This week we discuss "From Russia With Love," the Burt Bacharach album of Bond films. You don't really have to pay close attention to it, it's not terribly violent, there isn't that much sex in it, it's a nice, innofensive movie.

But, my GOD, do we go off on tangents.

Next week we return with... Skyfall.

What madness is this? We decided that instead of doing a straight chornological run of the Bond, we would go with a "ping pong" method. How does that work? Basically, we are bouncing between the old and the new ones. We began with Dr. No, follow that with Spectre, next is From Russia With Love, follow that with Skyfall, and so on until we meet in the middle.

So, this week we come at you with the most recent installment "Spectre." This is in many ways a landmark Bond film. It marks the first time since Connery that the most iconic Bond villian, Ernst Stavro Blofeld, could be used. Yes, a Blofeld like figure did appear in For Your Eyes Only, but that wasn't offically Ernst. This is a big deal. Which, of course means that we spend zero time talking about that, and a lot of time talking about how "Blofeld" sounds like the name given to a fat character. It's what you've come to expect.

So, we talk classic Bond, fat names, and Toblerones. It's a damned good time.

We sahll return in two weeks time with... From Russia With Love.

And a new chapter begins. This week we start our look at the greatest secret agent in film history.

Since his big screen debut in 1962 Bond has been an institution, setting the bar for spy thriller and becoming a cultural icon in the process.

This week we actually look at two versions of Bond. The first being this....

This piece of absolute garbage introduced CIA agent Jimmy Bond, the midwest Wisconsin tire salesman of the year.

It's hard to put into words how bad it is, so check it out.

We also discuss the greatest technical advisor who ever lived, slow moving quickdraw artist Geoffrey Boothroy,

There is a lot to digest here.

But it should be noted, that both of these videos are more interesting than Dr. No.

Evidently, the world was once a very boring place and the idea of strolling along a beach, or walking through a hotel lobby or an airport were considered the height of adventure. That's the only way to explain how this (adjusted for inflation) 8 million dollar movie was able to make (adjusted for inflation) 459 million dollars.

Make no mistake, Dr. No is a boring film, but what can you do, it's Bond.

So join us as we marvel at how damned attractive young Sean Connery was in this introduction to the worlds most famous secret agent.

Don't worry, The Film Thugs will return next week wtih... Spectre.

The Criterion Collection, the last vestige of truly collectible DVD and Blu-Ray movies in existence. These are well produced, fancy pants editions of important and interesting films for the discerning film lover.

We continue our journey through Jim's collection of movies with...

Pan's Labyrinth

Spine Number: 838

Director:Guillermo Del Toro

Genre: Drama

And just like that, our year and a half journey is at an end. And what a way to end it.

Guillermo Del Toro is really two directors. You have the English filmmaker, who puts out solidly entertaining, bad ass movies. Then you have the Spanish filmmaker, who makes solidly entertaining, artistic, bad ass movies. They are both awesome filmmakers, but there is something about that Spanish guy...

Pan's Labyrinth is something special. It almosts defys categorization. It's a fantasy film that is firmly rooted in a gritty, realistic world. It's scary, but not really a horror. It's a drama, but there is so much childlike wonder in it that... well... hell. Pan's Labyrinth, is Pan's Labytinth.

How good is this movie? It's so good we weren't able to make any jokes about it. Honestly, it's just amazing.

Why waste time writing about it? Check it out and take the final steps on this amazing journey with us.

Next week, our James Bond project begins with Dr. No, and the original TV version of Casino Royale. If you want to watch that first, heads up... it's awful, you can watch it on youtube, or... right here.

 Thanks for listening to our Criterion Odyssey and please join us for our trek through the world of 007. 

Also, check this out.

The Life Masters is now it's own show with its own site and own dedicated feed. That's right, we have two completely different shows! 

Right now check it out at www.thelifemasters.podbean.com.

You can also drink in our brilliance on Youtube for both The Film Thugs and The Life Masters.

http://fantasymovieleague.com/

Looks like Summer Movie League has officially become Fantasy Movie League.

It looks quite fun. Here's how it works.

You have an 8 screen theater.

Every week you pick movies and have a budget/salary cap you have to stay under.

Then you compete against other theaters in your league.

It's fantasy football for movie people.

Our league is Film Thugs 2015 and the password is Porterhouse.

And remember, you can be a part of the show any time you wild like. How's that? All you have to do is call or e-mail us. If you live in the US, or any place that makes calling the US easy, just dial 512-666-RANT and leave us a voicemail. We will read the Google Voice transcript and play your message. It's both funny AND informative.

If you live outside the US you can call us on Skype at The_Film_Thugs. You can leave a message, or someone might actually answer.

E-mail us at thefilmthugs@gmail.com and we will read/play whatever you send us, or you can e-mail thugquestions@gmail.com to be part of  an upcoming "Ask the Film Thugs" show, where we answer questions on any subject without having heard them first.

Also, we are on twitter @thefilmthugs and on Facebook and Vine.

Also, be sure to check back often for our new endeavor The Life Masters, where we answer questions to other advice columnists.

Thanks for listening, and until next week...