James Bonding

Last year I embarked on watching all of the Bond films for the first time in order and this show was my companion throughout. It was great to hear the Matts’ authentic responses to the movies - the moments they loved, the issues therein, and the humor throughout. I imagine it’s difficult to find a balance between evenhanded criticism and uncynical fandom, but the lads strike that balance expertly. I hope for more new episodes as the franchise enters its next chapter.

Having another go through with a 30-day Stitcher Trial as they continue to be released onto free platforms. The negative comments re: them not taking the films seriously enough are misguided because almost all of them have ridiculous elements and “The Chris Farley Show” would become tiresome pretty quickly. You can tell they love everything Bond, ultimately. They buy the extraneous stuff, go on Bond related holidays and whatnot, so they’re fans, to the bone. Really like the guests, with Amanda and Maria being standouts (Ghost Ghirls is terrific), but most of them get the comedic angle being strived for, and of course not everything is going to land, but the overall ratio is right there to make it really worthwhile, even if behind the paywall. I’d love some uhh, more commentaries, but looks as though they’ve moved on for good bar the odd appearance here and there. For those looking for commentaries Blank Check’s Patreon side did every Roger Moore film, and they’re a treat. One minor quibble: when they’re syncing the commentaries they do the pause after the first roar, but instead of counting down right away they’ll ramble on for awhile and one is stuck waiting for them to get on with it and can’t fast forward because will indubitably miss the second cue.

This is my all time favorite podcast. The tone, the comedy, the rapport between the Matts and great guests. Favorite episode has to be with Tom Lennon. And the one with Greg Proops and the gang. I know Gorley is now doing the Conan needs a friend but come on guys. Come back and do other spy franchises-Matt Helm, In Like Flint etc.

I love this podcast. James Bond has always been one of my favorite franchises, either to see the “advanced technology” through the eras, the actors involved in the movies or (especially even) the music. The background information you guys provide has been fascinating. I already was thoroughly entertained by Matt Gourley’s quips from listening to Conan Needs a Friend, so this podcast was like the best of both worlds! Keep up the good work guys! Bring back the girls who thrashed Goldfinger; I really enjoyed their female insights. Matthew Morse Also, when you guys gonna review no time to die?

As with most of the pop culture podcasts in circulation, this is primarily an improv comedy-addled “bits” show, with very little to offer folks who genuinely love Bond films. Woefully light on structure and historical context, with significantly less contagious energy towards the movies themselves than towards the hosts’ own jokes, and little to no illustration of why the hosts find Bond compelling other than as a venue for mockery and doing funny voices. Might work as a comedy podcast if that’s your thing. Earnest James Bond fans will likely find this show insufferable.