Certain traditions bring comfort, joy and contentment, but when we really think about them, questions and perhaps guilt emerges. Is Thanksgiving really an anniversary of a slaughter of our Native Americans, Christmas a co-opped pagan holiday ritual, and Columbus Day a shameful remembrance of this stolen continent?
Takes away from the joy of the holiday, no?
Picking apart a James Bond film has the same feel. Expect a seduced beauty or two, exciting special effects, bad guys who get theirs and a 007 who triumphs in the end. Much like carols at Christmas, fireworks at the fourth of July or decorated eggs on Easter, Bond films perpetuate a tradition.
Unless it's a real turkey, each one adds to the tradition that is anticipated and perhaps necessary.
This new episode adds a new stealthy toy, integrates contemporary global politics and engages us right from the start with the climax of an undisclosed earlier episode. It doesn't do a bad job of unveiling the latest techno-toys, but if you expect more you will be disappointed. Although it perpetuates Anglo-ascendancy, it also opens the door to a more multi-cultural set of secret agents. But that's more than you need to know.
His name is Bond, James Bond. He'll flirt with Moneypenny, kibbutz with Q and encounter foes who are incredibly bad shots. But will he bring the car in one piece?
There's always a first time.
Takes away from the joy of the holiday, no?
Picking apart a James Bond film has the same feel. Expect a seduced beauty or two, exciting special effects, bad guys who get theirs and a 007 who triumphs in the end. Much like carols at Christmas, fireworks at the fourth of July or decorated eggs on Easter, Bond films perpetuate a tradition.
Unless it's a real turkey, each one adds to the tradition that is anticipated and perhaps necessary.
This new episode adds a new stealthy toy, integrates contemporary global politics and engages us right from the start with the climax of an undisclosed earlier episode. It doesn't do a bad job of unveiling the latest techno-toys, but if you expect more you will be disappointed. Although it perpetuates Anglo-ascendancy, it also opens the door to a more multi-cultural set of secret agents. But that's more than you need to know.
His name is Bond, James Bond. He'll flirt with Moneypenny, kibbutz with Q and encounter foes who are incredibly bad shots. But will he bring the car in one piece?
There's always a first time.