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Tom's Guide
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
This crime thriller starring Daniel Craig and Tom Hardy just arrived on Paramount Plus — and it's a must-watch
Looking through all the new shows and movies on Paramount Plus this month, a name jumped out at me: "Layer Cake." Now, that title might not be familiar to you. The 2004 crime thriller made a whopping $11.8 million at the box office. But it features a lot of names you're probably familiar with. It stars Daniel Craig, pre-James Bond, as a cocaine dealer who hates violence and just wants out of the game. One of his associates? A young Tom Hardy. There's also Michael Gambon, who you probably know best as Albus Dumbledore from the third through eighth "Harry Potter" films, but in this movie is a ruthless crime lord. And it's all directed by Matthew Vaughn, doing his best Guy Ritchie impression before he'd go on to make "Kick-Ass" and "Kingsman: The Secret Service." So if you're looking for something to watch after the epic "MobLand" finale or just need a great movie to watch this weekend, here's why you need to check out "Layer Cake on Paramount Plus. As I already mentioned, "Layer Cake" stars Daniel Craig as XXXX, a successful cocaine dealer who wants out of the coke business and to retire to a quite life. There's just one problem: his boss. XXXX works for Jimmy Price (Kenneth Cranham), who needs some things done before our lead can enjoy some peace and quiet. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. First, Jimmy needs our otherwise unnamed protagonist to find Charlie (Nathalie Lunghi), a drug-addicted runaway with a connected father. He also needs a drug deal completed with the Duke (Jamie Foreman), who is offering up $1 million in ecstasy tablets to Jimmy. Of course, none of this goes to plan, and now XXXX is having to navigate the layers of London's criminal underworld to get the job done and get out. Daniel Craig has many iconic performances under his belt at this point. The handsome and deadly James Bond, the brilliant detective Benoit Blanc and a dancing diva in Taika Waititi's Belvedere vodka advertisement, just to name a few. But his performance in "Layer Cake" might be my favorite of them all. It's a perfect blend of wit and being cool under pressure. In many ways, it's similar to the performance he'd later give in 2006 in "Casino Royale." His performance in "Layer Cake" is sometimes even cited as why he was cast as James Bond in 2005, though others say EON Productions had their eyes on Craig as early as 1996. Still, the performance in "Layer Cake" is slightly more grounded than the one Craig gives in his first Bond movie, and not quite as bleak as the one he gives in "Quantum of Solace." It lacks the cockiness of Bond, while still making sure the audience knows Craig is the smartest man in the room. Yes, others in this movie are well worth watching — Gambon is particularly excellent, and Hardy, Sienna Miller, Colm Meany and George Harris are plenty good — but it's still Craig who steals the movie from the beginning and never lets go. "Layer Cake" is also, simply put, a great crime thriller. If you like Guy Ritchie movies or Matthew Vaughn's other work, then you'll easily find yourself enjoying it. And it has a killer soundtrack that's almost worth the price of admission on its own. There's no reason not to check it out now that it's available to stream on Paramount Plus. Stream "Layer Cake" now on Paramount Plus Malcolm has been with Tom's Guide since 2022, and has been covering the latest in streaming shows and movies since 2023. He's not one to shy away from a hot take, including that "John Wick" is one of the four greatest films ever made. Here's what he's been watching lately:
News.com.au
11-05-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Amazon could make James Bond into a 'Marvel-style multiverse'
With Amazon's acquisition of MGM and the recent buyout of EON Productions, the once tightly controlled cinematic legacy of 007 is poised for an unprecedented expansion. As befits a Bond film, there is a ticking clock counting down. Not to an explosion, but perhaps something equally impactful: In 10 years Ian Fleming's superspy enters the public domain — so anyone will be able to make their own (legal) James Bond project. So get ready for Amazon to unleash a deluge of Bond-related content across every conceivable medium. This would a dramatic departure from the stewardship of EON Productions, which famously protected the franchise's exclusivity, producing a carefully curated series of 25 films over six decades. Amazon, by contrast, is expected to be (surprise, surprise) aggressive in the marketplace. With sole ownership of the franchise, the tech giant is likely to pursue a 'scorched earth' strategy: flooding the market with films, television shows, and spin-offs to cement its dominance and discourage competition once Fleming's works become public property. The end of EON's era For decades, EON Productions, led by Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, maintained an iron grip on Bond's cinematic legacy. Their deliberate approach sought to preserve Bond's prestige, releasing films only when the story and casting were deemed perfect. This cautious strategy created a sense of occasion with every new Bond instalment, and protected the brand from oversaturation. However, Amazon's corporate ethos differs sharply. With a business model that thrives on high churn of content and continuous engagement, the company is unlikely to adhere to EON's patient, film-centric philosophy, instead transforming Bond from a singular film series into a sprawling multimedia multiverse. Amazon's multiverse of Bond This approach would mirror the success of franchises like Marvel and DC, where multiple versions of the same character coexist across different films, television shows, and streaming platforms. For Bond fans, this could mean simultaneous projects featuring multiple actors portraying different versions of the iconic spy. Imagine a gritty, grounded Bond series on Amazon Prime exploring the origins of the 00 program, while a separate blockbuster film franchise continues the traditional globetrotting adventures. There could even be alternate universe Bonds — from a futuristic cyber-espionage take to a Cold War period piece faithful to Fleming's original novels. This multiverse approach would allow Amazon to cater to diverse audiences while maintaining a near-constant flow of Bond-related content. Such an approach also serves a strategic purpose. Once James Bond enters the public domain competitors could theoretically develop their own adaptations of Bond's original adventures. However, anything derived from the films or original characters not present in Fleming's novels — such as the iconic Aston Martin — remains under Amazon's copyright. By flooding the market with an array of distinctive Bond properties, Amazon would make it difficult for competitors to carve out their own space. A future of endless Bonds? With no legal restrictions preventing multiple Bonds at once, Amazon could leverage the franchise in several innovative ways: 1. Television spin-offs: High-budget Bond TV series could delve into backstories of fan-favourite characters like M, Q, or Felix Leiter, or explore the intricacies of MI6. 2. Competing bonds: Different Bonds providing fresh interpretations, while allowing global audiences to engage with the version of Bond that resonates most with them. 3. Event crossovers: In a move echoing comic-book multiverses, Amazon could stage crossover events, bringing different Bonds together on-screen. And if they experiment with the use of AI, fans could finally see Sean Connery's suave Bond face off against Daniel Craig's brooding agent — or their modern equivalents. 4. Animated series: Animated adaptations could bring Fleming's novels to life for younger audiences. Maybe even a tween or teen Bond? Risk vs. reward This approach is not without risks. Overexposure could dilute the Bond brand's mystique, transforming what was once an eagerly anticipated cinematic event into just another streaming option. Additionally, Amazon faces the challenge of maintaining Bond's core identity while updating the character across many iterations. Historically, the Bond franchise has thrived by evolving slowly. Too many Bond and Bond-adjacent projects could undermine the franchise's carefully crafted image and alienate long-time fans. Yet the rewards are potentially enormous. Amazon has already demonstrated its willingness to invest heavily in blockbuster properties, as evidenced by its billion-dollar Lord of the Rings series. By transforming Bond into a myriad of Bonds, Amazon is both protecting a lucrative asset and reinventing 007 for a whole new generation. Dr Darren Paul Fisher is the Head of Film, Screen and Creative Media at Bond University. An award-winning screenwriter, producer and director, Darren's first book ' Film as Argument ' will be released later this year.
The Herald Scotland
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Liberation Convoy: which vessels will take part?
Daniel Craig as James Bond (EON Productions/PA) Known as the Shetland Bus, the operation saw more than 200 crossings in which special agents and weapons were delivered to occupied Norway's resistance fighters, and refugees and escaping soldiers brought back. While behind the scenes, plots were hatched to create resistance groups who could sabotage enemy communications and infrastructure, lay mines and carry out raids on enemy bases. With Shetland Bus boats secretly operating between Shetland and Norway and heavily armed Norwegian Motor Torpedo Boats based at Lerwick, James Bond creator Commander Fleming of Combined Operations, was tasked with laying down plans for daring resistance and sabotage operations that would damage the occupying forces. From November 1942 to May 1945, the Norwegian MTBs carried out 161 missions along the Norwegian coast, from Trondheim in the north to Kristiansand in the south. Read more: During the war, they sank a total of 27 ships, including seven warships. To mark the courageous contribution of the Shetland Bus and other Norwegian vessels to the war, a Liberation Convoy of vessels is set to make its way to Lerwick from Norway, arriving in time for the 80th anniversary of VE Day events. Once there, they will open their decks to visitors before heading off on individual journeys to sites linked to the Shetland Bus and Norwegian maritime contribution. Liberation Convoy: which vessels will take part? Alongside four boats which each played a role in the Shetland Bus missions, will be a large merchant ship which ferried vital fuel supplies from Norway to Britain – crucial for loading war planes like Spitfires and Lancaster bombers. The 60-metre cargo ship S/S Hestmanden saw action in both the First and Second World Wars. S/S Hestmanden is the largest vessel taking part in the Liberation Convoy to Shetland (Image: Hilfred Mikalsen) Built in 1911, it ran a coastal freight route until the Second World War. During the Great War, it transported coal between Norway and Britain. By April 1940 and with German soldiers occupying neutral Norway, it was called into the state-owned shipping company Nortraship's large fleet of around 1,000 ships, to help deliver supplies and fuels to the Allies. Now the only remaining Nortraship fleet vessel, it has been lovingly restored, with its original steam boiler and equipment intact, to become a floating museum honour war sailors. During its visit to Lerwick, Aberdeen and Edinburgh, it will be open to the public to view exhibitions and items related to its war service. Among the fishing boats in the flotilla will be M/K Heland, built in 1937 as a year-round fishing boat catching herring, cod and, in summer, whales. M/K Heland approaches Scalloway Harbour (Image: Liberation Convoy) It began covert operations in 1941 working with a Norwegian resistance group to take agents and weapons between Shetland and Sunnmøre. One of its several trips across the North Sea saw it carry 23 refugees to safety. It is due to visit Lunna, Unst and Scalloway. Also featuring in the flotilla will be M/K Andholmen, just two years old when it came under Norwegian naval command. M/K Andholmen features on a memorial sculpture in Scalloway harbour (Image: Liberation Convoy) It played a part in a major operation to deliver hundreds of Allied soldiers to Norway in response to the German occupation. It was later based in Buckie as a patrol vessel and then in Peterhead where a secret Norwegian base had been established to co-ordinate daring raids to the west coast of Norway. After the war it was abandoned and left to rot before being restored and turned into floating museum manned by a volunteer crew. It will spend five days in Lerwick before taking visiting Lunna, Scalloway and Kirkwall. Constructed in 1907, MK Erkna is the oldest vessel in the Liberation Convoy. MK Erkna carried 60 refugees to safety from Norway. (Image: Liberation Convoy) At one point it was seized by the German Kriegsmarine but was stolen back by the resistance movement. On one secret mission, the Erkna carried 60 Norwegian refugees – the largest number to be carried in a single Shetland Bus voyage. Having completed four trips, she was considered too easy to spot and was instead used as a 'travalry boat' carrying crew from Greenock to the warships. After events in Lerwick, it will spend around a week in Kirkwall before heading to Aberdeen and later Edinburgh. One of the Liberation Convoy's more unusual vessels is M/B Arnefjord. M/B Arnefjord survived horrific weather conditions during one Shetland Bus operation (Image: Liberation Convoy) Built in 1917 it worked as an 'agent boat' fitted with fine leather and mahogany interiors for transporting businessmen, priests and various organisations around Norway's many coastal settlements. It was initially commandeered by German occupiers to ferry their soldiers. But a resistance group secretly worked with the boat's owner, Markus Nese, and seized her back for their secret voyages. It survived horrific conditions when, during a raging storm and with around 20 refugees fleeing Norway on board, the hurricane style winds almost ripped the wheelhouse from its base. Its owner, meanwhile, faced Gestapo interrogation and prison. After the war, he reclaimed the vessel and it returned to its previous and far less dangerous role, delivering people, post and groceries. Find out more about the Liberation Convoy boats here
Yahoo
20-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Turban expert recalls surreal James Bond experience
A sliding doors moment when Hollywood came to Peterborough created a "weird claim to fame" for a man soon to be known as a "turban expert". Del Singh and his brother had put flyers around the city to advertise their heavy metal band Singh Brothers Rock Road Show when they received a strange call to ask if they were Sikh and could tie a turban. Little did Del know, that call would lead him to meet the James Bond film stars of Octopussy and spark autograph requests decades later. "If somebody hadn't seen that name or put the name Singh to being Sikh... there's a lot of stuff happened as a consequence of that. It's incredible." After agreeing to meet with EON Productions at a hotel, a 19-year-old Del and his brother half believed they were being pranked. Despite being met by a man with an Octopussy lanyard, Del still didn't buy into the idea until he walked into a room thick with cigar smoke. "Underneath the smoke cloud was Roger Moore, 007, James Bond in the flesh. "Things got kind of surreal at that point, they brought across an Indian actor called Kabir Bedi, who's a very tall guy, he is one of the henchman in the film. "Even though he's Indian in real life, he doesn't wear a turban. I was told what you need to do is tie a turban on his head. That's what we need you for." Del was handed a piece of red material and asked to tie it. Rejecting the material as it was too much "like a bath towel", Del instead produced his grey school turban, about 12 ft long, and used it on Kabir, tight enough to withhold the daring scenes shot at Nene Valley Railway. Del and his brother convinced the production team to hire them as a pair and sold the studios their old school turbans. The brothers spent the next six weeks at the Nene Valley Railway. The railway, which said it would welcome more productions, has featured in 150 commercials, TV programmes and films, including Octopussy, which brought in an "immense" income, said chairman of the railway, Michael Purcell. Del added his weeks spent on set put him in a "very privileged position" and allowed him to watch the live stunts. "I guess the thing that I would never have envisaged back in 1982 is the four or six weeks of my life would actually still be of interest now," he said. Following the death of Sir Roger Moore in 2017, Del posted on social media about the summer Bond came to Peterborough. Del was invited to attend a screening of Octopussy alongside Kabir, which was than followed by more invitations. One event in June 2023 led to a reunion with Kristina Wayborn. "This time I wasn't so tongue tied and we just got on like a house on fire, she met me and my wife and became a real family friend." While Del is not credited, one fan found the movie call sheets from the original film where he is listed as "turban expert on set". Follow Peterborough news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Railway in 1980s Bond movie wants more screen roles Souvenir hunter returns loco part nicked in 1980s Heritage railway faces 'unprecedented' closure risk
BBC News
20-04-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Peterborough turban expert recalls surreal James Bond experience
A sliding doors moment when film producers came to Peterborough created a "weird claim to fame" for a man soon to be known as a turban Singh and his brother had put flyers around the city to advertise their heavy metal band Singh Brothers Rock Road Show when they received a strange call to ask if they were Sikh and could tie a did Del know, that call would lead him to meet the James Bond film stars of Octopussy and spark autograph requests decades later."If somebody hadn't seen that name or put the name Singh to being Sikh... there's a lot of stuff happened as a consequence of that. It's incredible." After agreeing to meet with EON Productions at a hotel, a 19-year-old Del and his brother half believed they were being pranked. Despite being met by a man with an Octopussy lanyard, Del still didn't buy into the idea until he walked into a room thick with cigar smoke. "Underneath the smoke cloud was Roger Moore, 007, James Bond in the flesh."Things got kind of surreal at that point."They brought across an Indian actor called Kabir Bedi, who's a very tall guy, he is one of the henchman in the film."Even though he's Indian in real life, he doesn't wear a turban. I was told what you need to do is tie a turban on his head. That's what we need you for."Del was handed a piece of red material and asked to tie it. Rejecting the material as it was too much "like a bath towel", Del instead produced his grey school turban, about 12ft long, and used it on Kabir, tight enough to withhold the daring scenes shot at Nene Valley and his brother convinced the production team to hire them as a pair and sold the studios their old school turbans. The brothers spent the next six weeks at the Nene Valley railway, which has said it would welcome more productions, has featured in 150 commercials, TV programmes and said his weeks spent on set put him in a "very privileged position" and allowed him to watch the live stunts. "I guess the thing that I would never have envisaged back in 1982 is the four or six weeks of my life would actually still be of interest now," he said. Following the death of Sir Roger Moore in 2017, Del posted on social media about the summer Bond came to Peterborough. Del was invited to attend a screening of Octopussy alongside Kabir, which was than followed by more event in June 2023 led to a reunion with Kristina Wayborn. "This time I wasn't so tongue tied and we just got on like a house on fire, she met me and my wife and became a real family friend." While Del is not credited, one fan found the movie call sheets from the original film where he is listed as "turban expert on set". Follow Peterborough news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
