At some point they must have mistook the fun of referential irreverence as lust for broader *reverent* connectivity. The MCU certainly nudged them in that direction, but the fact that they considered SPECTRE a success speaks to just how creatively bankrupt they already were.

Exactly. Skyfall should have been the end of the Craig era. And there should have been two core James Bond frivolous as fuck movies in between QoS and Skyfall.

Making three movies about Bond regrets and being too old for this shit should have been snuffed out during the creative process, but we deferred to Mendes because “oh important director making important movies” nonsense. Give me Martin Campbell, jerks. He knows why people watch James Bond.

Alienating the core fans by detailing a previously understood but purposely never detailed James Bond trauma and then making him monogamous and a father? GTFO. It’s the same Blofeld bullshit in reverse. They neutered Blofeld the minute you knew anything about him. Same with Bond.

I was down on QoS after my theatrical viewing, but after the #Bond_age_ live tweets it really crept up my rankings. It’s more fun than Skyfall and a far better “Bond” movie than anything that came after it. The let’s take James Bond f’ing serious creative angle just suffocated the franchise.

#3. We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker

This melodrama falls outside my usual reading roster, I had to admire Whitaker’s skill w/ narrative. Some of it felt over-written, but when the plot rolls downhill towards its numerous reveals, the author shows his true talents. #2026ReadingList #booksky

So, you have something to declare.

Feels like my sweet spot.

Likewise. Ordered!

I figured Trent would have overcome that bias considering past recognition

That’s dumb. People went to see TRON only because of the score. How often does that happen?

And I thought the bulk of the movie fell on Lee Byung-hun to carry. I don’t mind him not getting this nomination. It’s a well-styled movie, but I didn’t like it as much as others. Felt like the actor’s film — but again I’ve been having this conversation with folks and they think I’m nuts, so.

#2. The Harder I Fight the More I Love You by Neko Case

Potent memoir about love, acceptance, and the trauma of childhood from one of my favorite voices in contemporary music. Soulful and personal retelling of her youth and struggle to accept and love herself as an adult.

#2026ReadingList #BookSky

Perfection.

People are so dumb. I mean — it goes without saying — but my god the levels of “who would have think it?” just never end with these assholes.

Needs more sharks.

Every trivia pod needs their 60’s guy.