Cracking the Code of Spy Movies!

Cracking the Code of Spy Movies / SpyMovieNavigator.com

Cracking the Code of Spy Movies podcast is designed to enhance your viewing experience when watching any spy movie covered from the 1930s to present! Scene analysis, complete reviews, no-spoiler reviews, interviews with stars and crew, pre-title sequence analysis, gadgets, character spotlights, movie influences, real-world influences and lots more. Decoding: Classics through James Bond, Mission: Impossible, Harry Palmer, Kingsman and new releases! Discover something new in every episode! “If you’re a spy movie fan, you’re going to really enjoy these. The hosts make it fun and offer some fascinating trivia about the movies we all love.” - Apple listener Social: Follow them on • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpyMovieNavigator • X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/SpyNavigator • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spymovienavigator/ read less
TV & FilmTV & Film

Episodes

SPY x FAMILY CODE: White Review - No Spoilers!
4d ago
SPY x FAMILY CODE: White Review - No Spoilers!
SPY x FAMILY CODE: White Review - No Spoilers! Here’s our NO-SPOILER review of the new spy movie, SPY x FAMILY CODE: White. This anime movie is the first movie in the SPY x FAMILY franchise.  If you are familiar with the Manga or anime series versions of SPY x FAMILY, you will feel right at home with the movie. EPISODE GOALS Provide you with our no-spoiler opinion of the movie Enhance your viewing experience of the movie We look at your viewing options (subtitles or dubbing) Why it has a PG-13 rating here in the US We fill in some of the details from the anime series that aren’t included in the movie.  These are designed to give you more detail if you haven’t seen the Manga or anime series.  We still keep this a no-spoiler review We talk with a Japanese Culture and Language college student who is part Japanese.  He helps fill in some of the nuances in the language and culture of this movie. We discuss some of the movie tropes in this movie that we have seen in earlier movies.  We love pointing out the relationships of scenes in movies. In a nutshell, we like SPY x FAMILY CODE: White.   We think you might too, so take a listen to hear why. So, had you seen SPY x FAMILY CODE: White before listening to this review? When you see the movie, please let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode by dropping us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com.  The more we hear from you, the better the show will be!  We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode! Check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. Check out our YouTube channel as well. Webpage: https://bit.ly/49QWTkK
The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare Review - No Spoilers!
Apr 16 2024
The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare Review - No Spoilers!
THE MINISTRY OF UNGENTLEMANLY WARFARE Review – No-Spoilers! Here’s the full NO-SPOILER review of the new spy movie, THE MINISTRY OF UNGENTLEMANLY WARFARE. This movie opens in theaters on April 19, 2024. Guy Ritchie’s THE MINISTRY OF UNGENTLEMANLY WARFARE is a dramatization of real-world events that helped shape the outcome of World War II.   Of course, it has an excellent cast starring Henry Cavill, Alan Ritchson, Eiza González, Til Schweiger, and many more.  This review will enhance your viewing experience of the movie.  We keep the spoilers out but give you nuggets of background information. And, given this movie’s historical background there is much to know: real-world characters, places, and vessels behind the movie, and, there is an Ian Fleming tie-in as well.  What other movies come to mind while watching THE MINISTRY OF UNGENTLEMANLY WARFARE?     We liked this movie a lot and think you will too.  Listen to find out why.  So, had you heard of Operation Postmaster prior to our discussion? When you see THE MINISTRY OF UNGENTLEMANLY WARFARE, let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode by dropping us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com.  The more we hear from you, the better the show will be!  We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!    Check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. Check out our YouTube channel as well.  Webpage: https://bit.ly/3TYeYaS
FOR YOUR EYES ONLY - How the Story Came to Be
Mar 26 2024
FOR YOUR EYES ONLY - How the Story Came to Be
FOR YOUR EYES ONLY - How the Story Came to be FOR YOUR EYES ONLY, the movie, was not the story from Ian Fleming’s short story with the same title.   In this episode, Dan and Tom decode the movie to see how the story came to be. Some of the characters from the movie, and some of the plot points were adapted from Ian Fleming’s 1960 short stories “For Your Eyes Only” and “Risico”.  Plus, the locations of the 2 stories and the movie are all different. People’s names have changed.  The reason that people have wanted revenge has changed.  The MacGuffin has changed. Yet, even with all of that, the movie, FOR YOUR EYES ONLY turned into one of Roger Moore’s best movies playing James Bond. And the 1968 movie ICE STATION ZEBRA definitely influenced the final version of the movie FOR YOUR EYES ONLY.  Dan and Tom lay it out in this episode! So, take a listen.  We assume you’ve seen the movie FOR YOUR EYES ONLY. Have you read Fleming’s short stories “For Your Eyes Only” and “Risico”?  If so, did Dan and Tom miss anything?  Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode by dropping us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com.  The more we hear from you, the better the show will be! You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. Check out our YouTube channel as well. Webpage: https://bit.ly/4au95sm
Interview: Special Effects Master Chris Corbould talks James Bond!
Mar 19 2024
Interview: Special Effects Master Chris Corbould talks James Bond!
Who is Chris Corbould? Chris Corbould OBE has worked on 15 James Bond movies, THE DARK KNIGHT Trilogy, 2 Superman movies, and he won an Acadamy Award for his work on the movie INCEPTION.  Chiefly, his specialty has been visual effects, leading the team on many of these movies. Dan and Tom had a chance to chat with Chris in Chicago at the press event prior to the opening of the “007 Science: Inventing the World of James Bond” exhibit.  This fantastic exhibit is at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. What movies do we discuss with Chris Corbould? During this interview, Chris talks about visual effects in several of his James Bond movies and THE DARK KNIGHT.   So, listen to hear how they did the explosion in SPECTRE, which involved about 300 explosions in succession! Chris tells us how that worked.  Additionally, Chris mentions the warning he gave to Daniel Craig about this scene. Undoubtedly, you remember the doughnut scene in NO TIME TO DIE.  You know, the scene where the Aston Martin spins in the square in Matera, Italy. Chris talks us through that scene and how they coordinated the “bullets” hitting the side of the buildings with the spinning of the car. The tank scenes in GOLDENEYE! Chris also tells us the origin and some of the challenges of these tank scenes. What are the challenges of buying real tanks for a movie? Listen to find out! One of Tom’s favorite Bond gadgets is the cello case in THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS. Chris Corbould was involved with this gadget's development. And he gives us insight into the creation of the device.  Oh, and he lets us know what actress Maryam d’Abo, who played Kara Milovy, certainly thought about this sled. SKYFALL train crash in the subway! Chris discusses the challenges in designing this spectacular train crash.  Lots of details had to be worked out simultaneously for that one. It's not all James Bond Finally, since we were having this discussion in Chicago, Chris talked about the semi-trailer scene in THE DARK KNIGHT.   This is the scene where the truck flips over, backend over the front end.   They filmed this scene in Chicago, on LaSalle street.  Chris lets us know how they got that to work. Let us know what you think! So, take a listen. Chris Corbould is not only a visual effects master, he’s a great guy and a fun interview.  Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode by dropping us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com.  The more we hear from you, the better the show will be! You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. Check out our YouTube channel as well. The Exhibit As we mentioned, we met with Chris at the "007 Science: Inventing the World of James Bond" exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. This exhibit has vehicles, gadgets, screen-used props, and educational materials based on the James Bond movies. You can find out more about the exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry's website. Webpage: https://bit.ly/3x9Zngo
"007 Science: Inside the World of James Bond" Exhibit Preview!
Mar 12 2024
"007 Science: Inside the World of James Bond" Exhibit Preview!
“007 Science: Inside the World of James Bond” is a new exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, Illinois, USA. Dan and Tom became big fans of this exhibit while attending the Press Day viewing.   They take you inside and highlight many of the items displayed. And they let you know why you will want to attend this exhibit. What's in the exhibit? We won’t give everything away. But there are screen-used gadgets from the James Bond movies. These are some of the most well-known gadgets in the James Bond history.  Plus, there are James Bond movie vehicles. Vehicles like the Aston Martin DB5 used in GOLDENEYE, and the Lotus Espirit which was used in THE SPY WHO LOVED ME.   And, there are real-world spy gadgets that the CIA has used to showcase how the Bond gadgets may have had some real-world background. Who did we talk with? Includes a quick interview with Meg Simmonds, Archive Director for Eon Productions, and Eric Andersen, Project Manager of Featured Experiences and Special Projects at the Museum.  They help us understand what is in the exhibit and why.  Meg talks about one gadget that was from a very early James Bond movie. She had never seen it before but was able to track down. And, that gadget is on display in this exhibit!  Which one?! Eric focuses on is the fact that this is the Museum of Science and Industry. So, they want to make sure the exhibit highlights Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) throughout.  There are interactive activities and Eric helps us understand what is there, and why kids will like this too. Finally, Chris Corbould, who was the Special Effects Supervisor on all of the James Bond movies from GOLDENEYE through NO TIME TO DIE was there. A separate episode will come out with that interview!  So, take a listen.  Dan and Tom think the “007 Science: Inside the World of James Bond” exhibition is extremely well done. It is a must for any James Bond fan!  Have you gone to see it yet? Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode by dropping us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com.  The more we hear from you, the better the show will be! Where is the exhibit? The Museum of Science and Industry is located at 5700 DuSable Lake Shore Drive in Chicago.  Check out their website to find out more details.   The exhibit runs from March 007, 2024, to October 27, 2024. You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. Check out our YouTube channel as well. Webpage: https://bit.ly/3ISOnXL
Steve Oxenrider One of the Biggest James Bond Memorabilia Collectors!
Mar 5 2024
Steve Oxenrider One of the Biggest James Bond Memorabilia Collectors!
Steve Oxenrider is One of the Biggest James Bond Memorabilia Collectors! Are you a James Bond memorabilia collector or interested in James Bond items? How big is your collection?   Well, in this episode, Dan and Tom talk with Steve Oxenrider, whose name you have  seen -  as he is credited on some of the “Making of” James Bond documentaries and has contributed images for numerous books and articles. In case you didn’t know, Steve is auctioning off his over 30,000-item collection of James Bond memorabilia. Take a listen to find out where the auctions are being held, what is being auctioned off, and why he is auctioning his collection.  Steve, who is obviously a big James Bond fan, also explains how he got started collecting and the tremendous connections he has made. Oh, and his story about talking to Rosa Klebb (twice) is very funny.  Would you have the guts to do what Steve did?  He’s done it more than once and even talked with Harold Sakata using the same technique. So, take a listen to Steve Oxenrider’s fascinating story!   It might get you started collecting if you don’t already!  Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode by dropping us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com.  The more we hear from you, the better the show will be! You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. Check out our YouTube channel as well. Webpage: https://bit.ly/49Vdg0j
In Defense of Quantum of Solace
Feb 20 2024
In Defense of Quantum of Solace
In Defense of Quantum of Solace  Dan and Tom provide a defense of the James Bond movie QUANTUM OF SOLACE, looking at the pros and cons of this oft-maligned movie.   Revealed: What does Quantum of Solace even means!    QUANTUM OF SOLACE was not the critical success of its successor, CASINO ROYALE. That’s even with it being a direct continuation of the CASINO ROYALE story.  There were numerous problems, many stemming from the writer’s strike at the time. But, there were also some positives in QUANTUM OF SOLACE.  So, take a listen – Do you agree with Dan and Tom’s defense of QUANTUM OF SOLACE?  Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode by dropping us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com.  The more we hear from you, the better the show will be!  You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. Additionally, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.  Webpage: https://bit.ly/48lubIg Here are the links to the podcast episodes we mentioned in this episode:  Audio Podcasts:  James Bond's QUANTUM OF SOLACE Pre-Title Sequence Decoded! - Spy Movie Navigator  A Talk with QUANTUM OF SOLACE Director of Photography, Roberto Schaefer, ASC, AIC - Part 1 - Spy Movie Navigator  Part 2: A Talk with QUANTUM OF SOLACE Director of Photography, Roberto Schaefer, ASC, AIC - Spy Movie Navigator YouTube Video:  James Bond is Not Likeable - https://youtu.be/vVFyn9w1dcc
Alfred Hitchcock’s Storyboards with author Tony Lee Moral
Feb 6 2024
Alfred Hitchcock’s Storyboards with author Tony Lee Moral
Alfred Hitchcock’s Storyboards with author Tony Lee Moral Dan and Tom bring back author Tony Lee Moral to discuss his latest book Alfred Hitchcock’s Storyboards. We focus on Hitchcock’s spy movies in today’s discussion. Unquestionably, Hitchcock was notorious for his use of storyboards and his practice has been emulated by many directors.  We read an advance copy of the book prior to its February 6, 2024, release.  Tony’s book is an excellent look at why Hitchcock used storyboards. He also discusses how Hitchcock used them to set up the filming of the scenes in his movies. He drills into many of Hitchcock’s movies.  In addition, one great aspect of the book is the sheer number of storyboards he includes in the book that Hitchcock used. And the industry tricks of the trade including how those have changed over time with the use of technology. Another thing we love about this book is that Tony teaches us about making movies. He does this by showing us how Hitchcock did it.  For example, in his discussion on THE 39 STEPS, Tony talks about how TikTok users can use a similar approach to what Hitchcock did to string together a bunch of shorts. We drill into this with Tony in this episode.  It’s a great and fun way to learn. WHERE TO GET ALFRED HITCHCOCK'S STORYBOARDS You can order Alfred Hitchcock’s Storyboards at the following links (These are non-affiliate links, SpyMovieNavigator receives no compensation if you use them): tonyleemoralbooks.com – A site of mystery and suspense Alfred Hitchcock Storyboards @ Titan Books Alfred Hitchcock Storyboards: Moral, Tony Lee: 9781789099546: Amazon.com: Books Alfred Hitchcock Storyboards by Tony Lee Moral: 9781789099546 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books Alfred Hitchcock Storyboards by Tony Lee Moral, Hardcover | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com) Share your thoughts So, take a listen – did this discussion help you decide to buy Tony Lee Moral’s book Alfred Hitchcock’s Storyboards? We highly recommend it if you are a movie fan.  Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode by dropping us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com.  The more we hear from you, the better the show will be! You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. Additionally, you can check out our YouTube channel as well. Webpage:  https://bit.ly/hitchcock-storyboards
OBLITERATED – A No-Spoiler Review of this series that feels like a 1980s teen comedy
Dec 12 2023
OBLITERATED – A No-Spoiler Review of this series that feels like a 1980s teen comedy
OBLITERATED – A No-Spoiler Review discusses this hot new Netflix spy comedy series.  We liken it to a 1980s teen comedy.  It is raunchy and touches on a few hot topics.  While it isn’t for everyone – is it for you?  It is a spy series at its core! Is OBLITERATED worth your time? We’ll give you enough information here to help you decide if you want to watch OBLITERATED.  Will it be worth YOUR time? Given that this movie is raunchy and hits on a few hot topics, we’ll dig into the areas that some people might not like.  We are certain that a small portion of the population will not like this series.  Why?  That part of the discussion is a warning!  We’ll flag the issues, and if they are a problem for you, move on to the next movie or series.   If not, watch on! Watch all eight 45-minute episodes.  The series is quite funny and entertaining – maybe! There is some talent here in the main characters and the actors who play them, and the characters are well developed and work well as a team. So, while OBLITERATED isn't for everyone, we think many will like it.  “Be in the know” - OBLITERATED is a spy series so you must take a listen! You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or on our website. What did you think? What did you think of this episode, OBLITERATED – A No-Spoiler Review?  Did you watch the OBLITERATED?  Please send us your thoughts to: Info@spymovienavigator.com Webpage:  https://bit.ly/3tgJbZl