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Home > Blogs > Sir Critic on Cinema > Archives > 2006 > November > 16 > Entry
Bond - James Bond, 1995-2002
I wrap up my Bond recaps today by reviewing the films starring the man many people agree is the second best Bond after Sean Connery. Check my prior recaps here: Part One, Part Two, Part Three.
Many cynics have complained Pierce Brosnan’s films are too flashy or gimmicky, and that is sometimes true. However, to dismiss these films out of hand is to sell Brosnan short, and that is simply not fair. Some of his surroundings may be a little too outlandish, but Brosnan was always solid, which is why I find his four films consistently entertaining, if flawed.
Goldeneye (1995): Brosnan had yet to grow fully into the part, and the film sometimes feels a bit overlong, but the action is solidly handled by the underrated director Martin Campbell (who has made the new “Casino Royale”), the villain is strong, and both the good Bond girl (Izabella Scorupco) and the bad Bond girl (Famke Janssen) are delectable in their very different ways. GRADE: A-
Tomorrow Never Dies (1997): The action is a bit rote this time, and the idea of having a media baron as the villain may be modern, but it’s also rather non-threatening. Even the henchman Stamper is a blatant rip-off of Red Grant of “From Russia with Love.” However, the film gets a major boost from my favorite Bond girl of the Brosnan era, Michelle Yeoh, who is every inch Bond’s equal. It’s almost too bad the series is being rebooted; I would have loved to see her return. GRADE: B+ (with the plus for Yeoh)
The World is Not Enough (1999): Let there be no doubt that the idea of casting Denise Richards as a nuclear physicist is right up there (or down there) with the casting of Tara Reid as whatever kind of scientist she was in “Alone in the Dark.” However, other factors make up for her: the other girl, the alluringly dangerous Sophie Marceau; a teaser that’s an amazing little mini-movie onto itself, and a touching farewell to Q (the late Desmond Llewelyn). GRADE: B+
Die Another Day (2002): Too many critics slammed this entry as the Bond film from the ninth circle of hell, what with its invisible car and the digital parasailing Bond. And yes, I agree that the patently fake digital effects are a major liability. All that said, people seem to have forgotten about the early scenes in which Bond gets his butt kicked harder than it ever has in the series, giving Brosnan a chance to plumb more dangerous depths than usual. That makes this movie, on balance, his best outing as Bond, if not his best movie. I’m delighted to hear critics giving the new Bond, Daniel Craig, high praise, but all the same, Brosnan will be missed. GRADE:B+
My review of “Casino Royale” is coming Friday, but now it’s time for you to speak up and hit that “Post Your Commen” link below. Tell me if you agree or disagree with any of my Bond reviews. What are your favorite/least favorite movies/Bonds/girls/gadgets/songs etc?
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Comments
By Carole Dahlquist
November 16, 2006 3:22 PM | Link to this
Eric - Loved the Bond recap. I will have to print it out and use it as a guide for future Bond viewing choices. But I have to disagree with your comment about the bad late-60s fashions — I think they are a hoot to look at! They’re so bad, they’re good! Check out Antonioni’s “Blow Up” for further forays into that arena. What a strange time to grew up in! Thanks again - Carole Dahlquist