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Our movie guy, James Finnegan, takes a look at spy movies and finds some gems for you to enjoy on Netflix…
This was supposed to be the week when James Bond returned with ‘No Time to Die’. Who would have thought that a tiny microbe could do what Dr No, Spectre and Blofeld could not?
So if you are missing your fix of exotic locations, eye watering stunts, gadgets that deal with the exact danger you are facing and plots just this side of improbable, here are a few options for you on Netflix for you and the family to enjoy until 007 makes it back later this year.
First up is Ronin (1998) starring Robert de Niro, Natascha McElhone, Jean Reno, Jonathan Pryce and Sean Bean as a group of international operatives hired to steal a super secret briefcase while they all double and triple cross each other.
As this is directed by the wonderful John Frankenheimer, you are in good hands, so just go with the flow.
Continued below…
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There are some spectacular car chases, especially around the streets of Paris, that would probably void your car hire insurance, but that never bothered anyone before. If this was a Bond film, it would possibly be ‘Spectre’.
Every so often, the call goes out to have Bond played by a woman – Jamie Bond? Therefore, we have the occasional female super spy film.
In Salt (2010) CIA agent Evelyn Salt, played by Angelina Jolie, is accused of being a sleeper agent involved in an assassination plot against the Russian President. Naturally, no one believes her innocence and so she has to go on the run.
With an excellent supporting cast including Liev Schreiber and Chiwelel Ejiofor, if this was a Bond film, it would probably be ‘Die Another Day’.
Kingsman – The Secret Service (2014) is the story of the recruitment of “Eggsy” Unwin, a cheeky cockney chappie, into a super secret spy organisation.
However, he needs expert and stringent training to smooth out the rough edges and join the suave and sophisticated ranks of the Kingsmen.
Eggsy, played by Taron Egerton (Rocketman), comes up against the evil Mastermind Richmond Valentine, a scenery chewing role played with relish by Samuel L Jackson, who has a novel way of dealing with Global Warming.
Again, there is an excellent support cast including Colin Firth, Mark Strong and Michael Caine. If this were a Bond film, it would be ‘The Spy Who Loved Me’.
Finally there is Spy (2015) staring the wonderful Melissa McCarthy as CIA Desk Operative Susan Cooper. She supports Field Agent Bradley Fine (Jude Law) as he seeks a stolen portable nuclear device.
Circumstances ensure that Susan has to finally get her chance out in the field, involving visiting the usual glamorous European locations.
This action/comedy is great fun, and it is obvious the cast, including Alison Janney and Rosie Byrne, are having a ball making this film.
I give a special mention to Jason Statham playing a CIA operative who seemingly comes straight from the Eastenders Christmas Special. If this were a Bond film, it would be ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’.
James Bond will return! Enjoy and stay safe.
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