Cine Beaverhausen: SPECTRE

No worries, this review contains no spoilers.

SPECTRE is that nasty international organization that James Bond has been battling, I believe, since You Only Live Twice (1965). It's directed by Sam Mendez, who directed the fabulous Skyfall, and brings back its rebooted characters (M, Miss Moneypenny, Q), the famed Aston Martin, sexy Bond girls, exotic locales and plenty of action and drama.  It may not quite be the gem that Skyfall was, but it's thoroughly entertaining and enthralling with Daniel Craig as superb a 007 as ever.

At 2-1/2 hours, it can get a little taxing on the derriere, but it nonetheless will hold your interest throughout and is well worth seeing on the big screen (it's in IMax) with a box of popcorn in hand. It's certainly on par with, say, Casino Royale ('05). (Can you believe Craig has been Bond for 10 years now? He looks none the worst for wear.)

Blofeld is back, now played by Chrisoph Waltz (last seen in Tim Burton's Big Eyes). Ralph Fiennes has his own battles to save Her Majesty's Secret Service. Even Miss Moneypenny (Naomi Harris) gets into the action.

Sam Smith sings SPECTRE's theme song, "Writing's on the Wall," which I found a bit lackluster. Cinematography and special f/x work are outstanding.

SPECTRE is like an ode to the entire Bond series: a big bouquet of excitement and perpetual motion for fans. Holding out for a hero? No problem -- Bond is here. James Bond. Now at theaters everywhere. Rated PG- 13 foes sex and violence. Released through Columbia Pictures.

James Bond Girls Go Glam

Do Bonds have more fun? Bond girls, that is. OPI has marketed a limited edition of glam polishes for the Bond girl inside of you, ladies and gents, with its James Bond Collection tie-in to the latest 007 movie, Skyfall, opening on Friday.

The polish entitled "Skyfall" is a befuddlingly muddled reddish brown, turns out. It's a color that makes one think the sky fell, your cake fell, your ass fell and you fell down on the job of doing your nails. To the right, pictured, is the more glitzy and scintillating "Man with the Golden Gun" polish. "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" brings out your inner Diana Rigg.

There's a "Casino Royale," "The Spy Who Loved Me, "You Only Live Twice" (play Nancy Sinatra and apply), "Octopussy" and so on and so forth. OPI even markets a "Morning Moneypenny" lacquer. Hats off to that one.

"Goldfinger." Now that's a name for nail polish if ever there was one! Isn't it? My God, sensational! Perfect! Unfortunately, OPI offers no such color due to licensing issues. Sad news for all you Pussy Galore wannabes.

Also unfortunate is the fact that OPI didn't market James Bond hair coloring. Imagine "Dye Another Day!"

All right, let the sky fall!

Adele, "Skyfall" Remixed

As Hurricane Sandy (a/k/a Frankenstorm) threatens to move in and give the northeast/ middle eastern United States a pounding, it may indeed seem that the sky is about to fall. The Metropolitan Transit Authority of NY is already announcing plans to suspend transportation as early as 7 pm Sunday.

As for Dj Buddy B, I'm making sure I'm stocked up on food and booze for a hurricane party while Adele's rendition of the latest James Bond theme song, "Skyfall" (film to open in the USA on November 9) is my perfect song for a perfect storm. I've been playing it for friends who agree it's the best Bond song in years.

"Skyfall" throws drama about for Henny Pennies everywhere, sounding very much like it had Shirley Bassey in mind as the diva to deliver. In fact, musical progression in this number seems modelled on "Diamonds Are Forever" with subtle touches of the 007 theme woven in per usual. As a friend pointed out, "Who but Adele could pull this off out of the new generation of pop singers?"

Co-written by the British superstar,  remixes are starting to surface (Shahaf Moran, Cameron James). Coming to my hurricane party? If you can't brave the falling skies, you can listen to the extended Moran mix posted below: