Casino Royale -- 1967 -- NR

This "send-up" of the James Bond films to date (those being Dr. No, From Russia With Love, Goldfinger, and Thunderball) was not as good as I imagine the filmmakers were hoping for. 

Having seen all of the other Bond films released now as well as read several of the books, this film failed to even make a mediocre Bond film. It had its share of silliness, but most of it wasn't funny. It spoofed very little of the Bond empire and made only passing references to its nature of women and gadgets. The majority of its comedic attempts fell absolutely flat; several scenes had no bearing on plot, character, nor did they produce any laughs; at several points in the movie, there were glaring holes in the structure as if there were supposed to be scenes, but they don't exist. 

If you want a good spoof of the James Bond empire, try Austin Powers.

I can now say, however, that I have seen every Bond film that has been released. Yay for me.

Electronic Labyrinth THX 1138 4EB -- 1967 -- NR

This is George Lucas' short film that he did in college that was seen by Francis Ford Coppola that enabled him to make THX 1138 and then American Graffiti and then Star Wars. The one that started it all, you might say.

It's a short with a run time of 15 minutes, so it has a single plot thread: THX 1138 4EB escapes. He is followed electronically until lost. It paints a strange picture of the future in its images. We know 1138's mate did not acknowledge being in love, and at the end, a "we're sorry, he died" announcement was played (as THX 1138 4EB escaped into the sunlight) advising 1138's mate that she could pick up another mate, male or female -- select preference, by going down to such and such a place.

Pacing wasn't bad, and it was edited fairly well. There wasn't a lot of character deveopment to be had, since the backbone of the story was 1138 escaping. It worked well to show off Lucas' directing ability, but had little in the way of story. Good to see where the guy came from, though.