Latest news with #DrNo
Evening Standard
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Evening Standard
Denis Villeneuve to direct next James Bond film in major franchise shake-up
Wilson and Broccoli had produced the franchise since the death of Albert 'Cubby' Broccoli. The official film franchise had been controlled by members of the Broccoli family, either single-handedly or in partnership with others, since the first 007 movie Dr No in 1962.
Daily Record
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
'Greatest' James Bond film of all time ranked by Rotten Tomatoes
The James Bond film franchise has been running since 1962, with 27 movies released over the years - and now the entire collection has been ranked from worst to best Across 27 films and seven actors taking on the role of the iconic 007 agent, James Bond has established itself as a quintessential British film franchise since the swinging sixties. But which film claims the crown as the best Bond flick? Rotten Tomatoes, one of the most reliable film and telly review sites, is often the first port of call for those seeking the truth about a film's quality, giving power to the people. Its 'Tomatometer' calculates an overall score based on cinema-goers' reviews, and this has enabled them to rank all of the James Bond films in order, with the top spot boasting an impressive 99% score. James Bond was initially conceived in 1953 by Ian Fleming as a fictional British Secret Service agent, whose life and missions spanned 12 novels and two short stories. However, in 1962, Fleming's character made his screen debut, altering the trajectory of British film history with Dr No, the inaugural Bond film, which remains one of the best-reviewed of the 007 movies. Since then, the franchise has soared to new heights, with fans eagerly awaiting each new release and watching the international man of mystery traverse the globe, undertake new missions, and don swanky new suits. While the worst-reviewed film of the Bond franchise is the 1967 spoof Casino Royale, featuring David Niven, claiming the top spot is Goldfinger, released in 1964, reports the Express. Goldfinger, the dazzling third James Bond offering, reigns supreme as viewers' top pick of the series, featuring Sean Connery's iconic portrayal as the suave MI6 operative. After the success of its predecessors, the budget for Goldfinger was ramped up to match the combined expenditure of the first two films, setting the stage for the enterprise's first major blockbuster and paving the way for future extravaganzas. An enthusiast on Rotten Tomatoes lavished praise, writing: "The Bond film to which all others must be compared. The girls, the guns, the gadgets, the locations, the villains, the evil master plan... it may not have been the first Bond film, but it is, and likely always will be, the standard-bearer." Another fan said: "Goldfinger hands down is one of the best in the entire series. It simply has everything great to offer: you have action, one-liners, a great villain, a memorable Bond girl and Sean Connery as Bond. Absolutely iconic." Not to be outdone, From Russia With Love claims second place with an impressive 97% score, attributed to its 'spectacular' scenes, and remaining unforgettable with Connery at the helm. One viewer summed up: "Sean Connery will never truly be replaced as Bond," adding: "And, if 'Dr No' wasn't enough proof of that, look no further than this funny, thrilling and sexy adventure." We must track down to fourth place in the rolodex of Bond films to encounter the modern-era 007s, with Daniel Craig's debut in 'Casino Royale' leading the charge. 'No Time to Die', which graced the silver screen in 2021, nestles at number seven amidst the top-rated Bonds. This chapter marked the curtain call for Daniel Craig as the iconic spy, passing the famed baton on to an as-yet undisclosed successor. Fans were vocal about Craig's swansong, with one critic saying: "Daniel Craig's final Bond is EVERYTHING we hoped for! Action, emotion, and a perfect goodbye to the 007 who redefined the role." Another added: "The multiverse-level excitement of bringing his journey full circle with heart & high stakes. It's not just about stopping the villain; it's Bond facing his past & legacy. Craig is on fire, balancing grit & vulnerability like no other. We came for the action and stayed for the emotion. This film gave us closure & left us in awe. A proper farewell to a Bond we'll never forget." Bond aficionados eager for a dive into espionage nostalgia or simply wishing to treat themselves to the unparalleled 'Goldfinger', can find solace as it's available for streaming on ITVX and Amazon Prime.
Scotsman
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Inside the retro and unique Scottish house that's on sale for offers over £900,000
This unique property in Edinburgh's Barnton Gardens is guaranteed to give you an instant earworm involving a certain song by the Eagles. And, indeed, The Hacienda is a lovely place, with its SoCal vibes that make Scotland seem just a few degrees warmer. This 2580 square foot three-bedroom property was designed in 1980, and has real California soul, with a spiral staircase, a Mexican tiled kitchen island, open plan living spaces and a lush garden that has direct access to the 18th tee of The Bruntsfield Links Golfing Society. It's also spread across two floors, or three if you count the large floored attic. If this sounds like your style, the house is now on the market, via estate agent The Modern House, at offers over £900,000. We asked long-term resident Christine Gupta, who owns the property with her husband, Ash, to tell us more about her retro and very cool home. Why are you moving on? We're both getting older so it's time for us to do a bit of downsizing. Tell us more about the building and its design? It was built in 1980 to a design by architect Gareth Hutchison and developer Derek Edgar who had lived for some years in San Diego and brought the SoCal influence to the building's aesthetic, so that was its inspiration. We bought it in 1984 having fallen in love with it at first glance and have been very happy here ever since. The interior looks like the inside of a shell. Was that their inspiration? The aesthetic has a specific design purpose. The whole house was ahead of its time as it is actually a thermally efficient heat pump. The open plan allows the warmth to flow and radiate throughout the structure. It's very Seventies inside, is that an era that you love? Yes, some of the features remind people of the houses in Seventies films like Dr No – the open fires, the spiral staircase, the split-level open space and the cocktail bar. The free-flowing layout makes it a very social space. Your artworks really complement the space, where did you find the paintings? The majority of the work is mine. I started painting in 2014 and now have my work in private collections around the world. You can see more at . The tapestries came from a tiny specialist shop in Fulham that sold Peruvian hangings and they fitted in perfectly with the feel of the house. Which are your favourite spaces? The kitchen is a favourite as it's the heart of the house and people often say they feel like they're on holiday when they first walk into it. The open plan living area is wonderful for entertaining and enjoys light from three sides with beautiful views to the natural planting of the garden. The best room has to be the master bedroom with its sunny aspect and spacious calmness. It also has a large and very restful en suite bathroom/shower room with views to gardens on both sides. What have been your happiest times in the house? We have always enjoyed entertaining friends and family for parties and legendary barbecues. Some of our parties have featured live bands, but the location means that the neighbours are not disturbed – and they're usually invited anyway! We've also had many happy times in the garden which is very sheltered and we've even found ourselves eating al fresco as early as February. Is it important that the new owner preserves some of the original internal designs, or do you hope that they will? We hardly changed a thing when we first moved in and have not felt the need to impose our own design on the house other than to make it a showcase for my own art. We would hope that the new owners enjoy the open plan flow of the house as much as we have. What's the area like to live in? The area is wonderful with plenty of convenient local amenities and a supportive neighbourhood group. There are fabulous walks to Cramond or in the grounds of Lauriston Castle with its Japanese garden, which is just across the road from us. The house backs on to the 18th hole of the Bruntsfield Golfing Society, one of the oldest clubs in the world, and Barnton Tennis Club is just a few minutes' walk away. You can get to the city centre by the number 47 bus almost from our door and there are essential resources like a supermarket, doctors and dentists also within walking distance. What have you done to the garden and what's growing out there? We've made the garden into a wildlife haven which often gets visits from deer, pheasants and foxes. Rhododendrons, cherry trees, hydrangeas and ferns all thrive and are easy maintenance. There are three lawn areas, one immediately adjacent to the golf club, which makes a great spot to enjoy the evening sun with a glass in hand. What are the best views from the house? The view from the master bedroom over the garden is always a joy and is not overlooked by anyone else. There is also a wonderful view through the woods to the Firth of Forth. The woods were planted for us by the golf course and became recognised as an area of outstanding natural beauty. This means that no one can build there and destroy the view. For more information on The Hacienda, see 1 . The fireplace with sliding doors to balcony The Modern House Photo: The Modern House Photo Sales 2 . The dining area The Modern House Photo: The Modern House Photo Sales 3 . Another view of the dining area The Modern House Photo: The Modern House Photo Sales 4 . The bedroom with balcony The Modern House Photo: The Modern House Photo Sales
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Man denies breaching restraining order by contacting ex-007 producer
A man has denied 11 counts of breaching a restraining order by contacting former James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli. Daniel Wilson was prohibited from contacting Ms Broccoli, 64, by an order put in place at Isleworth Crown Court on July 3 2017. Ms Broccoli, 64, and her half-brother Michael G Wilson, 83, produced the James Bond franchise after the death of her father Albert 'Cubby' Broccoli in 1996 until February this year. Amazon MGM Studios gained creative control of the franchise in March this year. It is alleged that Mr Wilson, 36, from Lambeth, south London, acted in breach of the restraining order by attempting to contact Ms Broccoli 'without reasonable excuse' on 11 dates between April 2022 and April last year. Mr Wilson appeared on video link and pleaded not guilty to each charge at Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday. The court heard Mr Wilson, who wore glasses and a patterned jacket during the hearing, is currently in hospital. Bail conditions had been put in place at an earlier hearing and Judge Sally-Ann Hales KC ordered that they would continue. She told Mr Wilson he could not 'be in possession of any device that can access the internet' or contact Ms Broccoli directly or indirectly. He must also live and sleep each night in a location directed by the NHS, she said. His trial was set for July 19 2027, and Judge Hales added: 'I'm afraid that is the earliest date that the court can accommodate.' She granted that Ms Broccoli can give evidence behind screens 'given the nature of the allegations'. Mr Wilson is charged with acting in breach of the restraining order on April 1 and 19, May 19 and 25, June 30 and July 6 in 2022. He is also accused of doing so on March 10, April 12, 17, 20 and 22 in 2024. The 007 franchise had been controlled by members of the Broccoli family, either single-handedly or in partnership with others, since the first Bond film Dr No in 1962. Ms Broccoli and her half-brother produced the past nine Bond films, including Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Spectre and No Time to Die. They have been made CBEs and won the outstanding British film Bafta for 2012's Skyfall along with director Sir Sam Mendes. Amazon gained creative control of the British spy franchise following a deal which saw Eon Productions, run by Mr Wilson and Ms Broccoli, become co-owners with Amazon MGM Studios. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Evening Standard
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Evening Standard
Man denies breaching restraining order against ex-James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli
The 007 franchise had been controlled by members of the Broccoli family, either single-handedly or in partnership with others, since the first 007 movie Dr No in 1962.
