Martini. Shaken, not stirred.

These James Bond images in this feature have been commissioned by Ladbrokes Casino.

Arguably one of the most famous catchphrases in film to date, these four words are the epitome of James Bond. Oozing sophistication, and suave to boot, men all over the world are guilty of pulling out this line at least once in their lives.

The James Bond film series is a collection of British Spy-films based on the novels by Ian Fleming. Spanning just over half a century in film there has been 23 James Bonds to date, and a 24^th in pre-production. The film world is buzzing with speculation over every detail of the film and as a result, almost nothing is actually known for certain.

Bond first hit our screens in 1962 with Dr. No, starring Sean Connery as James Bond. In the film, James is sent to Jamaica to investigate the sudden death of another agent. Whilst there he discovers Dr Julius No and his plot to destroy an American space launch with a radio beam weapon. Although it was met with mixed critical reviews the film was a huge commercial success. President JFK even requested a private showing in the Whitehouse.

Perhaps because of its’ success the Bond film formula never changed, 007; although charming and mysterious was also slightly comic. He was a heavy drinker, a shameless womaniser, but somehow, lovable. Almost every film featured an array of new, hi-tech gadgets (like that badass exploding pen from Goldeneye), highly tuned, state-of-the-art sports cars, and dozens and dozens of insanely beautiful women throwing themselves at Bond.

The Bond films’ greatest strength is that they are timeless, writers rarely have to deviate from the formula that Fleming left them; they merely update it year after year. Bringing in a new, young Bond to replace the old one. This worked for a long time and actors such as Sean Connery, Roger Moore and Pierce Brosnan all did excellent jobs as 007. It wasn’t until the 2006 instalment of Casino Royale that the Bond franchise went under a dramatic revamp. Pierce Brosnan was approaching his half-century and public opinion was that he was too old to carry on the role.

Enter Daniel Craig.

From the moment this news was announced it became clear that we should be expecting something new from the Bond films, Craig looked nothing like Bond, and was blonde and well muscled where the others had been dark and athletic. I remember watching the film the week it opened; I loved it so much I went back at least twice. It was still 007, but it was darker, grittier and seemed more representative of what life as a British secret agent would be. The outrageous gadgets were a thing of the past, the karate chops and debonair fighting made famous by Moore and others were replaced by the violent, deathly brawling of Craig. Although I was a fan of the old Bond films, I think it’s safe to say that this was definitely a step in the right direction.

The most recent instalment, Skyfall, was a huge success, full of suspense, action, and even tragedy. One of the first films not taken from a Fleming script, Skyfall has left fans of franchise confused as to where in the Bond time-line it has left us. The death of Judi Dench as M, and her replacement by Ralph Fiennes takes us back to a male M. And the return of Moneypenny may suggest that we are slowly moving back to the old Bond structure.

In my opinion, I don’t think that we will ever go back to the way Bond used to be. In fact, looking at the manner in which Skyfall ended, something tells me we’re going to be seeing a new type of Bond. I see Bond 24 being about an agent who is no longer in his prime and is coming to terms with it. Skyfall wasn’t based on a Fleming novel and I don’t think Bond 24 will be either. The formula will undoubtedly be the same, but I think this film will be more personal. Perhaps an old nemesis or rival of Bonds comes back to haunt him. Or perhaps he will face a younger, fitter opponent to challenge him in his old age. What is certain is that Bond/ Craig is older and he won’t try to hide it, there will be more of a focus on his brains then his brawling.

I predict a film that is still dark and gritty, but it will show Bonds vulnerability, an agent past his time. We are sure to see more beautiful women with actresses such as Penelope Cruz and even Kate Upton rumoured to be involved. I think it is unlikely to be a young actress, but someone older, and more of a heroine than just a pretty face. I think there will also be more time spent on the relationship between Bond and Moneypenny. The banter and chemistry shared between Craig and Harris was something I enjoyed immensely in the last film, and I would relish seeing more of it in the next instalment.

Whatever Bond 24 turns out to be, with Sam Mendes directing, and John Logan writing the script I am certain that it will be a superb film with an intricate and clever plot. Bond 24 has an estimate release date of the 23^rd of October 2015 in the UK and 6^th November 2015 in the US.

Hope you like the James Bond images in this feature, that Ladbrokes Casino have commissioned.

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