Ah … in much the same way many men remember their first “adult beverage” or the first time they lost their virginity … I remember when I saw my first James Bond film. I was 7-years old and my older brother was doing something far cooler than what I was doing on a particular fall night in 1977. My mom offered to take me to the movies and when she asked me what I wanted to see, I said “The Spy Who Loved Me.” I’m not quite sure what my mom knew what she was getting into. But … it was PG-rated … so I guess she shrugged her shoulders and said “OK!”

For those born after the advent of the PG-13 rating, let me explain that a 1970s PG could sometimes be the equivalent of what would constitute a mild R-rating these days. And hoo boy, did “The Spy Who Loved Me” deliver! Granted, there was no overt nudity or graphic violence … but holy mackeral, it blew my pervy 7-year old mind! You can talk all you want to about “Skyfall.” Yes, “Skyfall” was the best Bond film in years … but that honor is like being the best Tears for Fears song in years. At best, it’s going to be merely OK.

With that being said, I have a very soft spot in my heart for “The Spy Who Loved Me.” This is … by far … my favorite Bond film. It promised a world of illicit pleasures that I didn’t quite understand, but seemed pretty f–king cool nonetheless. Never mind the fact that life is NEVER as cool as a James Bond film. But this one always brings a smile to my face.

The opening credits sequence alone is beyond awesome. Yes, it’s cheesy as all James Bond credit sequences often are. But if you’re not able to watch this without a smile on your face, you’re not human.

P.S.: I also watched “Snoopy Come Home” that same night on television when I got home and thought it was equally awesome. When you add in the pizza my Mom bought that night for dinner, I distinctly remember that particular day as one of the best of my young life.