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This is almost like Bondmania of the 60's!


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#1 B5Erik

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Posted 10 December 2012 - 12:10 AM

It's pretty clear that Skyfall is going to end up being the 3rd most successful Bond movie ever.  Word of mouth on Skyfall has been fantastic, and the enthusiasm of both die hard Bond fans and casual Bond fans alike has been off the charts.

 

When I left the theater on the Monday after it came out I commented to my dad that this was almost like the Thunderball era.  Not quite, but still huge.  Even Thunderball's follow up movie, You Only Live Twice, is going to be taken down by Skyfall.  That's amazing.  Bond hasn't been this big in over 40 years.  How cool is that?

 

I think most of us are extremely excited at the prospect of the next Bond movie in 2014, but what may be more important is that the casual moviegoers are showing some excitement and anticipation of that next Bond movie.

 

Bondmania is BACK!

 

Props to Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.  They have done Cubby (and Harry Saltzman) proud!

 

This is a great time to be a Bond fan.  B)



#2 Double-0-Seven

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Posted 10 December 2012 - 01:04 AM

Naturally, I wasn't around for the sixties Bond craze. I definitely agree though.

 

I feel like this is the closest I'll ever come to experiencing it. Bond is doing huge numbers and literally everyone is talking about the film. For a while you couldn't turn on the television without seeing something about it. Word of mouth has been incredible. I know several people who aren't even that big of Bond fans who have seen the movie twice just out of pure enjoyment and fun. Lots of buzz for the 50th makes it even better. Also, Skyfall is the perfect movie for the 50th - the perfect blend of Craig's Bond with classic Bond. It was like watching a modernized Connery film on screen. For a minute, my escapism into Bond launched me into the sixties while I sat in the theater feeling "THIS is what it was probably like!" and it was incredible. 

 

Definitely a great time to be a Bond fan!



#3 nickjb007

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Posted 10 December 2012 - 01:16 AM

I just wish there was more merchandise for the films or series over here in the US. 



#4 JB007YH

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Posted 10 December 2012 - 02:21 AM

I am surprised there wasnt another line of action figures or cars to bring in the 50th anniversary! It wouldve been great for the younger generation to have some Bond toys, it would insure that they actively grew up with Bond



#5 seawolfnyy

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Posted 10 December 2012 - 03:14 AM

The 50th has been great (minus 007 Legends obviously). I remember reading an article in 2010 about the potential death of the 007 franchise, but it's clear that the James Bond craze is better than ever.



#6 Tarl_Cabot

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Posted 10 December 2012 - 06:48 AM

yeah It is surreal and refreshing to see Bond as an A list franchise again...as long as I can remember there was always something bigger and flashier like Indy or what have you...Bond is a now an event film again(for the general public not just the diehards). And I love the set up with the new M, Q and 'penny...excellent. I will see Skyfall again soon...



#7 sharpshooter

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Posted 10 December 2012 - 07:56 AM

yeah It is surreal and refreshing to see Bond as an A list franchise again...as long as I can remember there was always something bigger and flashier like Indy or what have you...Bond is a now an event film again(for the general public not just the diehards). And I love the set up with the new M, Q and 'penny...excellent. I will see Skyfall again soon...


Most definitely. All is well in the world. The 60s era, especially Goldfinger and Thunderball, was fever pitch. But I agree the current era is providing the next best thing. (Moon) raking in plenty of cash and generally most people leaving the cinema satisfied. QoS has its fans; I’m one of them, but very much so in regards to CR and SF. Just as Connery was a key component of launching the brand back then, Craig is a large part of the appeal too. There’s no shame in admitting you’ve lost a step, but the franchise hasn’t. The 50th anniversary demonstrated Bond’s appeal and staying power.

Edited by sharpshooter, 10 December 2012 - 07:56 AM.


#8 Guy Haines

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Posted 10 December 2012 - 08:11 AM

It's very gratifying that SF has done as well as it has. It was always going to be a hit, I think - the world wide fan base and a four year hiatus would see to that. But hiring a class director and cinematographer, and a top drawer cast, meant it went from being a guaranteed Bond hit to a critical success.

 

One element of 60s "Bond mania" is missing in 2012 though, namely the imitators - in the 1960s it seemed every other low budget film maker was producing a rip off of Bond.



#9 thecasinoroyale

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Posted 10 December 2012 - 08:39 AM

I agree with the longing for a bit more merchandise to help new fans and the younger generations get involved with Bond a bit more, but there has been a great deal for us on a film franchise that now doesn't rely on toys and chepa products (minus 007: Legends), and has more market for collectable material.

 

Still, it's proving the global appeal of James Bond to all ages, sexes, races and religions in having him shoot back to Number 1, and still performing so strong!

 

Doubt we'll get to see this sort of reaction again in our lifetime for a Bond film - but if we do I'll be very pleased!



#10 Landcross

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Posted 10 December 2012 - 08:42 AM

It really is a fantastic time to be a Bond fan. I knew Skyfall was doing well, but just seeing this past week that it's in the neighborhood of hitting a billion worldwide, that's a huge deal. Bodes well for the future of a 50 year old franchise.



#11 delfloria

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Posted 10 December 2012 - 08:50 AM

Having been through the spy craze of the 60's as a teenager it was a once in a life time event but this is the closest thing to it since then. Very cool.

 

Speaking of imitators they just might get that Ian Fleming's Man from U.N.C.L.E. movie off the ground now.



#12 thecasinoroyale

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Posted 10 December 2012 - 11:59 AM

I'd like to think this has given studios a reminder that decent espionage films aren't all dead and buried, and they can be done well, James Bond or otherwise.

 

I'd love to see a Man From U.N.C.L.E film, used to love that on TV when I was younger (although it was the 90's and they were repeats, but still...!)



#13 Turn

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Posted 10 December 2012 - 02:51 PM

I'll admit I'm amazed at Skyfall's staying power. To wake up to find it won the weekend box office after a month on release here in the U.S. is a pleasant surprise. Maybe that also speaks to the lack of interest in the current crop out there. $11 million for a top box office weekend is something from 30 years ago. I'm just glad to say Bond is experiencing better staying power than that predictable vampire franchise.  

 

The game is so much different today with more entertainment outlets and such, and the next big thing premiering each week. To see a franchise with such staying power is a challenge and Bond has risen to it.

 

To be fair, Bond has gotten a good share of attention since the '60s. The Battle of the Bonds year of '83 saw even teen magazines covering the films a lot of TV attention, same with the 25th year in '87 and the 40th, which many here will recall.

 

What I find really great is the anticipation for Bond 24. It's not just like, okay, another Bond film, kind of like it was with things like the last few Star Wars, for example.



#14 seawolfnyy

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Posted 11 December 2012 - 09:39 AM

That would be amazing if the buzz for a Bond film could approach that of a new Star Wars film. It remains to be scene how SW7 will be received, however, I think Skyfall has pushed Bond into that type of conversation.



#15 Iceskater101

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Posted 16 December 2012 - 11:06 PM

I think that's so cool! I would love to show my kids the Bond movies and say that these were my favorite movies growing up. Plus the fact that this has done so well is awesome because now we are definitely getting Bond movies every 2 years which is something that I really enjoyed



#16 JimmyBond

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Posted 23 December 2012 - 03:55 AM

That would be amazing if the buzz for a Bond film could approach that of a new Star Wars film. It remains to be scene how SW7 will be received, however, I think Skyfall has pushed Bond into that type of conversation.

 

I think the next Star Wars film will do huge numbers. Many people will turn out just to see how a Star Wars films does without Lucas at the helm. 



#17 Guy Haines

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Posted 23 December 2012 - 08:35 AM

I am surprised there wasnt another line of action figures or cars to bring in the 50th anniversary! It wouldve been great for the younger generation to have some Bond toys, it would insure that they actively grew up with Bond

 

Funny you should mention that. The Aston Martin DB5 model has been released as a "Skyfall" edition, as has a scale model of the Agusta-Westland 101 helicopter used, and subsequently blown to bits, in the film. I came across the helicopter in a model shop in Nottingham yesterday. Italeri have released it, and the DB5 is, I think, a Corgi issue (or should that be "re-issue", as it's not the first time the Aston Martin has been released on sale by them.)



#18 Guy Haines

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Posted 23 December 2012 - 08:42 AM

I'll admit I'm amazed at Skyfall's staying power. To wake up to find it won the weekend box office after a month on release here in the U.S. is a pleasant surprise. Maybe that also speaks to the lack of interest in the current crop out there. $11 million for a top box office weekend is something from 30 years ago. I'm just glad to say Bond is experiencing better staying power than that predictable vampire franchise.  

 

The game is so much different today with more entertainment outlets and such, and the next big thing premiering each week. To see a franchise with such staying power is a challenge and Bond has risen to it.

 

To be fair, Bond has gotten a good share of attention since the '60s. The Battle of the Bonds year of '83 saw even teen magazines covering the films a lot of TV attention, same with the 25th year in '87 and the 40th, which many here will recall.

 

What I find really great is the anticipation for Bond 24. It's not just like, okay, another Bond film, kind of like it was with things like the last few Star Wars, for example.

 

I had a look at the listings for my local multiplex. The teenage vampires have been and gone, whereas Bond is still there. I think it's called box office "legs".

 

(Then again, as far as this Brit is concerned, there's only been one chap who plays vampires well, and he's a dab hand with a golden gun too! ;) )



#19 Mallory

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Posted 28 December 2012 - 02:09 AM

Bond 24 will be one of the most anticipated films of 2014. I don't know how they will top Skyfall but if done right this could be the biggest Bond of all time. Just wish the film would do better in America. They seemed to have promoted the hell out of the flilm internationally but Skyfall gets a few tv spots, some articles then after it is release nothing. They push it aside in favor of upcoming films. Obviously critics and WOM kept the film going and it is still doing well inspite of competition. 

 

I was pleased to see it has whooped the ass of sparkling vampires. 

 

Hopefully Bond 24 will get more promotion here in the states.



#20 Turn

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Posted 28 December 2012 - 03:13 PM

Bond 24 will be one of the most anticipated films of 2014. I don't know how they will top Skyfall but if done right this could be the biggest Bond of all time. Just wish the film would do better in America. They seemed to have promoted the hell out of the flilm internationally but Skyfall gets a few tv spots, some articles then after it is release nothing. They push it aside in favor of upcoming films. Obviously critics and WOM kept the film going and it is still doing well inspite of competition. 

. I

I was pleased to see it has whooped the ass of sparkling vampires. 

 

Hopefully Bond 24 will get more promotion here in the states.

I'm not quite following your claims. You make Skyfall sound almost like it suffered from LTK's promotion was 23 years ago. Promotion was everywhere. I was even annoyed by a Skyfall pop-up ad on a non-Bond site at one point.

 

Skyfall exploded at the box office and went on to become the top grossing Bond film ever in the U.S. The TV spots were everywhere, then there were still several after its release. Entertainment Weekly had several articles the next couple of weeks after its release. Considering its critical and box office reception, it followed common marketing practices and let it go on its own strengths.Although I still see the Heineken tie-in ads on TV.

 

Then how it was able to rise to be first at the box office a couple of weeks ago before the Hobbit was released and the fact it was still top 5 last weekend says something for it as well. No, there weren't McDonald's or other fast-food tie-ins, cereal premiums or action figures. But Bond has never really been about that. You make it sound like it's a disappointment and I just don't get it. 



#21 Mallory

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Posted 30 December 2012 - 05:16 AM

I am not saying I was disappointed.

 

Skyfall is the top selling Bond film in the US unadjusted for inflation. Adjusted it sits number three which is amazing but nowhere near close to Goldfinger and Thunderball. Thunderball today would be $600 million. And a lot of that was thanks to promotion and merchandizing.

 

No idea where you get my "disappointment" I am just stating that this is nothing like Bondmania. Skyfall turned out to be a really good movie compared to the crap that was released the same month. It had action, a great story, good movie to see on a date, with family (not little kids but teens and parents) among friends, just worth the ticket admission. Also the IMAX sales no doubt boost its ticket sales. 

 

I suppose the new markets overseas has made up for the losses domestically. But yes Skyfall has done remarkably well in the US, sitting pretty at number 4 of 2012. 



#22 jaguar007

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Posted 30 December 2012 - 10:58 AM

I am amazed (and delighted) that Skyfall managed to outgross that sparkly vampire film in the US.



#23 Turn

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Posted 30 December 2012 - 04:12 PM

I am not saying I was disappointed.

 

Skyfall is the top selling Bond film in the US unadjusted for inflation. Adjusted it sits number three which is amazing but nowhere near close to Goldfinger and Thunderball. Thunderball today would be $600 million. And a lot of that was thanks to promotion and merchandizing.

 

No idea where you get my "disappointment" I am just stating that this is nothing like Bondmania. Skyfall turned out to be a really good movie compared to the crap that was released the same month. It had action, a great story, good movie to see on a date, with family (not little kids but teens and parents) among friends, just worth the ticket admission. Also the IMAX sales no doubt boost its ticket sales. 

 

I suppose the new markets overseas has made up for the losses domestically. But yes Skyfall has done remarkably well in the US, sitting pretty at number 4 of 2012. 

No, you did not come out and say you were disappointed, but the tone of the post seemed to say it. No, it isn't quite like the Bondmania of the '60s, ot course it never will be again. But it's as close as it will come and I fing it a reason to celebrate.

 

I just don't understand your views; they seem to contradict. You talk about losses domestically and then talk about it doing remarkably well in the U.S. What losses? Again, you make it sound like Licence To Kill's performance at the U.S. box office. Face it, Skyfall is an unqualified success that exceeded most everybody's expectations. You really have to put things into perspective as to the times, not what was past. Bond was the hottest thing out there in the mid '60s. For a 50-year old series to accomplish what it has is pretty amazing.