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What you should know before seeing 'Spectre'
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Dave Bautista in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures/Columbia Pictures/EON Productions action adventure SPECTRE. - photo by John Clyde
MI6 HQ While all the movie focus lately has been on Star Wars: Episode VII The Force Awakens, it was easy for another one of 2015s biggest films to get lost in the shuffle. Thats right, the 24th James Bond film, Spectre is now in theaters and here are a few things you should know about it.

Its action packed

While I personally thought Skyfall was one of the best Bond films to date, there were complaints that it didnt pack enough action for a Bond exploit. Well, if that was your sentiment then get ready for Spectre, because it has more action than it knows what to do with.

Between acrobatic helicopter fights, airplanes flying through barns, car chases through Rome, and exploding buildings in the middle of bustling cities, this movie has plenty of action. Not only is it filled with action, its a lot of fun. So many times I found myself grinning from ear to ear as I watched the mayhem play out in front of me.

Its vintage

While Spectre has stayed true to the other latest Bond installments, the filmmakers also made sure to throwback to some of the silliness that made the retro Bond so much fun. While there are plenty of moments that play tongue-in-cheek, they arent cheap or misused.

Die-hard Bond fans will pick up on many of the subtle call outs to other Bond films and set ups that are reminiscent of Roger Moore.

Its no Skyfall or Casino Royale

When Casino Royale hit theaters audiences were blown away by the crisp storytelling, cool style, gritty action, and a new kind of Bond. With such a solid showing in Casino Royale, many fans were left disappointed with Quantum of Solace. It appears the Bond makers themselves were as well, considering both Casino Royale and Skyfall are heavily drawn upon in Spectre, while Quantum of Solace is mentioned, but not really focused on.

Now we get to Skyfall, which brought a new perspective of Bond to the big screen as well as one of the best Bond villains to date. Its tough to top Casino Royale and Skyfall, and I dont think Spectre quite did that, but it got close.

While the new film isnt as strong as two of its predecessors, its miles ahead of Quantum of Solace and runs close behind the other two.

Whats in it?

For the most part Spectre is much like the other Bond films. Its not as violent as Quantum of Solace, but theres still plenty of chaos and gunfire. The skin and sexiness level arent as high as Skyfall, but closer to what we got in Casino Royale. Then, the language is minimal at best, pretty much what you would expect from milder PG-13 films.

Conclusion

While Spectre isnt my favorite Bond film, it was expertly made and a lot of fun definitely worth a night out at the movies. It ties in the previous films well while setting up multiple storylines for future adventures and memorable villains.

Spectre is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of action and violence, some disturbing images, sensuality and language.
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Have You Seen This? Street musician slays with clarinet
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Better than almost every face-melting guitar or drum solo. - photo by Facebook video screenshot

THE BIG EASY — Yeah, yeah, we all know that New Orleans is stuffed to the gills will incredible musicians.

But knowing that fact and then hearing that fact are two different things. You can step into any number of jazz clubs on any given night on Bourbon Street, and you’ll probably be impressed with virtually every act. Or you can sit at home on your comfy couch and watch this featured video.

In the video, you’ll see a woman who is in the groove. She is swinging hard, and wailing on her clarinet with a practiced expertise that makes it sounds so easy.

From note one you’ll be drawn in; your appreciation will grow with every second, and then your face will melt off when you realize how incredible she really is.

If you’ve never played a woodwind or a brass, you may not know everything that comes with a performance like this. Lung capacity and breath control are huge factors in keeping your notes clear and loud, and hitting those high notes is especially difficult.

So when this woman hits that high note and holds it for several seconds, you know you’re dealing with an exceptional musician. It means she has worked hard for years to develop skill on top of her natural talent, and we get to benefit.

It kinda makes you wonder how we let people get away with mumble rap and autotune when talent like this exists in the world.

I wish this video were longer, and I wish I had more information about this woman, but as it is, we’ll just have to appreciate the little flavor of New Orleans jazz posted by the Facebook group Clarinet Life.

Martha Ostergar is a writer who delights in the ridiculous that internet serves up, which means she's more than grateful that she gets to cruise the web for amazing videos to highlight for your viewing pleasure.
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