Cracking the Code of Spy Movies!

Rick English stunt performer talks spy movie stunts with Dan and Tom on their show Cracking the Code of Spy Movies. If you've seen at least three spy or action movies in the last two decades, you've likely seen Rick's work in at least one of them. Rick is an award-winning stunt performer who has been involved with the James Bond, MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE, BATMAN, and KINGSMAN franchises. He was also in INCEPTION, The 355, FAST AND FURIOUS, and many more movies over his 20+ year career. In this episode we discuss some of scenes from some the movies he's worked on (Including CASINO ROYALE, MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - ROGUE NATION, MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - FALLOUT, BOURNE ULTIMATUM, JASON BOURNE, INCEPTION, and more.) Among the topics we discuss, Rick tells us how the stunt performer business works, how the motorcycle crash stunt he did in MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - ROGUE NATION was done, and he tells how they did the zero-gravity hallway fight in INCEPTION, what he wants from a stunt coordinator. Listen to find out how. It is fascinating how they do these things and what can be planned and what can't. His explanation of that motorcycle crash was quite eye-opening. This episode helps the moviegoer understand the role of the stunt performer and how they are used. Rick explains some of the techniques they used for some of the specific stunts. After listening, you'll understand why he's won so many awards. Our next episode will also be with Rick English. He will tell us all about the stunts in the KINGSMAN series, including the church fight scene and the meat grinder. You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. Ideas/Comments? info@spymovienavigator.com Webpage:  https://bit.ly/3MSue6n

21 Nov 202359min

Was ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE good? That is a question that Bond fans have been arguing since its release. In this episode, Dan and Tom walk through the top 10 reasons why they think ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE is a good movie. Then they look at it from the other side with the top 10 reasons it is criticized. Some things they examine are: George Lazenby The score The action Telly Savalas' portrayal of Blofeld The emotional depth of the movie The fact that this is, in part, a romance movie And more… ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE has gained popularity and likeability as it has aged. Dan and Tom give you their thoughts. After listening to this episode, we'd love to know which side of the spectrum you are on and why. Please let us know at info@spymovienavigator.com. We might give you a shout-out in a future episode and pass your idea on. Please subscribe to our podcast show, CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES, on your favorite podcast app or listen on our website. Episode link: https://bit.ly/3SEJreZ

14 Nov 202337min

James Bond can survive, can't he? "Come on Bond, where the hell are you?" M pleads near the end of NO TIME TO DIE.  Let's talk about that. In this episode, Dan and Tom have fun coming up with some ways that James Bond can survive after the debacle at the end of NO TIME TO DIE. Some of their ideas make some sense, some are based on how other fictional characters have survived their demise and still others are just outright wacky. Where are you James Bond? We have a shout-out to Morgan Lisney, a top contributor to our Facebook Group, who had an idea! Hopefully, someone at Eon Production is listening. Come on Bond! What do you think? Do any of these ideas make sense? Any other fictional characters who have survived their death that we didn't call out? Any other ways that EON Productions can get themselves out of the corner that they have painted themselves into? How can James Bond survive? Let us know at info@spymovienavigator.com. We might give you a shout-out in a future episode and pass your idea on. Subscribe to our podcast show on your favorite podcast app or listen on our website. Our channel name is CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES. Webpage: https://bit.ly/3SsyPQc

7 Nov 202335min

THE SPY WHO CAME IN FROM THE COLD is often considered one of the best spy movies of all time. We couldn't agree more. In this episode, Dan and Tom decode this classic. As far as spy movies go, THE SPY WHO CAME IN FROM THE COLD is dark, and probably a bit more realistic in terms of a spy's life, than anything James Bond does. There are no Aston Martins here, no tuxedos, no glamorous venues – nothing that could make you smile or feel relaxed much. The decision to film it in black and white was brilliant and adds to the overall feeling of despair. The story is fairly complex, and you must pay attention. Dan and Tom will help guide you through some of the complexities, although they disagree on the ending. They also discuss how this movie fits into the time of the Cold War and real-world double-agents. The cast, led by Richard Burton, Claire Bloom, and Oskar Werner, is top shelf. Burton earned a BAFTA Best British Actor win and an Academy Award Nomination for his role as Alec Leamas. The movie picked up seven BAFTA nominations, winning four of them. It also earned an Academy Award Nomination for Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Black and White, among other industry awards. Oskar Werner picked up a BAFTA nomination for Best Foreign Actor as well. So, have a listen and you'll "Be in the Know." This should be a must-see for any spy movie fan. Learn more about it as we decode THE SPY WHO CAME IN FROM THE COLD. You can check out all of our podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. Our channel name is CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES. Ideas/Comments? info@spymovienavigator.com Webpage: https://bit.ly/46TItQe

31 Okt 202338min

THE SPY WHO LOVED ME Filming Locations in Sardinia! Your covert field operatives Dan and Tom trace their exploits in visiting the filming locations in Sardinia, Italy from the James Bond Movie, THE SPY WHO LOVED ME. Many people love going to James Bond filming locations. Dan and Tom do as well. Many times, these locations are very cool. Sardinia, Italy is one such place – simply beautiful and a destination which made the trip that much more fun! Not everything went smoothly for them: Issues with their rental car, places that were closed for the season, and, hey, a balcony was missing – all made the trip that much more memorable. That said, they got to all the sites and only needed a 2-night stay to do that. For the most part, all the Jemes Bond filming locations are all fairly close to each other on Sardinia. The ferry dock in Palau is the farthest drive from the beaches and hotels from the movie and it is only about a 30-minute or so drive away. Everything else is closer together. So, get the whole story and tune in! The sites they talk about are: The hotel where James Bond and Agent XXX stay, using the pseudonym Mr. & Mrs. Sterling (in 2 bedrooms because Moneypenny was being overly efficient). This is also the place where they meet Naomi as she pulls up in the boat. The ferry dock where Q brings Bond the Lotus Espirit The church and village square where the motorcycle chase starts The pullout on the side of the road where Naomi pops up in the helicopter The pier where the Lotus plunges into the water The beach where the Lotus drives out of the water They give you some tips about the area and what to look for when hunting these sites. So, have a listen and you'll "Be in the Know" about traveling to James Bond filming locations in Sardinia, Italy! You can check out all of our podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. Our channel name is CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES. Please send any comments about your visit to these sites or any other filming locations at info@spymovienavigator.com. We'll give you a shout-out on a future episode! Webpage: https://bit.ly/3tKrnpk

24 Okt 202336min

One of the leading experts on traveling to James Bond filming locations worldwide joins us at Cracking the Code of Spy Movies for this amazing segment, our Uwe Brosamle interview! Uwe Brosamle estimates he's traveled to over 80% of the James Bond filming locations - and he's done it in just 10 years. Most James Bond fans love discovering and visiting James Bond filming locations - and certainly, it is a passion for Dan and Tom - so it is great to talk with an expert on how to do it right. Tips from Uwe Brosamle In this fascinating interview, Uwe tells us how he tracks down the locations, meticulously plans his trips (this takes A LOT of time), and gives all of us some tips for planning these special trips which can save us all some serious time. It is great to be able to learn from an expert. Uwe also talks about some of the challenges in getting into a location once he's located it. He's had to deal with renting boats, big dogs, trying to get onto private property, government property, and properties that are just hard to get to (expect that you will have long walks to get to some locations). Of course, he gives us some suggestions for dealing with these issues. In his travels, he has come across many very helpful people. Often by accident. He tells some stories about these interactions, including one where he knocked on the door of a famous actress. She was most gracious. Finally, Uwe talks about some of the artifacts he has found at filming locations. Apparently, after a shoot, let's just say, clean-up isn't quite thorough. That can work to a filming location traveler's benefit! So, have a listen and you'll "Be in the Know" about traveling to James Bond filming locations! If you want to see Uwe Brosamle's fantastic pictures from his filming location travels, check out his Facebook page. You can check out all of our podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. Our channel name is CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES. Reach out to us If you enjoyed this episode, the Uwe Brosamle Interview, please let us know at info@spymovienavigator.com. We'll give you a shout-out on a future episode! Webpage: https://bit.ly/3QhHkME

17 Okt 20231h 7min

DIE ANOTHER DAY - pre-title sequence decoded! We know that Tom hates DIE ANOTHER DAY, but strangely, he has some kind things to say about this pre-title sequence. Hint: Tom likes hovercraft, surfing, and flamethrowers. Interestingly, Dan has more negative thoughts in this episode than Tom does, and he doesn't hate the movie. Take a listen as they decode this very different pre-title sequence! What makes this pre-title to DIE ANOTHER DAY unique? Is it better than the movie itself? Is James Bond really Bond-like here? Does size matter? Could James Bond have been less prepared for this mission? What do those Korean words on the signs mean? What tie-in does Tom find with Stanley Kubrick's movie 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY? What other movies have had hovercraft chases? Also, find out the Bond-esque nickname for the big wave surfing area called Pe'ahi, on Maui, Hawaii, where they filmed the opening surfing scene. So, have a listen and you'll "Be in the Know.," as we hover over some of the landmines in this different pre-title sequence! You can check out all of our podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. Our channel name is CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES. Ideas/Comments? info@spymovienavigator.com Webpage:  https://bit.ly/3PNodsq In the episode, we mention this video from MythBusters.

10 Okt 202350min

DR. NO - James Bond's choices: At the end of DR. NO, James Bond has to make several potentially life-threatening decisions to escape from Dr. No's captivity. What are the choices he needs to make? How does he decide which path to take? Was it just luck that he got out of there alive (and with Honey Rider)? Dan and Tom break down James Bond's path and the choices he made from his holding cell to the boat in which he and Honey flee. They discuss Bond's decisions and the odds against his path working. Some of the things he encounters are almost comical: others, deadly. So, have a listen and you'll "Be in the Know."   You can check out all of our podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. Our channel name is CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES.  Ideas/Comments? info@spymovienavigator.com Webpage:  https://bit.ly/45nY4pz

4 Okt 202336min