James Bond is back and better than ever in this, the 20th installment (minus the unofficial Never Say Never Again, and the spoof Casino Royal) of the greatest film series of all time, Die Another Day.
This time around director Lee Tamahori (Once Were Warriors) shakes up the formula a bit by opening the film in North Korea, where, after a frenzied hovercraft chase, the North Korean army captures Bond. He spends the next 14 months in a dungeon where he is tortured. Eventually he is released in a prisoner exchange with the villainous Zao (Rick Yune), who Bond had encountered in the teaser. Once he is returned to her majesty’s secret service, he is suspected of betraying his country, and is imprisoned on a British battleship. Battered but not beaten, Bond manages to escape from the British, and launches himself on the warpath, vowing to get even with those that betrayed him. Along the way he encounters Jinx (Halle Berry), an American agent who proves to be a formidable ally. He also encounters a possible villain in Gustav Graves (Toby Stephens), a British tycoon, and his fencing instructor, Miranda Frost (Rosamund Pike).
The first two thirds of the film is absolutely fabulous, bringing back fond memories of some of the early Connery classics. During this time we are treated to several stunning action sequences, such as the opening hovercraft chase, a thrilling three way chase sequence between Zao, Jinx and Bond and an adrenaline pumping sword fight between Graves and Bond. Alas, the film does slow down somewhat during the climax, which takes place on board the villain’s plane, which has been done twice before, in both Goldfinger, and The Living Daylights. It’s a bit of a letdown, especially considering the quality of the action sequences leading up to the climax, yet it is still far from bad.
Granted I am somewhat biased, as I tend to love all things Bond. It is without a doubt, my favorite series of all time.There have not really been any Bond films I have disliked (with the possible exception of some of the early Roger Moore vehicles before he hit his stride).
Despite my love of the series, I would still wholeheartedly recommend the film to casual filmgoers, as in terms of entertainment; one could not possibly do any better.
As for Bond fans I can tell you that it is easily the best Bond film since The Living Daylights, and that Brosnan gives a great performance. While he may not be Connery (who will always be Bond to me), he proves why Bond is indeed the role he was born to play. The rest of the cast acquits itself nicely, and word has it that producers are planning to launch a spin-off franchise for Berry’s Jinx character. The only sore point in the casting is that Desmond Llewellyn is not back as Q (he died just after The World Is Not Enough). However, John Cleese does fill his shoes nicely. Also of note is David Arnold’s thrilling musical score, which features many references to the John Barry Bond scores of yesteryear (the music is not the only homage to the earlier films, as the film is loaded with all kinds of references, especially the scenes taking place in Q-Branch)
Now many critics have complained that this is strictly formulaic, by the book Bond, which follows the time honored formula to a T. They are right, of course, it does indeed follow the formula closely. But why is this a bad thing? The James Bond formula has worked for 40 years, has grossed billions of dollars, and entertained millions of people. To state an old adage, “why fix it if it ain’t broke?” The formula has survived a 40 year franchise for the simple reason that the formula is perfect! Producers Albert R. Broccolli and Harry Saltzman struck gold when they optioned Ian Fleming’s novels, and every major action film made since the mid-60’s has been influenced by the series in some way or another.
Harsh critics should face the fact that despite its age, the formula still works. The films are meant to be excapism and are not to be considered realistic portrayals of everyday life. I mean, let’s face it…Bond has been around the block more than a few times. He sleeps with on average three women per film, and there’s been 20 films. If Bond were a real person, he would have about a dozen children he doesn’t know about. Plus he also loves his vodka martinis and cigarettes, and add to that the physical demands of his job. Leaping from exploding hovercrafts, and snowboarding down a melting frozen waterfall does put a certain strain on ones physical well being. Yet Bond remains his good old vigorous self, while most men his age after suffering this type of abuse would barely be able to pee.
So forget what jealous middle-aged critics who don’t understand the appeal of Bond are saying. Bond films are always entertaining, and this one is no exception. In an age where there are many pretenders to the throne (XXX anyone?), just remember…nobody does it better than Bond!
