working in a food line. Two of my former coworkers, who were supposedly disciplinary nightmares in high school, have become trainers and line captains at Panera, and are able to at least make a living wage.
I still think McFood is still unfit for human consumption, although their fries are hard to resist. Their new line of burgers with guacamole, etc. look good, but aren't. Just watch "Super Size Me," but after you see "The Founder."
I still think McFood is still unfit for human consumption, although their fries are hard to resist. Their new line of burgers with guacamole, etc. look good, but aren't. Just watch "Super Size Me," but after you see "The Founder."
Sunday, May 28, 2017
Hiccup!
For those of you wondering how I ended up getting admitted to Mount Nittany, here's what happened. Following my 5th day of chemo and radiation on Friday, my only side effect was a slight headache. I took Tylenol on Friday, because it hurt a little more while I was exercising. Friday evening, I was cooking a complicated recipe, and started to feel dizzy and see stars. I called for Jaci. She came in, and I collapsed into her shoulders. She started to panic. Of course I told her I was fine, and just to get me to the couch. I blacked out after that. According to her, I vomited, fell (she caught my head), fell a second time and hit the back of my head on our hutch, and fell a third time. When I came to, I vomited a second time. Jaci asked the kids to call 911, but they were too scared to, because my pupils were dilated, and they thought I was dead. I went to the ER, was admitted, and ended up in the critical care unit. Because there were a slew of admissions, I didn't get admitted until 3:00 a.m. As always, the worst part of this whole experience was getting stuck with needles for the IV and blood draw. They tried to do it in the ambulance twice, unsuccessfully. It eventually took a three-person IV team 20 minutes with a blacklight to find veins.
They did let me sleep for at least a few hours, and let me get up to use the bathroom with supervision. Also, I was on a regular diet, and the food was much better. I was discharged Saturday afternoon, with an increased dose of Kepra (anti-seizure medication) and a return to a half-dose of Dex (steroid). I am afraid of what the steroid will do, but I am glad to be home. I feel bad that the boys were so scared and missed their friends' birthday party yesterday. Otherwise, I am now home and okay.
They did let me sleep for at least a few hours, and let me get up to use the bathroom with supervision. Also, I was on a regular diet, and the food was much better. I was discharged Saturday afternoon, with an increased dose of Kepra (anti-seizure medication) and a return to a half-dose of Dex (steroid). I am afraid of what the steroid will do, but I am glad to be home. I feel bad that the boys were so scared and missed their friends' birthday party yesterday. Otherwise, I am now home and okay.
Friday, May 26, 2017
Moore, Roger Moore
Back to non-cancer related posts. So far the chemo and radiation is going well, and aside from a slight headache, I am not feeling any significant side effects. Our next consultation at Duke is set for July 20. It's all been good news. The fact that the tumor is metholated, the ADH1 mutation, are all factors in increasing my life expectancy.
A couple of days ago, we lost one of the actors who played James Bond, when Roger Moore died at 89. Inspired by my friend Erik, I am going to attempt to rank all of the people who played James Bond.
1. Sean Connery: He set the standard, made the mold, pick your cliche. He was the first, and the best. The only drawback is that you could get away with more sexism and Beatle-bashing in the 1960s.
Best movie: Goldfinger, still the best Bond movie ever.
Worst movie: You Only Live Twice, kind of cartoonish, but still entertaining.
2. Daniel Craig: Probably has more raw acting ability than any other Bond. He brings an emotional depth to Bond never seen before. According to a 2012 interview, he is Roger Moore's favorite Bond because of his appearance and acting ability. The next movie after "Spectre" remains in a holding pattern. It is only referred to as "Bond 25" on IMDB. Craig, who performs most of his own stunts, now says he is up for another movie, even though, at 49, he is no spring chicken. Also, "Spectre" was not reviewed well, and it's kind of sad that "Kingsman: The Secret Service" was a better Bond movie than the actual Bond movie.
Best movie: "Casino Royale," I agree with Erik that the parkour scene is the best action sequence in the entire series. The other 2 hours of the movie was pretty good, too.
Worst movie: Quantum of Solace, this is what happens when you make a movie during a writers' strike. Still very watchable, but is more or less a tacked-on (and very expensive) sequel to "Casino Royale."
Update: According to Screen Rant, a release date for the still untitled "Bond 25" is November 8, 2019. It will likely be Craig's last movie as 007. Start debating about who will be the next Bond. Personally, I don't care as long as he is male, British, and a good actor. Idris Elba, the studio's choice according to a leak, would be a good choice, as would "Downton Abbey" actor Dan Stevens, and Michael Fassbender.
3. Timothy Dalton: Probably the most underrated James Bond,and a decent actor. A lot of people didn't like "Licence to Kill" because it was very dark and violent. I thought it was a refreshing departure from the series to have Bond pursue a personal vendetta instead of saving the world as usual. If you watch him in other movies, particularly "Hot Fuzz," his character is much more lighthearted.
Best movie: "Licence to Kill," see above.
Worst movie: "The Living Daylights," process of elimination, as there are only two to pick from. This was still a very good movie, particularly the car chase and escape using a cello and its case.
4. Roger Moore: His portrayal of Bond was more lighthearted than others, and I believe he was fully aware of that. Movies like "Moonraker" and "A View to a Kill" are nearly unwatchable, but other movies like "For Your Eyes Only" wanted to return Bond to its roots after "Moonraker" by killing "Blofeld," having a car chase in a Citroen 2CV instead of a gadget-laden Aston Martin, and a great sequence on a former Winter Olympics site. According to a 2012 interview, he admits he could have done it better, despite the theme song for "The Spy Who Loved Me."
Best movie: "The Spy Who Loved Me," Good action sequences, decent story, and introduces unforgettable henchman Jaws.
Worst movie: "Moonraker," The Bond franchise tried to capitalize of the success of "Star Wars," and the result is the worst movie in the franchise.
5. Pierce Brosnan: He looked the part and got the whole swave and debonair thing down pat, but was hurt by lousy scripts and movies that relied too much on huge explosions and special effects. However, they brought Judi Dench on board as the new M, and she is unforgettable.
Best movie: "Goldeneye," Some fun action sequences, and introduces Judi Dench as M. Also, it spawned a totally awesome video game.
Worst movie: "Die Another Day," A CGI-laden mess, and Halle Berry is terrible. At least its reviews sent a message to the Broccolis that Bond needed to go in a new direction (see Daniel Craig, above).
Incomplete: George Lazenby: This Australian model was only in one movie, but it happened to be based on Ian Fleming's best novel, "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" The movie could have been paced better, but it has decent action sequences and great performances by Diana Rigg and Telly Savalas, and provides an emotional gut punch at the end of the movie. It is hard to tell how good Lazenby would have been in future movies. I can't blame them for bringing back Connery for "Diamonds Are Forever."
A couple of days ago, we lost one of the actors who played James Bond, when Roger Moore died at 89. Inspired by my friend Erik, I am going to attempt to rank all of the people who played James Bond.
1. Sean Connery: He set the standard, made the mold, pick your cliche. He was the first, and the best. The only drawback is that you could get away with more sexism and Beatle-bashing in the 1960s.
Best movie: Goldfinger, still the best Bond movie ever.
Worst movie: You Only Live Twice, kind of cartoonish, but still entertaining.
2. Daniel Craig: Probably has more raw acting ability than any other Bond. He brings an emotional depth to Bond never seen before. According to a 2012 interview, he is Roger Moore's favorite Bond because of his appearance and acting ability. The next movie after "Spectre" remains in a holding pattern. It is only referred to as "Bond 25" on IMDB. Craig, who performs most of his own stunts, now says he is up for another movie, even though, at 49, he is no spring chicken. Also, "Spectre" was not reviewed well, and it's kind of sad that "Kingsman: The Secret Service" was a better Bond movie than the actual Bond movie.
Best movie: "Casino Royale," I agree with Erik that the parkour scene is the best action sequence in the entire series. The other 2 hours of the movie was pretty good, too.
Worst movie: Quantum of Solace, this is what happens when you make a movie during a writers' strike. Still very watchable, but is more or less a tacked-on (and very expensive) sequel to "Casino Royale."
Update: According to Screen Rant, a release date for the still untitled "Bond 25" is November 8, 2019. It will likely be Craig's last movie as 007. Start debating about who will be the next Bond. Personally, I don't care as long as he is male, British, and a good actor. Idris Elba, the studio's choice according to a leak, would be a good choice, as would "Downton Abbey" actor Dan Stevens, and Michael Fassbender.
3. Timothy Dalton: Probably the most underrated James Bond,and a decent actor. A lot of people didn't like "Licence to Kill" because it was very dark and violent. I thought it was a refreshing departure from the series to have Bond pursue a personal vendetta instead of saving the world as usual. If you watch him in other movies, particularly "Hot Fuzz," his character is much more lighthearted.
Best movie: "Licence to Kill," see above.
Worst movie: "The Living Daylights," process of elimination, as there are only two to pick from. This was still a very good movie, particularly the car chase and escape using a cello and its case.
4. Roger Moore: His portrayal of Bond was more lighthearted than others, and I believe he was fully aware of that. Movies like "Moonraker" and "A View to a Kill" are nearly unwatchable, but other movies like "For Your Eyes Only" wanted to return Bond to its roots after "Moonraker" by killing "Blofeld," having a car chase in a Citroen 2CV instead of a gadget-laden Aston Martin, and a great sequence on a former Winter Olympics site. According to a 2012 interview, he admits he could have done it better, despite the theme song for "The Spy Who Loved Me."
Best movie: "The Spy Who Loved Me," Good action sequences, decent story, and introduces unforgettable henchman Jaws.
Worst movie: "Moonraker," The Bond franchise tried to capitalize of the success of "Star Wars," and the result is the worst movie in the franchise.
5. Pierce Brosnan: He looked the part and got the whole swave and debonair thing down pat, but was hurt by lousy scripts and movies that relied too much on huge explosions and special effects. However, they brought Judi Dench on board as the new M, and she is unforgettable.
Best movie: "Goldeneye," Some fun action sequences, and introduces Judi Dench as M. Also, it spawned a totally awesome video game.
Worst movie: "Die Another Day," A CGI-laden mess, and Halle Berry is terrible. At least its reviews sent a message to the Broccolis that Bond needed to go in a new direction (see Daniel Craig, above).
Incomplete: George Lazenby: This Australian model was only in one movie, but it happened to be based on Ian Fleming's best novel, "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" The movie could have been paced better, but it has decent action sequences and great performances by Diana Rigg and Telly Savalas, and provides an emotional gut punch at the end of the movie. It is hard to tell how good Lazenby would have been in future movies. I can't blame them for bringing back Connery for "Diamonds Are Forever."
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